Cert III Nail Technology flashcards

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

Standard precautions

Infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

Disinfection versus sterilization

Disinfection destroys most pathogens on surfaces but may not kill spores; sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores and is required for reusable skin-penetrating implements.

Contact time

The duration a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to achieve its labeled kill claim; shortening it reduces effectiveness even at the correct dilution.

Nail plate composition

The nail plate is made of tightly packed keratinized cells rich in sulfur; it is non-porous, so topical products do not penetrate it and moisture mainly affects surrounding skin.

Lunula

The whitish, half-moon area at the base of the nail; it is the visible portion of the matrix, and injury to this area can permanently alter nail growth.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail causing thickening, discoloration, and separation; it is a contraindication to nail enhancement services and requires referral to a healthcare provider.

Paronychia

Inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, often with redness, swelling, and pain; services should be postponed and the client referred for medical assessment.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, so complete replacement takes roughly 4 to 6 months; toenails grow about 1 mm per month and may take up to a year.

Client consultation record

A documented pre-service history covering allergies, medications, prior reactions, occupation, and desired outcome; it supports safe product selection and provides a legal record.

Neutral wrist posture

Keeping the wrist straight rather than bent during filing and product application; this reduces strain on tendons and nerves and lowers the risk of repetitive-strain injury.

Patch test

A small controlled application of a product to the skin, assessed after 24 to 48 hours, used to detect sensitization before a full enhancement service.

Acrylic bead ratio

The balance of liquid monomer to powder polymer; a properly saturated bead is matte and holds shape, while too wet or too dry beads cause lifting, bubbles, or weakness.

Photoinitiator

The ingredient in UV/LED gel that absorbs light at the lamp's wavelength and starts polymerization; if the lamp does not match, the gel remains tacky and weak.

Under-curing

Insufficient exposure of gel to the correct wavelength and time, leaving uncured product that weakens the enhancement and increases the risk of allergic reaction.

Lifting

Separation of an enhancement from the natural nail, commonly caused by product on the skin, incomplete cuticle removal, or inadequate surface preparation and dehydration.

Nail tip sizing

Selecting a tip that matches the natural nail width at the free edge; an oversized or undersized tip creates stress points and raises the risk of breakage.

Electric file speed

The rotational rate of the drill; lower speeds and finer bits are used near the cuticle and sidewalls to avoid friction burns and excessive thinning of the plate.

Monomer vapor exposure

Airborne acrylic liquid vapor that irritates the respiratory tract; local exhaust ventilation and nitrile gloves reduce occupational exposure in the salon.

Porous implement rule

Files, buffers, and wooden sticks cannot be reliably disinfected; they must be discarded after use or labeled and kept for a single client only.

Nitrile versus latex gloves

Nitrile gloves are preferred in nail services because they resist acrylics and solvents better than latex and avoid latex allergy concerns for clients and technicians.

Keratin

The structural protein that forms the nail plate and skin; its high sulfur content and cross-linking give nails strength and make the plate non-porous.

Matrix

The tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells; damage to the matrix can cause permanent ridges, thinning, or altered nail shape.

Cuticle versus cuticle skin

The cuticle is the dead tissue seal at the nail base; the eponychium is living skin. Only dead cuticle is removed, and living tissue must not be cut.

Anticoagulant medication risk

Clients taking blood thinners may bleed more easily from minor nicks; technicians should use gentle techniques and avoid aggressive cuticle work or sharp implements.

Nail psoriasis

A condition causing pitting, ridging, and separation of the nail; it is not infectious but can be aggravated by enhancement services, so referral is appropriate.

Hand hygiene moments

Hands must be washed before and after each client, after removing gloves, after contact with body fluids, and before touching clean implements or surfaces.

Stress point

The area of an enhancement most subject to mechanical force, typically the free edge and sidewalls; proper structure and apex placement reduce breakage at these points.

Apex placement

The thickest part of an enhancement, positioned over the stress area of the natural nail; correct apex placement gives strength and a balanced profile.

Dehydrating the nail plate

Removing surface moisture and oils before enhancement application; this improves adhesion and reduces lifting, but over-filing or harsh products can thin the plate.

Gel polish removal

Soaking or wrapping with acetone-based remover to break down the gel; scraping or peeling damages the nail plate and should be avoided.

Salon ventilation

Local exhaust or general ventilation that removes vapors and dust at the source; it protects both technician and client from respiratory and eye irritation.

Single-use implements

Items such as files, buffers, and wooden sticks intended for one client only; they cannot be safely disinfected and must be discarded or kept client-specific.