Nail Care and Manicure/Pedicure
Domain 6 tests manicure and pedicure safety, nail shaping and polish application. Expect questions on contraindications and tool hygiene.
Core rules
- Consult for fungal infection, paronychia, warts, open cuts, psoriasis, diabetes and circulation problems; refer when infection is suspected.
- File in one direction from corner to centre; sawing back and forth splits the free edge. Match the file grit to natural or artificial nails.
- Soften cuticles with remover, push back gently, and trim only loose dead tags. Do not cut living cuticle.
- Buff lightly; over-buffing thins the nail plate.
- Massage hand or foot with cream in upward movements; avoid bruised or broken skin.
- Apply base coat, two thin colour coats and top coat; cap the free edge.
- Pedicure: soak, clean under the free edge gently, exfoliate, massage, dry between toes, and avoid credo blades on diabetic clients.
- Use single-use files and buffers; sterilise metal tools; disinfect basins.
Worked example
A client wants square nails but has a split index fingernail. Reasoning: do not file across the split. Shorten the nail, file the shape with the split supported, apply a strengthener or silk wrap if trained, and advise care. If the split is deep or the nail is infected, refer. Shape the other nails consistently and check from the free edge.
Traps that cost marks
- Cutting cuticles and causing paronychia.
- Using one file on several clients.
- Filing back and forth.
- Performing a pedicure on a diabetic client with a cut or ulcer.