Nail Care and Manicuring/Pedicuring
Nail anatomy and growth
The matrix forms the plate, the nail bed supports it, and the lunula is the visible edge of the matrix. The eponychium (cuticle) seals the base, the hyponychium seals under the free edge, and the lateral folds frame the sides. Fingernails grow about 1/8 inch (roughly 3 mm) per month; full replacement takes four to six months on fingers and nine to twelve on toes. Growth is faster in summer and on the dominant hand.
Disorders versus diseases
Onychosis (deformity), onychocryptosis (ingrown nail), onycholysis (loosening), and onychorrhexis (splitting) are conditions you may see. Paronychia (inflamed, swollen nail fold), onychomycosis or tinea unguium (fungal), and the green-black staining of a Pseudomonas infection are diseases - refer out and do not service.
Service rules
File in one direction with a fine-grit file, thin the free edge rather than sawing it. Nippers are for hangnails and dead tissue only - never cut live tissue. Disinfect implements by full immersion in an EPA-registered hospital-grade product for the label time (typically 10 minutes); single-use files, buffers, and orangewood sticks go to the client or in the trash. Pedicure basins must be cleaned and disinfected with a product labeled for that use after every client. MMA monomer is restricted or banned in many states; it damages the natural nail plate.
Worked example
A green-black patch appears under a lifted acrylic nail. Reasoning: this is a Pseudomonas bacterial infection, not fungus. Remove the product, do not apply a new enhancement, and refer the client to a physician. Disinfect all implements and discard porous items.
Traps that cost marks
Calling greenies a fungal infection; cutting the cuticle; performing an aggressive pedicure on a client with diabetes or circulatory problems without physician release; skipping basin disinfection.