100 Essential Nail Salon Terms: Know the Lingo

Feeling lost with the lingo at your nail salon? It’s easy to end up with a manicure you didn’t quite want when you’re not fluent in nail speak.

Imagine confidently discussing options and making informed choices during your next salon visit.

This post is your quick guide to nail salon terms. By the end, you’ll be equipped to communicate clearly and get exactly the nails you desire. 

Let’s dive in and make your next appointment your best one yet!

Nail Salon Terms Intro

Knowing nail salon terms can really improve your visits to your favorite nail salon, turning them from regular appointments into customized beauty sessions.

If you like nail art or just getting pampered now and then, it’s good to understand the common words used at the salon. Knowing these words helps you talk clearly with your nail technician so you can get the exact look you want.

Nail Salon Terms About Nail Anatomy and Prep Work

To help your visit to the nail salon be enjoyable, a basic grasp of nail anatomy and preparation practices can help. 

Nail Structure Basics

The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate where new cells grow. Our nail’s strength and wellness rely heavily on these particular cells. The nail plate, best known as the hard, visible part of the nail, sits atop the nail bed and gives nails their distinctive appearance.

Protecting the nail plate’s root, there’s the part of the proximal nail fold, which is a critical component in nail growth and health. The free edge is the portion of the nail that extends beyond the finger, which can be shaped and styled by a nail artist.

Nail Preparation

Before a nail artist begins their work, preparing the nail is a must. You should always start with clean, dry hands.

Applying cuticle oil is a common practice to moisturize and protect the nail. It not only helps to improve the appearance of the cuticles but also promotes overall nail health.

Softening the cuticles allows for gentle pushing back, which should be done with care to avoid damaging the part of the proximal nail fold that serves as a natural barrier to protect against infections.

Prepping also includes trimming the nails to a workable length, ensuring that any nail design or treatment can be applied successfully.

Manicure Nail Salon Terms

When visiting a nail salon, you are presented with a variety of manicure options, each with its unique techniques and finishes. From the classic elegance of a French manicure to the durability of gel options, understanding the nuances of these services enhances your salon experience. Here are different nail salon terms you will hear about manicures!

Exploring Different Manicures

• French Manicure: Known for its clean, timeless look, it features a pale pink base with white tips.
• Gel Manicure: Offers a long-lasting, glossy finish and is cured under UV light.
• Basic Manicure: This is a standard treatment involving nail shaping, cuticle care, and polish application.
• Paraffin Manicure: Incorporates a warm wax bath that moisturizes the skin and enhances relaxation.
• Dip Powder Manicures: They involve dipping the nail into colored powder and sealing it with a protective clear coat.
• Shellac Manicure: A hybrid of regular polish and gel, Shellac provides a chip-resistant finish.
• Acrylic Nails: These are created by combining a liquid monomer and a powder monomer to form a hard protective layer over the natural nail.
• Gel Extensions: An alternative to acrylics, offering a natural look and feel without the use of monomers.

Application Procedures

• Base Coat: Applied initially to protect the nail and ensure adhesion of color.
• Top Coat: A final coat that adds gloss and protects from chipping.
• Soft Gel: Used for a gel manicure, easily removed by soaking in acetone.
• Hard Gel: Must be filed away due to its durable nature, not easily removed by soaking.
• Liquid Monomer: Often used with acrylic nails to form the nail extension.

Related: Please see this post on manicure and pedicure benefits!

Nail Extensions

Nail extensions often involve either:

• Acrylics: Where a mixture is applied to either the natural nail or a nail tip;
• Gels: Which require curing under a UV lamp and come in soft or hard forms.

Nail Artistry Trends

• Nail Design: Encompasses a range of artistic expressions from subtle accents to elaborate themes.
• Regular Nail Polish: The traditional polish used for various nail designs, requiring drying time.
• Press-On Nails: A convenient option featuring pre-designed nails that can be adhered at home.

Nail Salon Terms About Nail Enhancements

When visiting a nail salon, you may choose from various nail enhancements such as acrylics and gels, each offering a unique look and longevity. It’s important to understand the options and maintenance to keep artificial nails looking their best.

Choosing Nail Enhancements

Acrylic Manicure:

• Definition: This involves a mixture of liquid and powder applied to the nails that hardens to create durable extensions.
• Durability: Lasts 2-3 weeks.

Gel Nails:

• Definition: Pre-mixed gel applied and cured under UV or LED light for a glossy finish.
• Flexibility: More flexible than acrylics.
• Forms: Available in hard (similar to acrylics) and soft (like nail polish).

Full Set:

• What It Means: Application of nail enhancements (acrylic or gel) on all nails, often with added length.

Acrylic Overlay:

• Function: Strengthens natural nails with a thin layer of acrylic without extending length.

Maintaining Artificial Nails

After getting nail enhancements, you’ll need to do regular fills every 2-3 weeks to maintain their appearance and integrity.

Keeping your nails dry is also important, as it prevents lifting and potential fungal growth.

Refitting nail tips should only be done by a professional to prevent damage to the natural nail.

For acrylic nails, you should also avoid harsh chemicals that can cause lifting or damage.

Nail Salon Terms: Tools of the Trade

When stepping into a nail salon, you will encounter an array of specialized tools. Each instrument and technique plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect manicure or pedicure.

Essential Nail Salon Tools

A nail salon isn’t complete without its arsenal of tools. Here’s what you might typically find:

• Electric File: This power tool is vital for shaping nails and smoothing rough edges, especially for acrylic applications. They have different bits for various tasks.
• Nail Files & Emery Boards: They are essentials for shaping and refining the nail’s free edge. Nail files come in different grits for customization.
• Cuticle Nippers and Pushers: Perfect for meticulous cuticle care, nippers trim hangnails and excess skin, while pushers shape the cuticle area.
• UV Light: A staple in modern salons for curing gel polishes and some acrylics, emitting specific wavelengths to harden nail products.

Techniques for Nail Care

Salon professionals employ a myriad of techniques to ensure nails not only look good but are also healthy:

• Acrylic Application: Mixing liquid and powder to form a hard protective layer over the nail, providing length and a canvas for art.
• UV Curing: The process of using a UV Light to set certain nail products, ensuring a solid, long-lasting finish.

A – Z Glossary of Nail Salon Terms:

• Acetone: A solvent used primarily as a nail polish remover and for cleaning nail tools.
• Acrylic Nails: Artificial nails created with a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer to form a hard protective layer.
• Almond Nails: Nails shaped like an almond, more pointed than oval but less sharp than stiletto.
• Base Coat: A clear polish applied before the color to protect the nail and enhance adhesion.
• Ballerina Nails: Another term for coffin-shaped nails, tapered with a squared-off tip, resembling a ballet slipper.
• Bonding: A process that helps nail enhancements adhere better to the natural nail.
• Buffing: Smoothing the nails using a buffer to create a shiny or matte surface.
• Builder Gel: A thick gel used to add length and strength to nails.
• Callus Remover: A chemical solution used to soften and remove calluses from feet.
• Chrome Powder: A powder used to create a mirror-like effect on nails.
• Cuticle: The skin at the base of the nail, often pushed back or cut during manicures.
• Cuticle Nipper: A tool used to trim cuticles and hangnails.
• Cuticle Oil: Oil applied to the cuticles to moisturize and protect them.
• Cuticle Pusher: A tool used to push back the cuticles gently.
• Dehydrator: A product used to remove moisture from the nail surface before applying enhancements.
• Dip Powder Nails: A nail enhancement that involves dipping the nail into colored powder and then sealing it with a top coat.
• Dry Manicure: A manicure that involves minimal to no use of water to prevent nail expansion and promote longer polish life.
• Emery Board: A tool used to file nails, typically made from sandpaper or emery cloth.
• Extension: Artificial enhancement used to lengthen the nails.
• Fill: Maintenance of nail enhancements like acrylics or gels by filling in the gap at the nail base as nails grow.
• Foot File: A tool used to remove hard skin and calluses from the feet.
• French Manicure: A style of manicure where the nail tips are painted white and the base in a pink or sheer tone.
• Gel Nails: Nails coated with a gel-based polish that requires curing under a UV or LED lamp.
• Gel Top Coat: A top coat used over gel polish to seal in color and add a glossy finish.
• Glitter: Small, shiny particles used for decorating the nails.
• Hangnail: A small piece of torn skin at the root of the nail.
• Hard Gel: A type of gel used in nail enhancements that cannot be soaked off with acetone.
• Infill: The process of applying acrylic or gel to the base of the nails to fill out the new growth area.
• Lacquer: Another term for nail polish.
• LED Lamp: A lamp used to cure gel polish more quickly than traditional UV lamps.
• Manicure: Cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands.
• Matte Top Coat: A top coat that gives nails a matte finish.
• Nail Art: Decorative designs added to fingernails or toenails.
• Nail Bed: The skin underneath the nail plate.
• Nail Buffing: Process of polishing the nails to a shiny finish using a buffer.
• Nail Cleanser: A product used to clean the nail surface before applying polish or enhancements.
• Nail Clippers: A hand tool used to trim the nails.
• Nail Conditioner: A product used to improve the health and appearance of nails.
• Nail File: A tool used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails.
• Nail Growth Serum: A product designed to promote faster and stronger nail growth.
• Nail Hardeners: Products used to prevent nails from breaking or splitting.
• Nail Polish/Nail Lacquer: Colored varnish applied to fingernails or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates.
• Nail Polish Remover: A solvent used to dissolve nail polish from the nail.
• Nail Salon Terms: Understanding nail salon terms will make your next appointment better! 🙂
• Nail Tip: Plastic, pre-shaped nail glued on the end of the natural nail to add length.
• Nail Wraps: Thin products made from silk, linen, or fiberglass that are glued to the nail for reinforcement or to repair damage.
• Natural Nails: Nails that are not enhanced with artificial products.
• Overlay: A layer of acrylic, gel, or fiberglass applied over the natural nails to add strength without extending length.
• Paraffin Wax Treatment: A luxurious add-on service that involves dipping the hands or feet in melted paraffin wax to moisturize and soften the skin.
• Pedicure: A cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, similar to a manicure.
• Peel Off Base Coat: A type of base coat designed to be peeled off, making removal of glitter and other tough polishes easier.
• Primer: A product applied to the natural nail before applying acrylic or gel to enhance adhesion.
• Quick Dry Drops: Drops that can be applied to freshly painted nails to speed up the drying process.
• Rhinestones: Small imitation stones used as decorations on nails.
• Ridge Filler: A base coat designed to fill ridges and imperfections in the nails.
• Rubber Base Gel: A flexible and strengthening base coat that improves the durability of gel manicures.
• Sanitizer: A product used to sanitize the hands or tools to prevent infection.
• Sculptured Nails: Nails created by sculpting acrylic or gel over a form or tip to extend length.
• Sealer: A top coat designed to seal nail color and add a glossy finish.
• Shellac: A brand of nail product that is a hybrid between nail polish and gel.
• Soak-off Gel: Gel polish that can be removed by soaking in acetone.
• Solar Nails: A brand of acrylic nails that are pink and white, resembling a French manicure.
• Spa Pedicure: A long, luxurious pedicure that includes a foot soak, scrub, massage, and more.
• Square Nails: Nails filed into a straight, square shape.
• Stamping: A nail art technique that involves transferring designs from a template to nails using a stamp.
• Stiletto Nails: Very long, pointed nails that resemble a stiletto heel.
• Strengthening Polish: Nail polish that contains ingredients to help strengthen and harden the nails.
• Striping Tape: A very thin adhesive tape used as a guide for nail art or to create designs.
• Thermal Polish: Nail polish that changes color based on temperature.
• Top Coat: A clear polish applied over colored polish to add gloss and protect the color.
• UV Gel: Gel that requires exposure to UV light to cure or harden.
• UV Lamp: A lamp that emits UV light to cure gel nails.
• Varnish: Another term for nail polish.
• Vinylux: A brand of nail polish known for its long-lasting wear without a base coat.
• Water Marbling: A nail art technique that involves creating patterns with polish on the surface of water and then transferring it to the nails.
• Waxing: The process of hair removal, often offered in nail salons for various parts of the body.

Nail Salon Terms FAQ

What are the different types of manicures available?

Different types of manicures include the classic manicure, French manicure, gel manicure, and acrylic nail enhancement. Each type offers a unique finish and durability tailored to personal preference.

How can I achieve a smooth surface on my nails?

Using a fine-grit nail file and buffing block helps smooth the surface of your nails. Applying a base coat of clear nail polish can also enhance smoothness.

What is traditional nail polish?

Traditional nail polish is a liquid form of nail color applied directly to the nails. It’s a popular choice for its variety of colors and ease of application.

Why is understanding the type of manicure important?

Understanding the type of manicure helps you choose the best option based on the look of natural nails you desire and your nail maintenance needs.

How has the world of nail art changed in recent years?

In recent years, the world of nail art has expanded significantly, incorporating intricate designs, advanced techniques like the Russian manicure, and new products like pigmented powders and hybrid gel polishes.

What is the best way to prevent brittle nails?

The best way to prevent brittle nails is to regularly moisturize with cuticle oil or mineral oil, and avoid harsh chemicals. Regular nail maintenance procedures also go a long way.

How can I use a “half moon” design in my manicure?

A “half moon” design at the base of the nail is a great way to add a classic yet trendy touch to any type of manicure, particularly noticeable with contrasting colors.

Is there a standard manicure that works best for bridal nails?

For bridal nails, a standard manicure with a French tip or a soft gel polish is often the best option, offering a timeless and elegant look.

What should I discuss with a professional nail technician during my appointment?

Discuss your preferred type of manicure, any concerns about your nail health, and specific designs or colors you like. Providing a word list or sort of list of desired outcomes can be helpful.

Why is it a good idea to know some nail salon terms?

Knowing nail salon words can help you communicate effectively with your nail experts, ensuring you get the exact results you want from your manicure.

What is an IBX treatment?

An IBX treatment is a type of nail treatment that uses a blend of oils and waxes to penetrate the nail and improve its integrity, especially beneficial for strengthening brittle nails.

Thank you for reading my post about Nail Salon Terms!

Please see this post on Matte vs Glossy Nails.

Tag: Nail Salon Terms