Manicure, Pedicure, and Nail Care
What this domain tests
This section covers nail and foot anatomy, filing and shaping, cuticle care, soaking, exfoliation, massage, polish application, and infection control. You must recognise when to stop and refer.
Core rules
- Sanitise your hands and the client's hands or feet before starting; use single-use files and buffers.
- File in one direction from the side toward the centre to avoid splitting; choose grit according to natural or artificial nails.
- Soak feet in warm water with a mild soak; dry thoroughly, especially between toes, to prevent fungal growth.
- Push back cuticles gently with a rubber-tipped pusher; never cut live cuticles or trim them deeply.
- Do not cut corns, calluses, or ingrown nails; refer to a podiatrist or doctor.
- Recognise signs of infection: redness, swelling, pus, dark discolouration, or separation of the nail plate. Stop and refer.
- Disinfect foot baths and tools after every client; sterilise nippers and cuticle nippers.
Worked example
A client has a painful, red big toe with swelling along the nail fold. You do not soak, cut, or massage it. You explain that it may be infected and advise a medical check. You offer a service on the other foot only after client agreement, using separate tools, and you document the referral. Reasoning: infection control and scope of practice override the desire to complete the service.
Traps that cost marks
- Filing back and forth, which weakens the nail edge.
- Cutting cuticles and causing bleeding.
- Using the same nipper on multiple clients without sterilisation.
- Ignoring diabetes or circulation problems.
- Leaving polish on broken skin.
Exam tip
For every nail condition, ask: is this within my scope, or do I refer?