NM Nail Technician flashcards

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

Sterilization

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on implements; achieved with an autoclave or dry-heat sterilizer and required for items that contact blood or broken skin.

Hospital-grade disinfectant

An EPA-registered product labeled as a hospital disinfectant, typically tuberculocidal, used on nonporous implements and surfaces after cleaning for the label's stated contact time.

Single-use item

A porous or disposable product, such as a buffer, wooden stick, or toe separator, that cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one client.

Safety Data Sheet

A document supplied by the manufacturer listing a chemical product's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and storage; salons must keep one on file for each chemical product used.

Nail matrix

The tissue beneath the proximal nail fold that produces the nail plate; injury here causes permanent grooves, thinning, or deformity of the growing nail.

Hyponychium

The seal of skin under the free edge of the nail plate that helps keep dirt and microorganisms out of the nail bed.

Eponychium

The living skin at the base of the nail plate, often confused with the cuticle; it forms part of the protective seal and should not be cut.

Lunula

The whitish, half-moon area at the base of the nail plate, representing the visible portion of the matrix where cells are still soft and light-reflecting.

Fingernail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, so a complete fingernail is replaced in roughly four to six months; toenails grow about 1 mm per month.

One-direction filing

Shaping a natural nail by filing from the corner toward the center in a single direction with a fine-grit file, which prevents splitting and peeling caused by sawing.

Cuticle care rule

Soften the cuticle, push it back gently with a rubber-tipped pusher, and trim only loose dead tissue; cutting living tissue risks infection and creates a portal for bacteria.

Pedicure callus reduction

Thinning callus on the sole and heel only with a paddle or file; never use a credo blade on clients with diabetes or circulatory disease, and never work between toes.

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage stroke applied toward the heart that begins and ends a massage sequence and helps spread product and relax the client.

Nail tip sizing

Select the smallest tip that covers the free edge without overlapping the sidewalls; file the well to fit rather than forcing a tip that is too wide.

Silk vs fiberglass wrap

Silk mesh is softer and blends well for repairs; fiberglass mesh is stronger and better for stress areas, and both are sealed with resin over a clean, dehydrated plate.

Wrap bubbles

Air pockets trapped under a wrap that hold moisture, weaken adhesion, and can lead to lifting or infection; press them out during application or redo the wrap.

Overlay versus tip

An overlay adds strength to the natural nail without adding length, while a tip is glued to the free edge to extend length before an overlay is applied.

Monomer and polymer

The liquid (monomer) and powder (polymer) that form acrylic when mixed; the standard liquid is ethyl methacrylate, and polymerization cures the product without evaporation.

MMA ban

Methyl methacrylate is prohibited for nail use in many jurisdictions because it causes severe allergic reactions and nail damage; ethyl methacrylate is the accepted substitute.

Medium-dry bead

The correct acrylic mix ratio in which the bead holds its shape and does not run; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting, too dry causes brittleness and cloudy product.

Gel curing

Photoinitiators in gel oligomers harden under UV or LED light of the correct wavelength; undercuring leaves tacky, weak product and raises allergy risk.

Onychomycosis

A contagious fungal infection of the nail causing thickening, yellow-brown discoloration, and crumbling; technicians must not service the nail and should refer the client.

Paronychia

Inflammation of the nail fold, often bacterial, marked by redness, swelling, and pain with possible pus; do not push back or massage, and refer to a physician.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail plate from the bed, usually appearing white and painless, caused by trauma, aggressive cleaning, or skin disease; avoid forcing product under the edge.

Beau's lines

Horizontal depressions across the nail plate caused by a temporary interruption of matrix growth from illness, injury, or severe stress; they grow out over months.

Melanonychia

A dark longitudinal band in the nail plate, especially on a single nail, that requires medical evaluation to rule out melanoma rather than cosmetic covering.

Informed consent

Explaining the service, its risks such as lifting or allergic reaction, aftercare, and cost, then obtaining and documenting the client's approval before starting.

Scope of practice

The legal limits of a nail technician's role: perform cosmetic services, recognize conditions, and refer to a physician, but never diagnose, prescribe, or treat disease.

Contraindication screening

Asking intake questions about diabetes, circulatory problems, blood thinners, pregnancy, allergies, and infections to decide whether a service is safe or must be modified.

New Mexico licensing board

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology within the Regulation and Licensing Department licenses and disciplines nail technicians and salons and sets sanitation and practice rules.

Salon license posting

The establishment's current license must be displayed and a licensed technician may not perform services in an unlicensed salon; inspections enforce sanitation standards.

Rule verification duty

Hour requirements, fees, renewal cycles, and continuing education figures change; verify current New Mexico statutes and Board rules before relying on any specific number.