Chapter 28
Monomer Liquid &
Polymer Powder
Nail Enhancements
Learning Objectives
• Explain monomer liquid and polymer powder nail
enhancement chemistry and how it works.
• Name the specific tools, equipment, and
supplies required to perform monomer liquid and
polymer powder nail enhancements.
• List the steps to apply nonacid and acid-free nail
primers.
• Explain how to properly store monomer liquid
and polymer powder products.
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Learning Objectives (continued)
• Describe the apex, stress area, and sidewall,
and tell where each is located on the nail
enhancement.
• Describe how to perform a one-color
maintenance service on nail enhancements
using monomer liquid and polymer powder.
• Demonstrate how to perform crack repair
procedures.
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Learning Objectives (continued)
• Implement the proper procedure for removing
monomer liquid and polymer powder nail
enhancements.
• Describe the general process for using odorless
products.
• List two ways to create nail art from monomer
liquid and polymer powder.
Introduction
• Chemical make-up of monomer liquid and
polymer powder enhancements
• The specific tools, equipment, and supplies
needed
• Liquid monomers and powder polymers can be
used:
– To place enhancements over a natural nail, over a tip
or over a form
– To create beautiful nail art
Convey the Chemistry of Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements
• Monomer means “one unit” (unit being a molecule)
• Polymer means “many units” (many molecules)
• When mixed together, they form a long, chain-like
structures that create nail enhancements which can
be applied over the natural nail, a tip, a form, or can
be used to sculpt nail art.
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Convey the Chemistry of Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements (continued)
• EMA – ethyl methacrylate monomer, which is the
industry standard
• Odorless – has a lower odor than the traditional
monomer
• MMA – methyl methacrylate monomer, which is
not recommended for use on nails and is not
legal according to the state board rules in some
states
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Convey the Chemistry of Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements (continued)
• Polymer powder is made up of polymerization,
also known as curing or hardening, a chemical
reaction that creates polymers.
Specify the Supplies Required for Monomer Liquid
and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements
• Monomer liquid
• Polymer powder
• Nail dehydrator
• Nail primer
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Specify the Supplies Required for Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements (continued)
• Abrasives
• Nail forms
• Nail tips
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Specify the Supplies Required for Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements (continued)
• Dappen dish
• Monomer liquid and polymer powder application
brush
• Safety eyewear
• Dust masks
• Protective gloves
Storing and Disposing of Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Products
• Store monomer liquid and polymer powder
products in a covered container.
• Mix liquid and powder together before
discarding if there is a small amount.
• Liquid and powder should not be discarded in
the trash directly. It should be poured in a paper
towel and secured in a plastic bag and then
disposed of properly.
Maintenance, Crack Repair, and Removal
• Maintenance helps prevent lifting or cracking.
• Proper maintenance must be performed every
two to three weeks.
Properly Structured Nail Enhancements
• Apex
• Stress area
• Smile line
• Sidewall
• Nail extension
underside
Monomer Liquid and Polymer Powder Nail
Enhancement Removal
• Soak the enhancements off of
the nail using acetone or the
manufacturer’s suggested
removal solution.
• Remove the enhancement,
and complete the service.
Describe Odorless Monomer Liquid and
Polymer Powder Products
• Different chemistry than other monomer liquid
and polymer powder enhancements
• Have a slight odor
• Used with a dry mix ratio
Utilize Colored Polymer Powder Products
• Available in a wide range of colors that mimic
almost every shade available in nail polish.
• Nail artistry is limited only by your imagination.
• Some professionals
use colors to offer
custom-blended
colors.
Create Monomer Liquid and Polymer Powder Nail Art
Nail Art by Alisha Rimando Botero.
• 3-D nail art – any art that protrudes from the nail.
• Inlaid designs – designs inside a nail
enhancement, created when nail art is
sandwiched between two layers of product
while the nail enhancement is being formed.
Summary and Review
• In this chapter, you learned about the chemical
make-up of monomer liquid and polymer powder
enhancements, as well as all of the specific
tools, equipment, and supplies needed to
perform the various services that would utilize
these products.
• Liquid monomers and powder polymers can be
used to place enhancements over a natural nail,
over a tip, or over a form, as well as using it to
create beautiful nail art.
Chapter Review Questions
1. What is the chemistry behind ML/PP and how
does it work?
2. What are the definitions of apex, stress area, and
sidewall, and where is their location on the nail
enhancement?
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Chapter Review Questions (continued)
3. What is the proper procedure for applying onecolor monomer and polymer nail enhancements
over tips and on natural nails?
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Chapter Review Questions (continued)
4. What is the proper procedure for applying twocolor monomer and polymer nail enhancements
using forms?
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Chapter Review Questions (continued)
5. What is the proper procedure for performing
a one-color maintenance service on nail
enhancements using monomer liquid and
polymer powder?
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Chapter Review Questions (continued)
6. How is a crack repair performed?
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Chapter Review Questions (continued)
7. How are monomer liquid and polymer powder
removed from the nail?
8. List a variety of ways to create nail art for
monomer liquid and polymer powder.