NH Nail Technician flashcards

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

Nail plate composition

The nail plate is about 80% keratin protein, 15–16% water, and 3–5% lipids, giving it strength, flexibility, and a slightly translucent appearance.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3.5 mm (roughly 0.1 inch) per month, meaning a full replacement takes four to six months.

Toenail growth rate

Toenails grow about 1 mm per month, roughly one-third the fingernail rate, so full replacement takes nine to twelve months.

Cuticle versus eponychium

The cuticle is the thin dead skin layer on the nail plate at the base; the eponychium is the living skin fold behind it and must never be cut.

Lunula

The lunula is the visible whitish half-moon at the base of the nail, formed by the front portion of the matrix; it is largest on the thumb.

Hyponychium

The hyponychium is the seal of skin under the free edge of the nail that keeps dirt and pathogens from entering the nail bed.

Nail disorder versus disease

A disorder such as a hangnail or split may be serviced by a licensed technician; a disease such as onychomycosis or paronychia requires physician referral.

Massage movements

Effleurage is gliding light pressure, petrissage is kneading, tapotement is rapid tapping, and friction uses small circular pressure; strokes move toward the heart.

Acrylic bead ratio

A properly formed acrylic bead is smooth and creamy; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, too dry causes brittle, cloudy product with air pockets.

Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization

Cleaning removes debris, disinfection kills most pathogens on surfaces and implements, and sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores.

Hospital-grade disinfectant

An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim is the benchmark for implements; the label's contact time must be followed exactly.

Porous versus nonporous items

Porous items such as emery boards and buffer blocks cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded after one client; nonporous metal tools can be disinfected.

Hand washing duration

Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is required before and after each client; alcohol sanitizer is an adjunct, not a substitute.

Bloodborne pathogen exposure

On exposure, stop the service, don gloves, clean the wound, apply pressure, disinfect the area, and report per policy; hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are key risks.

Client screening

Refuse service for open lesions, redness, swelling, pus, fungal discoloration, or unexplained nail separation, and refer the client to a physician.

Disinfectant solution change

Disinfectant solutions must be replaced per manufacturer's instructions or when visibly soiled; states often prohibit using one jar for multiple clients without changing it.

Single-use items

Disposable files, toe separators, and gloves are used once and discarded; gloves are changed between clients and whenever torn or soiled.

Nail matrix

The matrix is the growth center of the nail that produces the plate; damage to it causes permanent ridges, grooves, or a split nail.

Nail bed

The nail bed lies under the nail plate and carries blood vessels and nerves; its translucency gives the healthy nail its pink color.

Lateral nail folds

The lateral nail folds are the skin folds on each side of the nail that cradle and protect the edges of the nail plate.

Skin layers

The epidermis is the outer avascular layer, the dermis contains vessels, nerves, and glands, and the subcutaneous layer holds fat and connective tissue.

Bones of the hand

The hand contains 8 carpals, 5 metacarpals, and 14 phalanges (three per finger, two in the thumb); the wrist is the radiocarpal joint.

Flexors and extensors

Flexor muscles close the fingers and extensor muscles open them; the thenar eminence is the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb.

Arteries versus veins

Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, veins return deoxygenated blood, and lymph nodes filter pathogens and signal infection.

Sensory receptors in nail bed

Sensory receptors in the nail bed and surrounding skin detect pressure, temperature, and pain, while motor nerves control hand and finger movement.

Licensing requirements

Candidates must complete state-required training hours, pass practical and written exams, and renew the license on the state's cycle, often every two years.

Scope of practice

Nail technicians may perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail applications, and nail art, but may not diagnose or treat disease.

Continuing education

Many states require a set number of continuing education hours per renewal cycle, often including infection control and sanitation, to keep the license active.

Disinfection record keeping

States may require disinfection logs and client intake records, including consent for artificial nail services, to be retained for a defined period.

License display and title use

Licensees must display their license and may not use the title nail technician or manicurist without a valid license; unlicensed practice is a violation.

License endorsement

Transferring a license between states depends on that state's rules; some accept endorsement, while others require additional hours or examination.

Prohibited practices

Commonly prohibited practices include cutting living eponychium, using a credo blade or sharp tool on the nail plate, and reusing single-use items.