Beauty Care (Nail Care) NC II flashcards

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

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage stroke applied with the palms and fingers, moving toward the heart to promote circulation and relaxation during hand or foot treatment.

Paraffin wax temperature

Paraffin is melted to 47-54 C (118-130 F) and tested on the inner wrist before the client's hand is dipped, preventing burns.

Petrissage

A kneading massage manipulation that lifts and compresses tissue, used on the hand and forearm to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.

Cuticle oil purpose

Applied after massage to soften the eponychium, seal in moisture, and maintain flexibility of the nail fold and surrounding skin.

Nail plate composition

The visible nail is made mainly of keratin, produced by the matrix; it protects the nail bed and grows about 3.47 mm per month on fingers.

Eponychium

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that forms the cuticle; it seals the nail matrix against infection and should not be cut away.

Filing direction rule

File from corner to center in one direction; sawing back and forth causes the nail plate layers to split and peel.

Squoval shape

A nail shape combining a square free edge with rounded corners, reducing corner snagging while keeping a straight tip line.

Smile line

The curved line separating the white free edge from the pink nail bed in a French manicure, drawn sidewall to sidewall with a curved apex.

Complementary colors

Two colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, producing high contrast in nail art design.

Encapsulation

Sealing glitter, lace, or dried flowers between layers of gel or acrylic so the decoration is protected and the surface remains smooth.

Stamping technique

A design is picked up from an etched plate with a stamper using a rolling motion, then transferred to the nail with even pressure.

Stress area

The point where the free edge meets the nail plate; the apex of an extension is built here to provide strength and prevent breakage.

Acrylic bead ratio

The correct liquid-to-powder mix forms a smooth, creamy bead; too wet causes lifting and shrinkage, too dry causes brittle cloudy product.

Apex placement

The thickest part of an extension, positioned at the stress area to create strength and the correct C-curve of the nail.

Acetone soak removal

Acrylic extensions are soaked in acetone for 20-30 minutes until soft, then gently removed without force to protect the natural nail.

Callus removal timing

Callus is reduced with a paddle or pumice only after soaking softens the tissue, avoiding injury to healthy surrounding skin.

Foot spa contraindications

Conditions such as athlete's foot, open wounds, warts, and diabetic neuropathy require referral rather than foot spa service.

Reflex points

In foot massage, the heel relates to the lower back, the arch to internal organs, and the ball of the foot to the chest area.

Foot spa disinfection

The basin and equipment are drained, cleaned, and treated with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant after every client.

Sterilization vs disinfection

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection destroys pathogens on surfaces; sanitation only reduces microorganism counts.

Porous vs non-porous implements

Porous items like files and wooden sticks absorb liquids and are single-use; non-porous metal tools can be cleaned and disinfected.

Safety Data Sheet

A document listing a chemical product's hazards, handling, storage, and first-aid measures; it must be accessible in the salon.

Hand washing duration

Soap and water hand washing for at least 20 seconds is required before and after each client and after removing gloves.

GFCI outlet

A ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet that shuts off power when current leaks, required near water sources to prevent electric shock.

Nitrile gloves

Synthetic gloves preferred over latex in nail salons because they resist acrylic monomers and solvents and reduce latex allergy risk.

Hazard communication

A safety program requiring chemical labeling, accessible Safety Data Sheets, and employee training on hazardous products in the workplace.

Bloodborne pathogen response

After exposure, wash with soap and water, report the incident, follow the post-exposure protocol, and document the event.

Informed consent

The client's agreement to a service after being told the procedure, products used, possible risks, and expected outcome.

Active listening

A communication technique using open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and confirming understanding to ensure the client's needs are met.

Complaint handling steps

Listen without interruption, acknowledge the concern, apologize for the experience, offer a remedy, and follow up with the client.

Revenue per available hour

Total service revenue divided by available service hours, a metric used to track salon productivity and guide pricing decisions.