INI-SS flashcards
INI-SS · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Sanitation
- A cleaning process that uses soap, water, and friction to remove dirt, debris, and many microorganisms from surfaces and tools; it does not destroy all pathogens.
- Disinfection
- Use of an EPA-registered chemical at the labeled dilution and contact time to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous implements and surfaces, excluding bacterial spores.
- Sterilization
- A process using heat, pressure, or chemicals that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on implements; required for items that penetrate skin or contact blood.
- Nail matrix
- The living growth center beneath the proximal nail fold that produces keratinized cells forming the nail plate; injury here causes permanent nail deformity.
- Lunula
- The pale, half-moon-shaped visible portion of the nail matrix at the proximal end of the nail plate; its color comes from the thicker, less translucent matrix tissue.
- Hyponychium
- The thickened layer of epidermis under the free edge of the nail plate that seals the nail bed from the outside and acts as a barrier against infection.
- Paronychia
- Inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, marked by redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus; a contraindication for cuticle work and a reason for referral.
- Onychomycosis
- A contagious fungal infection of the nail causing thickening, discoloration, and crumbling; service is contraindicated and all contact implements must be disinfected.
- Onycholysis
- Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, appearing as a white area; causes include trauma, psoriasis, and harsh products. Do not force product under a lifted edge.
- Beau's lines
- Transverse depressions across the nail plate caused by interrupted matrix growth after illness, injury, or stress; they grow out and are not treated by the nail professional.
- One-direction filing
- Filing from sidewall to center in a single direction rather than back and forth, which reduces splitting and plate damage on natural nails.
- Base coat
- A thin first layer applied to the natural nail that protects the plate, improves adhesion of polish, and helps prevent staining from colored polish.
- Apex
- The highest point of a sculpted nail enhancement, positioned over the stress area about one-third of the nail length from the cuticle, providing strength and shape.
- Exothermic reaction
- A chemical reaction that releases heat; in acrylic systems, too-wet ratios or thick beads generate excess heat that can burn the client's nail bed.
- Stress area
- The part of the nail enhancement over the center of the nail bed, between the cuticle and free edge, where stress concentrates and where apex strength is built.
- French manicure
- A nail design with a white or light tip covering about one-third of the plate and a sheer pink or nude base, with a smile line following the natural free edge.
- Color wheel
- A circular arrangement of colors used in design; complementary colors sit opposite each other for contrast, while analogous colors sit adjacent for harmony.
- Informed consent
- A client's documented agreement to a service after being told the products, procedures, risks, and alternatives; required before enhancement removal or use of strong chemicals.
- Scope of practice
- The legal boundaries of a licensed nail professional's work; diagnosing or treating disease is outside the scope and requires referral to a physician.
- Monomer
- The liquid component of acrylic systems, usually ethyl methacrylate, that reacts with polymer powder to form a hard enhancement and releases heat during polymerization.
- Photoinitiator
- A compound in gel products that absorbs UV or LED light and starts the curing reaction; gels do not harden without adequate light exposure.
- Safety Data Sheet
- A document required for each chemical product listing hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal information; must be accessible in the salon under OSHA rules.
- Independent contractor
- A worker who sets their own schedule, supplies their own tools, and pays self-employment tax; misclassifying an employee as a contractor creates legal and tax risk.
- State board
- The state agency that licenses practitioners and salons, sets sanitation rules, conducts inspections, and imposes discipline for violations.
- Matte top coat
- A finishing coat that seals nail art while producing a flat, non-reflective surface; apply over a glossy coat if the design needs extra protection first.
- Encapsulation
- Embedding glitter, lace, or dried flowers between layers of clear acrylic or gel so the design is fully sealed and cannot lift or trap moisture.
- Onychorrhexis
- Longitudinal ridges and splitting of the nail plate, often from dryness or aging; treat with moisturizing and avoid aggressive filing or buffing.
- Pincer nail
- A nail whose sidewalls curve inward and pinch the plate, sometimes causing pain; treat conservatively with filing and refer for correction.
- Squoval shape
- A nail shape with straight sides and rounded corners, combining the strength of a square nail with the softer look of an oval.
- Credo blade
- A sharp metal tool historically used to cut callus; it is unsafe and should not be used because it can cut living tissue and introduce infection.
- Primer
- A liquid applied thinly to the natural nail before acrylic to improve adhesion by etching the plate; it must not contact skin or cuticle.
- Hard gel
- A gel enhancement that cannot be broken down by acetone and must be removed by filing; soft gel, by contrast, is soaked off in acetone.