∙ Nail varnish remover: Acetone is used to remove nail polish. It has a drying effect on nails and skin. It should not be used on acrylic nails
∙ Non-acetone: this is used on acrylic nails to remove varnish
∙ Antiseptic: used to prevent the multiplication of microorganisms. It is used for sanitising hands before treatment, as well as soaking client’s hands and feet during the treatment
∙ Basecoat: this is a colourless liquid which is applied on the nail before applying coloured nail polish. It helps to prevent staining of the nail plate and also it allows the nail polish to readily adhere to the nail surface. Some base coats have nail strengtheners
∙ Buffing paste: used to smooth out ridges on the nail plate and remove surface stains. It creates a high lustre, which is sometimes preferred to coloured nail polish, especially by male clients
∙ Cuticle cream: used to make the cuticles pliable so that they can be pushed back without causing damage or discomfort. Cuticle oil is also used as an alternative
∙ Cuticle oil: Special oil used to soften and lubricate cuticles around the fingernails and toenails. Cuticle cream can be used as an alternative
∙ Cuticle remover: a solution mixed with alkaline, glycerine and water. It is used to soften and remove dead cuticles from around the nail. It also works by breaking down the cuticle so that it can be scraped away gently from the nail plate with a cuticle knife
∙ Cuticle exfoliant: This is a gentle grainy substance used after a cuticle trimmer to sweep away dull, dead cells. It leaves the nails and cuticles soft, smooth and neat
∙ Hand creams: used to soften the skin on the hands and cuticles. It provides a ‘slip’ for massage; in other words, it allows the therapist‘s hands to glide smoothly over the skin without causing friction and discomfort. Hand creams have an oil base whereas hand lotions are water based
∙ Exfoliant: this product is used for removing dead skin cells, cleansing, conditioning, softening and refreshing the skin. It is applied with a deep circular massage movement and used on both hands and feet to improve blood circulation. It is also called a scrub
∙ Foot cream: this is a rich cream used to massage the feet leaving them soft and supple. Essential oils can be added to take away tiredness and puffiness of the feet
∙ Foot powder: used to sprinkle on client’s feet to absorb moisture and before wearing closed shoes
∙ Hygienic liquid soap: used with warm water to soak hands and feet in preparation for pushing back cuticles
∙ Nail hardener/strengtheners: there are many different types of nail hardeners. They are used for strengthening damaged and brittle nails and protecting them from breaking, splitting and peeling
∙ Nail polish/varnish: this is a nail colour or paint used on the nail plate to beautify and protect nails. It is available in assorted colours
∙ Nail polish remover: used to remove nail polish and to remove oil from the nail plate before applying nail polish
∙ Nail polish thinner: used to thin nail polish that has thickened
∙ Nail white pencil: used to whiten a free edge which has become discoloured or to create a ’French’ manicure. Nail bleach can also be used to whiten stained nails
∙ Top coat: a liquid colourless sealer, which is applied over polish in order to protect it from chipping and to impart a high gloss finish. ∙ Nail polish dryers: there are different types of nail polish dryers that can be used to speed up the drying process, for example, quick-dry sprays, a liquid dropped directly to the nail polish, top drying coats and ultra violet lamps
