Manicure, Pedicure and Nail Care
This domain tests safe nail preparation, shaping, cuticle care, massage and polish application, plus the ability to recognise when not to treat. Expect scenario questions about diabetes, ingrown nails and fungal infection.
Manicure sequence
Sanitise hands, remove old polish, shape with an emery board in one direction, soak, clean under the free edge, soften and gently push cuticles, buff lightly, massage hand and forearm, then base coat, two thin colour coats and top coat.
Pedicure sequence
Soak, cleanse, file straight across, treat callus gently, push cuticles, massage, polish. Use a fresh disposable file and a disinfected foot bath; never reuse water or blades.
Nail shapes
Square, squoval, oval, almond, round and coffin. Match to the client's lifestyle and nail strength; file natural nails with a fine grit.
Contraindications and referral
Diabetes with loss of sensation, fungal or bacterial infection, paronychia, open cuts, severe ingrown nails and circulation problems. Refer to a podiatrist or doctor.
Worked example
A client with diabetes asks you to remove a hard callus with a blade. Reasoning: reduced sensation and poor circulation raise the risk of an ulcer and infection. Blade work is outside salon scope even for healthy clients in many settings. Explain the risk, do not cut, and refer to a podiatrist. If any gentle filing is offered, inspect the skin first and stop at any redness.
Traps that cost marks
- Cutting living cuticle and causing paronychia.
- Reusing emery boards or metal pushers without disinfection.
- Cutting toenails very short or rounded, encouraging ingrown nails.
- Treating a client with a visible fungal infection to avoid embarrassment.