# TheNailWiki

> The professional nail knowledge platform — nail anatomy, science, products, techniques, safety, courses and a directory of verified nail professionals. Authored and maintained by Radina Ignatova, Professional Nail Expert since 2014 and International Nail Educator.

## Key pages
- [Home](https://thenailwiki.com/)
- [Nail Wiki Library](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-wiki-library): in-depth professional articles on nail anatomy, science, products, techniques, conditions and safety
- [Professional Courses](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-courses)
- [Free Courses](https://thenailwiki.com/free-nail-courses)
- [Find a Nail Professional](https://thenailwiki.com/find-nail-professional)
- [Blog](https://thenailwiki.com/blog)
- [About Radina Ignatova](https://thenailwiki.com/about-radina-ignatova)
- [About TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/about-wiki)

## Library articles
- [Nail Unit: The Complete Structure of the Nail and Surrounding Tissues](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-unit)
- [The Nail Plate: Structure, Layers, Growth and Clinical Changes](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-plate)
- [The Nail Matrix: What It Is, What It Does and Why It Matters](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-matrix)
- [The Nail Bed: Structure, Function and Clinical Significance](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-bed)
- [Proximal Nail Fold: Anatomy, Function, and Role in Nail Services](https://thenailwiki.com/proximal-nail-fold)
- [The Eponychium and Cuticle: What They Are and Why the Distinction Matters](https://thenailwiki.com/eponychium-and-cuticle)
- [Lateral Nail Folds: Anatomy, Function, and Salon Relevance](https://thenailwiki.com/lateral-nail-folds-anatomy-function-and-salon-relevance)
- [Lateral Nail Grooves: Anatomy, Function, and Clinical Relevance](https://thenailwiki.com/lateral-nail-grooves)
- [Nail Sinuses: The Corner Recesses in Russian and E-File Manicure](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-sinuses)
- [Growth Points: The Nail Plate Corners That Define Shape and Structure](https://thenailwiki.com/growth-points)
- [Lunula: What the Half-Moon at the Base of the Nail Actually Is](https://thenailwiki.com/lunula)
- [Hyponychium: The Seal Beneath the Free Edge](https://thenailwiki.com/hyponychium)
- [Onychodermal Band: The Distal Seal Between Nail Plate and Nail Bed](https://thenailwiki.com/onychodermal-band)
- [Free Edge: Anatomy, Structure, and Role in Nail Services](https://thenailwiki.com/free-edge)
- [Nail Apex: Enhancement Architecture, Structural Design and Product Placement](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-apex)
- [C-Curve — Transverse Arch: What It Is and Why It Matters in Nail Enhancement](https://thenailwiki.com/c-curve-transverse-arch)
- [Stress Zone: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How Enhancement Architecture Responds](https://thenailwiki.com/stress-zone)
- [Nail Architecture: Structure and Product Distribution in Nail Enhancements](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-architecture)
- [Nail Growth Direction: Upward, Downward and Lateral Growth](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-growth-direction)
- [Nail Growth Cycle: How Fingernails Grow and Replace Themselves](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-growth-cycle)
- [Fast vs Slow Nail Growth: What It Does and Does Not Mean](https://thenailwiki.com/fast-vs-slow-nail-growth)
- [Keratinisation Process: How the Nail Plate Is Formed](https://thenailwiki.com/keratinisation-process)
- [Onychocytes: The Cells That Build the Nail Plate](https://thenailwiki.com/onychocytes)
- [Nail Composition: What the Nail Plate Is Actually Made Of](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-composition)
- [Nail Plate Layers: Dorsal, Intermediate and Ventral Structure](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-plate-layers)
- [Nail Thickness & Density: Two Different Properties](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-thickness-density)
- [Nail Porosity: Permeability of the Nail Plate](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-porosity)
- [Nail Hydration & Water Content: State vs Capacity](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-hydration)
- [Nail Flexibility: What Determines How a Nail Bends](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-flexibility)
- [Nail Material Science: How Nails and Enhancement Products Behave Under Force](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-material-science)
- [Nail Haematoma: Cuticle and Subungual Types](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-haematoma-types-cuticle-subungual)
- [Onycholysis: Causes, Recognition and Professional Management](https://thenailwiki.com/onycholysis)
- [Green Nail Syndrome (Nail Greenies): What It Is, Why It Happens and How to Manage It](https://thenailwiki.com/green-nail-syndrome)
- [Nail Psoriasis: Signs, Nail Bed Changes and Professional Considerations](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-psoriasis)
- [Lichen Planus Affecting the Nails: Signs, Risks and Professional Considerations](https://thenailwiki.com/lichen-planus)
- [What Is BIAB? Complete Guide to Builder in a Bottle](https://thenailwiki.com/what-is-biab-builder-in-a-bottle)
- [Dual Forms for Nails: What They Are, How They Work, and What the Myths Get Wrong](https://thenailwiki.com/dual-forms-nails)
- [The Sandwich Dual Form System: What It Is and How It Works](https://thenailwiki.com/sandwich-dual-forms-systems)
- [What Is Gel Polish? Complete Guide to Gel Manicures](https://thenailwiki.com/gel-polish-explained)
- [Base Coats for Nails: Types, Functions, and When to Use Each](https://thenailwiki.com/base-coats)
- [Nail Plate Preparation: The Complete Professional Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-plate-preparation)
- [Nail Files & Grit Guide: Types, Grits, and When to Use Each](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-files-grit-guide)
- [Nail Buffers Guide: Types, Uses, and Buffing Technique](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-buffers-guide)
- [Nail Cleansers, Alcohol & Prep Liquids: What They Do and When to Use Them](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-cleansers)
- [Nail Dehydrator: What It Does, How It Works, and Why It Matters](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-dehydrator)
- [Nail Primers — Acid vs Acid-Free: What They Do and When to Use Them](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-primers)
- [Nail Lamps: UV, LED, Hybrid and Flash Cure — A Complete Professional Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-lamps)
- [Flash Cure Lamps: What They Are, When to Use Them, and What They Cannot Do](https://thenailwiki.com/flash-cure-lamps)
- [E-File Machine: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Choose One](https://thenailwiki.com/e-file-machine)
- [E-File Bits: A Complete Professional Guide to Nail Drill Bits](https://thenailwiki.com/e-file-bits)
- [Nail Patch Testing: Safe Methods & Professional Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-patch-testing)
- [E-File Manicure: Complete Guide to Electric Nail Files](https://thenailwiki.com/e-file-manicure)
- [Russian Manicure: Complete Guide to Dry Manicure Technique](https://thenailwiki.com/russian-manicure)
- [Nail Consultation Form: Professional Guide for Salon Owners & Nail Technicians](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-consultation-form-professional-guide-for-salon-owners-nail-technicians)
- [Contraindications in Nail Services: Complete Safety Guide for Nail Technicians](https://thenailwiki.com/contraindications-in-nail-services-complete-safety-guide-for-nail-technicians)
- [Standard vs Non-Standard Nail Salons: What Clients Need to Know](https://thenailwiki.com/types-of-nail-salons)

## Blog posts
- [E-File Glove Catches: Causes, Prevention, and Safety Response](https://thenailwiki.com/e-file-glove-catches-causes-prevention-and-safety-response)
- [How to Price Your Nail Services for Profit in the UK (2026 Guide)](https://thenailwiki.com/how-to-price-your-nail-services-for-profit-in-the-uk-2026-guide)
- [How to Remove Gel Polish Safely at Home: Step-by-Step Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/how-to-remove-gel-polish-safely-at-home-step-by-step-guide)
- [Online Nail Courses: Complete Professional Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/online-nail-courses-complete-professional-guide)
- [Radina Ignatova Wins Scratch Snap April 2026 with 3D Cake Nail Art](https://thenailwiki.com/radina-ignatova-wins-scratch-snap-april-2026-with-3d-cake-nail-art)
- [Russian Manicure vs Traditional Wet Manicure: Complete Safety Comparison Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/russian-manicure-vs-traditional-wet-manicure-complete-safety-comparison-guide)
- [Sandwich Dual Form Bottom Placement: Safe Application Method](https://thenailwiki.com/sandwich-dual-form-bottom-placement-safe-application-method)
- [Soap Nails – Clean Minimalist Manicure Professional Guide](https://thenailwiki.com/soap-nails-clean-minimalist-manicure-professional-guide)
- [Builder Gel, Soak-Off Builder Gel, and Hard Gel: What the Terms Mean](https://thenailwiki.com/why-gel-nails-lift-a-diagnostic-guide-for-nail-technicians)
- [Why Gel Nails Lift: A Diagnostic Guide for Nail Technicians](https://thenailwiki.com/why-gel-nails-lift-a-diagnostic-guide-for-nail-technicians-2)
- [How Clients Choose a Nail Technician (and What It Means for Your Work) | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/how-clients-choose-a-nail-technician)
- [Your Online Presence as a Nail Tech: Why Instagram Isn't the Whole Picture | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-tech-online-presence-beyond-instagram)
- [What Makes a Strong Nail Salon Profile | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/what-makes-a-strong-nail-salon-profile)
- [How to Choose a Trustworthy Nail Salon: A Client's Guide | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/how-to-choose-a-trustworthy-nail-salon)
- [What "Verified" Should Really Mean in the Nail Industry | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/what-verified-should-mean-in-nails)
- [Nail Trends 2026: A Considered Look at What's Emerging | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-trends-2026-a-considered-look)
- [BIAB, Builder Gel and Structured Manicures: What the Terms Actually Mean | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/biab-builder-gel-and-structured-manicures-explained)
- [Pricing Your Nail Services Without the Guesswork | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/pricing-your-nail-services-without-the-guesswork)
- [Why Ongoing Learning Matters for Nail Technicians | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/why-ongoing-learning-matters-for-nail-techs)
- [Getting Your Nail Brand in Front of Professionals | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/getting-your-nail-brand-in-front-of-professionals)
- [Nail Competitions and Awards: Why They Matter for the Craft | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-competitions-and-awards-why-they-matter)
- [How to Get Your Nail Work Noticed and Featured | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/how-to-get-your-nail-work-featured)
- [Staying Current: Why Following Nail Industry News Pays Off | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/staying-current-nail-industry-news)
- [Building a Nail Portfolio That Earns Trust | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/building-a-nail-portfolio-that-earns-trust)
- [Nail Photography: How to Show Your Work at Its Best | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/nail-photography-show-your-work-at-its-best)
- [How a Verified Nail Directory Works (and Who It's For) | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/how-a-verified-nail-directory-works)
- [Writing a Nail Bio That Connects With Clients | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/writing-a-nail-bio-that-connects)
- [Why Being Found Locally Matters for Nail Techs | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/why-being-found-locally-matters-for-nail-techs)
- [Product Recalls and Safety Alerts: Why They Matter to Nail Techs | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/product-recalls-and-safety-alerts-nail-techs)
- [Advertising in the Nail Industry Without the Hard Sell | TheNailWiki](https://thenailwiki.com/advertising-in-the-nail-industry-without-the-hard-sell)
- [why-do-nails-lift](https://thenailwiki.com/why-do-nails-lift)
- [proximal-nail-fold-and-cuticle-work](https://thenailwiki.com/proximal-nail-fold-and-cuticle-work)
- [working-around-the-lateral-nail-folds](https://thenailwiki.com/working-around-the-lateral-nail-folds)
- [TPO Ban in Great Britain: What Nail Technicians Actually Need to Know in 2026](https://thenailwiki.com/tpo-ban-great-britain-what-nail-technicians-need-to-know-2026)
- [TPO-Free Nail Products: What Nail Technicians Should Check Before Changing Gel Systems](https://thenailwiki.com/tpo-free-nail-products-what-to-check-before-changing-gel-systems)
- [Are Gel Nails Banned in the UK? No — Here Is What Has Actually Changed](https://thenailwiki.com/are-gel-nails-banned-in-the-uk)
- [Do Gel Nails Cause Infertility? Understanding the TPO Fertility Headlines](https://thenailwiki.com/do-gel-nails-cause-infertility-tpo-fertility-headlines-explained)