Artificial Nail Enhancements and Nail Art
Product families
Acrylics use a liquid monomer and powder polymer; gels are light-cured; wraps use fabric and resin or glue; tips and forms build length. Know the prep sequence: sanitize, remove cuticle from the plate, lightly etch, dehydrate, prime if the system requires it, apply tip or form, build the product, cure or set, then finish. A proper apex and stress area prevent breakage.
Mix ratio and lifting
Acrylic ratio matters: too wet causes shrinkage, bubbles, and lifting; too dry causes brittleness. Lifting usually comes from moisture, oil, incomplete prep, or product touching skin. Keep product off the skin and follow cure times. Fills are typically needed every two to three weeks.
Allergies and product safety
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is restricted or prohibited for cosmetic nail use; use EMA-based products intended for salon use. Ventilate, wear gloves, avoid skin contact, and patch-test sensitive clients. “Greenies” - green-black discoloration under an enhancement - usually indicate bacterial contamination (Pseudomonas), not fungus. Remove the product, refer, and disinfect.
Nail art
Sanitize brushes, dotting tools, stamps, and airbrush equipment between clients. Use only cosmetic-grade pigments and adhesives. Do not apply art over an infected or inflamed nail.
Traps
Questions confuse monomer and polymer, blame lifting on the file alone, call green discoloration a fungal infection, or suggest applying product over infection.
Rule of thumb
Prep and ratio control retention; product on skin causes lifting and allergy. When in doubt, remove and refer.