glossary

A

Acrylgel – a hybrid material made of acrylic and gel, also known as polygel, is easy to mold.

Acrylic brush – Specially shaped brush for picking up and processing acrylic.

Curing – the process by which gel hardens through exposure to UV/LED light.

Builder gel – a gel with stable viscosity for strengthening and shaping.

Airbrush – a spray technique for creating the finest color gradients and patterns on nails.

Matting – preparing the nail plate by roughening it for better adhesion.

Removal – Removing gel or acrylic with remover or by filing.

Roughening – Lightly matting the nail plate for better product adhesion.

Adhesion – technical term for the bond between the nail plate and the product.

Curing time – the period of time in which UV/LED products fully cure.

Refill – Reworking an existing nail enhancement, usually every 3–4 weeks.

All-in-one gel – a gel that can be used as a base, builder, and sealer.

Antiseptic – disinfectant for the hygienic preparation of nails.

Aluminum stencils – Reusable stencils for nail extensions.

Acrylic liquid – liquid that is mixed with acrylic powder for modeling.

Curing lamp – device using UV or LED technology for curing gels.

Beginner set – Complete set for getting started in nail modeling.

Acrylic paints – Water-based paints suitable for nail art.

Healing – the period in which the cuticle regenerates after filing/pushing back.

Abrasiveness – The removing effect of a file or bit.

Application brush – Flat brush for the even application of color or builder gel.

Leveling layer – First layer for uneven nails to create a smooth base.

Allergy gel – Special formulations without irritating ingredients.

Chipping – When gel or polish layers detach from the nail.

B

Base coat – undercoat or base gel – ensures better adhesion and protects the natural nail.

Buffer – A fine file or sanding block used to mattify the nail before modeling.

Builder Gel – a building gel with stable viscosity for modeling and strengthening.

Baby Boomer – Soft color gradient from pink or nude to white – modern French look.

Bit – attachment for the electric file, e.g. for removing material or working on the cuticles.

Filing – Shaping or smoothing the nail enhancement with a file or electric file.

Bonder – adhesion promoter between nail and gel/acrylic; improves adhesion.

Blistering – air inclusions in the gel; can occur due to incorrect application.

Brush Cleaner – cleaning fluid for brushes.

Buffering – smoothing and polishing the nail surface after modeling.

Break line – the point where the material can tear under stress; this should be avoided during modeling.

Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) – Combination product: Builder gel in a bottle with a brush, mostly for natural nail strengthening.

Base & Top Gel – combination product as an adhesive and sealing gel.

Biter nails – nails with bitten tips or damaged nail beds – require special preparation.

Buffer file – Double-sided sanding block in various grits for fine smoothing.

Burning sensation – heat development during the curing of gel – usually occurs when the layer is too thick.

Gold leaf – nail art decoration with wafer-thin gold flakes.

Brush – General term for brushes, e.g. gel brush, French brush or detail brush.

Blooming Gel – a special gel that makes color gradients or marbling "blur".

Bling Bling – Colloquial term for highly glittery nails decorated with rhinestones.

Ballerina shape – nail shape with a straight tip and slightly tapered sides, similar to a pointe shoe.

Backfill – a technique for refilling without completely removing the nail enhancement.

Base Color – the basic color in nail art, upon which further designs are built.

Brushstroke Nail Art – a technique using brushstrokes for abstract designs.

Builder Tip – Pre-made nail tip with integrated build-up shape.

C

Cat Eye Gel – Magnetic effect gel with shimmering particles that creates a “cat’s eye” effect using a magnet.

Cleaner – Alcohol-based liquid for removing the sticky layer after gels have cured.

Cover Gel – Skin-colored, highly opaque gel for extending the nail bed or concealing imperfections.

Cuticle – English term for cuticle.

Cuticle Remover – liquid or gel for the gentle removal of dead cuticle.

Chrome Powder – Fine powder for mirror-like chrome effects on nails.

C-Curve – The natural or sculpted curve of the nail in side view (cross-section).

Camouflage Gel – An opaque gel in natural skin tones for the optical lengthening of the nail bed.

Coffin shape – nail shape with straight sides and a flattened tip, also called "ballerina".

Color Gel – Colored UV gel for nail art or full cover designs.

Crackle effect – an effect lacquer or gel that cracks when drying, creating a crackled design.

Clear Gel – Transparent gel without color, mostly used as a sealant or base.

Cuticle Pusher – a tool for gently pushing back the cuticles.

Crystal Stone – decorative element made of glass or plastic, e.g. for rhinestone designs.

Cover Pink – A rose-colored gel shade with high coverage, ideal for natural looks.

Cellette (Zellet) – Lint-free cellulose pad for cleaning and removing sweat or paint residue.

Control Gel – synonymous with acrylic gel or polygel – is an easy-to-process build-up material.

Cat Eye Magnet – Special magnet for creating the cat-eye effect in effect gel.

Chablons – French term for nail stencils for extension.

Cut Out Design – a nail art technique in which transparent areas (e.g. hearts or lines) are left out.

Color Blocking – Nail art technique with contrasting color areas.

Chrome Base – a colored base for chrome effects, usually black or white.

Cool Cure Gel – A special gel that generates very little heat during curing (ideal for sensitive nails).

Color Chart – a sample board or ring with color samples for customers to choose from.

Contouring – a modeling technique for a natural-looking nail structure and side line.

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