Manicure, Pedicure, and Nail Services
Manicure, Pedicure, and Nail Services
This domain tests nail anatomy, contraindications, tool hygiene, filing and cuticle care, polish and gel application and safe removal.
Nail anatomy
- Nail plate - keratinised, translucent, on the nail bed.
- Matrix - the growth area; its visible portion is the lunula.
- Cuticle - dead tissue on the plate; the eponychium is the living fold at the base. The eponychium is never cut.
- Hyponychium - seal under the free edge; lateral folds at the sides.
- Growth - fingernails about 3 mm per month, toenails about 1 mm.
Contraindications and referral
Paronychia, fungal infection (onychomycosis), Pseudomonas (green-black discolouration), psoriasis, eczema, warts, cuts and open lesions. Diabetes and peripheral vascular disease require caution and referral if neuropathy or poor circulation is present.
Hygiene and technique
Single-use files and buffers, or disinfectable implements; nippers autoclaved; foot spas cleaned and disinfected between clients. File in one direction to avoid splitting. Do not cut living tissue or use credo blades.
Gel polish
Cure per manufacturer times (typically 30–60 seconds LED). Keep product off the skin - repeated overexposure is a common cause of acrylate allergy. Remove by soaking 10–15 minutes; never force or scrape.
Worked example
A pedicure client has a green-black patch on one toenail. This suggests Pseudomonas, often from trapped moisture under polish. You do not treat, you advise removal of polish, keeping the area dry, and referral to a pharmacist or GP, and you document the finding.
Traps that cost marks
Cutting cuticles; filing back and forth; reusing single-use files; proceeding with a pedicure on a diabetic client without checking sensation and circulation; scraping off gel polish.