your nail terminology guide!

Find Nail Terminology confusing?

Your Nail Terminology

Guide!

Gel Polish

Gel polish is a long-lasting nail polish that’s cured under a UV or LED light. It dries instantly, stays shiny, and lasts up to two weeks without chipping. It is also known as “shellac” which is a brand of gel polish.

Builder Gel (BIAB)

Builder gel also known as “BIAB” which stands for “Builder in a bottle”, is a thicker gel used to strengthen and extend nails. It lasts 4-5 weeks and is healthier for your natural nails compared to other options. It's cured under a UV or LED light and helps keep your nails strong without causing damage. Builder gel is the most popular service at milk and you can enjoy easy refills every 3-5 weeks.

Regular Nail Polish

Regular nail polish is a liquid formula applied to the nails for color and shine. It dries naturally without needing UV or LED light and typically lasts a few days before chipping. It’s easy to remove with regular nail polish remover. At milk nails we use the popular brand “Peacci” for a long-lasting wear.

SNS (Signature Nail System)

SNS is a powder dip manicure that lasts longer than regular polish but can be hard to remove and may damage natural nails.

Acrylic nails

Acrylic nails are artificial nails created by mixing a liquid and powder to form a hard, durable substance that goes over your natural nails. While they last a long time, they can be damaging if not applied or removed properly, often leading to weakened nails.

Gel X Extensions

Gel-X Nail Extensions are soft gel tips applied over your natural nails to add length. Unlike acrylics, they don’t use harsh liquid or powder, so there’s no strong smell. The tips are applied with a special gel and can be cut and filed into any shape. They’re thinner, more flexible, and look more natural than acrylics or hard gel. We offer Gel X extensions at milk nails so please email us for a booking for these.

Forms

Forms are templates used to create nail extensions. They are placed under the natural nail to help shape and guide the extension when applying products like acrylic or gel. Forms allow for custom length and shape without using tips.

Hard Gel Versus Soft Gel

Hard gel is a thick, durable gel used to create strong nail extensions and shapes. It needs to be sculpted and is more rigid. Hard gel is usually in a pot. Soft gel, on the other hand, is flexible and usually used for Gel X extensions or builder gel. Soft gel is easier to file and remove, while hard gel can be damaging if it isn’t applied or removed correctly. Milk Nails does have Hard Gel, it is used  for clients who have jobs which require heavy use of their nails or for extra long nail extensions for longevity purposes.

At Milk Nails, we offer Gel Polish, Builder Gel, and Regular Nail Polish. We also provide Hard Gel in rare cases, such as for clients who are heavy-handed and need extra durability. Additionally, we offer Gel X nail extensions upon special request. We prioritize high-quality products that cause little to no damage to your nails.