Nail Care and Manicure/Pedicure
What this domain tests
Nail Care and Manicure/Pedicure tests nail anatomy, tool use, filing, cuticle care, massage, polish application and contraindications. You must perform services in a hygienic order and recognise when to stop and refer.
Core rules and concepts
- Key structures: nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle and lunula. The cuticle seals the nail fold and protects against infection.
- File in one direction with a fine file; sawing back and forth causes splitting.
- Do not cut living cuticle tissue. Soften with soak or cuticle cream and push gently.
- Single-use files and buffers should not be reused. Metal tools must be cleaned and disinfected or sterilised between clients.
- Manicure sequence: sanitise hands, remove old polish, shape, soak, care for cuticles, massage, polish, dry.
- Contraindications include fungal or bacterial nail infection, inflamed nail folds, open cuts and some diabetic complications; refer when unsure.
Worked example
A client has a red, swollen nail fold with pus. Reason it out: this suggests infection. Do not soak, push, cut or polish the area. Do not use the same tools on another client. Advise the client to see a doctor and disinfect or isolate any reusable tool that touched the area. Resume service only after treatment and clear advice.
Traps that cost marks
Do not cut cuticles. Do not file back and forth. Do not dig under the nail plate. Do not ignore redness or pus. Do not reuse a disposable file. Do not treat a client with a contagious nail condition.