Manicuring and Pedicuring Procedures
Sequence and safety
The professional order is: consultation and hand washing, inspect the nails and skin, remove old product, shape with a file (one direction to prevent splitting), gently push back the eponychium (never cut living tissue unless trained and permitted), clean under the free edge, apply product, and finish with massage and moisturizer. Sanitize or dispose of every implement between clients.
Pedicure specifics
Soak feet briefly (long soaking macerates skin and invites infection), use a clean basin liner or disinfected basin, and never use a credo blade or sharp tool on calluses without proper training and sanitation. Diabetic clients, those with poor circulation, or open sores should be referred and not receive aggressive pedicure services. Foot files and rasps are often single-use or must be disinfected per label.
Traps
Questions test whether you know that cutting cuticles is discouraged, that files are porous and single-use, that soaking too long is a risk, and that massage strokes generally move toward the heart. Also watch for "reuse the same file on the next client" - never.
Rule of thumb
Shape one direction, push don't cut, soak short, and discard anything porous. When a client has diabetes or an open wound, refer rather than risk injury.