Nail Services: Manicure, Pedicure and Nail Art/Design
Structure and assessment
Candidates must know nail anatomy - nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle, eponychium, lunula, free edge - and recognise normal versus abnormal presentations. Abnormal signs such as discolouration, thickening, separation, swelling or pain suggest infection or underlying disease and require referral rather than cosmetic cover-up. Understand nail shapes and the filing technique that suits each, always filing in one direction on natural nails to reduce splitting.
Manicure and pedicure procedure
A safe service follows a sequence: consultation, hand or foot hygiene, nail shaping, cuticle care, exfoliation, massage, product application and aftercare. Cuticle work should push back and trim only non-living tissue; aggressive cutting opens the door to infection. Pedicures demand extra care with clients who have diabetes, circulatory problems or reduced sensation - these are high-risk and may need medical clearance.
Nail art and design
Design work includes polish, gel, acrylic, wraps and hand-painted art. Understand product chemistry basics, correct mix ratios, curing requirements and removal methods. Over-filing, improper curing and incorrect removal damage the natural nail. Know the safe use of electric files: correct bits, speed, direction and pressure, plus dust extraction and PPE.
Traps to watch
Questions often test whether you should treat a suspected fungal infection (refer), whether cutting cuticles is good practice (it is not), and whether a client with diabetes can always have a pedicure (risk assessment or clearance may be needed). Another trap is confusing sterilisation with disinfection for reusable implements.
Rule of thumb
If the natural nail looks unhealthy, do not hide it under product - document, advise and refer.