KS Nail Technician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Disinfectant

An EPA-registered chemical product that destroys or inactivates most pathogenic microorganisms on hard, non-porous surfaces and implements when used at the label's specified dilution and contact time.

Porous implements

Items such as emery boards, buffers, and wooden orange sticks that absorb liquids and cannot be reliably disinfected, so they must be discarded after a single use on one client.

Sterilization

The process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually through an autoclave, dry heat, or chemical vapor; it is reserved for items that contact broken skin.

Tuberculocidal disinfectant

A hospital-grade disinfectant proven effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and used as the benchmark for killing bloodborne pathogens on implements contaminated with blood or body fluids.

Kansas Board of Cosmetology

The state agency that licenses nail technicians and salons in Kansas, adopts the administrative regulations for sanitation and practice, and investigates complaints and disciplines licenses.

Unlicensed practice

Performing nail technology for compensation without a current Kansas license; it is unlawful and exposes the individual to civil and criminal penalties as well as Board action.

Grounds for discipline

Kansas licensing law allows the Board to refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for unsanitary practice, gross malpractice, fraud, or practicing while impaired or unlicensed.

Matrix

The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail plate cells; injury to the matrix causes ridges, grooves, or permanent deformity of the growing nail.

Onychomycosis

A contagious fungal infection of the nail plate and bed that causes thickening, discoloration, and separation; service is contraindicated and the client must be referred to a physician.

Paronychia

A bacterial infection of the nail fold marked by redness, swelling, and pus; it is contagious, so the nail is not serviced and the client is referred for medical care.

Nail growth rate

Fingernails grow about one-eighth inch, or three millimeters, per month and fully replace in four to six months, while toenails grow slower and take nine to twelve months.

Eponychium

The living skin at the base of the nail plate, commonly called the cuticle; it seals the matrix from bacteria and should never be cut into during a manicure.

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage stroke applied with the palms and fingers toward the heart; it opens and closes a hand or foot massage and is used to spread lotion.

Beveling the free edge

Filing the tip of the nail at a slight angle beneath the free edge to smooth sharp corners; it prevents snags and reduces peeling of the nail plate.

Nail file grit

A number describing abrasive coarseness; lower numbers cut faster and are used on artificial product, while 180-grit or finer files are used on the natural nail plate.

Base coat function

A thin first layer that protects the natural nail from pigment staining, improves polish adhesion, and smooths the surface so color applies evenly.

Pedicure basin disinfection

After each client the basin is washed with detergent, then flooded with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the label's full contact time before it is reused.

Callus reduction limit

Only the tough skin of the heels and soles may be reduced with a rasp or pumice; credo blades and cutting devices are prohibited and work above the foot is out of scope.

Diabetic client referral

Clients with diabetes or poor circulation face high risk of infection and slow healing, so a nail technician should obtain physician approval or decline to perform the pedicure.

Monomer and polymer

The liquid monomer and powder polymer that react to form acrylic nail product; a correct medium-wet bead ratio produces strength without bubbles or yellowing.

Stress area

The zone between the free edge and the center of the nail where the apex of an artificial nail is built, adding extra product there to resist breakage.

MMA monomer

Methyl methacrylate, a nail liquid that is banned or restricted in many states because it is hard, brittle, and difficult to remove; EMA is the accepted alternative.

Nail primer

A liquid applied to the prepared natural nail to improve adhesion of acrylic or gel systems; it goes on only after the plate has been properly cleansed and dehydrated.

Gel polish removal

The cured gel is lightly filed to break the surface, then wrapped in acetone-soaked cotton for ten to fifteen minutes; the product is never scraped off with force.

Nail wrap

A piece of silk, linen, or fiberglass applied with resin over a nail to reinforce a split or add strength; the edges are sealed and the surface buffed smooth.

Overlay

A coating of acrylic, gel, or wrap applied directly over the natural nail for strength or color without adding length, making it thinner than an extension.

Informed consent

Explaining the service, the products used, the risks and alternatives, and the cost, then obtaining and documenting the client's agreement before the service begins.

Scope of practice

The legally defined services a licensed nail technician may perform; it excludes diagnosing disease, prescribing medication, and treating conditions that require a physician.

Client confidentiality

A client's health history, personal details, and service records are private and may not be shared with others without permission, except where the law requires disclosure.

Keystone pricing

A retail markup that doubles the wholesale cost of a product, so an item bought for five dollars is sold for ten dollars, covering overhead and returning a standard profit.

Booth rental

An independent contractor arrangement in which a licensed technician pays the salon owner a set rent for space, sets their own prices and hours, and receives no wages or benefits.

FIFO inventory

First in, first out stock rotation, in which older inventory is sold or used before newer stock so products do not expire, separate, or lose potency on the shelf.