MD Nail Technician cheat sheet

Cleaning removes visible debris; disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores.

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant is used at the label dilution and for the full label contact time; surfaces must be cleaned first.

Porous or single-use items - wooden sticks, cotton, some files and buffers - are discarded after one client.

Reusable implements are washed with soap, rinsed, dried, then immersed in disinfectant; debris left on tools reduces disinfectant efficacy.

Blood exposure protocol: stop service, glove, clean wound, disinfect tools and surfaces, and dispose of contaminated materials per bloodborne pathogen rules.

Hands are washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; alcohol sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

Pedicure tubs are drained, cleaned, and disinfected with an EPA-registered product for the label contact time between clients.

Safety Data Sheets are kept for every chemical; bleach and ammonia are never mixed because they release toxic gas.

Nail plate cells are keratinized; the matrix produces the plate; the lunula is the visible portion of the matrix.

The nail bed has blood vessels and nerves; the nail plate lacks nerves, so cutting the free edge does not cause pain.

Eponychium is living skin at the nail base; cuticle is dead tissue on the plate; hyponychium seals the free-edge underside.

Fingernails grow about 1/8 inch per month; toenails grow more slowly; growth varies with age, health, and season.

Skin layers: epidermis (barrier), dermis (vessels, nerves, glands), subcutaneous (fat and cushioning).

Acrylic systems harden by polymerization when liquid monomer mixes with powder polymer.

UV/LED gels contain photoinitiators that cure only under a compatible lamp; under-curing leaves an uncured film.

Redness, swelling, pus, or open lesions are contraindications; service is withheld and referral made.

Manicure sequence: consultation, hand washing, shaping, cuticle care, massage, polish, aftercare.

Natural nails are filed with fine-grit abrasives in one direction along the free edge to reduce layer splitting.

Living tissue at the nail base and sidewalls is not cut; nippers are limited to loose hangnails.

Pedicure sequence: soak, cleanse, exfoliate, reduce callus, massage, polish; water temperature is checked before soaking.

Massage is omitted over inflamed, broken, or contagious skin, fractures, and recent surgery.

Polish application: base coat, thin color coats, top coat; cap the free edge to reduce chipping.

Foot baths and implements are cleaned and disinfected between clients; single-use items are discarded.

Service records note products used, contraindications, and client reactions.

Tip sizing: choose a tip that fits sidewall to sidewall without pressure; a tip that is too wide lifts.

Acrylic bead: liquid-to-powder ratio must wet the powder without running; wet beads shrink and lift, dry beads are brittle.

Acrylic and gel are kept off skin and cuticle; product on living tissue causes lifting and irritation.

Gel is applied in thin layers and cured in a lamp matched to the product; thick layers can under-cure.

Fabric wraps use resin or glue, are trimmed to the nail, and are smoothed with thin layers.

Removal: acrylic and gel are soaked or filed per manufacturer; force or excessive filing damages the natural plate.

Nail prep includes cleansing, dehydrating, and gentle surface removal; primer is used only as directed.

Drills use fine bits at low speed with continuous movement on natural nails.

Crack repair: clean, dry, apply silk or fiberglass wrap with resin, then smooth; deep cracks with nail bed injury are referred.

Broken free edge: trim loose material, file smooth, and repair with wrap or overlay; do not pull attached nail.

Nail art media include polish, gel, acrylic paint, foil, and stamping; each layer is cured or dried before the next.

Paraffin is heated to liquid and tested on the therapist's wrist; it is not used on open wounds or inflamed skin.

French manicure: sheer base with white free edge; smile line follows the natural free edge.

Airbrush and stamping require ventilation and cleanup of overspray; masks and eye protection are used as needed.

Specialty services are selected only after checking allergies, skin condition, and nail plate integrity.

E-file bits: fine grit for natural nails, coarser for product removal; bits are disinfected between clients.

Consultation includes health history, allergies, medications, occupation, prior nail reactions, and expected result.

Informed consent explains service, risks, alternatives, and aftercare; agreement is documented before service.

Open-ended questions and paraphrasing confirm client meaning; interrupting reduces accurate information.

Contraindications - infection, inflammation, open lesion - end the service and trigger referral.

Client records are confidential and stored securely; sharing is limited to service needs or law.

Professional boundaries: no diagnosis, no prescribing, no service outside license scope.

Conflict resolution: listen, restate the concern, offer options, and document the outcome.

Aftercare instructions are given verbally and in writing for home maintenance.

Service price = direct labor + supplies + overhead + profit margin; each component is tracked separately.

Par level is the minimum stock quantity; reaching it triggers reorder before stockout.

Appointment books track duration, deposits, no-shows, and rebooking; written policies are given before booking.

Employee vs independent contractor status depends on control, tools, schedule, and payment method.

Inventory is counted regularly; expired or contaminated products are removed from service.

Business insurance covers general liability, property, and professional liability; policies are reviewed annually.

Financial records separate business and personal accounts; receipts support tax deductions.

Marketing measures retention and referral rates; client reviews are requested after service.

Maryland Board of Cosmetologists licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians and issues salon permits.

A salon permit must be displayed at the establishment; licenses are available for inspection at the work location.

Only licensed individuals may perform nail services for compensation; licensees practice within their scope.

The Board inspects salons and enforces sanitation, safety, and practice standards.

Licensees report changes of name or address to the Board within the required timeframe.

Infected, inflamed, or open skin is not treated; the client is referred to a physician.

Continuing education and renewal requirements are set by the Board; licensees verify current rules before renewal.

Board-approved training hours must be completed before licensure; the Board publishes current hour requirements.