NY Nail Technician cheat sheet

Chain of infection: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host; breaking any link prevents spread.

Cleaning removes debris and many microbes with soap or detergent and water; disinfection kills most harmful microbes on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores.

Use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim for items contaminated with blood or body fluids, following the label contact time.

Porous or absorbent items such as wooden sticks, cotton, paper towels, and porous-core files are single-use and must be discarded after one client.

Nonporous reusable implements must be cleaned, rinsed, dried, and completely immersed or wiped with disinfectant according to manufacturer directions.

Hand hygiene: wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after each client; use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if hands are not visibly soiled.

Gloves do not replace handwashing; change gloves between clients and after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated items.

Blood exposure procedure: stop the service, put on gloves, clean the wound, apply pressure, disinfect the area and implements, and dispose of contaminated waste in a sealed bag.

Never double-dip implements into product; use a clean spatula or dispenser for each client to prevent cross-contamination.

Safety Data Sheets have 16 sections and must be kept accessible for every hazardous chemical in the salon.

A disinfectant label states the EPA registration number, dilution ratio, contact time, and shelf life; mixing products can create toxic fumes or reduce efficacy.

GFCI outlets are required near water sources; electrical cords must be unplugged by the plug, not pulled by the cord, and kept away from wet surfaces.

Flammable products are stored in approved closed cabinets away from heat and open flames; the PASS method for a fire extinguisher is Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Proper ventilation, such as local exhaust or open windows, reduces inhalation of acrylic monomer, primer, and other salon vapors.

Ergonomic setup includes an adjustable chair and table, client hand support at a comfortable height, and neutral technician wrists to reduce strain.

Spills are cleaned immediately, floors are kept dry, and wet-floor signs are used to prevent slips and falls.

Sharps are disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container; used blades and sharp implements are never recapped or bent by hand.

All blood and body fluids are treated as infectious under universal precautions, regardless of the client's appearance or stated health status.

Natural nail filing uses a fine-grit file of 180 grit or higher and one-direction strokes from corner toward center to avoid splitting and peeling.

A cuticle pusher moves only dead cuticle from the nail plate; living tissue at the eponychium is not cut, and nippers are used only on hangnails or loose dead skin.

Nail plate preparation sequence: wash hands, shape nail, gently push cuticle, buff lightly if needed, cleanse with dehydrator, then apply product.

Massage strokes include effleurage for gliding, petrissage for kneading, friction for circular motion, tapotement for tapping, and vibration; avoid massage over inflamed, infected, or injured tissue.

Pedicure sequence: soak, clean under the free edge, file, push cuticle, exfoliate, massage, polish; tubs are cleaned and disinfected after each client.

Paraffin wax is tested on the technician's wrist and applied only to intact skin; clients with diabetes or circulatory problems need medical clearance.

French manicure: apply nude or pink base, paint a white free edge with a smile line, then seal with top coat; cap the free edge to reduce chipping.

Polish application follows base coat, two thin color coats, and top coat; thin coats dry faster and resist bubbling better than one thick coat.

Contraindications for nail services include inflamed, infected, swollen, or broken skin; the technician refers the client for medical care rather than treating the condition.

Nail art products must be cosmetic-grade and used according to label; craft paints, glitters, or resins not intended for nails can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Water marbling uses room-temperature water, a drop of polish per color, a drawn pattern, and a quick dip; tape protects surrounding skin.

Stamping requires an etched plate, stamping polish, scraper, and stamper; the design is rolled onto the nail in one smooth motion.

Dotting tools create controlled dots; a larger tip makes larger dots, and the tool is cleaned between colors to prevent contamination.

Foil art uses foil glue that dries tacky; the foil sheet is pressed onto the glue and sealed with top coat to prevent lifting.

Gel nail art must be cured under the correct UV or LED lamp for the manufacturer's specified time; under-curing can cause allergies and peeling.

Ombre or gradient art is created by sponging two or more colors onto the nail, then sealing with top coat; a makeup sponge gives a soft blend.

3D nail art using acrylic or gel must be built in thin layers; thick applications can trap moisture, lift, or cure unevenly.

Nail art tools that contact skin or product must be cleaned and disinfected between clients; single-use items are discarded.

Nail tip sizing: choose a tip that fits sidewall to sidewall without pressure; a tip that is too small or too large causes lifting and discomfort.

Tip blending thins the seam between tip and natural nail; the blended area must be smooth so the overlay does not show a ridge.

Fabric wraps use silk, linen, or fiberglass mesh with resin; the wrap is applied over the nail plate, wrapped around the free edge, and sealed.

Acrylic enhancement: polymer powder and monomer liquid are mixed to a workable bead; hardening occurs by polymerization, not evaporation.

Proper liquid-to-powder ratio prevents brittle or weak enhancements; too wet a bead shrinks and lifts, while too dry a bead pits and weakens.

Gel enhancements cure only under a compatible UV or LED lamp; product must not contact skin because uncured gel can cause allergic reactions.

Primer improves adhesion to the natural nail; acid-free primers are less irritating, and primer must not be applied to skin.

Fills or rebalances are scheduled every two to three weeks; lifted product is removed, the stress area rebuilt, and the surface refinished.

Enhancements are removed by soaking or filing according to product type; pulling or forcing removal damages the nail plate.

Nail plate: hard keratin structure; it has no nerves or blood vessels, so filing a normal nail plate is painless.

Nail bed: skin beneath the nail plate; it contains nerves and blood vessels and appears pink through the translucent plate.

Nail matrix: living tissue at the base of the nail that produces nail cells; injury can cause ridges, grooves, or permanent deformity.

Lunula: visible whitish half-moon at the proximal nail; it is the visible portion of the matrix.

Cuticle: dead tissue seal on the nail plate; eponychium: living tissue at the proximal nail fold; hyponychium: seal under the free edge.

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month; toenails grow about 1 mm per month; full fingernail replacement takes 4 to 6 months and toenails 12 to 18 months.

Nail growth is faster in summer, in younger people, on the dominant hand, and on fingernails compared with toenails.

Nail folds, nail grooves, and the perionychium surround and protect the nail; the free edge extends beyond the fingertip.

Common nail disorders include onychomycosis, a fungal infection; paronychia, infection of the nail fold; onycholysis, separation; leukonychia, white spots; and koilonychia, spoon nails.

Business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, and corporation; each has different liability and tax rules.

Service price must cover product cost, labor, overhead, and profit; a pricing formula prevents underpricing.

Client records include contact information, service history, products used, allergies, and consent; records are kept confidential and secure.

Liability insurance protects against claims of injury or damage from services; coverage should be verified for nail services and booth renters.

Worker classification matters: employees have taxes withheld and may receive benefits; independent contractors control their work and pay their own taxes.

Inventory control uses first-in, first-out rotation; expired or contaminated products are discarded according to label and local rules.

Advertising must be truthful; before-and-after photos require client permission and must not misrepresent results.

Scheduling policies such as deposits, cancellation windows, and late fees should be written and explained before booking to reduce disputes.

Retail products and services may have different sales tax treatment; the business must follow New York State tax rules for taxable sales.

The New York nail specialty license is issued by the NYS Division of Licensing Services; a separate appearance enhancement business license is required for the shop.

New York requires 250 hours of approved nail specialty training before taking the licensing exam; license renewal and display rules apply.

Only licensed individuals may perform nail specialty services for compensation; unlicensed practice can result in fines and license denial.

The individual license and business license must be available for inspection, and required sanitation rules and price lists are posted.

Scope of practice: nail technicians perform cosmetic nail care; they do not diagnose or treat infections, tumors, or systemic disease.

Informed consent means the client understands the service, risks, and alternatives before the technician begins.

Confidentiality means client health and personal information is not disclosed without permission except as required by law.

Ethical conduct includes honesty in advertising, no discrimination, no fee splitting for referrals, and no performing services while impaired.

When a client has an infected or inflamed nail, the technician refuses the service and refers the client to a physician because treating infection is outside the license.