Natural Nail Theory

A complete vocabulary set covering natural nail theory, manicures, pedicures, specialty treatments, essential oils, and basic nail shapes.

Manicure

A cosmetic care treatment for the hands and fingernails to improve or maintain the skin condition of the hand and lower arm (forearm) and care for natural nails, derived from Latin manus (hand) and cura (care).

Pedicure

A cosmetic care treatment to improve or maintain the skin condition of the foot and lower leg and care for natural toenails, derived from Latin ped (foot) and cura (care).

Pedicure Shaving Precaution

The recommendation that clients do not shave their legs $24\text{--}48\text{ hours}$ before a pedicure to prevent micro-openings in the skin that increase the risk of infection or irritation.

Manual Exfoliation

The physical process of removing dead skin cells from the skin surface using a granular or abrasive product, such as a scrub.

Sloughing Lotion

An exfoliation product applied to the skin in a thin layer, allowed to dry, and then rubbed off to remove dead skin cells from the surface.

Chemical Exfoliation

An exfoliation process using natural substances, such as enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids, along with other ingredients to cause a chemical reaction that removes dead skin cells.

Callus Remover

A chemical exfoliant, also referred to as a callus softener, used specifically to soften calluses on the feet prior to manual exfoliation.

Masks

Cream, clay, or gel products applied to hands and feet after exfoliants and before massage during manicure or pedicure procedures to offer nourishing, hydrating, or anti-aging results.

Hydrating Mask

A mask option that deeply conditions the skin and helps protect it from environmental stress.

Paraffin Wax Treatment

A specialty add-on service using heated wax over hands or feet to increase product absorption, boost circulation, relax muscles, and soothe joint pain, rheumatism, and arthritis.

Hot-Oil Manicure

A highly moisturizing specialty treatment for dry skin and brittle nails where fingers are placed in warmed oil, lotion, or cream heated in an electric heating device in place of a water soak.

French Manicure

A classic finish using two different polish colors to create a stylized, natural-looking effect by painting the free edge white with an emphasized smile line and the nail plate sheer pink or natural beige.

Gel Polish Service

A service using a specially formulated polish applied in layers and cured under a lamp, minimizing chips, breaks, or peeling and lasting up to three weeks.

Curing Process

A chemical reaction triggered by light under a curing lamp to create a hard or solid surface from light-cured gel polish or nail enhancements.

Reflexology

A specialized massage method applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and sometimes ears to relieve tension and stimulate areas corresponding to internal organs.

Aromatherapy

The controlled use of essential oils extracted from plant seeds, bark, roots, leaves, and flowers to improve a client's physical and emotional well-being.

Carrier Oil

A neutral oil, such as jojoba oil, used to dilute highly volatile essential oils before applying them directly to the skin.

Antiseptic Oil

An essential oil or product property that helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

Hot Stone Treatment

A specialty treatment placing smooth, flat, heated stones on specific body parts or using them as massage tools to ease tense muscles and increase blood circulation.

Neuropathy

Damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord that causes a loss of sensation, serving as a contraindication for hot stone treatments.

Square Nail Shape

A nail shape with a free edge straight across and squared at the corners, sturdy due to its full width, and most common for nail extensions and toenails.

Squoval Nail Shape

Also known as soft square or rounded square, a sturdy nail shape combining square and oval features with a straight free edge and slightly rounded corners.

Oval Nail Shape

A nail shape tapered and rounded at the free edge that creates the illusion of length on shorter nails.

Round Nail Shape

A low-maintenance, natural-looking nail shape slightly tapered at the free edge, typically kept shorter to avoid breakage.

Pointed Nail Shape

A nail shape tapered to a pointed free edge, forming an almond shape on shorter nails and a stiletto shape when worn long, though prone to breaking more easily.

shaping toenails

shaped straight across the free edge and slightly round corners to prevent ingrown toenails and catching corners on socks