MI Nail Technician flashcards

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

Disinfection

Disinfection is a process that destroys or inactivates most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and implements, but it does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores.

Sterilization

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an item; it is required for items that penetrate skin or contact sterile body areas.

Standard precautions

Standard precautions require treating all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials as infectious, using gloves and other barriers for every client when exposure is possible.

Single-use nail implements

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

EPA hospital disinfectant

An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant is a product labeled to kill specific pathogens on environmental surfaces; the label contact time must be followed for efficacy.

Cuticle vs eponychium

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.

Pedicure contraindications

Open wounds, fungal or bacterial infections, severe circulatory disease, and uncontrolled diabetes are pedicure contraindications because they increase infection, injury, or healing risk.

Massage contraindications

Massage is avoided over inflammation, infection, fractures, blood clots, severe varicose veins, and open lesions because pressure may worsen the condition or spread infection.

Nail filing direction

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

Pedicure tub sanitation

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

Acrylic polymerization

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

Acid-based primer

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

Gel nail curing

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

MMA monomer hazard

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.

Acrylate allergy signs

Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or lifting near the nail can indicate acrylate allergy; the product is removed and the client is referred for medical evaluation.

Nail matrix function

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

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about three millimeters per month, and a complete fingernail replacement takes roughly four to six months depending on individual factors.

Onychomycosis

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

Paronychia

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail, often with redness, swelling, and pain; acute bacterial cases may require medical care.

Hutchinson sign

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

Nail plate pH

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.

SDS purpose

A Safety Data Sheet provides hazard, first-aid, handling, storage, and disposal information for a chemical product; it must be accessible where products are used.

Porous versus nonporous

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.

Acetone safety

Acetone is a flammable, volatile solvent that can dry skin and nails; it must be used with ventilation, kept away from flames, and stored in a closed labeled container.

Michigan licensure

Michigan requires nail technicians and manicurists to hold a current state license to perform services for compensation; practicing without a license is prohibited.

Scope of practice

A Michigan nail technician may perform manicuring, pedicuring, and nail enhancement services within the law; diagnosing or treating medical nail and skin conditions is outside the scope.

Shop license inspection

Michigan licensed shops are subject to inspection, and licenses, sanitation procedures, and implement handling must comply with state rules enforced by the licensing agency.

Board discipline

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

Service pricing formula

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

Client consultation

A consultation gathers medical history, allergies, medications, prior nail services, and contraindications before service so the technician can choose safe products and techniques.

Confidentiality

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

Inventory FIFO

First-in, first-out inventory rotation uses older products before newer stock, reducing waste and helping prevent expired chemicals from being used on clients.