Implements, Equipment, and Supplies Review Flashcards

Flashcard practice set covering nail technician implements, equipment, supplies, safety protocols, and standard table setup.

How many sets of cleaned and disinfected implements should a nail technician always have ready to use?

A nail technician should always have at least three sets of implements cleaned, disinfected, and ready to use.

What material are nail service implements usually made of, and why are stainless steel implements preferred over nickel-plated ones?

Implements are usually made of stainless steel. Stainless steel implements can be disinfected and used repeatedly without rusting or corroding, whereas nickel-plated implements will rust and corrode during the disinfection process.

What rule of thumb is used to categorize a tool as an implement?

As a rule of thumb, implements are small enough to fit in your wet disinfectant container.

What materials are acrylic brushes and gel brushes typically made from, and why?

Acrylic brushes are made of red sable hair, while gel brushes are typically made of synthetic material because gel would stick to sable hair.

Why should regular manicure cuticle nippers not be used on artificial nails?

If regular cuticle nippers are used on artificial nails, they will become dull and can break.

What tool is shown in this image, and what service is it specifically designed for?

Artificial Nail Nippers. They are used specifically for artificial nails in all artificial nail services.

What protective structure lies just under the free edge of the toenail and prevents infection of the subungual unit?

The hyponychium.

Why do toenail clippers have a wider space between their jaws compared to standard clippers?

The wider space between the jaws allows toenail clippers to cut thicker nails.

What caution must be taken when using cuticle nippers during a service?

Use caution not to nip any soft cuticle tissue or the eponychium, which acts as the barrier to infection.

What is the dual purpose of a plastic manicure brush in a nail salon?

It is used to clean nails during a manicure and for dusting during artificial nail services. It is also used to clean implements to remove all debris and oils before disinfecting.

What tool is shown here, and what damage can occur if it is used improperly or aggressively?

Metal Cuticle Pusher. Improper or aggressive use can cause tiny abrasions on the eponychium, damage to the nail matrix (affecting nail growth), or grooves in the nail plate.

On which clients should a metal cuticle pusher not be used?

Metal pushers should not be used on clients who have any chronic illness.

How are tweezers utilized in nail wrap and 3D nail art services?

Tweezers help lift ragged cuticles and debris, assist in applying fiber materials during a nail wrap service, and help apply jewels or decorations in 3D nail art.

How is 'equipment' defined in distinction to 'supplies' in a nail service context?

Equipment consists of durable items used over and over to perform services, whereas supplies are items that are used up and need to be restocked regularly.

What is a curette, and what is its specific purpose?

A curette is a spoon-shaped implement used for cleaning under the free edge of the nail plate.

What light bulb wattage is recommended for a lamp fastened to a manicure table?

A 75-to-100-watt light bulb.

What is the standard bulb wattage for standard UV and LED curing lamps?

9 watts.

What rule must be observed when using plastic squirt-top bottles to avoid contaminating the liquids inside?

Never touch the nozzle of any bottle to the skin.

Why should calluses never be completely removed using a pedicuring file?

Callouses protect soft tissues of the foot; completely removing them can cause the client pain.

Why must single-use supplies like cotton, paper towels, orangewood sticks, and buffers be discarded after use?

They are made of natural fibers or porous materials with spongy cores that absorb moisture and cannot be disinfected and reused.

Where should cosmetic supplies and chemicals always be stored?

They must always be stored in a cool, dry cabinet (and kept in a dark place out of reach of children).

What are the primary functions of applying a base coat polish before color polish?

Base coat prevents staining of the nail from color polish and makes the color polish adhere better.

Why is it unnecessary to disinfect the brush inside a color polish (nail lacquer) bottle?

Bacteria are unable to grow in the polish product.

What product should be used to thin thick polish, and why should polish remover never be used?

Nail Lacquer Thinner should be used. Polish remover should never be used because it will ruin the polish.

Why should nail hardener be avoided on brittle nails?

Nail hardener could cause brittle nails to become more rigid and break.

How does cuticle cream benefit clients with dry, brittle nails?

It acts as a barrier to seal subdermal moisture into the skin, softening the cuticle and increasing nail plate flexibility.

What implement should be used to remove cosmetic products from jars and containers?

A spatula (usually made of plastic). Fingers should never be used.

What concentration of alcohol is used to sanitize hands and nails in nail services?

Alcohol 70%.

What mixture neutralizes acrylic primer that accidentally gets onto the skin?

A solution made by adding two tablespoons of baking soda to four ounces of water.

What are the main ingredients of cuticle solvents, and why should contact with living tissue be avoided?

The main ingredients are potassium hydroxide, glycerin, and water. Avoid contact because its high pH can dry and irritate the skin, causing hangnails.

What tool is specifically designed to trim plastic nail tips without cracking them?

Tip Cutters (One Cuts).

What is the difference between a 100-grit file and a 180-grit file?

A 100-grit file is coarse and aggressive, used for etching and heavy filing of artificial nails. A 180-grit file is a fine abrasive used around the cuticle and on top of artificial nails to smooth them.

How long does direct or repeated skin exposure to chemical allergens typically take before allergic symptoms occur?

It usually takes 4-6 months of direct or repeated skin exposure before symptoms occur.

Why should acetone not be used to clean sable hair acrylic brushes?

Acetone damages sable hair by stripping the bristles of oils and causing them to flare, making it nearly impossible to pick up a product ball.

What container shown here is used to hold products and liquids during client services?

Dappen Dish.

What are the characteristics of linen wrap material?

Linen is a thicker fiber material that is tightly woven, heavy, and opaque, requiring polish to be applied to obscure the weave.

What chemical component is in acrylic primer, and why must safety gear be worn during application?

Primer contains methacrylic acid. Acid-based primers are corrosive and cause irreversible skin and eye damage if used incorrectly, requiring gloves and safety glasses.

What size and type of brush is recommended for making acrylic nail enhancements?

A red sable brush, size #8. Synthetic brushes should not be used because product will stick to them.

Where should a right-handed nail technician place their setup at the workstation?

On their right side (and on the left side for left-handed technicians) for ease of use and to avoid spills.

What feature must a wet disinfectant container have to prevent contamination?

It must have a lid to ensure the disinfectant does not become contaminated.