Nail Polish Terminology Guide

What Is Nail Polish Actually Called?

Nail polish is the most common term used in the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, this cosmetic product has several other names depending on the region and type.

Common Names for Nail Polish

• Nail lacquer - Professional/technical term
• Nail varnish - British and European term
• Nail enamel - Traditional/vintage term
• Nail paint - Casual term used in some regions

All of these terms refer to the same basic product: a coloured cosmetic lacquer applied to fingernails or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plate.

What Do the British Call Nail Polish?

In the United Kingdom and many European countries, nail polish is commonly called "nail varnish". This term has been used since the early days of nail cosmetics and remains the preferred terminology in British English.

Example: "I need to buy some nail varnish for the weekend" (UK) vs. "I need to buy some nail polish for the weekend" (US/Australia).

Both terms are correct—it's simply a regional difference in language, similar to how Americans say "elevator" and Brits say "lift."

What Is Another Name for Nail Polish?

Beyond the regional variations, nail polish has several alternative names based on formulation and usage.

Professional Terms

• Nail lacquer - The technical term used by beauty professionals and dermatologists
• Nail enamel - An older, more traditional term still used by some luxury brands
• Nail colour - Generic term used in the beauty industry

Informal Terms

• Nail paint - Casual term used conversationally
• Polish - Shortened version commonly used

What Is Regular Nail Polish Called?

When distinguishing between different types of nail products, regular nail polish is often called traditional nail polish or classic nail lacquer. This refers to the standard, air-dry formula that's been used for decades.

Characteristics of Regular/Classic Nail Polish

• Air-dries in 10-20 minutes
• Lasts 3-7 days typically
• Removed with regular acetone or non-acetone remover
• No special equipment needed
• Also called "traditional lacquer"

Regular Nail Polish Is Distinguished From

• Gel polish - Requires UV/LED lamp to cure
• Dip powder - Powder-based system
• Acrylic - Liquid and powder combination

What Is Bottom Nail Polish Called?

The nail polish applied to the bottom layer (underneath your colour) is called a base coat.

Understanding Base Coat

A base coat is a clear or slightly tinted polish applied directly to bare nails before your coloured polish. It serves several important functions.

Benefits of Base Coat

• Protects nails from staining (especially from dark colours)
• Creates a smooth surface for polish application
• Helps colour polish adhere better and last longer
• Can strengthen and nourish nails (depending on formula)

Popular Types of Base Coats

• Ridge-filling base coat - Smooths uneven nail surfaces
• Strengthening base coat - Contains proteins or keratin
• Sticky/bonding base coat - For better polish adhesion
• Peel-off base coat - Allows easy polish removal

What Are the Three Layers of Nail Polish Called?

A complete, professional-quality manicure uses three separate products.

The Three Layers

1. Base Coat (Bottom Layer)

Applied first to protect and prep the nail.

2. Colour Polish or Nail Lacquer (Middle Layer)

Your chosen colour, usually applied in 2 thin coats.

3. Top Coat (Final Layer)

Clear protective finish that adds shine and extends wear.

Pro tip: Some brands now offer "3-in-1" or "all-in-one" polishes that claim to combine all three layers, but professional manicurists typically recommend using separate products for best results.

What Does "All-in-One" Mean in Nail Polish?

All-in-one nail polish (sometimes called 3-in-1 or 5-in-1) refers to formulas designed to work as base coat, colour, and top coat in a single product.

Marketing Claims for All-in-One Polish

• Saves time (only one product needed)
• Saves money (buy one bottle instead of three)
• Strengthens while colouring
• Adds shine without separate top coat

Reality Check

While convenient, all-in-one polishes typically don't perform as well as using separate base coat, colour, and top coat. Professional manicurists usually don't recommend them for serious nail care.

Regional Names for Nail Polish Around the World

• United States & Canada: Nail polish
• United Kingdom & Ireland: Nail varnish
• Australia & New Zealand: Nail polish (though "varnish" is also understood)
• India: Nail paint or nail polish
• South Africa: Nail varnish or nail polish

All refer to the same product—just different linguistic preferences!

Quick Reference: Nail Polish Terminology

What's the Difference Between Polish and Lacquer?

Technically, there is no difference—they're the same product. "Polish" is the common term, while "lacquer" is the more technical or professional term.

However, some high-end brands use "lacquer" to sound more sophisticated or to indicate a professional-grade formula. Don't be fooled by marketing—check the actual ingredients and quality instead.

Key Takeaways

• Nail polish and nail varnish mean the exact same thing (US vs. UK terms)
• Regular/classic nail polish refers to traditional air-dry formula
• Base coat is the bottom protective layer applied first
• Nail lacquer is the professional term for nail polish
• All-in-one polishes combine base, colour, and top coat (but may not work as well)

Final Thoughts

Whether you call it nail polish, nail varnish, nail lacquer, or nail enamel, you're talking about the same beloved cosmetic product. The terminology varies by region and context, but the goal remains the same: beautiful, coloured nails that express your personal style.

Next time you're shopping for nail products, you'll understand exactly what all those different terms mean—and you can confidently choose the right type for your needs!