Nail Enhancements and Artificial Nail Applications
Acrylic systems
Liquid-and-powder acrylic is a monomer-polymer system: liquid monomer plus powder polymer forms a bead that polymerizes into a hard enhancement. Nail prep includes cleaning, dehydrating, and gently removing shine. Primer improves adhesion on some systems. Place the bead at the stress area, build the apex, and keep product off the skin. A medium bead holds its shape; a wet bead shrinks and a dry bead crumbles. Fills are scheduled every two to three weeks and require reducing the old product, not just adding new.
Gels, wraps, and tips
Gel enhancements cure under UV or LED light; the inhibition layer is the tacky surface removed with cleanser. Wraps use fabric or fiberglass with resin. Tips and forms extend the length; blending must be smooth. Removal means soaking in acetone or following the manufacturer's method-never force, pry, or bite off product.
Traps
Questions test MMA versus EMA; MMA monomer is restricted or banned because of severe reactions, and EMA is the salon standard. Do not diagnose an allergic reaction, but recognize redness, itching, and lifting as reasons to stop. Lifting often comes from moisture, poor prep, or product on skin. Over-curing and under-curing both cause service breakdown.
Rule of thumb: preparation and ratio control the service more than the brand.
Worked example: a bead is runny and pools on the sidewall. That is too wet; wipe the brush and pick up a balanced bead.