Nail Care and Manicuring
Domain 6, Nail Care and Manicuring, tests nail anatomy, manicure and pedicure procedure, implement safety, and recognition of nail disorders. The exam repeatedly checks whether you protect living tissue and prevent cross-contamination.
Core rules
- The nail plate is the visible hard keratin; the nail bed lies beneath it; the matrix produces new cells; the cuticle seals the nail base; the lunula is the visible part of the matrix.
- Do not cut or nip living tissue. Push back the cuticle gently and trim only hangnails or clearly nonliving tissue.
- Reusable metal implements must be cleaned, then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant after each client.
- Porous items such as emery boards, orangewood sticks, and cotton are single-use.
- Recognize contraindications: fungal infection, bacterial infection, inflammation, open wounds, and sudden nail changes require referral.
Worked example
A client removes polish and reveals a green-black discoloration on the nail plate. The correct action is to stop the service, refer the client for medical evaluation, and clean and disinfect all implements. Reasoning: green discoloration can indicate a bacterial infection, often Pseudomonas, especially under lifted polish or acrylic. Applying product would trap moisture and bacteria and could spread contamination. Do not attempt to file away the discoloration and continue.
Traps that cost marks
- Nipping the cuticle deeply to “clean up” the nail; this opens the door to infection.
- Using a UV cabinet or a quick alcohol wipe in place of proper cleaning and disinfection.
- Reusing a file or buffer on multiple clients.
- Treating a discolored or lifting nail as a cosmetic problem when it may be infectious.