MI Nail Technician cheat sheet

Disinfection destroys or inactivates most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and implements but does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores.

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, and is required for items that penetrate skin or contact sterile body areas.

Standard precautions treat all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials as infectious regardless of a client's known health status.

Handwashing with soap and water is required before and after client services and after glove removal; alcohol sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

Single-use items such as wooden sticks, cotton, nail files, buffers, and pedicure liners are discarded after one client because porous materials cannot be reliably disinfected.

Implements must be cleaned of debris with soap or detergent before disinfection because organic matter reduces disinfectant efficacy.

An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim is used for blood or other potentially infectious material contamination, following the label contact time.

Safety data sheets must be accessible where chemicals are used and must cover hazards, first aid, handling, storage, and disposal.

Chemicals are stored in labeled containers away from heat and flames; bleach must never be mixed with ammonia or acids because toxic gas can form.

The cuticle is dead tissue attached to the nail plate; the eponychium is living skin at the proximal nail fold and is not cut during a manicure.

Filing from the corner toward the center in one direction reduces splitting and nail plate damage; sawing back and forth creates heat and stress.

Pedicure contraindications include open wounds, fungal or bacterial infections, severe circulatory disease, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Massage is avoided over inflammation, infection, fractures, blood clots, severe varicose veins, and open lesions.

Whirlpool pedicure tubs must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected between clients according to the disinfectant label, including contact time.

Polish application follows base coat, two thin color coats, and top coat; capping the free edge helps reduce chipping.

Nails are trimmed straight across to reduce ingrown toenails; sharp corners are smoothed with a file.

Hot oil manicures require testing the oil temperature before service to avoid burns.

Paraffin wax is tested for temperature before application and is avoided on clients with circulatory or neuropathy conditions that impair heat sensation.

Acrylic enhancements form when liquid monomer and powder polymer are mixed and polymerize into a hard polymer; the monomer-to-polymer ratio affects strength, set time, and adhesion.

Acid-based primer etches the natural nail to improve acrylic adhesion but can irritate skin and is applied sparingly without touching surrounding tissue.

Gel enhancements cure when photoinitiators react under UV or LED light; incomplete curing can cause lifting, sensitivity, or service failure.

Methyl methacrylate monomer is associated with severe nail and skin damage and is restricted or prohibited for nail enhancements in many jurisdictions; ethyl methacrylate is used instead.

The stress zone of an artificial nail is the area at the free edge and center that receives the most force during daily use.

Acrylic enhancements are removed by filing and soaking in acetone; gel enhancements are removed by filing and soaking according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Signs of acrylate allergy include redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or lifting near the nail; the product is removed and the client is referred for medical evaluation.

Electric files are used at low speed with the bit kept moving to avoid friction heat and excessive removal of natural nail plate.

Nail enhancements are not applied over infected, inflamed, or open skin because this can worsen infection and prevent healing.

The nail matrix is the tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail plate cells; matrix damage can cause permanent nail deformity.

Fingernails grow about three millimeters per month, and complete fingernail replacement takes roughly four to six months.

Toenails grow about one millimeter per month, and complete toenail replacement takes roughly nine to twelve months.

The nail plate is keratinized cells; the nail bed lies beneath the plate, and the lunula is the visible portion of the matrix.

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection that can cause thickening, discoloration, crumbling, and separation; it is contagious and requires medical treatment.

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail, often with redness, swelling, and pain.

Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed and can result from trauma, infection, or product reactions.

A dark streak extending from the nail onto surrounding skin, called Hutchinson sign, is a warning sign of subungual melanoma and requires urgent medical referral.

Massage increases local circulation but is contraindicated over inflammation, infection, fractures, blood clots, and open lesions.

The nail plate is slightly acidic, typically around pH 4.5 to 5.5; products that strongly alter this pH can weaken the nail and irritate skin.

Acrylic polymerization is an exothermic reaction; mixing more monomer or product than needed increases heat and can damage the nail.

Acetone and ethyl acetate are flammable, volatile solvents that require ventilation, closed labeled containers, and separation from flames.

Nonporous implements such as metal can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse; porous items such as files, buffers, and wooden sticks cannot be reliably disinfected and are discarded.

A Safety Data Sheet provides hazard, first-aid, handling, storage, and disposal information for a chemical product.

Electrical equipment is inspected for damaged cords and kept away from water; equipment is unplugged before cleaning.

UV and LED lamps are cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions, including bulb or diode replacement.

Disinfectant labels specify efficacy claims such as bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and tuberculocidal, plus the required contact time.

Michigan regulates manicuring and nail technology under the Public Health Code and administrative rules administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

A current Michigan license is required to perform nail services for compensation, and services are performed in a licensed shop unless an exemption applies by law.

Michigan licensees must follow state sanitation rules for cleaning, disinfection, single-use items, and safe handling of blood and body fluids.

The scope of a Michigan nail technician includes manicuring, pedicuring, and nail enhancement services within the law; diagnosing or treating medical nail and skin conditions is outside the scope.

Individual licenses and shop licenses must be current and are subject to inspection by the licensing agency.

Advertising must not be false or misleading and must accurately state the licensee's credentials and services.

The state licensing board may discipline a licensee for unsanitary practices, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, or violations of the nail technology laws and rules.

Continuing education, renewal, and fee requirements are set by Michigan statute and rule rather than by the individual shop.

A service price should cover direct product and implement costs, labor, overhead, and a profit margin; pricing below total cost makes the business unsustainable.

A consultation gathers medical history, allergies, medications, prior nail services, and contraindications before service.

Client health and personal information are kept private and shared only when necessary for safe service, legal compliance, or with the client's permission.

First-in, first-out inventory rotation uses older products before newer stock and reduces waste from expired chemicals.

Appointment scheduling includes time for sanitation, setup, and service so that infection-control steps are not rushed.

Employee management includes verifying current licenses, training in bloodborne pathogen precautions, and providing personal protective equipment.

Informed consent for enhancement services explains risks, aftercare, removal, and the possibility of allergic reaction.

Retail recommendations are based on the client's nail and skin needs, with prices disclosed and no false product claims.

Conflict resolution uses active listening, clear policy explanation, and documentation of incidents and remedies offered.