Glossary
Like a dictionary for the nail world... but in plain language.
Ingredients
Acrylates (monomers and oligomers)Source: 1, 2
The building blocks of gel. Light links them into a tough, flexible layer. Most gel allergies happen when uncured acrylates touch skin, which is why thin coats and a full cure matter.
HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)Source: 1, 2
A small, fast-bonding ingredient used in many gels. Because it's so small, it can work its way into skin if gel touches it uncured, and it's one of the most common causes of gel allergies. All GWU gel wraps are HEMA-free.
PhotoinitiatorSource: 1
The ingredient that "wakes up" when light hits it and starts the hardening process. No photoinitiator, no cure.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Source: 1
An antioxidant oil found in many cuticle oils. It helps soften and protect the skin around your nails.
General Terms
CuringSource: 1
The moment gel turns from soft to hard under UV/LED light (or daylight, for UV-free wraps). Curing means hardened, not dry.
Gel cream
A thick, highly pigmented gel colour that stays where you put it. Usually one coat, cured under a 12W lamp.
Polish wrap
A sticker made from real nail polish. No lamp, no drying time, easy removal.
Semi-cured gel wrapSource: 1
Real gel that's been partly hardened at the factory and shaped into a sticker. You apply it, then finish curing it under a lamp for a salon-hard result.
UV-free gel wrap
A gel wrap that cures in natural light within 12 to 24 hours, with no lamp needed. Sunlight speeds it up.
Application & Care
Cuticle oilSource: 1, 2
Your aftercare best friend. Daily oil keeps nails flexible and the skin around them soft, and helps your mani last. Push cuticles back gently rather than cutting them.
Filing the edgeSource: 1
Filing downward at the free edge to remove the excess wrap and seal the tip. Downward strokes in one direction only, so the wrap doesn't lift.
Lifting
When the edge of a wrap or gel starts to come away from the nail. Usually caused by oily nails, a wrap touching skin, or an edge that wasn't sealed.
Nail prepSource: 1
Cleaning, gently pushing back cuticles and removing shine and oil before you apply. It's the number one reason wraps last, or don't.
Sizing
Choosing the strip that fits each nail sidewall to sidewall without touching skin. Too big lifts, too small shows.