Skin & Nail ServicesQuestion 480 of 484

A client asks the difference between SCULPTURED acrylic nails, a TIP-WITH-OVERLAY, and DIP-POWDER nails. The technician should explain that:

a.SCULPTURED acrylic builds the entire extension on a paper form using liquid monomer plus polymer powder. A TIP-WITH-OVERLAY glues a plastic tip to the free edge of the natural nail and then coats the whole nail with acrylic, gel, or dip product. DIP POWDER bonds a colored polymer powder to the nail with a cyanoacrylate-based resin, sealed with a top resin and an activator; no UV/LED lamp is used. Each differs in chemistry, durability, and removal method
b.All three are identical and only the price varies
c.Sculptured is the cheapest because no product is used
d.All three use the same liquid-and-powder system but different file sizes

Explanation

SCULPTURED acrylic uses a paper form taped under the natural nail and builds the entire extension out of monomer-and-polymer acrylic, no plastic tip required. TIP-WITH-OVERLAY glues a pre-formed plastic tip to the free edge, then overlays with acrylic, gel, or dip product for strength. DIP POWDER applies a cyanoacrylate-based base resin to the nail, dips it into a colored polymer powder, repeats for layers, then seals with top resin and an activator that catalyzes the chemistry; no UV/LED lamp is needed (unlike gel polish). Each method differs in chemistry, durability, and removal. Manicurists work under CCR Title 16 §980.3. Options A, B, and C collapse the distinctions or invent facts.

Law Reference: CCR Title 16 §980.3

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