NC Nail Technician key terms

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product on hard, nonporous implements and surfaces to destroy most bacteria, fungi and viruses, though not bacterial spores. Tools must be cleaned first, then fully immersed for the label's stated contact time.

Destroying all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an object. In salons this is done with an autoclave using steam under pressure, and it is reserved for items that contact broken skin or are porous.

Lowering the number of germs on surfaces and tools by washing with soap and water or detergent, then rinsing. It removes debris and soil but does not kill all pathogens, so it is the required step before disinfection.

Treating all blood, body fluids and moist skin as potentially infectious, and using gloves, eye protection and handwashing with every client. This approach removes the need to guess who may be infected.

Viruses and bacteria carried in blood that cause disease, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. They spread through needlesticks, cuts or splashes to mucous membranes, not through intact skin.

A manufacturer document required by OSHA that lists a product's chemical hazards, safe handling, first aid and disposal instructions. A salon must keep one available for every professional product on site.

Transferring germs from one person or object to another through contaminated hands, tools, towels or products. It is prevented by handwashing, using fresh implements, disinfecting between clients and never double-dipping.

A product made for use on skin that reduces germs without damaging tissue, such as an alcohol or iodophor wipe. Antiseptics are not a substitute for disinfectants, which are used on surfaces and implements.

The visible, hard keratin structure covering the tip of a finger or toe. It shields the nail bed beneath it and is built from layers of flattened keratin cells produced by the matrix.

The living tissue at the base of the nail, under the proximal fold, that produces new nail cells. Injury to it causes lasting ridges, thinning or distortion as the plate grows out.

Living skin under the nail plate that contains nerves and blood vessels and gives the nail its pink tone. Tiny ridges attach it to the plate, and it can be torn if the plate is ripped off.

The whitish half-moon area at the base of the nail plate, most visible on the thumbs. It is the front edge of the matrix, where new cells have not yet flattened and hardened.

The living skin fold at the base of the nail plate that seals the nail against infection. Technicians soften and gently push it back rather than cutting living tissue, which can open a path for bacteria.

The skin seal beneath the free edge where the plate separates from the nail bed. It blocks dirt and germs from entering and can become infected if a tool is pushed too deeply.

A fungal infection of the nail plate and bed that causes thickening, yellow-brown discoloration, crumbling and lifting from the bed. It is contagious, so the area is not serviced and the client is referred to a physician.

Inflammation of the skin around the nail, often caused by bacteria entering through a torn cuticle or hangnail. Signs include redness, swelling, pain and pus, so the area is not pushed or cut and the client is referred.

An ingrown nail in which the edge of the plate grows into surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and possible infection. Technicians should not dig out the corner, especially on clients with diabetes or poor circulation.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving a white or hollow area near the free edge. Causes include trauma, harsh filing, psoriasis and fungus, so unexplained cases are referred.

A bacterial infection that stains the plate green-black and usually follows lifting product or trapped moisture. It is contagious, so product is removed, the client is referred and all tools used are disinfected.

Chronic nail biting that damages the plate, cuticle and surrounding skin and raises the risk of infection. Care is gentle and supportive, with referral when the skin is broken or inflamed.

A thin first layer of polish that improves adhesion to the plate and helps prevent pigment from staining the nail. It is applied sparingly and dried before color coats go on.

A light, gliding massage stroke made with the palms and fingers, generally moving toward the heart. It opens and closes a hand or foot massage, relaxes the client and lets the technician feel for swelling.

A small spoon-shaped metal tool used to gently clear debris from the sidewalls and lateral folds during a manicure. Like all implements, it must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

A warm wax service in which hands or feet are dipped and wrapped to hold heat, softening skin and easing stiffness. The wax must be at a safe temperature and is never reused on skin that is broken.

The liquid part of an acrylic system, usually ethyl methacrylate, that is mixed with polymer powder. It dissolves the powder and hardens by polymerization, and it is flammable with strong vapors.

The fine powder in an acrylic system, made of tiny beads that absorb liquid monomer. The word also describes any large molecule built from repeating units, including the cured enhancement itself.

The reaction in which small molecules link into long chains to form a hard material. Acrylics are triggered by a catalyst, while gels are triggered by photoinitiators activated by UV or LED light.

A light-sensitive ingredient in gel products that begins polymerization when UV or LED light reaches it. It explains why gel must be cured in a lamp and why old or contaminated product may cure unevenly.

A liquid applied to the natural plate before acrylic or gel to improve adhesion and reduce lifting. Modern acid-free primers are common, and excess primer can dehydrate the plate or irritate skin.

The thickest point of an enhancement, positioned where the natural nail meets the free edge and stress is greatest. Building it correctly gives strength and helps prevent breakage.

The tacky, uncured film left on the surface of a cured gel, wiped away with cleanser. It forms because oxygen in the air blocks the final stage of polymerization.

A condition or situation that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an active infection, an open cut or uncontrolled diabetes. Recognizing these protects both the client and the technician's license.

A small amount of product applied to the client's skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow, and checked after 24 to 48 hours. It helps detect an allergic reaction before full application of adhesive or tint.

The state board that licenses cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians and salons and enforces the Cosmetic Art Act. It inspects salons, investigates complaints and may discipline licensees.

The specific services and tasks a license level allows a practitioner to perform. A nail technician may not, for example, provide haircutting or esthetic skin care outside that license.

The periodic process of paying fees and documenting required continuing education hours to keep a license active. Working on an expired license is a violation that can bring fines or discipline.

Keeping a client's personal details, health information and service records private and sharing them only with permission. Gossiping about clients or posting their photos without consent is unprofessional and may be illegal.

Failing to give the care a reasonably careful technician would give, resulting in harm. Examples include using unlabeled products, skipping disinfection or ignoring a visible infection.