Latest posts
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Why Is My Gel Polish Streaky? The Fix for Patchy Color
Streaky gel polish is usually too little product, the wrong color family, or brushing back over a set coat. Here is how to get even color in three coats.
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Why Is My Nail Polish Streaky? Six Causes and the Fix
Streaky nail polish is usually thin coats, old thickened polish, or brushing back over a drying layer. Here are the six causes and how to fix each one.
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Kids’ Nail Care: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
By Polished & Pretty Nails Editors · Last checked October 5, 2026 Quick answer Keep kids’ nails short, clean and trimmed straight across.Babies may need fingernail trims twice a week at first, and dermatologists suggest an adult does the trimming until a child is about 9 or 10.1,2 Scrub under nails at every handwash, leave…
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MMA in Acrylic Nails: How to Spot It, Why It’s Restricted, What to Ask Your Salon
By Polished & Pretty Nails Editors · Last checked October 2026 Warning signsMMA vs EMAIs it banned?State rulesHealthWhat to askReport itClient cardFAQ The short answer MMA (methyl methacrylate) is a cheap, hard-setting acrylic liquid that some salons still use even though 40 states and DC prohibit it in their rules.1,2 § No federal regulation specifically bans…
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The Toxic Trio in Nail Polish: What 3-Free to 21-Free Really Means
By Polished & Pretty Nails Editors · Sources checked October 5, 2026 The trio3-free to 21-freeLab testsWhat labels missEU vs USWorkers vs clientsPrintable checklistFAQ The short answer The “toxic trio” is toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), three nail polish ingredients flagged over health concerns.1,2 A “3-free” label means the brand says it left all…
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Nail Salon Safety Guide: Chemicals, Ventilation, Gloves and Clean Pedicures
What OSHA, NIOSH, the EPA and the FDA say about nail salon safety, with a source on every claim.
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Nail Tech License Requirements by State (2026): Hours, Exams and Age
Nail tech license requirements in all 50 states and DC: school hours, minimum age, exams and apprenticeships, with official board links.
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Why Are My Gel Nails Sticky After Curing? It Is Usually Normal
A sticky layer after curing gel is normal and has a name. Here is what the inhibition layer is, when stickiness means undercuring, and how to remove it.
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Nail Glossary: 140+ Nail Terms Explained for Clients and Nail Techs
More than 140 nail terms in plain English: nail anatomy, shapes, acrylic and gel systems, finishes, tools, salon menu terms and common nail conditions, with a printable PDF.
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How to Paint Your Nails Without Getting Polish on Your Skin
The trick is starting the brush away from the cuticle and pushing the polish back. Here is the technique, plus barrier liquid and the cleanup brush method.