IA Nail Technician cheat sheet

Pathogen classes: bacteria (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas), fungi (Tinea unguium, Tinea pedis), viruses (HPV, herpes, hepatitis B and C), parasites (lice, scabies).

Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms on surfaces but not necessarily bacterial spores; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is required for any item that penetrates skin or contacts blood.

Hospital-level EPA disinfectants carry a tuberculocidal claim; quaternary ammonium compounds are lower-level and are not appropriate for blood-contaminated implements.

Implements must be cleaned (soap and water, dried) before immersion in disinfectant, because organic debris inactivates most disinfectants; follow the label contact time exactly.

Single-use porous items (emery boards, buffers, cotton, wooden pushers, nail files) cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one client.

Porous non-absorbent items such as terry towels are laundered with detergent and bleach; blood-borne pathogen standards classify them separately from hard, non-porous implements.

Hand hygiene sequence: wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, dry, then apply alcohol-based sanitizer; wash before and after every client and after glove removal.

Gloves are not a substitute for handwashing; wash hands before donning and after removing gloves, and change gloves between clients and when torn.

Blood exposure protocol: stop service, wear gloves, clean the wound, apply pressure, cover with a bandage, disinfect all contacted surfaces and implements, and document the incident.

Nail plate layers: nail plate (keratinized cells), nail bed (attached to plate, carries blood and nerve supply), nail matrix (generates plate), cuticle (dead tissue at proximal fold), eponychium (living skin at proximal fold), hyponychium (seal under free edge), lunula (visible matrix).

Nail growth averages about 3 mm per month for fingernails and about 1 mm per month for toenails; complete replacement of a fingernail takes roughly 4 to 6 months and a toenail 9 to 12 months.

Matrix cells keratinize and push forward; damage to the matrix produces grooves, ridges, or permanent nail deformity, so matrix-area pressure during service is a risk.

Bones of the hand: carpals (8), metacarpals (5), phalanges (14), total 27; the thumb has two phalanges and no middle phalanx.

Major arm bones: humerus (upper arm), radius (thumb side), ulna (little-finger side); wrist joint is the radiocarpal articulation.

Muscles of the forearm flex and extend fingers via tendons; the flexor digitorum and extensor digitorum groups control finger movement, and repetitive strain can cause tendinitis.

Nerve supply: median nerve (thumb, index, middle, part of ring), ulnar nerve (little finger and ring), radial nerve (dorsal hand); compression of the median nerve at the wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Blood supply: radial and ulnar arteries form palmar arches feeding digital arteries; the nail bed's pink color reflects capillary blood flow.

Lymph and veins drain proximally; swelling, redness, or pus at a nail fold suggests infection and requires service to stop and referral.

Manicure sequence: sanitize hands, inspect nails and skin, remove old product, shape with file in one direction, soak, push cuticle back gently, trim only dead tissue, massage, apply base coat, color, top coat.

File grit rule: lower grit (80-100) removes product faster and is for artificial nails; 180-240 grit is for natural nail shaping; higher grit (400+) polishes.

Shape decision rule: square suits strong, wide nail plates; oval and almond suit narrow plates; round suits short nails; square with rounded corners reduces corner snagging.

Soaking softens keratin and temporarily expands the nail plate; file and shape before soaking, and allow the plate to dry before applying product for better adhesion.

Pedicure safety: use a disposable liner or disinfect the basin between clients, avoid credo blades and sharp curettes, and never cut living tissue or corns.

Cuticle work: the cuticle is dead tissue and may be gently pushed and trimmed; the eponychium is living tissue and must not be cut, or infection risk rises.

Massage contraindications: do not massage over inflamed, broken, or infected skin, or over areas with undiagnosed swelling; use light pressure and avoid joints with injury.

Contraindications for service include fungal infection, paronychia, open lesions, severe dermatitis, and undiagnosed nail discoloration; refer to a physician rather than treat.

Polish application: thin base coat, two thin color coats, thin top coat; thick coats wrinkle and lift, and each layer must dry before the next.

Nail tip application: select tip width matching the natural nail, pre-blend and thin the tip edge, apply adhesive with light pressure, hold 5-10 seconds, then shorten and shape.

Tip sizing rule: the tip's sidewalls must be narrower than the natural nail's sidewalls so the tip does not overhang; file the well area to blend into the plate.

Tip adhesion depends on a clean, dehydrated plate; buff the shine off the natural nail, remove dust, and avoid touching the bonding surface.

Silk wrap: apply resin to the plate, lay the silk, saturate it, press out air bubbles, let cure, then buff and seal; silk adds strength with minimal bulk.

Fiberglass wrap: fiberglass mesh is stronger than silk and is applied in the same resin-saturation method; two to three layers build strength for weak or split nails.

Linen wrap is the strongest fabric wrap; it is thicker and used for repair of a broken nail or added stress support.

Overlays are product applied over the natural nail without extension; gel or acrylic overlay adds strength but must be thin enough to avoid lifting at the stress zone.

Wrap removal: file down the top layer, then soak in acetone or use remover, and never pull the wrap off the natural nail because it removes plate layers.

Stress zone is the area at the free edge sidewalls where lifting and breakage begin; keep product thin there and avoid over-filing seams.

Acrylic system chemistry: powder is a polymer (polyethyl methacrylate), liquid monomer is ethyl or methyl methacrylate; mixing causes polymerization, and the correct ratio is a workable bead that holds its shape without running.

Ratio rule: too wet causes shrinkage, lifting, and bubbles; too dry causes brittle, cloudy, and flaking product; aim for a bead that stays rounded on the brush.

Application zones: zone 1 is the free edge, zone 2 the stress area (apex), zone 3 the cuticle area; build the apex in zone 2 and keep zone 3 thin.

Primer improves adhesion on the natural nail; acid-based primer etches the plate and requires care, non-acid primer is gentler but still needs a clean, dehydrated nail.

Polymerization is exothermic; a too-thick bead or too-wet mix generates heat, causing a burning sensation, so apply thinner layers.

Sculpting steps: prep and dehydrate, apply forms or tips, apply product in zones, pinch or shape during the set phase, then file, buff, and seal with top coat.

Filing rule: use a 180-240 grit file on the natural nail and lower grit only on product; over-filing the natural plate thins it and causes sensitivity.

Removal: file down bulk product, wrap with acetone-soaked cotton and foil, wait 15-20 minutes, then gently remove residue; never pry or force product off.

Contraindications and safety: monomer has strong odor and vapor, so use ventilation and closed containers; do not use MMA (methyl methacrylate) monomer, which is banned in many states for nail use.

Gel chemistry: gel contains photoinitiators that cure when exposed to UV or LED light; the wavelength and lamp must match the product's photoinitiator system.

Cure rule: follow the manufacturer's cure time and lamp type; under-curing leaves a tacky, weak gel that can cause allergic reaction, over-curing makes the gel brittle.

Gel types: base coat, builder/hard gel (structure and apex), color gel, and top coat; hard gel cannot be soaked off and must be filed off.

Soft gel (soak-off) is porous enough for acetone removal; hard gel is not, so misidentifying the product leads to damage during removal.

Application: thin base layer, cure; build structure in thin layers, cure each layer; keep gel off the skin to avoid lifting and skin reaction.

Inhibition layer: the tacky surface after curing is uncured gel; wipe with cleanser or alcohol according to the system, or leave it if the product's next layer requires it.

Gel lamp maintenance: replace bulbs or lamps per manufacturer schedule, keep reflectors clean, and do not stack clients' hands or partially insert the hand, which causes uneven cure.

Skin sensitivity and allergy: uncured gel on skin can cause contact dermatitis (acrylates allergy); keep product off skin, and refer clients with reaction to a physician.

Gel polish removal: file the top coat, soak with acetone and cotton, wait, then gently push off; do not scrape with metal tools.

Design principles: balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity; the art should complement the hand shape and nail length rather than crowd the plate.

Color theory: complementary colors sit opposite the wheel and create contrast; analogous colors sit adjacent and create harmony; value is lightness or darkness.

Nail art methods include hand painting, stamping, airbrushing, foils, decals, rhinestones, and freehand line work; each requires a proper top coat seal for durability.

Stamping: apply polish to the plate, scrape, press the stamper, then roll onto the nail; too much polish smears and too little gives patchy transfer.

Rhinestones and 3D art: attach with gel or nail glue over a cured surface and seal edges; large 3D pieces snag and may be a workplace safety issue.

French manicure: smile line should follow the free edge curve and be consistent across nails; the white tip should be about one-third of the visible plate.

Finishing rule: cap the free edge with top coat to seal and reduce chipping; apply top coat thinly and cure or dry fully to avoid smudges.

Airbrush: thin the paint to a milk-like consistency, hold the airbrush about 4-6 inches from the nail, and use light passes to build color.

Symmetry check: view the finished hand from arm's length and compare both hands; correct visible length, smile line, and apex differences before the client leaves.

Consultation sequence: greet, ask about health history and medications, inspect nails and skin, discuss goals and lifestyle, confirm service and price, obtain consent, then begin.

Health history questions cover diabetes, circulation problems, skin or nail infections, allergies (especially acrylates and adhesives), pregnancy, and current medications such as blood thinners.

Contraindication rule: refer out for infection, open lesions, undiagnosed discoloration, or severe nail dystrophy; do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Informed consent includes explaining the service, products, possible risks such as allergic reaction, expected wear time, aftercare, and cost before starting.

Confidentiality: client health information and personal details stay private; do not discuss a client's information with others or in public.

Professional boundaries: avoid discussing other clients, do not make medical claims, and do not pressure a client into upgrades; provide options and let the client choose.

Communication skills include active listening, open-ended questions, plain language, and confirming understanding; check for language or hearing needs before the service.

Ethics: charge the agreed price, disclose product ingredients on request, follow scope of practice, and decline services that would harm the client.

Aftercare instructions should be written: avoid harsh chemicals, wear gloves for chores, moisturize cuticles, and return for maintenance within the recommended interval.

Licensing: nail technicians must hold a state-issued license; licenses typically require a set number of training hours, a practical and written exam, and renewal with continuing education.

Scope of practice: nail technicians may perform manicures, pedicures, enhancements, and nail art; they may not diagnose or treat disease, perform surgical procedures, or use medical devices beyond scope.

Sanitation rules: implements must be cleaned and disinfected after each client, single-use items discarded, and disinfectant containers labeled and changed per manufacturer instructions.

Recordkeeping: many states require client records, service logs, and documentation of disinfection; keep records for the period set by the state board.

Salon inspection: state boards inspect for proper licensing displayed, adequate ventilation, handwashing facilities, closed waste containers, and disinfected implements.

Employment models: booth rental (independent contractor) versus commission or hourly employee; each has different tax, insurance, and scheduling obligations.

Pricing and profit: service price must cover product cost, overhead, and time; track cost per service and set a target profit margin before discounting.

Insurance: professional liability insurance covers claims of injury or infection; verify coverage for the services performed and keep certificates current.

Advertising rules: do not claim medical benefits or cures, and follow state rules on price advertising and use of the term 'sanitary' or 'sterile'.