IA Nail Technician flashcards

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

Disinfection versus sterilization

Disinfection destroys most pathogens on surfaces but may not kill spores; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is required for items that penetrate skin or contact blood.

Single-use porous items

Emery boards, buffers, cotton, wooden pushers, and similar porous items cannot be reliably disinfected, so they must be discarded after one client rather than reused.

Handwashing duration

Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, dry thoroughly, then sanitize; wash before and after every client and after removing gloves.

Blood exposure steps

Stop the service, put on gloves, clean and cover the wound, disinfect all contacted surfaces and implements, and document the incident per workplace protocol.

Nail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month and toenails about 1 mm per month; full fingernail replacement takes roughly 4 to 6 months.

Nail matrix function

The matrix generates new nail plate cells that keratinize and push forward; injury to the matrix can cause permanent ridges, grooves, or deformity.

Eponychium versus cuticle

The eponychium is living skin at the proximal nail fold and must not be cut; the cuticle is dead tissue on the plate that may be gently pushed and trimmed.

Carpal tunnel nerve

The median nerve supplies the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger; compression at the wrist causes carpal tunnel syndrome with numbness and tingling.

File grit selection

Lower grits such as 80 to 100 remove product quickly for artificial nails; 180 to 240 grit shapes natural nails; 400 and above polishes the surface.

Pedicure basin sanitation

Use a disposable liner or fully disinfect the basin between clients, and never use credo blades or sharp curettes that cut living tissue.

Nail shape decision rule

Square suits wide, strong plates; oval and almond suit narrow plates; round suits short nails; slightly rounded square corners reduce snagging and breakage.

Massage contraindications

Avoid massage over inflamed, broken, or infected skin, over undiagnosed swelling, and over recent injuries or joints with active pain.

Nail tip sizing rule

Choose a tip whose sidewalls are narrower than the natural nail so it does not overhang; pre-blend the well and hold light pressure for 5 to 10 seconds.

Silk versus fiberglass wraps

Silk wrap gives strength with minimal bulk; fiberglass mesh is stronger and applied with resin saturation, using two to three layers for weak or split nails.

Wrap removal rule

File down the top layer, soak in acetone or remover until soft, then gently lift residue; never pull or peel a wrap because it removes natural nail layers.

Acrylic mixing ratio

A correct bead holds its shape without running; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, too dry causes brittle, cloudy product that flakes.

Acrylic application zones

Zone 1 is the free edge, zone 2 the stress area where the apex is built, and zone 3 the cuticle area, which must stay thin to prevent lifting.

Exothermic reaction risk

Acrylic polymerization releases heat; a too-thick or too-wet bead can burn the client, so apply thinner layers and avoid large beads.

Acrylic removal method

File down bulk product, wrap with acetone-soaked cotton and foil for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently remove softened residue; never pry product off.

Gel curing requirement

Gel contains photoinitiators cured by UV or LED light; the lamp type and cure time must match the product or the gel stays tacky and weak.

Hard versus soft gel

Soft gel is porous enough to soak off with acetone; hard gel cannot be soaked off and must be filed off, so product identification prevents nail damage.

Inhibition layer

The tacky surface left after gel curing is uncured gel; wipe it with cleanser or alcohol according to the system, or leave it if the next layer requires it.

Acrylate allergy prevention

Keep uncured gel and acrylic off the skin; repeated skin contact with uncured acrylates can cause contact dermatitis and lifelong sensitivity.

Design color theory

Complementary colors sit opposite the color wheel and create contrast; analogous colors sit adjacent and create harmony; value describes lightness or darkness.

Stamping technique

Apply polish to the plate, scrape off excess, press the stamper, then roll it onto the nail; too much polish smears and too little gives patchy transfer.

French manicure proportion

The white tip should follow the free edge curve, stay consistent across nails, and occupy roughly one-third of the visible nail plate.

Sealing the free edge

Cap the free edge with top coat to seal the product and reduce chipping; apply thin coats and cure or dry fully to prevent smudging.

Health history intake

Ask about diabetes, circulation, infections, allergies to acrylates or adhesives, pregnancy, and medications such as blood thinners before any service.

Informed consent elements

Explain the service, products used, possible risks such as allergic reaction, expected wear time, aftercare, and total cost before the client agrees.

Referral rule

Refer clients to a physician for infection, open lesions, undiagnosed discoloration, or severe nail dystrophy; nail technicians do not diagnose or treat disease.

Scope of practice

Nail technicians perform manicures, pedicures, enhancements, and nail art; they may not diagnose or treat disease or perform surgical procedures.

Booth rental versus employee

Booth renters are independent contractors who pay rent and handle their own taxes; employees work for commission or hourly wages with employer obligations.