Nail Tips, Wraps, and Overlays
What this domain tests
This domain covers tip sizing and blending, silk/fiberglass wraps, overlays, and the difference between a temporary tip and a durable enhancement. Expect questions on adhesion, preparation, and stress-area strength.
Core rules
- A tip is sized to the natural nail’s width, not forced; the well should sit at the free edge and cover roughly the distal third to half of the nail plate. Blend the seam so no ledge catches.
- Preparation matters: clean, dehydrate, and remove surface shine without over-thinning the plate. Adhesive needs a dry, oil-free surface.
- Wraps use resin with silk, fiberglass, or linen. Apply thin, overlapping layers, press out bubbles, and activate or cure per manufacturer instructions.
- An overlay adds strength over the natural nail; an enhancement adds length. Build a slight apex at the stress area and keep sidewalls thin.
- Do not use methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer; follow the product system’s primer and cure requirements.
Worked example
A tip splits at the sidewall during wear. The likely cause is a tip that was too narrow and forced into place, creating tension. The fix is to choose a wider tip, file the sides to fit, and blend the well. Reasoning: forcing a tip stresses the bond line; correct sizing distributes load across the stress area.
Traps that cost marks
- Filing the natural nail plate thin to make a tip fit.
- Leaving air bubbles under a wrap.
- Using too much adhesive, which creates a bulky ledge.
- Treating a tip as a full enhancement without an overlay.