WA Nail Technician study materials
WA Nail Technician study resources

WA Nail Technician flashcards

WA Nail Technician · Build recall with a focused review session.

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

Hospital-grade disinfectant
An EPA-registered product labeled to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including tuberculocidal activity, on nonporous implements when used at the label's dilution and contact time.
Sterilization
A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually by autoclave; it is the only acceptable level for implements that contact blood or broken skin.
Porous implements
Items such as nail files, buffers, wooden sticks, and cotton that absorb liquids and cannot be reliably disinfected, so they must be discarded or given to the client.
Universal precautions
The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using gloves and barriers with every client, regardless of known health status.
Nail matrix
The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail plate cells; injury to it causes grooves, ridges, or lasting changes in nail shape.
Hyponychium
The skin seal located under the free edge of the nail plate that keeps debris and microorganisms out of the nail bed.
Fingernail growth rate
Fingernails grow roughly 0.1 mm per day, or about one-eighth inch per month, so a complete new plate takes four to six months.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the nail plate or bed that causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling; it is contagious and must be referred, not treated in the salon.
Effleurage
A light, gliding massage stroke used in manicure and pedicure to warm tissue, relax the client, and encourage circulation toward the heart.
Base coat
The first polish layer, applied to a clean plate to prevent pigment staining and improve adhesion of the color coats that follow.
Squoval nail shape
A square nail shape with softened, rounded corners that reduces snagging while keeping a straight free edge.
Pedicure callus reduction
Filing or pumicing moistened callused skin on the feet, avoiding broken skin, bony prominences, and clients with diabetes or circulatory problems without medical clearance.
Monomer
The liquid component of acrylic systems that reacts with powder polymer to form a hard enhancement; ethyl methacrylate is preferred over methyl methacrylate.
Apex
The thickest point of an artificial nail, built over the stress area in zone two to give strength and a natural profile.
Inhibition layer
The tacky, uncured film left on the surface of a cured gel; it is wiped away with the manufacturer's cleanser before finishing.
Nail primer
A product applied to the prepared natural plate to improve adhesion of acrylic or gel; acid-based primers require careful avoidance of skin contact.
Silk wrap repair
A fine silk fabric bonded with resin across a crack or split to bridge and stabilize the natural nail or the enhancement.
Encapsulation
A nail art technique that seals lace, dried flowers, glitter, or designs between layers of enhancement product so the design is protected inside the nail.
Rebalance appointment
The two-to-three-week maintenance visit where lifted product is filed out, the stress area is rebuilt, and the enhancement is refinished.
French manicure
A classic style with a sheer or natural pink base and a crisp white free edge, often used as the reference for shaping a clean smile line.
Contraindication
A client condition, such as a contagious infection, open lesion, or product allergy, that makes a service unsafe and requires refusal, modification, or medical referral.
Patch test
A small amount of product applied to the skin and observed for 24 to 48 hours to check for an allergic reaction before full application.
Open-ended question
A question that cannot be answered with yes or no, used during consultation to draw out the client's preferences, history, and expectations.
Scope of practice
The legally defined set of services a licensed nail technician may perform, which excludes diagnosing, treating disease, and cutting living tissue.
RCW 18.16
The Washington statute that governs cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology licensing, standards, and enforcement within the state.
WAC 308-20
The Washington Administrative Code chapter containing Department of Licensing rules for cosmetology, including sanitation, licensing, and shop standards.
Department of Licensing
The Washington state agency that issues, renews, and disciplines cosmetology and nail technology licenses and investigates complaints against licensees.
Unprofessional conduct
Behavior defined by statute that can lead to fines, suspension, or revocation, including unsanitary practice, intoxication at work, and practicing beyond license scope.
Safety Data Sheet
A standardized document listing a product's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and storage requirements, kept on site for every chemical in the salon.
Client record card
A confidential form logging each visit's date, service, products, allergies, patch test results, and technician notes for continuity and liability protection.
First in, first out
An inventory rule that uses the oldest stock first so products do not expire on the shelf; opened containers are dated when first used.
Booth rent
A fixed periodic payment a self-employed technician pays a salon owner for space and utilities, with the technician setting their own prices and hours.