NE 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 labeled to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens on hard, nonporous surfaces; it must be used at the label's dilution and contact time to be effective.

Sterilization versus disinfection

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including bacterial spores; disinfection destroys most pathogenic organisms on surfaces but not necessarily spores. Nail implements normally require cleaning plus hospital-grade disinfection.

Single-use implements

Porous or difficult-to-disinfect items such as emery boards, orange wood sticks, cotton, and tissues that cannot be safely disinfected and must be discarded after one client.

Universal precautions

The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using gloves and barriers for every client, regardless of known health status.

Nail matrix

The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces the nail plate; injury to the matrix can cause permanent ridges, pitting, or deformity.

Nail bed

The skin layer beneath the nail plate containing capillaries that give the nail its pink tone; it is not the growth source of the nail.

Eponychium

The living cuticle tissue that seals the proximal nail fold and protects the matrix from infection; it is pushed back, not cut, during a manicure.

Lunula

The whitish, half-moon area at the base of the nail plate; it is the visible portion of the matrix and appears white due to thicker keratin.

Nail growth rate

Fingernails grow roughly 3 mm per month and toenails about 1 mm per month; growth is faster in summer, in younger people, and on the dominant hand.

Filing direction

Natural nails should be filed in one direction from corner toward center with a fine-grit file to reduce splitting, peeling, and stress on the nail plate.

Pedicure basin sanitation

The foot basin and whirlpool jets must be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade product at the label contact time between every client.

Prolonged soaking effect

Soaking nails longer than about 5 to 10 minutes softens the nail plate, increasing peeling and causing enhancements to lift; limit soak time.

Service contraindications

Open wounds, active fungal or bacterial infection, severe paronychia, and undiagnosed lesions are reasons to decline service and refer the client to a physician.

Nail tip sizing

A tip must match the natural nail sidewall to sidewall; too wide lifts at the sides, too narrow creates stress points that crack.

Silk wrap application

A reinforcing fabric applied with resin over the nail plate; it strengthens the nail and is removed by filing or acetone soak, never by ripping.

Enhancement removal

File down bulk product, then soak in acetone with foil wraps at the label time and gently push off softened product; never pry or force it off.

Nail form

A disposable or reusable form placed under the free edge to build an extension with acrylic or gel; it must fit snugly and is removed after the product sets.

Acrylic bead ratio

The correct liquid-to-powder ratio forms a smooth, workable ball; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, too dry causes brittle and cloudy product.

Exothermic reaction

The heat released as acrylic monomer polymerizes; a thick application or excess monomer produces more heat and can burn the client's nail bed.

Gel curing

Gel products harden under a UV or LED lamp matched to the product's photoinitiator; under-curing leaves a tacky, weak layer that lifts.

Apex placement

The thickest point of an enhancement, built over the stress area near the free edge, to provide strength where the nail bends during use.

Onychomycosis

A fungal nail infection showing yellow-brown, thickened, crumbly nails with subungual debris; it is not serviced and requires medical referral.

Paronychia

Inflammation of the nail fold, often bacterial, with redness, swelling, and pain; the technician should not massage or push the cuticle and should refer.

Pseudomonas green spot

A green-black discoloration caused by bacteria trapped under an enhancement; the product is removed, the area disinfected, and persistent cases referred.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed; avoid aggressive cleaning under the free edge and refer when the cause is unknown.

Beau's lines

Horizontal depressions across the nail caused by interrupted matrix growth after illness or trauma; they grow out and are not treated by the technician.

SDS availability

Safety Data Sheets must be on file for every hazardous salon product and accessible to workers; they describe hazards, handling, and first-aid measures.

Drill heat warning

Stop drilling if the client reports heat or burning; heat signals friction damage to the nail plate, so use low speed and keep the bit moving.

Cut first aid

Apply pressure with clean gauze, elevate, apply antiseptic, cover with a bandage, then disinfect all tools and surfaces that contacted blood.

Flammable salon liquids

Acetone and acrylic monomer are flammable; store in closed containers away from open flame and use only with adequate ventilation.

Nebraska licensing authority

Nail technology is licensed under the Nebraska Cosmetology Act and regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services Board of Cosmetology.

Scope of practice

A licensed nail technician may perform manicures, pedicures, and enhancements; cutting living tissue and treating disease are outside the license scope.