OR Nail Technician key terms

Any microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus, that can cause disease in humans. In the salon, pathogens are the reason hands and implements must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

Viruses and bacteria carried in blood and other body fluids that can infect another person through broken skin or mucous membranes. Examples include hepatitis B and HIV, so standard precautions are required.

Infection-control practices applied to every client, whether or not they appear healthy. They include hand washing, gloves, eye protection, and proper handling and disinfection of contaminated implements and linens.

A process that uses chemical products to destroy most harmful microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces and implements. It does not kill all bacterial spores, so it ranks below sterilization.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an implement. It requires heat, steam, or chemical sterilants and is used for items that cut or penetrate the skin.

The transfer of bacteria, viruses, or fungi from one person, surface, or object to another. Dirty implements, shared product containers, or touching clean items with contaminated gloves cause it.

Gear worn to protect the technician from contact with blood, body fluids, and chemicals. In a nail salon this usually means disposable gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a mask when dust or vapors are present.

A product formulated for use on skin to reduce the number of microorganisms. It is applied to hands or minor cuts but is never a substitute for disinfecting implements or work surfaces.

Using soap, water, and friction to physically remove visible dirt, oil, and debris from a surface or implement. Cleaning must come before disinfection because soil can block the disinfectant from reaching microorganisms.

A chemical product approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for health-care settings, with a label listing the organisms it kills. Nail salons must use one that is also labeled tuberculocidal.

A standardized document from the manufacturer listing a product's chemical hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. Salons must keep one available for every chemical product in use.

A device that uses pressurized steam and high heat to sterilize metal implements and other heat-tolerant items. Correct loading, cycle time, and routine spore testing are needed for it to work.

An item such as a nail file, buffer, or wooden pusher used on one client and then thrown away. It is never disinfected and reused because its porous surface cannot be reliably cleaned.

The practice of arranging workstations, tools, and body positions to reduce physical strain. Good ergonomics helps prevent carpal tunnel symptoms, neck and shoulder pain, and long-term injury in nail technicians.

A red, itchy, sometimes blistered skin reaction that appears after repeated contact with a substance the person has become sensitized to, such as acrylic monomer. It usually requires medical care and stopping exposure.

A cosmetic service for the hands that includes shaping the natural nails, caring for the surrounding skin, and applying polish or a treatment product. Basic manicures do not involve artificial nail enhancements.

A cosmetic service for the feet and toenails that includes soaking, exfoliating, shaping the nails, caring for the skin, and polishing. Salon footbaths must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

A thin layer of product applied to the natural nail before polish or gel color. It improves adhesion, helps prevent staining of the nail plate, and can smooth out ridges.

The final layer applied over polish or color to seal it, add shine, and help the manicure resist chipping. Some top coats must be cured under a UV or LED lamp.

A liquid applied to the natural nail plate before an acrylic or gel enhancement to improve adhesion. Primer is not the same as a base coat and must be used according to manufacturer instructions.

A solution applied to the natural nail before an enhancement to remove surface moisture and oil so the product bonds better. It evaporates quickly and is used sparingly.

An artificial nail built by mixing a liquid monomer with a powder polymer and shaping the resulting bead on the natural nail or a form. It is strong and can be formed to a chosen length and shape.

A long-wearing polish containing photo-initiators that hardens only when cured under a UV or LED lamp. It is removed by soaking rather than with standard polish remover.

A number describing how coarse an emery board, file, or buffer is, where lower numbers cut faster and higher numbers are finer. Grit choice affects how much natural nail is removed.

The living tissue at the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced. Damage to the matrix can cause permanent ridges, thinning, or lasting changes in the shape of the nail.

The skin layer directly beneath the nail plate that contains blood vessels and nerves. It nourishes the plate and can be injured when tools are pushed too deeply under the free edge.

The whitish, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail plate, made of cells that have not yet fully hardened. It is part of the matrix and should never be scraped or filed.

The living band of skin at the base of the nail plate that lies over the matrix. It is often mistakenly called the cuticle and should be treated gently, never cut deeply.

The seal of skin between the free edge of the nail plate and the fingertip. It keeps dirt and microorganisms from getting under the nail and can be damaged by aggressive cleaning.

The thin, nonliving layer of skin attached to the nail plate that grows forward from the eponychium. It seals the nail base and is softened and gently pushed back, not cut away entirely.

A fungal infection of the nail that causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the plate. It is contagious and is treated by a physician, not through cosmetic nail services.

Inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes pus. It often follows torn cuticles or hangnails and should be referred to a doctor.

The separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving a whitish or hollow area usually starting at the free edge. It can result from trauma, aggressive filing, or infection.

A growth of living skin that attaches to and pulls on the nail plate, often after repeated trauma or inflammation. It should never be cut or forced back during a manicure.

The state agency that licenses and regulates nail technicians, estheticians, barbers, and related professionals in Oregon. It enforces the administrative rules covering licensing, sanitation, and salon operation.

The detailed regulations adopted by state agencies to carry out Oregon law. The chapters covering nail technology set requirements for licensing, sanitation practices, and the services a licensee may perform.

The set of services and procedures a licensed nail technician is legally permitted to perform. Working outside it, such as treating a nail disease, can lead to discipline by the licensing agency.

A written or electronic note kept for each client listing services performed, products used, and any reactions or conditions observed. Good records support safety follow-up and help answer complaints.

A self-employed professional who rents space or pays a fee to work in a salon and controls their own schedule, pricing, and clients. Tax and liability responsibilities fall on the contractor.

A policy that helps pay for claims when a client is injured or property is damaged because of the technician's services. Many nail professionals carry it in addition to any salon coverage.