CA Nail Technician key terms

The state agency that licenses nail technicians and salons and enforces the laws and rules covering cosmetology, barbering, electrology, and manicuring in California.

A license issued by the Board that allows a salon to legally offer nail and other cosmetology services; the license must be posted and kept current.

Board regulations that set minimum sanitation, disinfection, and record-keeping standards for salons and licensees, including rules for cleaning implements and disposing of waste.

The specific services a licensed nail technician is legally permitted to perform, such as manicures, pedicures, and nail extensions, and the tasks that are reserved for other licensees.

The process of killing most harmful microorganisms on surfaces and implements using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant, after the items have been cleaned of visible debris.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually through heat, steam, or chemical sterilants; it is stronger than disinfection and used for items that contact broken skin.

The first step of infection control: removing visible dirt, oil, product residue, and debris from implements and surfaces with soap and water before any disinfection takes place.

An EPA-registered product labeled as a hospital disinfectant that is used at the correct dilution and contact time to kill pathogens on implements and work surfaces.

The number of minutes an implement or surface must stay wet with a disinfectant for the product to work as labeled; skipping this time means the item is not properly disinfected.

A device that uses pressurized steam and high heat to sterilize metal implements and other heat-safe items after they have been cleaned and dried.

A product or tool, such as a nail file, buffer, or wooden stick, that cannot be safely cleaned and disinfected and must be thrown away after one client.

An infection-control approach in which every client is treated as potentially infectious, so gloves, handwashing, and barrier tools are used consistently with all clients.

Items worn to protect the technician from exposure, such as disposable gloves, safety glasses, and masks, which are changed between clients and discarded properly.

The hard, visible keratin layer that covers the nail bed and protects the sensitive tissue beneath it; its surface is where polish and enhancements are applied.

The pink tissue under the nail plate that contains blood vessels and nerves and supplies the nail plate with moisture and nutrients.

The living area at the base of the nail where new cells form and harden into the nail plate; injury or pressure here can permanently change nail growth.

The whitish, half-moon shape visible at the base of the nail plate; it is the visible portion of the matrix and is often lighter in color.

The thin layer of dead skin that seals the base of the nail plate to the surrounding skin and protects the matrix from bacteria and debris.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate, just above the cuticle; it should never be cut because it protects the nail from infection.

The skin that seals the free edge of the nail plate to the fingertip, helping keep dirt and microorganisms out from under the nail.

The part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip and is filed or trimmed during a manicure or pedicure.

The tough protein that makes up the nail plate and the outer layer of skin; its strong bonds give nails their hardness and shape.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe to perform, such as an infection, open wound, or skin disease; the technician should refer the client to a physician.

The conversation before a service in which the technician asks about health history, allergies, medications, and preferences, then explains the procedure and confirms the client's goals.

A small test application of a product on the skin, usually the inner arm, done before a full service to check whether the client is allergic or sensitive to it.

An allergic skin reaction causing redness, itching, swelling, or blisters where a product touched the skin; it can develop after repeated exposure to ingredients such as acrylates.

An infection of the skin around the nail that causes redness, swelling, and pain; it is a contraindication for nail services and should be treated by a doctor.

A fungal infection of the nail that can cause thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail plate; it is contagious and must be treated medically, not cosmetically.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often caused by trauma, aggressive filing, or prolonged moisture; the loose area should not be forced or filled.

A liquid applied to the natural nail before some enhancement products to improve adhesion; it must be used sparingly and kept off the skin.

A two-part enhancement system in which a liquid monomer is mixed with a polymer powder to form a hard, sculptable bead that cures on the nail.

The liquid part of an acrylic system, usually ethyl methacrylate, that reacts with the polymer powder to harden; it is flammable and must be used with ventilation.

An artificial nail built on the natural nail or form using acrylic, gel, or other enhancement products, shaped and filed to the desired length and style.

A thin material such as silk, fiberglass, or linen applied over the nail plate with resin to strengthen or repair it; it is not a full sculptured extension.

The process in which repeated skin contact with an ingredient, such as an acrylate, triggers an allergic response that can make future work with that product unsafe.

A document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists a product's hazards, safe handling instructions, first-aid measures, and storage requirements.

The movement of fresh air through the salon, using exhaust fans or open windows, to reduce exposure to vapors, dust, and fumes from nail products.

An electric rotary tool with interchangeable bits used to shape enhancements and reduce product; bits must be cleaned, disinfected, and used with care to avoid burning the nail.

A basin used to soak the feet during a pedicure; after each client it must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected with an EPA-registered product before reuse.