Manicuring and Pedicuring Techniques
This domain tests safe, professional execution of basic manicures and pedicures: setup, filing, cuticle care, massage, polish, and client protection. The exam favors technique that protects living tissue and prevents cross-contamination.
Manicure sequence
Consult and wash hands. Sanitize your hands and the client's. Shape the free edge with a clean file, working from side to center in one direction to reduce splitting; avoid sawing back and forth on natural nails. Gently push back the cuticle with a disinfected pusher. Trim only loose, dead hangnails; do not cut living tissue or probe the nail sinus. Buff lightly, remove dust, massage with product, and polish in thin coats. Clean under the free edge with a soft brush, not a sharp tool.
Pedicure sequence
Clean and disinfect the basin before filling. Soak briefly, trim nails straight across, and file edges smooth. Reduce callus with a paddle or pumice only on the dead layer; do not use blades to cut living skin. Check for ingrown nails, redness, or diabetes-related circulation problems and refer rather than dig. Massage avoids red, swollen, or broken skin and known clot or circulation conditions. Dry thoroughly between toes.
Worked example
A client asks you to cut back her cuticles so polish looks clean. Cutting living cuticle can cause bleeding and infection. Explain that you will push back the cuticle and trim only loose dead skin, then apply polish carefully. If bleeding occurs, stop, glove, clean, and disinfect.
Traps
Overbuffing thin nails, filing natural nails aggressively in both directions, soaking too long, using dirty files, and cutting live cuticle are common errors.