IL Nail Technician flashcards

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

IDFPR

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the state agency that licenses and disciplines nail technicians and nail salon establishments.

Illinois training hours

Illinois requires 350 clock hours of approved nail technology training at a licensed school before a candidate is eligible to take the licensure exam.

MMA monomer ban

Illinois prohibits methyl methacrylate liquid monomer in nail products because of severe allergic reactions and damage to the natural nail and surrounding tissue.

License display rule

Current individual and establishment licenses must be visibly posted at the salon and available for inspection by the state board during business hours.

Hospital-grade disinfectant

An EPA-registered product labeled tuberculocidal, used at the label dilution for the full label contact time on implements that have already been cleaned.

Porous implements

Items such as files, buffing blocks, and wood sticks absorb liquids and cannot be disinfected, so they must be discarded or given to the client.

Cleaning before disinfection

Debris and product residue must be removed with soap and water first, because disinfectant cannot penetrate soil and the process will fail.

Autoclave sterilization

Steam under pressure kills all microorganisms including spores; it is used for metal implements that contact blood or pierce the skin.

Nail matrix function

Living tissue at the base of the nail that produces the nail plate; injury to it causes ridges, thickening, or permanent distortion of the nail.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 0.1 mm per day, roughly 3 mm per month, while toenails grow about 1 mm per month, much more slowly.

Eponychium

The living skin fold at the base of the nail that seals the matrix; it is pushed back gently and never cut into living tissue.

Bones of the hand

Each hand contains 27 bones: 8 carpals in the wrist, 5 metacarpals in the palm, and 14 phalanges in the fingers.

Nail filing direction

File natural nails in one direction from side to center with a fine-grit file to prevent splitting, peeling, and thinning of the plate.

Pedicure soak limit

Limit foot soaking to about 5-10 minutes; longer soaking macerates the skin and softens the nail plate, weakening it.

Service contraindications

Open wounds, fungal or bacterial infections, paronychia, and inflamed skin are reasons to decline service and refer the client to a physician.

Effleurage massage

Light, gliding massage strokes applied toward the heart; used to begin and end a hand and arm massage sequence.

Monomer-polymer ratio

A correct acrylic bead is smooth and holds its shape; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, while too dry causes brittleness and poor adhesion.

Acid-based primer

A methacrylic acid product applied only to the nail plate to improve adhesion; contact with skin causes irritation and allergic sensitization.

Acrylic removal

File down the bulk, wrap the nail in acetone-soaked cotton and foil, wait, then gently remove; never pry or force product off.

UV and LED gel curing

Gel products contain photoinitiators that harden only under the correct lamp wavelength; uncured product left on skin risks allergic reaction.

Safety Data Sheet

A 16-section document from the manufacturer listing hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal information for a salon product.

GHS signal words

Danger indicates a more severe hazard and Warning a less severe one; both appear on compliant product labels with hazard statements.

Nitrile versus latex gloves

Nitrile gloves resist penetration by methacrylate monomers, while latex gloves degrade and do not protect the technician during product handling.

Acetone flammability

Acetone is a highly flammable solvent; keep it away from flames, sparks, and heat, and store it in a closed original container.

Patch test timing

Apply a small amount of the adhesive product and check in 24-48 hours; a reaction means the product must not be used.

Scope of practice

Nail technicians may recognize signs of disease and refer clients to a physician but may not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Informed consent

Explaining the service, products, risks, and cost to the client and obtaining agreement before beginning the work.

Client record content

Documentation of date, service performed, products and lot numbers, observations, and any reaction; kept confidential and stored securely.

Service price floor

Price must cover product cost, labor, allocated overhead, and target profit; below this level the service loses money.

Gross margin formula

Gross margin equals price minus product cost, divided by price, and is expressed as a percentage of the service price.

Booth rent arrangement

The renter pays a fixed fee for space, sets their own schedule and prices, and is generally treated as an independent contractor.

FIFO inventory

First in, first out: older stock is used before newer stock so liquids do not expire, separate, or lose effectiveness on the shelf.