Nail Terms

As a nail tech, you don't realize (well you probably realize, but don't always consider) how many words you use, that a lot of people that haven't had their nails done much (if ever) do not understand! 

I have made this mistake when I first sit down with someone and start asking questions about what exactly they want done to their nails. I have also had people on both facebook and instagram ask me on pictures, "So how do I ask for this when I call a salon or talk to my nail tech?"  I can imagine those who really want good quality and specific nails are almost embarassed to ask or show a new nail tech what exactly they want and are also embarassed to ask questions! You do not have to be, but for those of you that would like a little pre-education before you set up that appointment, I am going to explain a few different nail terms, so you can go in there fully educated on what exactly you are looking for, and so you leave satisfied and with the nails you actually wanted! 

These are some common terms that will come up during your first or every consultation you may have with either a salon or an individual nail tech.

1. Acrylic vs. Gel: This is just in my opinion, others may feel much differently, but acrylics are much stronger and durable. If you use your hands a lot (as a nail tech/hair stylist I definitely do!!) you will definitely want acrylics so your nails won't wear down on the corners or break. On the other hand, gel nails do not produce as much scent as acrylics do. When applying acrylic nails you have a powder with a liquid monomer, the liquid monomer does smell very strong, so if you are sensitive to strong smells definitely go with gel!

2. Tips vs. Sculpts: This is also a strength battle as well, although some nail techs are amazing with sculpts, some are not! Beware of that, unless they do all sets with sculpts, I would chose tips, they are generally much more durable! If you really like the flared look, sculpts are generally how the nail tech should be doing those, I am sure if the question does come up, the nail tech should be pretty confident in one or the other, if you aren't sure, I'd ask the nail tech which one she would personally prefer, this will guarantee quality! 

3. Fill vs. Back fill: When you schedule your next appointment, make sure you know the difference of these two! First ask yourself, do I want to change the color of my nails? If the answer is yes, you will schedule a back fill. If it is no, ask yourself then, do I need white/other color on my tips re-touched because they have grown out that far? If then answer is yes, schedule a back fill. If all you need is the pink at the bottom filled in (or other color if you have another color) that is simply a fill. 

4. Smile line vs. Filled in: A smile line is where the tip (white or other color) meets the pink at the bottom of the nail. Some people prefer very prominent smile lines, others - who like a more natural look would prefer a more faded smile line (look up pictures to see the difference so you know what to request). "Filled in" would be a nail that is completely covered in one or more colors. There is a lot of confusion when trying to determine this actually, some of my favorite sets are when we mix filled in nails and tips only nails. I also generally prefer doing a very sharp/prominent smile line, just because it is my prefered style - it's a personal thing! 

5. Gel polish and shellac: This is a newer thing but it is amazing! I feel it is very ideal for toes (I will never take my acrylics off, been there - tried that on my fingernails, and it was still too soft to handle on my own hands.) but, it is a form of polish that gets cured under a UV light because it is made from the same materials as gel nails are. It is usually guaranteed for 2 weeks (especially if the certain nail tech is using the real shellac brand - CND makes this, it is top of the line, very impressive quality, but usually much more expensive than a different generic gel polish.) but it does come off much faster than acrylic or gel nails. 

6. Nail art: Okay, pretty sure everyone and their dog knows what nail art is, but if you are wanting nail art be sure to clarify that, if not do some serious research into who can do the type of nail art you desire. Some nail techs are AMAZING at doing gel or acrylic nails, but that is just it. There also is sometimes extra fees for nail art, look into this as well so you have no suprises the day of your appointment, or even worse - when everything is said and done and it is time to pay! 

Extra tip: I love it when clients text me pictures before their appointment, or bring in some saved pictures of what they have found and explain to me the pro's and con's or just their likes of each picture. This really helps me get a feel for what they are really looking for and also helps me figure our how much of my own personal spin I can put on their nails to give them a serious unique set!