MI Nail Technician key terms

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most disease-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses on hard, nonporous implements and surfaces after they have been cleaned.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an item. In salons it is usually done with an autoclave for metal implements that may contact blood.

A lower-level cleaning step that uses soap, water, and friction to remove visible debris and reduce the number of germs on surfaces, tools, and hands before disinfection.

A product carrying an EPA registration number and labeled hospital-grade, meaning it is proven to kill a broad range of pathogens on properly cleaned nonporous surfaces within the labeled contact time.

Microorganisms such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV that are carried in blood and can pass to a worker through a needlestick, a cut, or a splash to the eyes or mouth.

An approach in which every client's blood and body fluids are treated as if they carry infectious disease, so gloves and other protective measures are used every time.

The federal agency that sets workplace safety rules, including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requiring exposure control plans, training, and personal protective equipment in salons.

A disposable item, such as a wooden stick, nail file, or porous buffer, designed for one client and then thrown away because it cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected.

A thin first layer of polish applied to the natural nail to improve adhesion of the color and help prevent the nail plate from being stained by pigment.

The final polish layer that adds shine, seals in the color, and helps protect a manicure or pedicure from chipping and everyday wear.

The liquid part of an acrylic enhancement system, usually ethyl methacrylate, that reacts with polymer powder to form a hard, cured artificial nail coating.

The fine powder part of an acrylic enhancement system that, when mixed with monomer liquid, forms a workable bead that hardens into an artificial nail.

A liquid applied to the natural nail before acrylic or gel products to remove surface oils and improve the bond between the nail plate and the enhancement.

The thickest, highest point of an artificial nail, placed over the stress area near the free edge, giving the enhancement strength where breakage is most likely.

A light-cured enhancement product that stays soft until exposed to an ultraviolet or LED lamp, where photoinitiators in the gel cause it to harden into a durable coating.

Ethyl methacrylate, the monomer liquid commonly used in salon acrylic systems; it is less irritating to skin than methyl methacrylate and is the accepted choice for nail enhancements.

The visible, hard keratin covering on the back of a fingertip or toe that protects the sensitive tissue of the nail bed underneath it.

The tissue at the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced; injury here can permanently change the shape, thickness, or growth of the nail.

The whitish, half-moon shape seen at the base of the nail plate, which is the visible portion of the nail matrix below it.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that overlaps the matrix; it is often confused with the cuticle and should not be cut with sharp tools.

The skin seal located beneath the free edge of the nail plate, where the nail separates from the fingertip and where dirt and debris tend to collect.

A fungal infection of the nail that can cause thickening, discoloration, and lifting of the nail plate; it is a reason to refuse service and refer the client for medical care.

Inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail, often red, swollen, and painful; bacterial cases need medical care and the area should not be worked on.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which can result from trauma, aggressive filing, or infection and leaves a white, hollow-looking area.

A green-black discoloration of the nail plate caused by Pseudomonas bacteria growing in a moist, lifted area under the nail; it is not a mold and should be referred for care.

A fast-evaporating solvent used to remove nail polish and to soak off gel or acrylic products; it is flammable and must be kept in a closed container away from flames.

A small, spoon-shaped metal tool used to gently scrape debris from under the free edge and around the nail folds; it must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

A heavy-duty tool with curved cutting jaws used to trim thick nails or artificial nail extensions; it requires cleaning and disinfection between every client.

A standardized document from a product manufacturer listing a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first aid steps, and storage requirements; it must be kept accessible in the salon.

A device that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize metal implements; items must be cleaned and dried first, and proper packaging and cycle monitoring are required.

A number describing how coarse a nail file is: lower numbers mean a coarser abrasive and higher numbers mean a finer one, with coarse files removing product quickly.

The state board within Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that advises on and enforces the rules for cosmetology and nail technician licensing and practice.

The set of services a licensed nail technician may legally perform in Michigan, such as manicuring, pedicuring, and applying artificial nails, and the tasks left to others.

The state-issued credential that lets a person legally perform and charge for nail services; in Michigan it requires finishing an approved program, passing the examination, and renewing as required.

A liquid monomer linked to severe allergic reactions and nail damage that is not permitted for artificial nails under Michigan salon rules; ethyl methacrylate is used instead.

Explaining a service, its risks, and its alternatives to a client and obtaining their agreement before beginning, with the discussion noted in the client record.

The conversation before a service in which the technician asks about health conditions, medications, allergies, and service goals, then examines the hands and nails to plan safe work.

A condition, such as an infection, open wound, or contagious skin disorder, that makes a nail service unsafe and means the client should be referred to a physician instead.