DC Nail Technician cheat sheet

Client record card must document each service date, products used, and any adverse reaction; retain records per DC regulation (typically 3 years) and make them available to the Board on request.

Single-use items (emery boards, orangewood sticks, cotton, toe separators, nail files for natural nails) must be discarded after each client; porous items cannot be disinfected.

Reusable metal implements (nippers, cuticle pushers, tweezers) must be cleaned with soap and water, dried, then immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant at the label's contact time (often 10 minutes) after each client.

Disinfectant solution must be mixed fresh daily, labeled with the date and product name, and tested with the manufacturer's test strips if applicable; change when visibly soiled.

Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is required before and after each client and after removing gloves; hand sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

A clean towel or disposable mat must be placed under the client's hands and changed between clients; the work surface must be disinfected after each client.

Nail drill bits must be cleaned and disinfected between clients; bits that cannot be disinfected (e.g., porous) are single-use only.

A pedicure basin must be drained, cleaned with soap and water, and disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant after each client; whirlpool tubs require the label's contact time before reuse.

Nail technicians must not perform services on clients with visible signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fungal discoloration) and must refer them to a physician; service can resume only with medical clearance.

Bloodborne pathogen standard: treat all blood and body fluids as infectious; wear gloves, use a barrier, and disinfect contaminated surfaces with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.

If a client is cut and bleeding occurs, stop the service, put on gloves, clean the wound, apply an adhesive bandage, and discard contaminated materials in a closed container; then disinfect all tools and surfaces.

Chemicals such as acrylic monomer, primer, and polish remover must be stored in closed, labeled containers away from heat and open flame; Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be on file and accessible.

Ventilation: use local exhaust or open windows; do not eat, drink, or smoke in the service area; wash hands after handling chemicals.

Electrical safety: keep cords away from water, do not use damaged equipment, and unplug before cleaning; GFCI outlets are recommended near sinks.

Fire safety: keep a fire extinguisher accessible and know its location; store flammable liquids in approved cabinets; do not block exits.

Client protection: drape clients, use neck strips, and avoid sharing personal items; refuse service if the client has an open wound or contagious condition.

Personal protective equipment: gloves for all services involving blood or chemicals; safety glasses when using drills or filing; mask when dust is generated.

Sanitation vs. disinfection: cleaning removes visible debris; disinfection kills most pathogens on nonporous surfaces; sterilization kills all microorganisms and is not required for routine manicuring.

The DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology regulates manicurists; a license is required to perform manicuring for compensation in the District.

License renewal: manicurist licenses expire on a set date (often every two years); renewal requires completing continuing education hours as specified by the Board (verify current requirement).

Display requirements: the license must be displayed in public view at the work station or establishment; a copy must be available for inspection.

Establishment license: the salon must hold a valid establishment license; a manicurist may not work in an unlicensed establishment.

Sanitation inspections: Board inspectors may enter and inspect without notice during business hours; refusal can result in discipline.

Grounds for discipline include unsanitary practices, unlicensed practice, fraud, and impairment; penalties may include fines, suspension, or revocation.

Continuing education: manicurists must complete a specified number of hours per renewal cycle, including infection control and DC law; keep certificates for audit.

Scope of practice: manicurists may perform nail care, artificial nail application, and pedicuring; they may not perform medical treatments such as diagnosing or treating infections.

Advertising: license number must appear on advertisements; false or misleading claims are prohibited.

Nail shape: file in one direction from corner to center to avoid splitting; use a fine-grit file for natural nails; do not file back and forth.

Cuticle care: apply cuticle softener, gently push back with a rubber-tipped pusher, and trim only hangnails or loose cuticle; never cut live tissue.

Buffing: use a buffer to smooth ridges and increase circulation; do not over-buff as it thins the nail plate.

Base coat protects the nail and improves adhesion; apply thin coats; two coats of polish; top coat seals and adds shine.

Massage: use effleurage and petrissage on the hand and forearm; avoid pressure points and joints; massage improves circulation and relaxation.

Pedicure: soak feet in warm water with sanitizer; clean under free edge; file nails straight across; use a pumice stone on calluses; massage with lotion.

Artificial nails: prepare the nail plate by removing shine and dehydrating; apply tip or form; use acrylic or gel according to manufacturer instructions; avoid skin contact with monomer.

Nail drill: use low speed for natural nails, higher for artificial; keep bit moving to avoid heat buildup; never drill on the cuticle or eponychium.

Client consultation: assess nail condition, ask about allergies, and document; explain service and aftercare.