Nail Care and Services
What this domain tests
Nail care tests nail anatomy, manicure and pedicure procedure, implement disinfection, massage, polish application, and disorders that require referral.
Core rules
- Nail structures include the matrix, nail plate, nail bed, cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, lunula, and free edge.
- The matrix produces the nail plate; damage can cause ridges or irregular growth.
- Do not cut living tissue. The cuticle seals the nail; push back only softened, nonliving tissue as allowed.
- Implements must be cleaned and fully immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Refer onychomycosis, paronychia, onychia, and green-black discoloration.
- Pedicure basins require cleaning and disinfection between clients.
Worked example
A client has green-black discoloration under a nail. This suggests bacterial or fungal involvement, not polish stain. Do not file, buff, or apply product over it; refer the client and disinfect all contacted implements. The reasoning is that the condition may be contagious and is outside salon scope.
Traps
Cutting the cuticle; using nippers on living tissue; ignoring infection; reusing files; overfiling the nail plate; skipping basin disinfection.
Exam focus
Separate cosmetic nail care from medical conditions, and apply the same disinfection standard used for hair implements.