WA Nail Technician key terms

Using an EPA-registered product on tools and surfaces to kill or destroy most harmful microorganisms, except bacterial spores, after cleaning. It is required for reusable implements between clients.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually with an autoclave using steam under pressure. It is used for tools that may contact blood or broken skin.

A basic level of cleanliness that removes visible dirt and reduces the number of germs on surfaces and hands, usually by washing with soap and water or applying a sanitizer.

A product registered with the EPA that is labeled effective against a broad range of bacteria, fungi and viruses, and is used to disinfect implements and work surfaces in salons.

Microorganisms such as hepatitis B and HIV that live in blood and body fluids and can pass to a technician through cuts, needlesticks or contact with mucous membranes.

Treating all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious and using gloves and other barriers for every client, because a person may carry disease without looking or feeling sick.

A document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid steps and storage requirements. Salons must keep these available for products they use.

The hard, fibrous protein that makes up nails, hair and the outer layer of skin. Its strength and layered structure give the nail plate its durability.

The visible, hardened part of the nail that sits on the nail bed and protects the tip of the finger or toe. It is formed mostly of keratin.

The living tissue at the base of the nail, beneath the eponychium, where new nail cells are produced. Damage to it can permanently change how the nail grows.

The thin layer of dead skin that seals the space between the nail plate and the eponychium. It should be softened and gently pushed back, never cut.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that forms the nail fold and protects the matrix from infection. It is often confused with the cuticle.

The skin under the free edge of the nail where the nail plate separates from the fingertip. It seals the nail bed against dirt and microbes.

The whitish, half-moon area at the base of the nail plate. It is the visible part of the matrix and looks lighter because new cells have not yet hardened.

A fungal infection of the nail plate and nail bed that causes thickening, discoloration and crumbling. It is contagious and must be referred to a physician, not treated in the salon.

A cosmetic service for the hands and nails that includes shaping, cuticle care, massage and polishing. Supplies and implements must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

A cosmetic service for the feet and toenails that includes soaking, shaping, callus care and polish. Basins must be cleaned and disinfected after every client.

A clear first layer of polish that protects the nail plate, improves adhesion and helps prevent staining from colored polish. It is applied before the color coats.

A thickened, hardened area of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure, common on the soles and heels. It may be softened and gently reduced, never cut with a blade.

A heat therapy in which warm wax is applied to the hands or feet to soften skin and improve circulation. The technician must check the temperature and never reuse wax between clients.

The liquid component of a liquid-and-powder acrylic system. It reacts with the polymer powder to form a hard plastic, and it should be used with good ventilation.

The powder component of a liquid-and-powder acrylic system, made of finely ground plastic. It is mixed with monomer to create a workable bead that hardens.

A liquid applied to the natural nail before some acrylic or gel systems to improve adhesion by preparing the surface. It should be used sparingly and kept off the skin.

A pre-formed plastic extension glued to the free edge of a natural nail to add length. It is blended into the nail and later covered with acrylic, gel or wrap.

A light-cured resin product that hardens under a UV or LED lamp. It is applied over the natural nail or tip in layers and cured after each layer.

The area at the tip of the nail, roughly where the free edge meets the nail bed, that receives the most impact. Enhancements are built slightly thicker here to resist breakage.

A fabric, silk or fiberglass material applied with adhesive over the nail plate to strengthen or repair it. Wraps add strength but little length.

A maintenance service that removes lifted product from the new growth area, re-prepares the nail and rebuilds the enhancement so it stays balanced and secure. It is also called a fill.

Rebuilding or replacing a broken, cracked or lifted portion of an enhancement without removing the entire product. The technician removes the damaged section, re-preps and rebuilds it.

A conversation before a service in which the technician asks about the client's health, preferences, prior services and expectations, then explains the recommended service and any risks.

A condition, medication or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or unwise, such as an infection or broken skin. When one is present, the technician should not proceed without medical clearance.

The services and tasks a licensed nail technician is legally allowed to perform. Doing work outside that list, such as treating disease, can lead to discipline.

The Washington statute that governs the cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, manicuring and master esthetics professions, including licensing, salon standards and enforcement by the Department of Licensing.

The Washington Administrative Code chapter that contains the detailed rules for cosmetology and manicuring licenses, sanitation procedures, salon requirements and disciplinary processes.

The Washington state agency that issues licenses for nail technicians and salons, conducts inspections, investigates complaints and enforces the cosmetology statutes and rules.

The credential issued by the Department of Licensing that allows a person to perform manicures, pedicures and artificial nail services for pay in Washington. It must be posted at the workstation.

A confidential form that records each client's contact details, service history, products used, skin and nail conditions, and any reactions. It should be kept secure and updated at every visit.

An arrangement in which a licensed technician rents space in a salon and works as an independent business, paying rent rather than splitting income with the salon owner.