CO Nail Technician key terms

A process that uses an EPA-registered chemical product to destroy most harmful microorganisms on nonporous implements and surfaces. Tools must be cleaned and dried first, and the product must stay in contact with the item for the full labeled time.

The highest level of decontamination, which destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on metal implements. It is done with heat, steam, or pressure after the item has been cleaned.

A basic cleaning step that uses soap or detergent and water to physically remove dirt, oil, and debris from hands, tools, and surfaces. It lowers the number of germs but does not kill pathogens.

A sealed device that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize metal implements. Items are cleaned, dried, and sealed in sterilization pouches before the cycle, and the pouch is marked with the date.

A standardized document from a product manufacturer that lists a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal instructions. The salon must keep one available for every professional product on site.

Disease-causing microorganisms such as hepatitis B and HIV that can pass from one person to another through contact with blood or other body fluids. Technicians prevent exposure by following standard precautions at all times.

Infection-control practices applied to every client on the assumption that all blood and body fluids may be infectious. They include hand washing, fresh gloves, eye protection, and safe handling of sharp or contaminated items.

A thin layer of clear product applied to the natural nail before polish. It improves adhesion, keeps colored pigments from staining the plate, and helps the finished manicure wear longer.

The final clear layer applied over polish or nail art to seal the design, add shine, and protect the color from chipping. Some top coats must be cured under a UV or LED lamp.

A metal or wooden tool with a flat, rounded end used to gently push back the eponychium and loosen nonliving tissue on the nail plate. It must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

An abrasive tool graded by grit number. Lower grits are coarser and remove more product, while higher grits are finer and smooth the edge. Single-use files are discarded or given to the client.

A soft, fine-grit tool used to smooth the nail plate, reduce ridges, and add shine. Buffing too often or too hard thins the plate and can cause lasting damage.

The liquid part of an acrylic system that reacts with polymer powder to form a hard, durable coating. It is flammable, gives off strong vapors, and must be kept in a closed container away from heat.

The fine powder part of an acrylic system, made of small bead-like particles that soften and harden when mixed with monomer liquid. It is sold in clear, natural, and colored forms.

A two-part enhancement system in which liquid monomer and powder polymer are mixed into a bead, shaped on the nail, and left to harden in air. The result is strong and can be filled as the nail grows out.

A pre-shaped plastic extension glued to the free edge of a natural nail to add length before acrylic, gel, or wrap product is applied. Tips come in many sizes and shapes and are blended at the seam.

A disposable paper or foil device fitted under the free edge so product can be sculpted into an extension directly on the nail. It is removed once the product has set.

The highest point of an enhancement's curve, positioned over the stress area of the nail. A properly placed apex gives the enhancement strength and helps prevent breaking or cracking.

A light-cured enhancement product that stays liquid until it is exposed to a UV or LED lamp, then hardens. It is applied in thin, even layers, and each layer must be fully cured.

A UV or LED light unit used to harden gel products. The unit and bulbs must be kept clean and in working order, and clients with photosensitivity or certain medications may need to avoid UV exposure.

The visible, hard keratin structure that covers the tip of each finger and toe. It is made mostly of protein, protects the nail bed beneath it, and grows out from the matrix.

The living tissue at the base of the nail, under the eponychium, where new nail cells are produced. Injury or infection in this area can permanently change how the nail grows.

The pale, half-moon shape seen at the base of the nail plate. It is the visible front portion of the matrix, and it looks white because those cells are not yet fully hardened.

The living skin that extends from the base of the finger onto the nail plate and seals the nail folds. It should be pushed back gently and never cut with nippers.

The skin under the free edge where the nail plate lifts away from the nail bed. It forms a seal that helps keep dirt and bacteria from getting under the nail.

The pinkish skin directly beneath the nail plate, rich in blood vessels and nerves. Its color shows through a healthy, translucent plate, and it supports the growing nail.

A contagious fungal infection of the nail that causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the plate. It is a reason to refuse or postpone a nail service and refer the client to a physician.

Inflammation of the tissue around the nail, often caused by bacteria entering through a cut or torn cuticle. Redness, swelling, and pain are signs that the service should be postponed.

A strong solvent used to remove nail polish and to soak off gel or acrylic product. It is highly flammable, dries out skin and nails, and should be used with ventilation and followed by moisturizer.

A small spray tool that uses compressed air to apply thin, even layers of color for nail art. Safe use requires ventilation, a mask, and thorough cleaning between colors and clients.

A nail art technique that swirls two or more colors together while they are still wet to create a stone-like pattern. The design is sealed with a top coat once dry.

Warm melted wax applied to the hands or feet and wrapped to hold in heat, softening the skin and boosting circulation. It is used at a safe temperature and never reused on another client.

A condition or situation that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an infection, an open cut, or an uncontrolled skin disorder. The technician must decline the service and refer the client for care.

A client's clear agreement to a service after being told what it involves, what risks exist, and what alternatives are available. It should be documented before chemical or enhancement services.

A confidential form that records a client's contact details, health history, allergies, products used, and service results. It supports safe, consistent service and helps track reactions or complaints.

The range of services a licensed nail technician is legally allowed to perform. Diagnosing or treating disease and cutting living tissue fall outside that range.

A small amount of product applied to the skin and watched for 24 to 48 hours to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. It is most useful for adhesives and other sensitizing products.

The ethical and legal duty to keep a client's personal and health information private. Records are stored securely and are not shared with anyone without the client's permission.