Nail Care, Manicuring, and Pedicuring
Anatomy
The nail plate is the visible hard keratin; it sits on the nail bed and is produced by the matrix, whose visible portion is the lunula. The cuticle is dead tissue on the plate, while the eponychium is living skin at the base; the hyponychium seals under the free edge and the sidewalls frame the nail. Nails grow roughly 3 mm per month on fingers, slower on toes, and faster in warm weather.
Manicuring and pedicuring
Set up with disinfected implements and single-use items. Shape with a file in one direction to avoid splitting, soften cuticles with product rather than cutting living tissue, and use nippers only on hangnails or clearly dead tissue. Push back gently with a metal pusher or wooden stick. Pedicure basins require an EPA-registered disinfectant at the label's contact time, and whirlpool screens and jets must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
Disorders to refer
Onychomycosis (fungal infection), paronychia (bacterial infection of tissue around the nail), onycholysis (separation), onychorrhexis (splitting), pitting, Beau's lines, and any new or darkening discoloration. Cosmetologists may beautify; they may not diagnose or treat.
Enhancements
Acrylics use a liquid monomer and powder polymer; gels cure under UV or LED; wraps use resin and fabric. MMA monomer is banned in many states - use EMA. Primer improves adhesion, and product should never touch skin, which causes lifting and possible allergic reaction. Electric files require training and light pressure.
Traps
Calling the eponychium the cuticle; cutting living tissue; skipping basin disinfection; using nippers near a paronychia.
Rule of thumb
If the nail or surrounding skin is red, swollen, painful, discharging, or discolored in a way that is not polish, do not service it - refer, then disinfect everything the client touched.