MT Nail Technician flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Nail plate keratin
- The nail plate is made mainly of keratin, the same protein as hair; it has no nerves or blood supply, so filing and trimming the free edge are painless.
- Nail matrix function
- The matrix, hidden beneath the proximal nail fold, produces new nail cells; injury to the matrix causes permanent ridges or deformity of the growing plate.
- Fingernail growth rate
- Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month and fully replace in four to six months; toenails grow about 1 mm per month and take nine to twelve months.
- Onychomycosis referral
- A fungal nail infection causes thickened, discolored, crumbling nails; the technician does not treat it and refers the client to a physician before any service.
- Paronychia signs
- Paronychia is infection of tissue around the nail, shown by redness, swelling, and pus; product application and massage are contraindicated and referral is required.
- Onycholysis definition
- Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often from trauma or aggressive filing; do not force product into the lifted area.
- EPA hospital disinfectant
- Implements contacting skin or nails are cleaned of debris, then immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the full contact time on the label.
- Single-use implement rule
- Emery boards, orangewood sticks, cotton, toe separators, and other porous items cannot be reliably disinfected, so they are discarded after one client.
- Hand washing duration
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, scrubbing between fingers and under nails, then dry with a disposable towel.
- Pedicure basin disinfection
- After each client, drain and scrub the basin, then fill or circulate an EPA-registered disinfectant for the labeled contact time; clean removable jet filters too.
- File grit rule
- Lower grit numbers are coarser; use 180-grit or finer on natural nails and reserve 100 to 150 grit for shaping product and artificial nails.
- Cuticle nipper rule
- Nippers are used only on dead hanging skin such as a hangnail, never on the living eponychium, because cutting living tissue risks infection and ridges.
- Massage stroke names
- Effleurage is gliding, petrissage is kneading, tapotement is tapping, and friction is circular rubbing; strokes move toward the heart and avoid inflamed areas.
- Pedicure contraindications
- Diabetes, neuropathy, and poor circulation require physician clearance and extra care with water temperature and abrasion before a pedicure is performed.
- Tip sizing rule
- Choose a tip that matches the widest part of the natural nail sidewall to sidewall with no gap or overlap; if between sizes, go larger and file to fit.
- Tip blending
- After shortening the tip, blend the seam with a medium-grit file and buffer until the transition is smooth and the tip edge is invisible.
- Wrap reinforcement purpose
- Silk and fiberglass wraps reinforce the natural plate or a tip with resin and activator; they add strength but do not lengthen the nail by themselves.
- Overlay versus extension
- An overlay covers only the natural nail plate, while an extension adds length beyond the free edge using a tip or form plus product.
- Acrylic mix ratio
- The correct acrylic bead uses roughly one and a half parts powder to one part liquid; a proper bead holds its shape and does not run.
- Stress area location
- The stress area is where the free edge meets the nail bed; it breaks most often, so slightly more product there and a proper apex reduce breakage.
- Acrylic lifting causes
- Lifting follows moisture on the plate, cuticle left in place, product touching skin, a wrong mix ratio, or missing reinforcement at the stress area.
- Monomer safety
- Monomer is a skin and respiratory irritant; use it in a ventilated area, keep the container closed, and avoid skin contact to prevent allergic sensitization.
- Gel cure requirement
- Gel cures only under a UV or LED lamp matched to the product line; follow the manufacturer's lamp and cure time, and remove gel from skin before curing.
- Inhibition layer
- The inhibition layer is the tacky uncured surface left after gel curing; it is removed with the manufacturer's cleanser before the next layer or finish.
- Gel removal method
- File the top coat, wrap with acetone-soaked cotton and foil for the labeled time, then gently push off softened gel; never scrape or pry it off.
- Complementary colors
- Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create contrast, while analogous colors sit adjacent and create harmony in a design.
- Rhinestone sealing
- Rhinestones are set in wet product or adhesive and then sealed around the base with top coat so edges do not catch and lift.
- Art tool sanitation
- Shared brushes, dotting tools, and stampers are cleaned and disinfected between clients; porous items that cannot be disinfected are used once and discarded.
- Informed consent
- Before service, explain the products, process, risks such as lifting and allergy, and aftercare, and confirm the client agrees to proceed.
- Health history questions
- Ask about allergies, medications, diabetes, circulatory problems, infections, and pregnancy, because each affects product choice and service safety.
- Scope of practice
- A nail technician cleans, shapes, and beautifies nails; diagnosing disease, treating infection, and razor callus removal are outside the legal scope.
- Montana licensing board
- Nail technicians in Montana are licensed by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists under the Department of Labor and Industry.