DE Nail Technician flashcards

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

Nail plate layers

The nail plate has three layers: dorsal (thin, protective), intermediate (thickest, main body), and ventral (thin, next to the nail bed). The plate rests on the nail bed and is produced mainly by the matrix.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month (roughly 0.1 mm per day). Full replacement takes about 4-6 months. Growth slows with age, winter, and poor circulation.

Toenail growth rate

Toenails grow about 1 mm per month, slower than fingernails. Full toenail replacement takes about 9-12 months. Growth slows with age and poor circulation.

Matrix

The matrix is the tissue at the proximal nail fold that produces most of the nail plate. Damage can cause permanent grooves or ridges. The lunula is the visible portion of the matrix.

Cuticle vs. eponychium

The eponychium is the living skin at the proximal nail fold. The cuticle is the dead, thin skin layer over the nail plate. Only the true cuticle may be softened and gently pushed.

Hyponychium

The hyponychium is the seal of tissue under the free edge of the nail. It prevents debris and pathogens from entering the nail bed. It should never be cut or pushed.

Lunula

The lunula is the whitish, half-moon visible part of the nail matrix at the base of the nail. It appears white because cells are not fully keratinized. It is a key landmark for product application.

Nail plate composition

The nail plate is about 80-90% keratin, with water, lipids, and minerals. It is nonporous and absorbs little water, so product adhesion depends on surface preparation and dehydration.

Nail pH

Healthy nail plate pH is about 4.5-5.5, which is acidic. Alkaline products can damage the plate. Use pH-balanced products and avoid harsh soaps.

Disinfection vs. sterilization

Disinfection kills most pathogens on surfaces. Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, and is required for items that contact broken skin. Clean, disinfect, then store covered.

EPA-registered disinfectant

An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant is used for reusable nail implements. Follow the label contact time exactly. Clean tools with soap and water before disinfection.

Porous vs. nonporous items

Porous items such as files, buffers, and wooden sticks cannot be reliably disinfected and should be discarded after single use. Nonporous metal tools can be cleaned and disinfected or sterilized.

Acrylic chemistry

Acrylic is made from liquid monomer and powder polymer that cure by polymerization. The mix should form a creamy bead. Too wet causes shrinkage and lifting; too dry causes brittleness.

Gel curing

Gel products cure under UV or LED light through photoinitiators. UV lamps cure around 365-395 nm; LED around 395-405 nm. Under-curing causes lifting, discoloration, and allergy risk.

Nail wraps

Nail wraps use fabric or fiberglass saturated with resin over the nail plate. They add strength but require proper saturation and curing. File and finish after the resin sets.

Nail tips

Nail tips are pre-shaped extensions bonded to the free edge with glue or resin. Size the tip to the nail, avoid glue on skin, hold until set, blend the seam, and shape.

Sculpting with forms

Forms fit under the free edge and support product during building. They allow longer extensions and more control than tips. Remove the form after the product sets and refine the shape.

Nail preparation sequence

Remove old product, sanitize hands, shape and file, push cuticles, buff lightly, remove dust, dehydrate, then apply primer or base. Oil or moisture on the plate causes lifting.

Filing technique

File in one direction from corner to center using gentle strokes. Use 180-grit or finer for natural nails. Avoid back-and-forth sawing, which causes splitting and peeling.

Nail shapes

Common shapes are square, squoval, round, oval, almond, and stiletto. Square is strongest; almond and stiletto are tapered. Choose based on nail bed, length, and lifestyle.

Product removal

Acetone dissolves acrylic and gel. File down the product, soak in acetone, and gently remove with a wooden stick. Never pry or force product off, which damages the nail plate.

Acrylic rebalancing

Rebalance fills every 2-3 weeks by filling regrowth at the cuticle area, thinning the product, and rebuilding the apex. Do not build over lifted product; replace it instead.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Repeated skin contact with uncured acrylates can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling at the nail folds. Stop service and refer to a physician.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection causing thickening, yellow-brown discoloration, crumbling, and separation. It is contagious and requires medical treatment, not nail products.

Paronychia

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the nail fold, with redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. Stop service and refer to a physician; do not apply product over infected tissue.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Causes include trauma, moisture, and psoriasis. Do not apply product over separated areas; refer if suspicious.

Onychocryptosis

Onychocryptosis is an ingrown nail, with pain and redness at the sidewall. Do not cut into the sidewall; refer to a podiatrist or physician. Proper filing helps prevent recurrence.

Beau's lines

Beau's lines are horizontal grooves across the nail from interrupted growth, often after illness or trauma. They grow out over time. Document and refer if unexplained.

Melanonychia

Melanonychia is a dark streak or band under the nail. A new dark streak requires medical referral; do not cover undiagnosed discoloration with product.

SDS

A Safety Data Sheet provides hazard, handling, and storage information for each product. Keep SDS accessible at the work station and follow manufacturer instructions for mixing and ventilation.

E-file safety

Use low speed on natural nails, keep the bit moving, and avoid heat buildup. Use the correct bit for the task. Improper use can cause burns and nail damage.

Scope of practice

Nail technicians provide cosmetic services only. Diagnosing or treating disease is outside scope. Refer clients with suspected conditions to a physician and document the referral.