Manicure, Pedicure and Nail Art
Manicure, Pedicure and Nail Art
This domain tests nail assessment, shaping, cuticle care, massage, polish application, foot safety and nail art hygiene.
Core rules
- Analyse nails and surrounding skin: fungal infection, paronychia, ingrown nail, warts, psoriasis, bruising. Do not treat infected or undiagnosed conditions; refer.
- File in one direction with a fine file; avoid back-and-forth sawing that splits layers. Shape according to nail type and client preference.
- Soften cuticles, push back gently, and trim only loose hangnails with sterile nippers. Do not cut the sealed cuticle.
- Pedicure: lukewarm water, single-use liners, no credo blade on diabetic or compromised feet, no cutting corns or calluses beyond safe filing. Refer diabetic, vascular or numb feet.
- Polish: base coat, two thin colour coats, top coat; cap the free edge; let each layer dry. Nail art tools must be cleaned or single-use.
Worked example
A diabetic client asks for a pedicure with cuticle cutting and callus shaving. Reasoning: diabetes can reduce circulation and sensation, so cuts may not heal and infection risk is high. The safe plan is a gentle foot soak, filing, moisturising and referral to a podiatrist for callus and nail care. Do not cut cuticles or use a credo blade.
Traps
- Cutting cuticles on any client.
- Using a credo blade on a diabetic foot.
- Sharing files without disinfection.
- Over-buffing thin nails.
- Ignoring a green or lifted nail and polishing over it.