Nail Care and Manicuring
Anatomy first
The nail plate sits on the nail bed and is produced by the matrix; the lunula is the visible part of the matrix, the cuticle and eponychium seal the base, the hyponychium seals under the free edge, and the sidewalls frame the nail. If you can picture where growth happens, you can answer most questions about cuticle care, thinning, and ridges.
Disorders versus diseases
Disorders are cosmetic and can be serviced: onychorrhexis (split, brittle nails), leuconychia (white spots), minor ridges, hangnails. Diseases and infections require medical referral: onychomycosis (fungal), paronychia (bacterial inflammation of the tissue around the nail), onychocryptosis (ingrown nail). Never push back living tissue or dig under the free edge.
Tools and sanitation
Know grit ratings - lower numbers are coarser - and match them: fine abrasives for natural nail shaping, coarser for artificial enhancements, and care with electric files to avoid heat and rings of fire. Nippers, pushers, and metal bits are disinfected; files, buffers, and wooden sticks are single-use. Pedicure tubs need cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection between clients, including the screen and jets, with the label contact time observed.
Traps
Treating a fungal nail as a cosmetic problem; assuming disinfection happens by rinsing; double-dipping products; using a coarse file on the natural nail plate; and forgetting that a client with a cut or inflammation should not receive a service over that area.
Rule of thumb
Ask 'disorder or disease?' before touching the nail. Worked example: a client presents a thickened, yellowed, crumbling nail. That pattern suggests onychomycosis - do not thin or cover it; politely refer to a physician and document the referral.