Perform Manicure and Pedicure Services
Core Concepts
Manicure and pedicure are foundational nail services. A standard manicure includes: consultation and sanitation → remove old polish → shape nails → soak → cuticle care → massage → base coat, polish, top coat → cleanup and aftercare advice. Pedicure follows a similar sequence but includes foot soak, callus removal, and foot massage.
Key Terms and Techniques
- Nail shapes: square, round, oval, squoval, pointed, coffin. Shape is chosen based on client preference and nail condition.
- Cuticle vs. eponychium: The cuticle is the dead tissue on the nail plate; the eponychium is the living skin at the base. Only cut loose cuticle; never cut live skin.
- Filing: Use a file in one direction to avoid splitting; for natural nails, use fine-grit files. For pedicures, file the big toe straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
- Pedicure safety: Diabetic clients require special care-avoid cutting cuticles, use gentle products, and refer to a doctor if unsure. Never use a credo blade on diabetic clients.
- Sanitation: All tools must be sanitized/disinfected; foot basins must be cleaned and disinfected after each client. Use a new liner or disinfect the basin.
Traps
- Cutting live tissue (eponychium) instead of dead cuticle.
- Filing back and forth, which weakens nails.
- Using a credo blade or sharp tools on diabetic clients.
- Forgetting to disinfect the foot basin between clients.
- Confusing nail shape names or using the wrong file grit.
Worked Example / Rule of Thumb
Rule: “Sanitize, soak, shape, cuticle, massage, polish.” For pedicure, always check for diabetes or circulatory problems before starting. If a client has an ingrown nail, do not attempt to cut it; refer to a podiatrist.
Exam Tip
Questions often test the difference between cuticle and eponychium, the correct filing direction, and diabetic precautions. Remember: file in one direction, never cut live skin, and refer clients with medical conditions.