Scope of Practice
The list of services you’re legally allowed to perform within your specialty & state
Finger Bowl
Used for soaking the client’s fingers in warm water to soften the skin & cuticle; can be made out of plastic, metal, glass, or ceramic
UV / LED Light Units
These units cure polishes that contain an ingredient sensitive to the UVA wavelength of the bulb in the lamp
Multiuse Implements
Usually stainless steel; as they must be properly cleaned & disinfected prior to use on another client
Single-use Implements
Cannot be reused & must be thrown away after one use (preferably in the client’s view to ensure they are not being used again)
Metal Pusher
Designed to gently scrape the cuticle tissue from the nail plate; incorrectly called a cuticle pusher
Nail Nippers
A stainless steel implement used to carefully trim away the dead skin around the nails
Tweezers
Multiuse implements that can be used for lifting small bits of debris from the nail plate, retrieving & placing art, removing implements from disinfectant solution, & more
Nail Clippers
Shortening the free edge quickly & efficiently by clipping the sides of the nail
Wooden Pusher
Used to remove dead cuticle tissue from the nail plate, to clean under the free edge, or to apply products (single-use only)
Nail Brush
A plastic nail cleaning implement used for proper hand washing, scrub implements, & remove dust / debris from the application of artificial nails
Manicure Table
Used for storing properly cleaned & disinfected implements; usually 36” to 48” long & 16” to 21” wide
Gloves
They’re single-use PPE; worn to protect the nail technician from exposure to microbes (like bloodborne pathogens & pathogenic microbes)
Coarse Grit Abrasives
100 grit or less; quickly reduce any surface & produce deeper / more visible scratches (use with caution, do NOT use on natural nail)
Medium Grit Abrasives
150-180 grit; are used to smooth / refine surfaces & shape natural nails
Fine Grit Abrasives
240 grit or higher; used for buffing, polishing, & removing very fine scratches
Nail Creams
Barrier products that contain ingredients designed to seal the surface of the skin around the nails & hold in subdermal moisture
Nail Oils
Designed to be absorbed into the nail plate to increase flexibility; & into the surrounding skin to soften / moisturize
Cuticle Remover
Designed to loosen & dissolve dead tissue on the nail plate so it can be removed more easily & throughly
Manicure
A cosmetic treatment of the hands involving cutting, shaping, & often polishing the nails. As well as removal of the cuticles & softening of the skin
Pre-service Procedure
Cleaning & disinfecting your tools, implements, & materials; setting up your manicuring table, & meet / greet / escort your to the service area
Service Procedure
Accomplishing the service the client has requested
Post-Service Procedure
Helping your client through scheduling & payment
Consultation
A vital part of the service where you get to know your client’s expectations, needs, & medical info (if they choose to disclose) before their appointment