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.All three are identical and only the price varies
b.All three use the same liquid-and-powder system but different file sizes
c.Sculptured is the cheapest because no product is used
d.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

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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