MENU
SEARCHGlitter is tiny flecks of colored and reflective plastic used in the nail industry for its lustrous and luminescent effect on nails.
It varies in shape, color, and size and is applied to nails using glue and top coat or embedded in gels and acrylics.
A Little History: According to popular lore, glitter as we know it today owes its existence to Henry Ruschmann, a machinist in Bernardsville, N.J., who in 1934 invented an efficient way to grind up plastics into abundant amounts of glitter. He started a company in the same year called Meadowbrook Inventions, which is still in business today as one of the world leaders in glitter production.
How It’s Made: Sheets of plastic film of varying colors and thickness are fed into machines with whirling cutting blades that can be calibrated down to the micron. A client will request a certain size cut and a certain shape (most often hexagonal) and the glitter manufacturer will collect the chopped glitter and deliver it to the client for packaging.
Why the Shine: The tiny flecks have the uncanny ability to reflect light as it shines off the many surfaces of each finely cut speck. Often during manufacturing, a sample will be taken and placed under the microscope to ensure the consistency of the cut and the accuracy of the shape for maximum light reflection. The rolls are typically plastics from the polyester family, and include polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyethylene naphtalate, to name a few.
Check out the “glitter” entry on NAILS Encylopedia, www.nailsmag.com/encyclopedia, for more articles on everything you’d want to know about glitter.
Marine-exclusive antioxidants act as a natural biological shield for the feet to help protect skin, smooth cracks, hydrate roughness, calm inflammation and disrupt bacterial and fungal activity, leaving feet feeling softer, smoother, more hydrated and healthier.
The MelodySusie P-PLUS30GT UV/LED Rechargeable Nail Lamp represents an upgrade in curing technology, designed to address several challenges through improved light reflection, intelligent heat management, and cordless operation.
Meet Luminary Nail Systems, the innovative professional nail brand founded by a husband-and-wife team that is dedicated to strength and longevity.
Elevate your tip service with the OPI GELevate™ Extension System, featuring tailor-made Soft Gel Tips, GELevate 4-in-1 Builder with Intelli-Builder Technology and the Lightening Flash Cure Gel Lamp. This new system from OPI allows for flawless tips in no time.
Nail technicians are embracing the Medical Pedicure as a service and placing it on their menus. But what is it? What training is required? Is it within our scope of practice as licensed nail technicians?
MelodySusie introduces the Fleurwee Gel Nail Polish series—a revolutionary gel polish that is HEMA/HPMA- and TPO-free, plant-based gel polish for a high-quality nail care experience.
Americanails' Original Base and Top Coat Gels are universal, reliable, affordable, and all you'll ever need to ensure a long-lasting gel manicure.
Get the look: Cynthia Erivo's 3D Blooming Mani at the 2024 Tony Awards featured 3D elements and crystals completed with OPI.
Check out these new launches from The GelBottle, including new BIAB shades and a line of body care products for a luxurious spa experience.
Kim Kardashian's manicure created for GQ’s annual 'Man Of The Year' event are the perfect understated, yet edgy look for fall or even the holiday party season.
Are your salon procedures safe for the health-sensitive community? Beauty industry expert Joy Johnson shares her tips for a safe salon and spa.
When the weight of the body lands on a swollen nerve, it can be debilitating. Learn the symptoms and alert clients to this common problem that develops in the nerves of the foot.
With the PC1 Nail Drill Pen, achieving healthy nails and a flawless manicure has never been easier. This user-friendly nail drill pen covers all your nail care needs.
Meet the new MelodySusie portable nail drill that offers customizable speed options.
Attending a presentation by Doug Schoon is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone in the nail care industry. His extensive expertise, commitment to accurate information, and engaging presentation style make for an enlightening experience.
Ski jump nails can be corrected with liquid-and-powder acrylic and an accurately sized tip.
What's really so smart about a smart e-file? A lot! Hear from celebrated nail artist Sarah Grimes about why she loves Gelish's smart new Go File IQ.
Sponsored by Gelish
