NC Nail Technician flashcards

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

Hospital-grade disinfectant

An EPA-registered product that kills most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on nonporous surfaces when used at the label's dilution and contact time; required for implements and basins.

Porous implements

Files, buffers, wooden sticks, and cotton cannot be disinfected because liquid will not penetrate them, so they are discarded after one client or reserved for single-client use.

Blood spill procedure

Stop the service, put on gloves, apply antiseptic and a bandage, discard contaminated supplies in a covered container, then clean and disinfect every tool and surface touched.

Cleaning versus disinfecting

Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris with soap and water; disinfecting destroys most microorganisms on nonporous items and always follows cleaning rather than replacing it.

Nail matrix

The area at the base of the nail where plate cells are produced; injury here causes ridges, grooves, or permanent deformity of the nail as it grows out.

Lunula

The whitish half-moon visible at the proximal end of the nail plate; it is the front portion of the matrix, so it appears lighter than the attached nail bed.

Hyponychium

The seal of skin beneath the free edge where the nail plate meets the fingertip; it keeps debris and microorganisms from entering the nail bed area.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 to 3.5 mm (roughly one-tenth inch) per month and are fully replaced in four to six months; toenails grow about half as fast.

Paronychia

A bacterial infection of the nail fold appearing red, swollen, and pus-filled; it is contagious, so the service is refused and the client is referred to a physician.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail plate that causes thickening, yellow-brown discoloration, and crumbling; it is not treated in the salon and the client is referred out.

Onychocryptosis

An ingrown nail in which the edge grows into the sidewall, causing pain and inflammation; toenails are cut straight across and inflamed nails are never serviced.

Koilonychia

Spoon nails, a condition in which the nail plate is concave with turned-up edges; it may be hereditary or signal iron deficiency, so referral is appropriate.

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage stroke applied with the palms and fingers; it opens and closes a hand or foot massage and is used to spread massage lotion.

Trimming toenails

Toenails are cut straight across with nippers and the corners lightly filed, never deeply rounded, to reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail.

Base coat purpose

A thin first layer that improves adhesion of polish to the nail plate, prevents pigment staining, and helps the color coats apply evenly.

Monomer and polymer

In acrylic systems the liquid monomer is ethyl methacrylate and the powder polymer is polymethyl methacrylate; mixing them starts polymerization as the product cures.

Primer

Methacrylic acid applied in a thin coat to the natural plate to improve acrylic adhesion; it is kept off the skin and used sparingly to avoid lifting or irritation.

UV gel curing

Gel enhancements contain photoinitiators that harden only when exposed to ultraviolet or LED light of the correct wavelength and time; uncured gel on skin causes allergy.

Service contraindication

A condition making a service unsafe, such as infection, open lesions, a contagious disease, or poor circulation; the technician declines and refers the client.

Client record card

A confidential form recording contact details, service dates, products used, skin and nail observations, and consent; it supports consistency and legal documentation.

Patch test

A small amount of product applied to the skin, usually the inner forearm, and observed for 24 to 48 hours to detect an allergic reaction before a full service.

SDS

Safety Data Sheet: a document supplied with professional products listing hazards, safe handling, first aid, and storage; it must be kept available in the salon.

Acid mantle pH

Skin and nail plate have a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5; strongly alkaline products can disrupt this barrier and cause dryness and irritation.

Acetone

A volatile, flammable solvent that dissolves nail polish and softens acrylic and glue; it is kept in closed containers away from heat and used with ventilation.

Exothermic reaction

The heat released as acrylic monomer links into polymer chains; applying product too thick or using excess monomer can burn the client's nail bed.

NC Board of Cosmetic Art

The state board that licenses and regulates cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, estheticians, natural hair care specialists, and the shops and schools where they practice.

License display rule

A current license must be displayed in the shop where the licensee works, and services may be performed only within the scope of that specific license.

Board inspections

Board representatives may enter and inspect a licensed shop during business hours without advance notice to check sanitation, licensing, and compliance with Board rules.

Unlicensed practice

Performing cosmetic art services for compensation without a valid license, or allowing an unlicensed person to perform them, is a violation subject to fines and discipline.

Booth rental

An arrangement in which a technician pays fixed weekly rent to a shop owner and works as an independent contractor responsible for their own taxes and insurance.

Professional liability insurance

Coverage protecting a technician against claims of client injury or damage arising from services; it is separate from general business and property insurance.

Client confidentiality

Client information, including health history and service records, is kept private and shared only with the client's consent or when the law requires disclosure.