TX Nail Technician flashcards

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

Disinfection

Use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade product that destroys most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces, but does not reliably destroy bacterial spores.

Single-use implements

Porous or disposable items such as files, buffers, orange sticks, and cotton that cannot be disinfected and must be thrown away after one client.

Blood spill procedure

Stop the service, put on gloves, cleanse the area with soap and water, apply antiseptic, cover the wound, and disinfect all contaminated surfaces and implements.

Pseudomonas in whirlpool foot spas

Bacteria that thrive in poorly cleaned whirlpool basins and cause folliculitis or nail-bed infections, so basins must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected after every client.

Twenty-second hand wash

Lathering with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds before and after each client, after restroom use, and after touching contaminated items.

Filing natural nails

Using a fine-grit file of 180 grit or higher on the side of the abrasive, stroking from corner toward center to prevent splitting and layer separation.

Manicure service order

Shape the nails, cleanse or soak, perform cuticle care, massage the hand and arm, then apply base coat, two color coats, and top coat.

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage stroke applied with palms and fingers that opens and closes a hand or foot massage and moves toward the heart.

Over-buffing damage

Excessive use of a coarse buffer thins the nail plate, producing sensitivity, peeling, and a dull surface; buff lightly in one direction only.

Acetone safety

Acetone polish remover is highly flammable and volatile, so it must stay capped, away from flames and heat, and be used in a ventilated area.

Pedicure soak timing

A warm water soak of about five to ten minutes softens callus and cuticle; longer soaking over-hydrates and weakens the nail plate.

Monomer and polymer

Liquid monomer mixed with powder polymer forms acrylic through an exothermic chemical reaction; the correct bead looks like thick sour cream.

MMA vs EMA

MMA is a prohibited nail monomer; EMA, ethyl methacrylate, is the approved liquid because MMA causes severe allergic reactions and nail damage.

Primer purpose

Acid-based or acid-free primer dehydrates the nail plate and improves adhesion of acrylic or gel, reducing lifting along the edges.

Nail tip well

The hollowed area at the base of an artificial tip that fits over the free edge and is blended flush before enhancement product is applied.

Ring of fire

A red, irritated ring on the nail plate caused by over-filing the natural nail during preparation, fill services, or product removal.

Acrylate sensitization

Allergic contact dermatitis triggered when acrylic or gel touches the skin; once sensitized, the client may react to all acrylate products.

Nail matrix

Living tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail plate cells; injury here can cause permanent grooves or nail loss.

Lunula

The whitish half-moon visible at the base of the nail plate, formed by the portion of the matrix where cells are still immature.

Onycholysis

Painless separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often caused by trauma, aggressive filing, or an underlying infection.

Paronychia

A bacterial infection of the nail fold showing redness, swelling, and pus; it is a contraindication for service and requires medical referral.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail plate that thickens, discolors, and crumbles the nail; it is contagious and treated only by a physician.

Nail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 0.1 mm (one-eighth inch) each month and regrow in four to six months; toenails need nine to twelve months.

Client intake form

A confidential record of allergies, medications, medical conditions, and past product reactions that is reviewed before every service.

Informed consent

The client's documented agreement to a service after being told the risks, benefits, and alternatives, obtained before artificial nails or aggressive work.

Double-dipping

Re-inserting a used implement or finger into a product container, contaminating the whole supply; instead remove product once with a clean spatula.

Scope of practice

The services a license legally permits; a manicurist may shape and enhance nails but may not diagnose conditions or perform out-of-scope services.

Ergonomic workstation

Adjustable stool and table heights, neutral wrists, supported client hands, and scheduled breaks that together reduce repetitive strain injuries.

TDLR

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the state agency that licenses, regulates, and inspects cosmetology establishments and nail technicians.

Texas manicurist hours

Texas requires 600 training hours in a TDLR-approved program plus passing written and practical examinations before manicurist licensure.

License renewal cycle

Texas cosmetology and manicurist licenses renew every two years, and the license must be displayed at the workstation or establishment.

Unlicensed practice

Performing or allowing nail services without a valid Texas license, which is prohibited and subject to administrative penalties, fines, or license denial.