KY Nail Technician flashcards

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

Disinfection contact time

The label-specified period an implement must remain fully immersed in disinfectant to kill targeted pathogens; shortening it invalidates the process.

Single-use implement

An item that cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected, such as a porous buffer or wooden stick, and must be discarded after one client.

Blood exposure procedure

Stop the service, glove, clean the wound, apply pressure, disinfect the station, and report per salon policy; hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable.

Hospital-grade tuberculocidal

An EPA-registered disinfectant label claim indicating effectiveness against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a benchmark for salon implement disinfection.

Nail matrix

Living tissue beneath the proximal nail fold that produces nail plate cells; injury here causes permanent grooves, thinning, or distortion.

Hyponychium

The seal of skin beneath the free edge of the nail plate that blocks pathogens from entering the nail bed.

Lunula

The pale, half-moon portion of the nail matrix visible at the base of the plate, most prominent on the thumbs.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow roughly 3 mm per month; toenails grow about 1 mm per month and take 9-12 months to replace fully.

One-direction filing

Filing from corner toward center in a single direction prevents the plate from splitting and keeps the free edge smooth.

Pedicure basin disinfection

After each client, drain, clean, and disinfect the basin and whirlpool jets with an EPA-registered product per label contact time.

Pedicure contraindications

Open wounds, active fungal infection, severe diabetic neuropathy, and recent surgery require referral rather than service.

Massage stroke direction

Strokes move toward the heart to support venous return; pressure stays light over joints and varicose veins.

Tip sizing rule

The tip should fit the natural plate without overlapping sidewalls; an oversized tip lifts and looks bulky.

Fabric wrap purpose

A fiberglass, silk, or linen wrap reinforces the natural plate with resin but does not lengthen the nail.

Apex placement

The thickest point of an enhancement, built in the stress zone between the free edge and nail bed to resist breakage.

Wrap removal

Soak in acetone or the manufacturer's remover; pulling or prying delaminates the plate and causes onycholysis.

Monomer-polymer ratio

The liquid-to-powder balance in acrylic; too wet causes lifting and shrinkage, too dry causes brittleness and poor adhesion.

Acrylic application zones

Zone 1 is the free edge, zone 2 the stress area where the apex is built, and zone 3 the cuticle area applied thin.

Gel curing mechanism

Photoinitiators in gel react to UV or LED light; gel does not cure in air and must be cured in a lamp.

Acrylic allergy signs

Itching, redness, or swelling at the nail fold or fingertips signals sensitization; stop service, remove product, and refer.

Onychomycosis

A fungal nail infection causing yellow-brown discoloration, thickening, and crumbling; refer to a physician and do not service.

Paronychia

Bacterial infection of the nail fold with redness, swelling, and pus; refer the client and avoid manipulating the area.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail plate from the bed, often from trauma or product misuse; do not apply enhancements over it.

Melanonychia referral

A dark longitudinal band on the plate, especially new or changing, requires physician evaluation to rule out melanoma.

Beau's lines

Transverse grooves on the plate from interrupted matrix growth after illness or trauma; they grow out without treatment.

Kentucky licensing authority

The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology licenses cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians, and salons under KRS Chapter 329.

Scope of practice

Nail technicians provide manicures, pedicures, and enhancements; services outside the license are prohibited.

Board inspection authority

Board inspectors may enter a licensed salon during business hours; violations can lead to fines, suspension, or revocation.

Continuing education requirement

Licensees complete board-required hours each renewal cycle and retain certificates in case of audit.

Client consultation

Ask about allergies, medications, medical conditions, and prior nail services before beginning any service.

Informed consent

Explain product risks, removal process, and maintenance expectations, and document the client's agreement before service.

Client confidentiality

Client health information is private and must not be shared with other clients, posted on social media, or discussed publicly.