AR Nail Technician key terms

The first cleaning step that removes visible dirt, oil, and debris from tools, hands, and surfaces using soap or detergent and water before any disinfecting step.

Using a chemical product labeled to kill most harmful microorganisms on nonporous tools and surfaces; it does not reliably kill bacterial spores and is not the same as sterilization.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on tools, usually by steam under pressure in an autoclave or by approved dry heat.

Infection-control habits that treat every client's blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, including handwashing, gloves, and eye protection when splashing is likely.

A manufacturer document listing a product's chemical hazards, safe handling, first aid, storage, and disposal information; it must be available where chemicals are used.

A disinfectant with an EPA registration number and a label claim for hospital use, effective against germs such as Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus on properly cleaned surfaces.

The hard, visible part of the nail made of keratinized cells that covers the nail bed and protects the fingertip.

The skin layer directly beneath the nail plate that carries blood vessels and nerves and looks pink through the clear plate.

The hidden growing area at the base of the nail where new cells form; injury here can cause ridges, thinning, or permanent nail changes.

The pale half-moon at the base of the nail plate, made of cells that have just emerged from the matrix and are not fully hardened.

The living skin fold at the base of the nail that seals the gap between skin and nail plate and helps block bacteria.

The skin under the free edge of the nail that seals the nail bed and helps keep dirt and germs out.

A hand and nail service that includes shaping, cuticle care, massage, and usually polish, performed for hygiene and appearance.

A number on a file or buffer that shows how coarse the abrasive is; low numbers remove more material and high numbers smooth.

A metal or wooden tool with a rounded edge used to gently push back the eponychium after softening; it should not cut living skin.

A thin first polish layer that helps color stick, protects the nail from staining, and creates a smooth surface.

A clear polish layer applied last to add shine, seal in color, reduce chipping, and help protect the design.

A foot and toenail service that includes soaking, exfoliation, nail shaping, cuticle care, massage, and often polish.

A thickened patch of hard skin caused by repeated pressure or friction, often on heels and the balls of the feet.

A nail edge that has grown into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling; technicians should not treat it and should refer the client to a doctor.

A bowl or tub used to soften feet during a pedicure; it must be cleaned and disinfected between clients, and disposable liners reduce contamination.

A pre-shaped plastic extension glued to the free edge of a natural nail to add length before shaping and finishing.

A fabric or paper overlay applied with resin or glue over the natural nail to strengthen it or repair a break.

A fast-bonding adhesive used to attach tips and wraps; it can glue skin instantly, so it must be handled carefully and kept off surrounding tissue.

Filing and smoothing the seam where a tip or wrap meets the natural nail so the extension looks seamless and resists lifting.

The liquid part of a liquid-and-powder acrylic system that reacts with polymer powder to form a hard nail enhancement.

The powder part of an acrylic system, made of fine acrylic particles that mix with monomer to form a workable bead.

The balance of monomer and polymer picked up on the brush; it decides whether the bead is too wet, too dry, or correct for smooth control.

A liquid applied thinly to the natural nail before acrylic to improve adhesion; too much or contact with skin can cause lifting or irritation.

The slightly thicker area of a sculptured nail over the stress zone that adds strength where the enhancement bends most.

A nail product that stays soft until exposed to a matching ultraviolet or LED lamp, which hardens it into a durable coating.

Exposing gel to the correct lamp for the manufacturer's stated time so it fully hardens; under-curing can cause peeling, service breakdown, and skin reaction.

The tacky, uncured film left on the surface of gel after curing, which is wiped off with cleanser before finishing.

A long-wearing polish that hardens under a lamp and is removed by soaking or filing, not by ordinary polish remover alone.

A colored cosmetic coating made of film formers, plasticizers, and pigments that dries by evaporation and is removed with solvent.

A classic style with a pale or natural pink base and a crisp white tip line that makes nails look clean and longer.

The specific services and procedures a licensed nail technician may legally perform under state law; doing more can lead to discipline.

A written or electronic note of each service, products used, and any reactions or complaints, kept for the period the state board requires.

Explaining a service's risks, benefits, and alternatives and getting the client's permission before starting work.

Keeping a client's personal and health information private and sharing it only when the client agrees or the law requires.