Küünelakkide

Küünelakkide, commonly known as nail polish, is a colored cosmetic applied to the fingernails or toenails. It is typically a pigmented liquid or cream that dries to a hard, glossy film. The primary purpose of nail polish is to decorate and enhance the appearance of the nails. It comes in a vast array of colors, finishes, and effects, including matte, shimmer, glitter, metallic, and holographic.

The composition of nail polish generally includes a film-former, plasticizers, solvents, pigments, and resins. The film-former creates the hard coating, plasticizers make it flexible, solvents allow for smooth application and drying, and pigments provide the color. Resins contribute to adhesion and durability.

Application usually involves cleaning the nails, applying a base coat to protect the natural nail and improve polish adhesion, followed by one or more coats of colored polish, and finally a top coat to seal and add shine, as well as prevent chipping. Nail polish can be removed using nail polish remover, typically containing acetone or ethyl acetate.

Beyond aesthetics, some nail polishes are formulated with strengthening agents or treatments to improve the health and condition of the nails. The use of nail polish is widespread globally across various cultures and age groups.