Manicuring and Pedicuring Services
Service flow
A defensible manicure follows a consistent order: consultation and health screening, handwashing by both parties, removal of old product, shaping, soaking, cuticle care, massage, polish, and home-care advice. Consistency protects the client and protects you if a question asks what comes next.
Shaping and cuticle work
Use a medium-grit file (around 180) on natural nails and file from the side toward the center in one direction to reduce splitting and peeling. Never file deep into the sidewalls. Apply cuticle softener, soak, then gently push back the eponychium with a rubber-tipped pusher. Nippers are for loose, dead tissue and hangnails only. Cutting living tissue is outside a nail technician's scope and invites infection.
Pedicure cautions
Ask clients to avoid shaving or waxing the legs for about 24 hours before a pedicure, since microabrasions open a portal of entry. Reduce callus with a file or paddle, never a Credo blade or razor. Screen for diabetes, circulatory disease, neuropathy, and immune compromise; these clients need a physician's clearance. Refuse service on open wounds, boils, fungal or bacterial infections, and warts.
Massage and product
Massage movements follow the direction of venous return, with pressure toward the heart. Warm the lotion, keep it off the floor, and use single-use product portions. Paraffin and hot-oil treatments must be temperature tested on your own wrist.
Traps
Lip service answers like "cut the cuticle for a cleaner look" or "file back and forth for speed" are wrong. So is doing a pedicure on a client with an infected ingrown toenail. If it bleeds, the service stops.