MS Nail Technician cheat sheet

Disinfection destroys most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous implements; sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

Sanitizing lowers microorganism counts on surfaces but does not qualify as disinfection for reusable nail implements.

Use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant at the manufacturer's specified dilution and contact time.

Clean implements with soap and water and remove debris before immersion in disinfectant; disinfectants are less effective on soiled tools.

Porous single-use items such as emery boards, orange-wood sticks, cotton, and nail wipes are discarded after one client.

Wear gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is possible; place contaminated sharps in a rigid sharps container.

Wash hands with soap and water when visibly soiled; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled.

For a blood spill: don gloves, absorb with a disposable towel, clean, disinfect with an EPA hospital disinfectant, dispose properly, then wash hands.

Do not immerse electrical equipment motors or cords in liquid; disconnect from power and wipe surfaces with an approved disinfectant.

Natural nail filing uses a fine-grit file in one direction, avoiding back-and-forth sawing that can split the free edge.

Do not cut living cuticle tissue; soften and push back the cuticle, and nip only loose hangnails or nonliving tissue.

Square nails have a straight free edge with slightly rounded corners; oval nails follow the fingertip contour and taper at the sides.

Pedicure basins must be cleaned and disinfected after each client or fitted with a new single-use liner.

Diabetic, neuropathic, or circulation-impaired clients are at higher risk; avoid sharp tools and refer for medical foot care when indicated.

Massage strokes include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), and tapotement (percussion); massage generally moves toward the heart.

Base coat protects the nail plate, two thin color coats build color, and top coat seals; cap the free edge to reduce chipping.

Paraffin temperature is tested on the technician's wrist before application; avoid paraffin on open lesions or numb skin.

Acrylic enhancement is formed by mixing liquid monomer with powder polymer; a proper bead has a workable consistency and no dry pockets.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer is banned or restricted in many jurisdictions because of safety concerns; ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the standard monomer.

Nail tips are sized to fit sidewall to sidewall, bonded without air bubbles, and blended at the seam so the tip disappears.

Sculpted acrylic zones: zone 1 is the free edge, zone 2 is the stress area, and zone 3 is the cuticle area.

Gel enhancements require curing under the manufacturer's specified UV or LED lamp; uncured gel on skin increases allergy risk.

Fiberglass, silk, or linen wraps are adhered with resin and applied in thin layers; thick layers lift and trap moisture.

Remove enhancements by filing down bulk and soaking in acetone; never force or pry a product off the natural nail.

Rebalance or fill acrylics every 2-3 weeks and check for lifting, moisture pockets, or signs of infection.

Use low speed and light pressure with an electric file near the cuticle to prevent heat buildup and nail plate damage.

Nail plate is the visible keratin structure; nail bed is the skin beneath it; matrix produces the plate.

Lunula is the whitish half-moon at the nail base and is the visible portion of the matrix.

Eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail; the cuticle is the dead tissue adhering to the nail plate.

Hyponychium is the skin seal under the free edge; nail folds are the skin borders at the sides.

Fingernails grow about 0.1 mm per day (about 3 mm per month); toenails grow slower, about 1 mm per month.

Complete fingernail replacement takes about 4-6 months; toenail replacement takes about 12-18 months.

Nail plate is keratinized and has no blood vessels or nerves; the nail bed contains nerves and blood vessels.

Skin layers are epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue; nails are appendages of the skin.

Hand bones include carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges; foot bones include tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection; it is contagious and requires medical treatment, so do not apply enhancements over suspected infection.

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the nail fold; redness, swelling, and pus warrant referral.

Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed; avoid aggressive cleaning under the free edge.

Beau's lines are transverse depressions caused by interrupted nail growth from illness, trauma, or stress.

Koilonychia is spooning of the nail plate and may be associated with iron deficiency or systemic disease.

Pseudomonas infection causes green-black discoloration under enhancements; remove product, disinfect, and refer.

Nail psoriasis causes pitting, oil spots, and crumbling; it is not contagious but may need medical care.

A new, irregular dark band (melanonychia) on one nail should be referred for medical evaluation.

Open cuts, rashes, active infection, or severe inflammation are contraindications to nail enhancement services.

Consultation includes health history, medications, allergies, occupation, lifestyle, prior nail services, and client expectations.

Informed consent means explaining the service, products, risks, and alternatives before beginning.

Nail technicians do not diagnose or treat disease; refer clients with medically suspicious conditions.

Keep client information confidential and share it only with the client's permission or as required by law.

Active listening includes open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and clarifying the client's goals.

Document services, products used, reactions, and patch-test results in the client record.

Ethical practice includes honesty about results, no guaranteed cures, and avoiding services outside scope.

Professional boundaries include respecting the client's preferences, privacy, and physical comfort.

French manicure uses a nude or pink base with a white free edge; the smile line should follow the natural free-edge curve.

Nail stamping uses a stamper, scraper, and stamping polish; clean the stamper between colors to prevent transfer.

Water marbling uses room-temperature water and drops of polish; designs are pulled with a tool before the nail is dipped.

Encapsulation embeds glitter, lace, or dried flowers in acrylic or gel; the product must fully seal the inclusion.

3D nail art uses acrylic beads or gel to sculpt raised designs; keep the design balanced so it does not lift or catch.

Airbrush systems require ventilation and a mask; clean the gun and nozzle after each use to prevent clogging.

Gel polish removal requires soaking or wrapping with acetone; scraping or peeling damages the nail plate.

Rhinestones and foils are sealed with top coat or gel; edges must be capped to prevent snagging.

The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates nail technicians and salons in Mississippi.

A valid Mississippi nail technician license is required to perform nail services for compensation.

Nail technicians must follow Board sanitation rules, including disinfection of implements and use of single-use items.

Licenses must be displayed as required by Board rules and kept current; practicing on an expired license is unlawful.

The Board may inspect salons and records; refusing an inspection can lead to disciplinary action.

Scope of practice: nail technicians perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, and nail art; they do not perform medical treatment.

Board rules prohibit false or misleading advertising and require accurate disclosure of services.

Violations can result in fines, probation, suspension, or revocation of license.

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