Beauty Care (Nail Care) NC II cheat sheet
Beauty Care (Nail Care) NC II · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Apply Hand Treatment
Hand treatment sequence: cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask (optional), moisturize, then massage with warm towel removal.
Hand scrub exfoliation uses fine-grit products; massage strokes follow lymphatic direction toward the heart (fingertips to wrist to elbow).
Hand massage manipulations include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), friction (circular), tapotement (light tapping), and vibration.
Cuticle oil is applied after massage to soften the eponychium and seal moisture; excess is blotted, not rubbed into nails.
Paraffin hand treatment: melt wax to 47-54 C (118-130 F), test on inner wrist, dip 3-5 times, wrap in plastic and towel for 10-15 minutes.
Contraindications for heat/paraffin: open cuts, dermatitis, fungal infection, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory disorders.
Warm towel temperature for hand treatment is tested on the technician's inner wrist before application to the client.
Massage duration for a standard hand treatment is typically 5-10 minutes per hand; total service commonly 30-45 minutes.
Perform Manicure and Pedicure Services
Nail shape terminology: square, squoval, oval, round, almond, stiletto, coffin/ballerina; shape is chosen by nail bed proportion and client lifestyle.
Nail structure: free edge, hyponychium, nail plate, nail bed, matrix, lunula, eponychium (cuticle), sidewalls, nail folds.
Filing rule: file in one direction from corner to center; sawing motion causes splitting and delamination of the nail plate.
Cuticle nippers remove only hangnails and dead tissue; live tissue removal risks infection and is limited to eponychium tags.
Pedicure water temperature is 37-40 C (98-104 F); soak time is typically 5-10 minutes before exfoliation.
Nail plate is composed mainly of keratin; nail growth averages 3.47 mm per month for fingernails and 1.62 mm for toenails.
Base coat protects the nail plate and improves adhesion; top coat seals color and adds gloss; two thin color coats are standard.
Sanitation vs disinfection: sanitation reduces microorganisms; disinfection destroys pathogens on non-porous surfaces using EPA-registered hospital-grade products.
Perform Nail Art and Nail Design
Color theory: complementary colors sit opposite on the color wheel; analogous colors are adjacent; triadic colors form an equilateral triangle.
Nail art techniques include freehand painting, stamping, foiling, marbling/water marble, ombre, glitter gradient, decals, and encapsulation.
French manicure design: smile line is drawn from sidewall to sidewall with a curved apex; white tip depth is typically 1/3 of the nail plate.
Stamping requires a stamper, scraper, stamping plate, and polish formulated for stamping; pressure is rolled, not pressed flat.
Encapsulation seals decorations between layers of gel or acrylic; top layer must be fully cured to prevent lifting.
Dotting tools create uniform dots; a toothpick or striping brush creates fine lines; tape or vinyls create crisp geometric edges.
Nail art design principle: balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity; focal point is usually the ring finger or thumb.
Gel polish nail art must be cured per manufacturer's UV/LED wattage and time; under-curing causes peeling and service breakdown.
Perform Nail Extension and Overlay Services
Liquid-to-powder ratio for acrylic: proper bead is smooth and creamy; too wet causes shrinkage and lifting; too dry causes brittle, cloudy product.
Nail extension forms: sculpting forms, tips (full-well, half-well, no-well), and overlay on natural nail; apex placement is at the stress area.
Stress area is located at the free edge junction on the nail plate; apex provides strength and correct C-curve.
Prep for extensions: sanitize, push back cuticles, remove shine with 180-grit buffer, dehydrate, apply primer/bonding agent.
Gel overlay curing: UV lamps typically 2 minutes, LED lamps 30-60 seconds per layer; thick layers can cause heat spike and under-cure.
Filing after application: use 100/180 grit for shaping, 240 grit for finishing; never file natural nail plate with coarse grit.
Removal: soak acrylic in acetone for 20-30 minutes; gel polish soaks in 10-15 minutes; never force or pry product off the nail.
Overlay thickness should be thin at cuticle and sidewalls and thicker at apex; bulk at cuticle causes lifting and service breakdown.
Perform Foot Spa and Hand Spa Services
Foot spa sequence: soak, exfoliate (callus removal), nail and cuticle care, massage, mask, moisturize, and polish if requested.
Callus reduction uses a paddle or pumice after soaking; only softened callus is removed to avoid injury to healthy tissue.
Foot massage reflex points: heel corresponds to lower back, arch to internal organs, ball of foot to chest and shoulders; pressure is firm but not painful.
Foot spa equipment must be disinfected between clients with EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant; drain and dry after each use.
Hand spa includes soak, scrub, mask, paraffin, and massage; paraffin wax is heated to 47-54 C and tested before application.
Contraindications for foot spa: athlete's foot, open wounds, warts, diabetes with neuropathy, recent surgery, and circulatory disease.
Massage medium (lotion or oil) is warmed between palms before application to improve absorption and client comfort.
Service documentation includes client name, date, products used, and any skin/nail observations noted for follow-up.
Maintain Salon Tools, Equipment, and Work Area (Housekeeping and Safety)
Disinfection levels: sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection destroys pathogens on surfaces; sanitation reduces counts.
Implements are classified as porous (files, buffers, wooden sticks) and non-porous (metal tools, nippers); porous items are single-use or discarded if contaminated.
Pedicure bowls and foot spas require a 10-minute contact time with hospital-grade disinfectant after each client.
Sharps such as nippers and cuticle scissors are cleaned with soap and water, dried, then disinfected; some jurisdictions require autoclave sterilization.
Material Safety Data Sheets (now SDS) must be accessible for every chemical product in the salon; store chemicals in labeled, closed containers.
Waste segregation: used files, cotton, and nail clippings go to general waste; sharps to puncture-resistant container; chemicals to licensed disposal.
Work area cleaning schedule: after each client (surface, tools), daily (floors, restrooms), weekly (deep clean, equipment maintenance).
Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is required before and after each client and after glove removal.
Practice Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
Personal protective equipment for nail technicians includes gloves, masks, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes; nitrile gloves are preferred over latex for chemical resistance.
Hazard communication (HazCom) requires labeling, SDS access, and employee training on chemical hazards.
Ventilation: local exhaust ventilation at the work station reduces inhalation of vapors from acrylics, primers, and solvents.
Ergonomic practices: adjustable chair and table height, wrist-neutral posture, and micro-breaks reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
Electrical safety: ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets near water; inspect cords for damage; unplug equipment before cleaning.
Fire safety: ABC extinguisher for electrical and chemical fires; know evacuation routes and assembly points.
Bloodborne pathogen exposure: wash immediately with soap and water, report the incident, follow post-exposure protocol, and document.
Common occupational hazards: allergic contact dermatitis from monomers, respiratory irritation from vapors, and repetitive strain injuries.
Provide Client Care and Communication Services
Client consultation includes medical history, skin and nail assessment, lifestyle, service expectations, and informed consent.
Contraindications requiring referral: fungal infection, paronychia, psoriasis, open lesions, and undiagnosed nail discoloration.
Communication principles: active listening, open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and confirming understanding before service.
Client records include contact details, service history, allergies, product preferences, and patch test results.
Handling complaints: listen without interruption, acknowledge, apologize for the experience, offer a remedy, and follow up.
Cultural and personal sensitivity: respect client preferences for touch, modesty, and language; use professional terminology.
Service aftercare instructions: avoid water for 2-4 hours after gel/acrylic, moisturize daily, and schedule maintenance every 2-3 weeks.
Confidentiality: client information is not shared or discussed outside the service relationship.
Manage Salon Operations and Customer Service
Booking systems use appointment slots based on service duration; buffer time between clients prevents schedule overrun.
Revenue per available hour = total service revenue divided by available service hours; tracks productivity and pricing decisions.
Inventory control: par levels, first-in-first-out (FIFO), weekly stock counts, and reorder points prevent stockouts and expired products.
Pricing formula: material cost + labor cost + overhead allocation + profit margin = service price.
Customer service standards: greeting within 30 seconds, confirming appointment, offering refreshment, and closing with aftercare and rebooking.
Client retention metrics: repeat visit rate, referral rate, and average ticket value; loyalty programs support retention.
Legal compliance: business permit, sanitation permit, staff health certificates, and posted service prices.
Staff scheduling: match technician hours to peak demand; cross-train staff for flexibility and service coverage.
Hand Treatment
Paraffin temperature range 47-54 C and wrist test are required before application.
Massage strokes follow lymphatic direction toward the heart.
Contraindications include open cuts, dermatitis, and circulatory disorders.
Hand treatment sequence: cleanse, exfoliate, massage, moisturize, warm towel.
Manicure and Pedicure
File in one direction; sawing causes nail splitting.
Nail growth averages 3.47 mm/month for fingernails.
Pedicure soak temperature 37-40 C for 5-10 minutes.
Two thin color coats are standard after base coat.
Nail Art and Design
Complementary colors sit opposite on the color wheel.
French tip depth is about 1/3 of the nail plate.
Stamping uses a rolled pressure motion, not flat pressing.
Design principles: balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, unity.
Nail Extension and Overlay
Proper acrylic bead is smooth and creamy, not runny or dry.
Apex is placed at the stress area for strength.
Acetone soak for acrylic removal is 20-30 minutes.
Overlay is thin at cuticle and thicker at apex.
Foot Spa and Hand Spa
Callus is removed only after soaking to soften tissue.
Foot spa equipment is disinfected between every client.
Paraffin wax is heated to 47-54 C and tested first.
Contraindications include athlete's foot, warts, and neuropathy.
Housekeeping and Safety
Sterilization destroys spores; disinfection destroys pathogens on surfaces.
Porous items like files are single-use or discarded if contaminated.
SDS must be accessible for every chemical product.
Hand washing lasts at least 20 seconds before and after each client.
Occupational Health and Safety
Nitrile gloves are preferred over latex for chemical resistance.
GFCI outlets are required near water sources.
HazCom requires labeling, SDS access, and training.
Bloodborne exposure: wash, report, document, follow protocol.
Client Care and Communication
Consultation covers medical history, assessment, and consent.
Undiagnosed nail discoloration requires referral.
Complaint handling: listen, acknowledge, apologize, remedy, follow up.
Aftercare: avoid water 2-4 hours after gel or acrylic.
Salon Operations
Revenue per available hour = revenue / available service hours.
FIFO inventory prevents expired product use.
Price = material + labor + overhead + profit margin.
Retention metrics include repeat visit and referral rates.