AK Nail Technician key terms

The use of a chemical product approved by the EPA to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on nonporous surfaces and implements, except bacterial spores. It is a lower level of protection than sterilization.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved with an autoclave using high-pressure steam. It is required for items that may contact broken skin or blood.

A chemical germicide carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number on its label, meaning it has been shown to kill specified organisms when used exactly as directed. Hospital-strength products are typically used in salons for implement disinfection.

The length of time an implement must stay fully submerged in a disinfectant solution for the product to work as labeled. Skipping the full time means the item is not properly disinfected.

Disease-causing microorganisms such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. Standard precautions require treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

An infection-control approach in which every client is treated as if they carry an infectious disease. It includes hand washing, gloves, and proper cleaning and disinfection of all tools and surfaces between clients.

A device that sterilizes metal implements using steam under pressure at high temperature. Items must first be cleaned of debris, and the unit must be monitored to confirm it is reaching sterilizing conditions.

A document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. Salons keep these available for the products they use.

The hard, visible portion of the nail made mostly of keratin that rests on the nail bed and protects the fingertip. Its free edge extends beyond the fingertip.

The skin layer beneath the nail plate that the plate rests on and slides over as the nail grows. It contains blood vessels and nerves and appears pink through a healthy nail plate.

The living area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced and keratinized to form the nail plate. Damage to the matrix can permanently alter nail shape or growth.

The whitish, half-moon shape visible at the base of the nail plate. It is the visible portion of the matrix and is most prominent on the thumbs.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that overlaps the matrix area, often confused with the cuticle. It should never be cut because it seals the nail against infection.

The thin, dead layer of skin attached to the nail plate that grows forward from the eponychium. It is normally softened and gently pushed back rather than cut.

The skin seal beneath the free edge of the nail plate where it meets the fingertip. It helps keep debris and microorganisms from entering the nail bed area.

The tough, fibrous protein that makes up the nail plate and the outer layer of skin. Nail hardness and flexibility depend on its structure and the nail's moisture content.

A fungal infection of the nail, often causing thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail plate. It is contagious and is a condition a nail technician should not treat but should refer to a physician.

An inflammation of the skin around the nail, often with redness, swelling, and pus, commonly caused by bacteria entering through a break in the skin. It may follow cuticle injury or aggressive cuticle work.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable to perform. Examples include open wounds, suspected infection, or skin disorders on the hands or feet being serviced.

A small piece of torn skin along the side or base of the nail, often caused by dryness or improper cuticle care. It should be carefully clipped, not pulled, to avoid infection.

A light, gliding massage stroke used in manicures and pedicures to relax muscles and improve circulation. It is performed with the palms and fingers in the direction of the heart.

A kneading massage movement used on the hands, arms, feet, and legs during nail services. It compresses and releases tissue to relieve tension and stimulate circulation.

A clear product applied to the natural nail before polish to improve adhesion, protect the plate from staining, and help the manicure last longer. It is not the same as a strengthener or top coat.

A clear sealer applied over polish to add shine, protect the color, and speed drying. It is applied last in a standard polish manicure.

A pre-shaped plastic extension glued to the free edge of the natural nail to add length before shaping and finishing. Tips are blended at the seam and are not meant to cover the whole nail plate.

A thin material such as silk, linen, or fiberglass applied over the nail with resin or adhesive to add strength or repair a break. Wraps can also extend length when used with a tip.

An artificial nail built directly on the natural nail using a liquid monomer and powder polymer mixture or a light-cured gel. It is shaped while wet and filed to a finished form.

The liquid component of a two-part acrylic nail system that reacts with polymer powder to form a hard, cured nail enhancement. It has strong fumes and requires ventilation and skin protection.

The powder component of a two-part acrylic nail system, made of finely ground plastic particles that cure when mixed with monomer. It comes in various colors and setting speeds.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral. Nail products and skin care items are formulated to work at specific pH ranges.

A strong solvent used in nail polish remover and to soak off gel or acrylic enhancements. It is highly flammable and dries skin and nails, so it must be used with ventilation and care.

A small application of a product on the skin to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. It is especially useful for clients with sensitive skin or a history of reactions.

A client's agreement to a service after being told what it involves, its risks, and expected results. It protects both the client and the technician and should be documented when appropriate.

A written or electronic file of a client's service history, product use, allergies, and preferences. Accurate records support safe service and help identify reactions or changes over time.

The range of services and activities a licensed nail technician is legally permitted to perform under state law and board rules. Working outside it can result in discipline or license loss.

The Alaska regulatory body that licenses and oversees barbers, hairdressers, and nail technicians. It adopts rules on licensing, sanitation, and professional conduct.

Required training hours a licensee must complete during a renewal period to keep a license active. It keeps technicians current on safety, sanitation, and technical practice.

The amount added to a product's cost to set its selling price, usually expressed as a percentage. It must cover overhead and profit while remaining competitive for clients.

Setting a fee for a nail service that covers products, time, overhead, and profit while reflecting the local market. It should be reviewed regularly and explained clearly to clients.