Whether you’re booking your first-ever manicure or already planning your next nail art upgrade, the world of nail care can feel like a whirlwind of unfamiliar terms. What’s the difference between a Russian manicure and an e-file? Should you get almond, ballerina, or stiletto nails?

We’ve got you. Consider this your go-to cheat sheet—41 buzzwords and techniques to help you decode your next appointment or DIY session with total confidence.

The Essentials

  • Acrylic nails – A hard, sculpted enhancement created by mixing liquid and powder.
  • Aprés Gel-X – A soft gel extension that’s flexible, lightweight, and soak-off friendly.
  • Gel manicure – A glossy, chip-resistant polish cured under UV or LED light.

Nail Shapes

  • Almond – Tapered sides and a softly pointed tip.
  • Ballerina – Long, slim, and squared off at the tip—like a pointe shoe.
  • Flare – Nails that widen at the end for a dramatic look.
  • Stiletto – Fierce, elongated, and sharply pointed.
  • Lipstick – Asymmetrical with a diagonal, lipstick-like tip.
  • Oval – Soft and rounded; perfect for elongating fingers.
  • Square – Straight across with sharp corners.
  • Squoval – A hybrid of square and oval—versatile and flattering.

Enhancements + Techniques

  • Builder gel – Thick gel for structure and overlays.
  • Dip powder – Powdered pigment sealed for chip-resistant wear.
  • Encapsulated nail art – Designs sealed under clear acrylic or gel layers.
  • E-file manicure – Cuticle work and shaping using a precision nail drill.
  • Press-on nails – Pre-made styles that you can stick on and switch up.
  • Polygel – Acrylic-gel hybrid used for natural overlays or extensions.
  • Russian manicure – Clean, meticulous cuticle detailing using an e-file.
  • Sculpted nails – Custom extensions built from scratch on nail forms.

Nail Art + Finishes

  • Aura nails – Soft-focus airbrushed halos that mimic energy fields.
  • Cat-eye nails – Magnetic polish effect with a shimmery stripe.
  • Chrome nails – Reflective, mirror-like metallic finishes.
  • Jelly nails – Translucent, glossy shades for a juicy look.
  • Milk bath nails – Milky base with embedded dried florals.
  • Negative space nails – Minimalist designs that let natural nails peek through.
  • Ombré nails – A seamless blend from one color to another.
  • Sugared nails – Sparkly textured effect using glitter or fine acrylic.
  • Velvet nails – Shimmery polish that mimics the look of luxe fabric.

Trending Styles

  • Blush nails – A rosy, diffused glow inspired by K-beauty.
  • Ice nails – Glossy, frozen shimmer with a cool-toned finish.
  • Marble nails – Swirled designs that look like stone or watercolor.
  • Syrup nails – Sheer washes of color with a jelly-like finish.
  • Y2K nail charms – Oversized 3D accents like gems, bows, and bling.

Nail Anatomy + Care

  • Cuticle – The skin at the base of your nail that protects from bacteria.
  • Cuticle oil – Hydrates nails and promotes growth.
  • Glass file – Gentle filing tool that minimizes damage.
  • Hyponychium – The protective skin under the nail’s free edge.
  • Lunula – The crescent-shaped “half moon” at the base of your nail.
  • Matrix – The root of the nail where growth begins.
  • Nail dehydrator – Preps the nail by removing oil for better polish adhesion.
  • Nail plate – The hard surface you paint and polish.
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