Nail Technology
Nail Technology
The Nail Technology domain tests manicuring, pedicuring, nail anatomy, artificial nail services, chemistry, and salon sanitation. The exam emphasizes protecting the natural nail and recognizing when a client must be referred rather than serviced.
Core rules and concepts
- Nail anatomy: the matrix produces the nail plate; the nail bed supports it; the cuticle seals the nail base; the eponychium is the living skin at the base; the hyponychium is under the free edge; the lunula is the visible part of the matrix. The natural nail is not dead tissue at the matrix and must not be over-filed.
- Sanitation: clean implements with soap and water, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant at the label contact time. Porous buffers, wooden sticks, and files are single-use or client-specific. Pedicure tubs require cleaning and disinfection between clients, including jets.
- Manicure/pedicure: consult, wash hands, shape with the grain, gently push cuticles, never cut living tissue unless scope allows, massage, and polish. Nipper use on living cuticle can cause infection.
- Artificial nails: acrylic is a liquid monomer plus powder polymer; gel needs a UV/LED lamp; tips and forms build length. Use proper mix ratio; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, too dry causes brittleness. MMA monomer is prohibited in many jurisdictions because of severe nail damage.
- Disorders: refer onychomycosis, paronychia, psoriasis, and green-black discoloration. Do not apply artificial nails over infection.
Worked example
A client has a green-black spot on the nail plate and wants an acrylic overlay. The reasoning: green-black discoloration suggests Pseudomonas/bacterial involvement, which is contraindicated for enhancement. Do not file over it, do not cover it, and refer to a physician. Disinfect all implements that contacted the area. Document and reschedule after clearance.
Traps
Cutting the cuticle; using MMA; overfiling the nail plate; reusing a disposable buffer; skipping jet cleaning; and covering an infected nail. Also remember that a nail service is not a medical treatment: recognition and referral are the safe answer.