AL Nail Technician key terms

Using an EPA-registered product on tools and surfaces to destroy most harmful microorganisms, except bacterial spores, after the item has been cleaned of visible debris.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an item; in salons this is usually done with an autoclave for tools that may contact blood.

The first step of infection control: washing with soap and water or a detergent to remove visible dirt, debris, and many germs from hands, tools, and surfaces.

A disinfectant carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number on its label, meaning it has been reviewed and approved for killing the germs named on that label.

Viruses and bacteria spread through blood or other body fluids, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV; nail professionals must use barriers and proper cleanup to avoid exposure.

Infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand washing, gloves, and disinfecting tools between services.

A document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid steps, and storage requirements; it must be kept available in the salon.

A device that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize metal implements; only items labeled autoclavable should be processed, and proper packaging and cycles must be followed.

The transfer of germs from one person, tool, or surface to another, often through shared implements, dirty towels, or unwashed hands.

A cosmetic service for the hands that includes shaping the natural nails, pushing back the cuticles, filing, massage, and usually polish.

A cosmetic service for the feet and toenails that includes soaking, exfoliating, shaping nails, cuticle care, massage, and often polish; foot spas require special disinfection.

A tool, often metal or wood, used to gently push back the thin skin on the nail plate after softening; it should be held at a low angle to avoid injuring the nail bed.

A number describing abrasive particle size on a file or buffer; lower numbers mean coarser abrasives and higher numbers mean finer, gentler abrasives.

A pedicure basin that recirculates water through a pump and jets; because debris collects inside, it must be cleaned and disinfected according to board rules after each client.

The liquid component of acrylic systems, usually ethyl methacrylate, that softens and bonds with polymer powder to form a hard enhancement when it sets.

The powder component of acrylic systems, made of finely ground plastic beads that absorb monomer liquid and harden into the finished nail enhancement.

The chemical reaction in which monomer molecules link into long chains and the acrylic or gel hardens; heat, light, or a catalyst can drive it.

A liquid applied to the natural nail before acrylic to improve adhesion by preparing the surface; modern acid-free types are common and should be used sparingly.

A pre-shaped plastic extension glued to the free edge of a natural nail to add length before acrylic or gel is applied over it.

A disposable paper or plastic template fitted under the free edge to build a sculpted extension; it is removed once the product hardens.

A light-cured enhancement product that stays flexible until exposed to ultraviolet or LED light, which hardens it; it cannot air-dry.

Hardening of a gel or acrylic enhancement through a chemical or light-activated reaction; under-curing leaves a tacky, weak surface prone to lifting.

The thickest point of an enhancement, located over the stress area of the nail, which gives strength and a natural-looking curve.

The hard, visible part of the nail made mostly of keratin, resting on the nail bed and growing from the matrix.

The skin beneath the nail plate that contains blood vessels and nerves, giving the nail its pink color and supplying nutrients.

The living area at the base of the nail where new cells form and keratinize; damage here can permanently change nail shape or growth.

The whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail plate, formed by the visible front edge of the matrix.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the area and protects against infection; it is often mistakenly called the cuticle.

A fungal infection of the nail that can cause thickening, discoloration, and crumbling; it is contagious and requires medical treatment, not a cosmetic service.

Inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail, often from cuts or aggressive cuticle work; it shows redness, swelling, and tenderness.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving a whitish gap; it can result from trauma, moisture, or infection and should not be covered without care.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity; nails and skin prefer mildly acidic products, and strong shifts can weaken the nail or irritate skin.

A small trial application of a product on the skin, usually 24 to 48 hours ahead, to check for an allergic reaction before a full service.

A substance that can trigger an immune reaction such as redness, itching, or swelling; repeated exposure may make a client permanently sensitive to it.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an open sore, infection, or known allergy.

The movement of fresh air through a salon to reduce inhalation of vapors, dust, and fumes from acrylics, solvents, and files; local exhaust at the workstation is best.

The state agency that licenses nail technicians and salons, sets sanitation rules, investigates complaints, and may discipline licensees.

A person holding a valid Alabama license to practice nail technology; the license must be posted and available for inspection.

The tasks a licensed nail technician is legally allowed to perform; doing services outside it, such as medical treatment, can lead to discipline.

Required training hours a licensee must complete during each renewal period to keep a license active and stay current on safety and technique.