AK Nail Technician flashcards
AK Nail Technician · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Disinfection definition
- A process using an EPA-registered product to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and implements, excluding bacterial spores.
- Sterilization definition
- A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on implements; required for tools that contact blood.
- Contact time
- The label-specified duration an implement must remain fully immersed in disinfectant for the product to be effective.
- Porous implements
- Items such as wooden sticks, buffing blocks, and porous files that cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded after a single use.
- SDS purpose
- Safety Data Sheet: a document listing chemical hazards, first-aid measures, and safe handling for each salon product.
- Hand washing duration
- Soap and running water scrubbed for at least 20 seconds, required before and after every client service.
- Nail matrix
- The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail plate cells; damage here causes permanent nail deformity.
- Eponychium vs cuticle
- Eponychium is living skin at the nail base; cuticle is dead keratinized tissue on the nail plate.
- Lunula
- The whitish half-moon at the nail base, the visible portion of the matrix where keratinization is incomplete.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate or bed; a disease requiring medical referral and no nail service on the affected nail.
- Paronychia
- Inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, often bacterial, requiring medical referral before service.
- Onychocryptosis
- An ingrown nail where the edge grows into the sidewall, causing pain and possible infection; refer if severe.
- Nail growth rate
- Fingernails grow about 1/8 inch (3 mm) per month; toenails grow more slowly, roughly 1 mm per month.
- Natural nail filing
- Use a fine-grit file (180 grit or higher) with one-direction strokes from corner to center to prevent splitting.
- Cuticle nipper use
- Nippers remove only hangnails or loose dead cuticle; they never cut living tissue or the eponychium.
- Pedicure soak limit
- Soaking is limited to about 5–10 minutes to prevent skin maceration; foot bath water is changed between clients.
- Massage contraindications
- Massage is avoided over inflamed, broken, or infected skin and areas with known circulatory or medical conditions.
- Nail tip blending
- The seam where the tip meets the natural nail is filed and blended smooth to hide the transition.
- Fabric wrap
- A silk, linen, or fiberglass overlay bonded with resin or glue to strengthen the natural nail; resin must cure fully.
- Acrylic bead ratio
- The liquid-to-powder ratio forming a workable bead; too wet causes lifting and shrinkage, too dry causes brittleness.
- Primer function
- A product applied sparingly to the natural nail plate to improve adhesion of acrylic or gel enhancements.
- Acrylic removal
- Soaking in acetone until product softens; prying or forcing product off damages the natural nail plate.
- pH scale
- A 0–14 scale where below 7 is acidic and above 7 is basic; skin and nails prefer mildly acidic products.
- Monomer
- The liquid component of acrylic systems, typically ethyl methacrylate, which is flammable and requires careful storage.
- Polymer
- The powder component of acrylic systems containing polymer and a catalyst such as benzoyl peroxide that drives curing.
- Gel polish curing
- Gel polish cures only under UV or LED light and will not air-dry; uncured gel remains tacky.
- Acetone vs non-acetone
- Acetone dissolves acrylic and gel; non-acetone removers (ethyl acetate) remove polish but not acrylic enhancements.
- Consultation content
- A pre-service review of medical history, allergies, medications, prior nail services, and client goals.
- Scope of practice
- Nail technicians perform cosmetic services only; they do not diagnose or treat disease and must refer suspected conditions.
- Informed consent
- Documentation that a client understood and accepted risks when declining precautions or requesting a contraindicated service.
- Alaska licensing board
- Nail technician licensure is administered by Alaska's Board of Barbers and Hairdressers under the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
- Retail profit margin
- Calculated as (retail price minus cost) divided by retail price, tracked separately from service revenue.