NAIL TERM GLOSSARY A
NAIL TERM GLOSSARY
Our nail term glossary is a resource provided to our customers which offers simple definitions for various terms used in reference to nail care.
Please feel free to peruse our glossary for any terms you wish to define.
A
TERM
DEFINITION
Abrasive
Abrasives are tools used to roughen, shape, polish, or remove the surface of artificial and natural nails
ABS Plastic
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) monomer is a common thermoplastic polymer used for making plastic nail tips.
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil is an oil produced from the Crambe Abyssinica crop, widely used in nail industry for its cuticle-smoothing erucic acid.
Accelerator
Accelerator (in chemistry), a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
Accreditation
Action or process of officially recognizing someone as being qualified to perform a particular activity.
Acetone
Acetone is a clear and highly flammable liquid used as a solvent, to break down and remove nail polish.
Acid
A substance having a pH of less than 7.0 (neutral).
Acid Primer
An acid-based primer that is used to stick acrylic and gel products to natural nail plate.
Acid-Based
Primers with methacrylic acid.
Acid-Free
Primers without any acid.
Acrylates
Acrylates are used as adhesives to stick artificial nails mold to the natural nail plate.
Acrylic
Acrylic is mixture of liquid monomer and powdered polymer, which is given the desired shape before it hardens. It is used to add strength, length, and thickness to the nail.
Acrylic Brush
A brush used to apply acrylic nails.
Acrylic Dip Powder
Nail service in which adhesive is applied on nails and are quickly dipped into acrylic color powder, coating the entire nail bed.
Activator
Chemical used to accelerate a reaction.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a therapy used to relieve symptoms from many common disorders by exerting pressure to specific body points.
Acute Effects
Serious symptoms that develop due to short-term exposure to toxic chemicals or substances
Acute Exposure
Refers to single or multiple exposures to toxic chemicals or substances within 24-hour period or less
Add-On Services
A related treatment, or treatments that can be added to a nail care service in a salon.
Adhesive
Substances used to stick two surfaces OR acrylic nails to your natural nail plate.
Aesthetics Also known as Esthetic, is the application of various techniques and products to the outermost layer of skin to beautify it Agnails
A sore or inflammation affecting a fingernail or toenail or within close proximity.
Air Purification
The process of removing contaminants from the air.
Airbrush
Airbrushing is a nail art in which liquids are sprayed on nail tip using an atomizer powered by compressed air
Airbrushing Nail art applied using an airbrush gun. Alkaline
A substance having a pH greater than 7.0 (neutral)
Allergen
Any substance which causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, irritation, rash, et cetera, when eaten, inhaled or other when other bodily contact is made.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction, generally in form of itchy rash. It is an allergic reaction caused by direct contact with a substance.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to allergens. Common allergic symptoms include inflammation, rash, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. Allergic reactions can vary in severity from mild to life threatening depending on the sensitivity of the individual.
Allergy
Allergy is a damaging reaction by the human immune system, to foreign substances to which the individual’s immune system has become hypersensitive to. Allergies vary from individual to individual and vary from mild reactions to life threatening.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is extracted from the seed of the almond fruit. It is rich in vitamin A, B, D and E and is found in many hair and nail treatments
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is derived from leaves of aloe plants. Because of its moisturizing, healing and antimicrobial properties it is widely used in skin treatments
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder that leads to patchy hair loss
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) are chemical compounds that occur naturally and are used in cosmetic products to exfoliate and cleanse the skin
American Manicure
The American Manicure is a simple nail paint pattern with cream colored base and off-white tip
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds or building blocks that combine to form proteins.
Angular Brush
The bristles of angular brush are cut at a slant, it is usually used by nail professionals to create precise nail designs
Anonychia
A condition that affects the fingernails and toenails, characterized particularly by missing fingernails and toenails.
Anti-Inflammatory
Substance used to decrease inflammation.
Antibacterial
Antibiotic or substance with anti-bacterial properties used against bacteria which may destroy or render them harmless.
Antifungal
Medicines used to treat fungal infections.
Antimicrobial
Medicines or Topical substances used to kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth.
Antioxidant
Substances which can slow OR prevent cell damage by free radicals. Common examples are vitamin E & vitamin C
Antiseptic
Substances used to stop OR slow down the growth of microorganisms.
Appliques
Appliques is self-adhering ornamental nail work OR nail decals
Apprenticeship
A system for training a new generation of nail practitioners while working with a professional already licensed in nail care
Argan Oil
Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree. It is highly moisturizing and can be found in moisturizers for hair, skin and nails.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils as a healing treatment to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit
Aromatic
Containing aroma, typically appealing and pleasant scents.
Arthritis
Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.
Athlete's Foot
A common fungal infection that affects the feet. Generally affecting the skin between the toes. This is a form of Ringworm.
Autoclave
A machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses & fungi.
Avulsion
A surgical or non-surgical procedure in which part OR all of a nail is removed from the nail bed.
Ayurveda
Ancient Indian medical system, which is based on ancient writings that rely on a “natural” and holistic approach to physical and mental health.
Azulene
Azulene is extracted from chamomile flower. It is isomer of naphthalene and used as herbal and skin treatment because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
GLOSSARY NAVIGATION