Polish Speak

Holo ... what? It can be confusing to figure out all the different terms used to describe polish, and some people might define terms differently than you are used to. Here is how we define the terms we use to describe our polishes.

Chunky Glitter

We define chunky glitter as anything that is bigger than micro-sized. These glitters would be easily seen when a polish is applied.

Crelly

The word crelly is a mixture between cream and jelly. The consistency of a crelly tends to be on the thinner side, but not as thin as a jelly. Many times these crellies contain varying sized glitter. At Nail Hoot, when we use the term crelly, we are always referring to polishes with chunky glitters.

Duochrome

Duochrome polishes appear to shift between two colors when viewed at various angles and lighting.

Flakie

Flakies are particles that can range from micro to large sized. These particles can be seen in the polish when it is worn. A flakie can compliment a polish, or stand out in contrast. Some flakies (such as UCC) shift colors.

Flash

Flash is like a glance of another color within the polish when viewed in various lighting or angles. Flash can be heavy (where the shift would be seen at almost all times), light (every once in a while it will catch your eye), or in between.

Holographic (Scattered Holo, Linear Holo)

Holographic polishes show special color changes when viewed in the direct sunlight.

Linear holographic polishes have color changes that resemble a flame on the nail. This is the most pronounced type of holographic polish.

Scattered holographic polishes have color changes that are scattered throughout the nail. It is typically more of a subtle holographic and does not exhibit a flame.

Jelly

Jelly polishes tend to be very thin. They're designed to be at least semi-transparent. Sometimes this is because there is glitter one would be unable to see otherwise. Another popular use of jelly polishes is to do nail art in between coats, to give the art a floating look.

Microflakies

Microflakies are flakies with a very small size. They are typically more pronounced than shimmer.

Microglitter

Microglitters are very small glitters that can serve many purposes. Holographic microglitters would give a scattered holographic look. Colored microglitters would give dimension to a polish. Polishes with glitter should always be topped with a layer of topcoat to smooth out the glitters and make the polish shine.

Multichrome

Multichrome polishes appear to shift between three or more colors (can include hues within the same color) when viewed at various angles and lighting. 

Shimmer

Shimmers are like a special added twinkle in the polish. Shimmer can compliment a polish, or stand out in contrast. Shimmer can be heavy, light, or in between. 

 UCC Flakies

UCC stands for Ultra Chrome Chameleon. This special flakie is metallic and has color changing properties.