NAIL TERM GLOSSARY

Our nail term glossary is a resource provided to our customers which offers simple definitions for various terms used in reference to nail care.

Please feel free to peruse our glossary for any terms you wish to define.

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TERM	DEFINITION
Panthenol	Alcohol analog of pantothenic acid OR Provitamin of B5.
Papaya	Papaya is a tropical fruit. Its extracts are commonly used in skin renewal and exfoliating products.
Paraffin Wax	Obtained from petroleum, Paraffin Wax is used in cosmetic products such as hand and cuticle softeners.
Paronychia	Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal infection of the tissue next to a nail.
Paronychium	Soft skin that surrounds nails.
Party Nails	Party Nails are nail extensions, generally used for a special occasion. Designed to be both temporary and affordable.
Pathogen	Micro-organisms that can cause disease.
Pedi Spa	Pedi Spa refers to a tub in which the client soaks her feet in order to clean and remove the dead skin.
Pedicure	Pedicure is cosmetic treatment of the feet, toes, and toenails.
Pedicure /Pedi	Pedicure/Pedi is cosmetic treatment of the feet, toes, and toenails.
Pedicure Equipment	Pedicure Equipment refers to the tools used during the pedicure such as pedi spa, chair, massagers et cetera.
Peel-Off Basecoat	Peel-Off Basecoats are used under hard to remove gel polishes that help gently peel the gel off the nail without using harsh chemicals.
Peppermint	Peppermint is an aromatic herb used in aromatherapy and skin care products.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)	Peripheral Artery Disease is a disease characterized by clogged arteries which prevent lower limbs from getting an ample supply of blood.
Peripheral Vascular Disease	Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a disorder that causes the blood vessels to narrow or block.
Permanent French Manicure (PFM)	Nail Paint with a Pink & White pattern.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)	Maximum amount of a substance in the air that a person may be exposed to without any harmful effects.
pH	A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of a substance, with 7.0 being neutral.
Ph Number	A number which describes how much acidic or alkaline a liquid is.
Phalanges	Bones that make up the finger, there are three phalanges on each finger or toe and only two on the thumb and large toe.
Photoinitiators	Photoinitiators absorb photons which in turn initiate reactions.
Photosynthesis	Plants convert light energy into chemical energy with the process known as photosynthesis, which further provides useable sugar to plants.
Phthalates	Used as plasticizers, phthalates are salt of phthalic acid.
Pigment	A colored material that gives color to nail paint or polish.
Pincer Nails	A painful deformity in which the nail is curved excessively so much that it pinches the skin around it.
Pink & Whites (P&W’S)	Creating a realistic look using pink on nails and white on free edges with nail gels.
Pink-And-White	Creating a realistic look using pink on nails and white on free edges with nail gels.
Pipeless	Refers to pedicure spa that have a new system of circulating water thus reducing chances of contamination.
Plantar Fasciitis	Inflammation of tissue connecting heel bone to the toes.
Plantar Warts	Painless small growths on the heel.
Plastic	Organic materials that can be easily molded from cellulose, coal, petroleum et cetera.
Plastic Tips	Artificial nail tips that are used to extend the length of natural nails.
Plasticizer	Plasticizers increase flexibility and resistance of nail polish.
Platonychia	Platonychia is a nail deformity caused by iron deficiency characterized by abnormally broad nail.
Polish Thinner	A solvent added to nail polish that makes it thin and easy to apply.
Polymer	In reference to nails, nails are polymers of thousands of keratin-forming amino acids that are linked into chains.
Polymerization	The process with which polymers are formed.
Pomegranate	Because of its high vitamin C and antioxidants, pomegranate extracts are used in skin care, nail care and anti-aging products.
Pond Manicure	When Jelly nail polish is overlaid multiple times to prepare unique nail art.
Porcelain	Porcelain is formed when clay type materials are heated at a very high temperature.
Porous	Something that has pores. Some acrylics are porous and need time to cure to create smooth surface.
Portfolio	Collection of photographs of nail art that demonstrate the talent of a nail technician.
Powder	Fine, dry particles formed by grinding or crushing any substance. In nail industry it refers to acrylic powders used in a liquid/powder system.
Prep	Nail Prep refers to preparing nails before applying acrylic nails so that they can stick and stay. Usually it includes using a dehydrator to remove oil and moisture and a cleanser to deeply clean them.
Press-On Nails	Press-On Nails are temporary nails that are applied with adhesive on a natural nail plate, they are usually made of plastic.
Primary Allergen	Something that causes immediate allergies.
Primary Irritant	Something that causes immediate irritation.
Primer	Primers are used as nail prep to prepare nails before applying acrylics. Primer helps to bind acrylics to the nail plate.
Private Labeling	Products manufactured by one company for sale under another company's name.
Proximal Nail Fold	Proximal Nail Fold is the white skin at the base of the skin that runs around the outside perimeter of the nail.
Pseudomonas	An infection caused by bacteria that are found in soil, water, and plants.
Psoriasis	A skin disorder that leads to bumpy red skin patches with silvery or white scales.
Pterygium	A nail disorder characterized by scarring between the proximal nailfold and matrix.
Pterygium Remover Tool	A tool used in a manicure and pedicure to push back cuticles and remove dead tissues.
Pumice	A volcanic rock formed when lava and water mix up, it is used in a pedicure process to remove callus and dead skin.
Pumpkin	Pumpkin is a winter squash rich in nutrients. Pumpkin extracts are found in anti-aging creams, lotions, shampoo and other cosmetic products.
Pusher	Pusher is used to push back cuticles.

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