Application of the enhancement product onto the new growth of the nail is commonly referred to as _____.

• A. Backfill
• B. Refill
• C. Overlay
• D. Tip Fill

Answer: (A)

When a nail enhancement grows out, the maintenance needed is to rebuild the product at the area near the cuticle where the natural nail has pushed up against the old product. This targeted application to the new growth is known as backfill. It creates a seamless transition from the cuticle area to the existing enhancement, keeps the nail strong, and helps prevent lifting at the base of the nail.

In contrast, a refill is a more general term for maintenance and can refer to reapplying product along the entire length, not just the proximal growth area. An overlay is simply a layer added over the natural nail or over a tip to create a finished surface without addressing growth at the cuticle, and tip fill refers to filling at the tip area when tips are used, not the new growth near the cuticle.