AR Nail Technician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Sterilization

Process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an implement; usually achieved in an autoclave with steam under pressure.

Hospital-grade disinfectant

EPA-registered product labeled tuberculocidal that destroys most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on nonporous implements when used for the manufacturer's stated contact time.

Single-use implement

Item such as a wooden stick, file, or buffer that cannot be properly disinfected and must be discarded or given to the client after one service.

OSHA

Federal agency that requires employers to keep the workplace safe, including hazard communication training and Safety Data Sheets for salon chemicals.

Nail matrix

Living tissue beneath the proximal nail fold where nail cells are produced; injury to the matrix causes permanent deformity or ridges in the nail plate.

Lunula

Whitish, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail plate; it is the visible portion of the matrix and is most obvious on the thumbs.

Hyponychium

Skin seal located beneath the free edge of the nail plate that protects the nail bed from bacteria and debris.

Fingernail growth rate

Nails grow about 0.1 mm per day, roughly 3 mm or one-eighth inch per month; a fingernail is fully replaced in four to six months.

Effleurage

Light, gliding massage stroke performed with the palms and fingers; used to begin and end a hand and arm massage during a manicure.

Squoval nail shape

Nail shape with a straight free edge and rounded corners; it combines square and oval, giving strength without sharp corners.

Base coat

First layer of polish that bonds to the nail plate, prevents staining, and improves the wear time of the colored polish.

Onychomycosis referral

Fungal infection of the toenail causing thickening and discoloration; technicians must not treat it and should refer the client to a physician.

Toenail trimming rule

Cut toenails straight across and file the corners slightly; deeply rounded corners encourage ingrown toenails.

Pedicure basin disinfection

Whirlpool footbaths must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade product after every client, including screens and filters.

Nail tip

Pre-formed plastic extension glued to the free edge of the natural nail, then filed flush to add length.

Fiberglass wrap

Nail reinforcement made from fiberglass fabric saturated with resin, used to strengthen a weak nail or repair a crack.

Cyanoacrylate

Main adhesive ingredient in nail glue; it bonds rapidly and must be kept off skin to prevent irritation.

Monomer

Liquid part of an acrylic system, usually ethyl methacrylate, that polymerizes with polymer powder to form a hard nail enhancement.

Stress area

Zone 2 of an acrylic nail, located where the free edge meets the nail plate; it is built up for strength because the nail flexes there.

Acid-based primer

Methacrylic acid product applied sparingly to the natural nail plate to improve acrylic adhesion; it must not touch skin.

MMA monomer

Methyl methacrylate; banned or restricted by many state boards because it can cause severe nail damage and allergic reactions.

Hard gel

Light-cured gel that cannot be soaked off with acetone; it must be filed away during removal or maintenance appointments.

Gel polish curing

Each thin layer of base, color, and top gel is cured under a UV or LED lamp for the time specified by the manufacturer.

LED lamp

Curing light emitting a narrow wavelength matched to LED-formulated gel photoinitiators; it cures faster than a standard UV lamp.

Striper brush

Long, thin nail art brush used to paint fine lines, stripes, and detailed designs on the nail plate.

French manicure

Classic design with a sheer pink or nude base and a crisp white free edge, finished with a glossy top coat.

Polish thinner

Solvent used to restore thickened nail polish; acetone should never be used because it breaks down the polish formula.

Scope of practice

Services a licensed nail technician may legally perform, as defined by state law and enforced by the state board.

Informed consent

Client's agreement to receive a service after being told about the products, possible risks, and alternatives; documented in the client record.

Safety Data Sheet

Document from a product manufacturer listing chemical hazards, first-aid measures, and safe handling instructions; OSHA requires it in the salon.

Booth rental

Business arrangement where a technician pays fixed rent for salon space, keeps all service income, and handles their own taxes.

Client confidentiality

Ethical and legal duty to keep a client's personal and health information private; records should not be shared without permission.