ND Nail Technician cheat sheet

Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms on nonporous implements; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores; sanitation reduces contamination on surfaces.

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with tuberculocidal claim is required for implements that may contact blood or broken skin; follow label contact time exactly.

Blood and body fluid spills: wear gloves, absorb with disposable towel, clean with soap and water, then disinfect with EPA-registered hospital disinfectant; place waste in sealed bag.

Single-use items (nail files, buffers, wooden sticks, cotton, pedicure liners) must be discarded after one client; porous items cannot be effectively disinfected.

Pedicure equipment: whirlpool tubs require cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered product between clients, including jets; follow manufacturer instructions and log maintenance.

Hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is required before and after each client and after glove removal; alcohol-based sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be accessible for every chemical product; keep products in original labeled containers and store away from heat and open flame.

Sharps (credible razors, nippers) must be disposed of in a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container; never recap or bend blades by hand.

Client screening: refuse service on inflamed, infected, or undiagnosed skin conditions; refer to physician; document refusal and reason.

Nail plate: visible keratin structure; nail bed: skin beneath plate containing blood vessels and nerves; nail matrix: area at base where new cells form, responsible for nail growth.

Nail growth: fingernails average 3.5 mm per month (1/8 inch); toenails 1.5 mm per month; complete replacement of fingernail takes about 4-6 months, toenail 9-12 months.

Cuticle (eponychium) is living skin at the base of the nail plate; cuticle must never be cut; only the nonliving cuticle (dead tissue) may be gently pushed back.

Hyponychium is the seal under the free edge that protects the nail bed from infection; avoid excessive filing under the free edge.

Lunula is the visible portion of the matrix; its color and shape can indicate health; do not apply pressure that damages matrix.

Nail sidewalls (lateral folds) and nail grooves guide nail growth; trauma can cause ridges or ingrown nails.

Skin layers: epidermis (outermost, avascular), dermis (contains nerves, blood vessels, glands), subcutaneous layer; nail plate is a modified epidermis.

Melanin determines skin and nail color; nails appear pink due to underlying blood vessels; cyanosis (bluish) may indicate poor oxygenation.

Contraindications: paronychia (bacterial infection), onychomycosis (fungal), psoriasis, and severe nail dystrophy require medical referral; do not treat.

Manicure procedure order: consultation, wash hands, shape nails, push cuticles, clean under free edge, massage hand/arm, apply base coat, polish, top coat.

Nail shaping: file in one direction from corner to center to avoid splitting; use fine-grit file for natural nails; coarse files reserved for artificial nails.

Pedicure: soak feet in warm water with sanitized basin or liner; use single-use liners; clean and disinfect tub after each client; avoid soaking if client has diabetes or circulatory issues without physician approval.

Cuticle care: apply cuticle softener, gently push back with rubber-tipped pusher; never cut living tissue; nippers only for hangnails with client consent and proper disinfection.

Massage: use light effleurage and petrissage; avoid pressure on varicose veins, inflamed areas, or signs of infection; massage improves circulation.

Polish application: thin coats; base coat prevents staining; two color coats; top coat seals; cap free edge to extend wear.

Pedicure tools: separate implements for feet and hands; disinfect after each use; use disposable pedicure liners and discard.

Client positioning: manicure table at comfortable height; pedicure stool with back support; ensure good lighting and ventilation.

Contraindications for pedicure: open sores, fungal infections, severe edema, recent surgery, diabetes with neuropathy; refer to physician.

Nail tips: pre-formed plastic extensions glued to free edge; choose tip size that fits sidewalls without pressure; blend seam with file to avoid lifting.

Tip application steps: size tip, apply adhesive, hold at 45-degree angle, press and hold 5-10 seconds, cut to length, file blend.

Nail wraps: fabric (silk, linen, fiberglass) applied with resin or glue over natural nail or tip; wraps add strength and repair breaks; cure under UV light if resin requires.

Wrap application: apply base resin, place wrap, smooth, apply additional resin, cure, file and buff; avoid trapping air bubbles.

Nail enhancements include tips, wraps, acrylics, gels, and dip powders; each requires specific product knowledge and safety.

Tip sizes: numbered; smaller numbers for larger nails; ensure proper fit to prevent pressure and lifting.

Adhesive safety: cyanoacrylate glues bond skin instantly; keep away from eyes; use in well-ventilated area; store upright.

Removal: soak wraps in acetone or use proper remover; do not force or pry; damage to nail plate can occur.

Maintenance: fills every 2-3 weeks; check for lifting, cracks, or discoloration; refer if signs of infection.

Acrylic system: liquid monomer (ethyl methacrylate) mixed with powder polymer (polyethyl methacrylate) forms a hard nail enhancement; ratio typically 1.5 parts powder to 1 part liquid by volume.

Proper mix ratio: bead should be smooth, not runny or dry; too wet causes lifting and shrinkage; too dry causes brittle, cloudy nails.

Application steps: prep nail, apply primer (if required), attach tip or form, apply acrylic in thin layers, shape, file, buff, polish.

Monomer safety: use in well-ventilated area; avoid skin contact; wear gloves; never store in unlabeled containers; keep away from heat.

Primer (methacrylic acid) improves adhesion; apply sparingly and allow to dry completely; avoid contact with skin.

Filing and shaping: use coarse file for acrylic, then medium, then fine; finish with buffer; avoid over-filing natural nail.

Fills: remove lifted product, reduce thickness, apply new acrylic, blend to natural nail; maintain stress area.

Removal: soak in acetone or use file-down; never use force; acetone is flammable; use in ventilated area.

Troubleshooting: lifting-inadequate prep or wet mix; yellowing-exposure to sunlight or improper mix; cracking-stress or too thin.

Gel nails: oligomers that cure under UV or LED light; require proper lamp wavelength (UV 340-380 nm; LED 365-405 nm) and cure time.

Gel application: prep nail, apply base coat, cure, apply gel color, cure, apply top coat, cure; each layer must be thin and cured completely.

Cure time: follow manufacturer instructions; typically 30-60 seconds per layer in LED; UV may require 2-3 minutes; under-curing causes lifting and service breakdown.

Lamp maintenance: clean bulbs, replace when output drops; use lamps designed for gel products; ensure client hands positioned correctly.

Gel removal: file top coat, soak in acetone or use gel remover, gently push off; do not scrape or force.

Gel safety: avoid skin contact; some clients may develop allergic reactions (contact dermatitis); use gloves and proper ventilation.

UV exposure: limit skin exposure; apply sunscreen or use gloves with fingertips cut out; lamps emit UVA.

Gel vs acrylic: gel is more flexible, less odor, requires curing; acrylic is stronger, has odor, cures by chemical reaction.

Gel polish vs hard gel: gel polish is soft gel removed by soaking; hard gel is file-off only and used for extensions.

Polish types: base coat, color, top coat; base coat prevents staining and improves adhesion; top coat seals and adds shine.

Polish application: thin coats; two color coats; cap free edge; dry time varies; use quick-dry drops or spray.

Nail art techniques: freehand painting, striping, dotting, marbling, stamping, decals, rhinestones; ensure all art materials are compatible with polish or gel.

French manicure: white tip, pink or nude base; smile line shape; use guide stickers or freehand; seal with top coat.

Nail art safety: use only cosmetic-grade products; avoid sharing tools without disinfection; do not use craft glues or non-professional products.

Finishing: apply cuticle oil, massage; buff to smooth; ensure polish is fully dry before client leaves.

Removal of nail art: use appropriate remover; do not pick or peel; protect natural nail.

Color theory: complementary colors opposite on wheel; analogous next to each other; use for design.

Trends: seasonal colors, minimalistic designs, chrome powders; always follow client preference and nail health.

Consultation: assess client needs, health history, lifestyle, expectations; document allergies, medications, and previous nail services.

Contraindications: identify medical conditions that require physician referral (diabetes, fungal infection, psoriasis); do not treat without clearance.

Communication: use open-ended questions, active listening, clear explanations; confirm understanding; maintain confidentiality.

Ethics: provide honest recommendations, do not diagnose or prescribe, respect client autonomy, avoid discrimination, maintain professional boundaries.

Informed consent: explain procedure, risks, and alternatives; obtain verbal or written consent; document.

Client records: keep accurate records of services, products used, and any reactions; store securely.

Conflict resolution: listen, empathize, clarify, propose solutions; refer to supervisor if needed.

Professionalism: punctuality, hygiene, continuing education, adherence to laws and regulations.

Cultural competence: respect diverse backgrounds, use inclusive language, adapt services to client needs.

North Dakota Board of Cosmetology regulates cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians, and salons; license required to practice.

Licensing: complete required training hours (nail technician program minimum 350 hours in ND), pass written and practical exams, submit application and fee.

Salon license: must be obtained; salon must meet sanitation, equipment, and safety standards; display licenses.

Sanitation rules: follow Board rules for disinfection, sterilization, and single-use items; maintain records.

Continuing education: license renewal requires continuing education hours as set by Board (varies; check current rules).

Scope of practice: nail technician may perform manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and related services; may not perform medical procedures.

Advertising: must include license number; no false or misleading claims.

Client records: maintain for required period; confidentiality.

Inspections: Board may inspect salons; comply with inspector requests; post rules.

Penalties: unlicensed practice, unsanitary conditions, or violations may result in fines, suspension, or revocation.