NH Nail Technician key terms

A process using chemicals registered by the EPA to destroy most harmful microorganisms on nonporous implements and surfaces, except bacterial spores. It is required for items that contact skin or nails but do not break the skin.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an object. In nail settings it applies to tools that may contact blood or broken skin, typically through an autoclave using steam under pressure.

The lowest level of decontamination: washing with soap and water or detergent to remove visible debris, oils, and dirt before disinfection or sterilization. Cleaning must happen first because residue blocks disinfectants from reaching surfaces.

A hospital-grade or tuberculocidal product carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number on its label. Nail technicians must use one that is labeled effective against the organisms of concern and follow its contact time.

The number of minutes an implement or surface must stay visibly wet with disinfectant to achieve the label's claimed kill. Shortening it, or letting the item dry out, means the item is not properly disinfected.

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood or body fluids, chiefly hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Technicians must assume every client could carry them and use standard precautions with all clients.

Treating all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious material as if infectious, regardless of a client's appearance or stated health status. This means gloves, hand hygiene, and proper handling of sharp or contaminated items for every service.

A specific event where blood or other potentially infectious material contacts broken skin, mucous membranes, or the eyes, such as a nick from nippers. The incident must be documented and the exposed person advised to seek medical evaluation.

A rigid, puncture-resistant, leakproof container with a closable lid, used to discard used blades, needles, or broken glass. It is never overfilled and is closed before transport for disposal according to local rules.

A product designed to be used on one client only and then discarded, such as a disposable file, buffer, or wooden stick. These items cannot be effectively cleaned and disinfected and must never be reused.

A material that absorbs liquids, such as cloth towels, foam buffers, or unfinished wood. Because disinfectant cannot reliably penetrate it, porous items that contact skin are used once and discarded rather than disinfected.

Barriers worn to prevent contact with infectious material, including disposable gloves, safety glasses, and a mask when splashing or dust is likely. Gloves are changed between clients and hands washed after removal.

Washing hands with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled. It is performed before and after every client service and after glove removal.

Equipment that sterilizes implements using high-pressure steam at a specified temperature and time. Items must be cleaned, dried, and pouch-packed first, and each load should be monitored with a spore or chemical indicator.

A Safety Data Sheet, formerly called a Material Safety Data Sheet, supplied by a product manufacturer. It lists hazards, first aid, handling, and disposal information and must be kept accessible to employees in the workplace.

The visible, hard keratin structure covering the tip of each finger or toe. It protects the nail bed beneath and is the surface nail technicians shape, buff, and coat during services.

The pinkish skin layer directly beneath the nail plate, rich in blood vessels and nerves. It attaches to the plate and, if injured, can cause the plate to grow distorted or detach.

The hidden area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced and keratinized. Damage to the matrix permanently affects the thickness, shape, and growth of the nail plate.

The whitish, half-moon shape visible at the base of the nail plate, formed by the front portion of the matrix. It is most prominent on the thumbs and may be less visible on other digits.

The dead, colorless layer of skin that seals the gap between the nail plate and the surrounding skin at the base. Technicians soften and push it back but should not cut living tissue around the nail.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that overlaps the matrix area, sometimes confused with the cuticle. Because it is living tissue and a barrier to infection, it should not be cut during routine services.

The skin under the free edge of the nail plate, where the plate separates from the nail bed. It seals the tip against debris and microorganisms and can be injured by aggressive cleaning under the edge.

The portion of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip or toe tip and is not attached to the nail bed. It is filed and shaped and is the part trimmed during a pedicure.

The average speed at which the nail plate lengthens, roughly one-tenth of an inch per month for fingernails and slower for toenails. Growth slows with age and poor circulation and varies by digit and season.

Any disease, disorder, or deformity of the natural nail, such as pitting, ridging, or thickening. A technician may not diagnose or treat it and should refer the client to a physician when it is suspected.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving a whitish area that may extend from the free edge. It can follow trauma, aggressive filing, or infection and should not be serviced over broken skin.

A fungal infection of the nail plate or nail bed that causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling. It is contagious and requires medical treatment; implements that touched an affected nail must be disinfected before reuse.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as broken skin, an active infection, or an allergic reaction. A technician should decline the service and refer the client for medical care.

A small application of a product, such as a monomer or tint, on the client's skin to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. Results are read after the manufacturer's recommended waiting period, usually 24 to 48 hours.

An immune reaction causing redness, itching, swelling, or blisters where a substance touched the skin, often developing after repeated exposure. Once sensitized, a client may react to that ingredient permanently.

The liquid component of a two-part acrylic system that, when mixed with polymer powder, hardens into an artificial nail enhancement. It is a skin and respiratory irritant and must be used with ventilation and no skin contact.

The powder component of an acrylic enhancement system, made of finely milled plastic particles. Mixed with monomer, it forms a workable bead that cures into a hard, durable nail coating.

A light-cured coating that requires exposure to a UV or LED lamp to polymerize and harden. It lasts longer than traditional polish and is removed by soaking or filing according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The light source used to cure gel products, emitting ultraviolet or light-emitting diode energy at a wavelength matched to the product. Clients with photosensitivity or certain medications may need to avoid exposure.

Any artificial overlay or extension applied to the natural nail, including acrylics, gels, wraps, and tips. Enhancements require proper preparation, bonding, and safe removal to avoid damage to the nail plate.

Repeated or prolonged contact with a product that sensitizes the body, producing allergic reactions or irritation. It is prevented by avoiding skin contact, keeping containers closed, and working with adequate ventilation.

The services and activities a licensed nail technician is legally permitted to perform under state law. Performing outside it, such as diagnosing disease or using medical devices, can lead to discipline or license loss.

The credential issued by a state board that authorizes a person to practice nail technology. It typically requires completing an approved program, passing written and practical exams, and renewing on a schedule.

Required hours of approved training a licensee completes within a renewal period to keep a license active. Topics and hour counts are set by the state board and must be documented if audited.

The regulatory body that writes and enforces rules for nail salons and licensees, including sanitation standards, licensing, and inspections. It also handles complaints and disciplinary actions against licensees.