BASIC HAND CARE TREATMENT
Course Information
Basic Skills in Beauty and Safe Practice in the Salon – Level 2
CSBTY-206-1905
Instructor: Ms. Mariella Borg
Module: Manicure
Learning Outcomes
K-3. Identify typical nail shapes and basic nail structure.
K-4. Identify products and tools needed for a basic hand and foot care treatment.
U-2. Describe the procedure for client preparation following safe and hygienic working practices.
A-2. Demonstrate the full procedure required to provide hand and foot care treatment.
Items Required for Practical Lectures
Mandatory Items for Basic Manicure Treatment
Black Tunic or Black T-shirt
4 small towels
Additional Items for Hand Treatment Practical Workshops
Consultation Form (printed, sent on Teams in the files section)
MCAST Tunic and black trousers (black t-shirt/shirt until tunic is available)
Nail File / Emery Board
Hoof Stick
Orange Stick
Spatula (Plastic, Metal, or Wooden)
Small bin/plastic container (for disposal of waste)
Base Coat
Topcoat
2 Nail Polishes (1 light colour and 1 dark)
Introduction to Basic Manicure Treatment
Basic nail services aim to enhance the instant appearance of hands by treating:
The skin and the hands
The cuticles
The nails
Healthy hands feature smooth skin. Neglect can lead to dry, chapped, irritated, rough, or broken skin. The cuticle is skin at the base of the nail; it should be soft and loose but can become tight, dry, split, and overgrown. The primary aim of a basic nail service is to soften and moisturise both cuticles and the skin of the hands.
Benefits of Basic Manicure
Improves overall health of hands and nails.
Maintains healthy skin and nail appearance.
Promotes healthy-looking nails (pink in color).
Improves smoothness and suppleness of hands and nails.
Enhances cuticle flexibility for easier management.
Grooms nails for a more attractive look.
Assists in preventing nail biting.
Helps recover nail strength after exposure to harsh environments (e.g., chemicals or pollutants).
**Provides effective nail treatment for special occasions.
Structure of the Nail
Key Components
A - Matrix: The area of nail growth.
B - Cuticle: Overlapping skin at the nail base.
C - Nail Plate: Covers the nail bed, provides protection.
D - Nail Wall: Skin overlapping the nail sides for cushion and protection.
E - Free Edge: Extends beyond the fingertip, usually white.
F - Nail Bed: Provides nourishment and contains blood vessels and nerves.
Detailed Structure of the Nail
Matrix: Located at the nail base; responsible for nail growth via constantly dividing cells.
Nail Plate: Covers the nail bed and protects it. Clear and hardened, revealing the healthy pink color of the nail bed.
Nail Bed: Contains living cells, blood vessels for nourishment, and nerves for pain and heat sensation.
Cuticle: Protects the matrix; should be kept soft to prevent infection.
Free Edge: Helps protect fingertip; filed during nail service.
Nail Wall: Cushions the nail plate and protects it from damage.
Nail Shapes
Almond/Oval: Curved sides, elongates short fingers.
Squoval: Hybrid of square and oval; universally flattering shape.
Square: Straight across free edge; suitable for thin, long fingers.
Rounded: Rounded free edge; ideal for short nails; hard-wearing.
Pointed/Almond: Tapered more than oval; elongates slender fingers.
How to Identify Suitable Nail Shapes
Consultation is key in discussing achievable shapes with the client.
Practical considerations: Customer expectations and nail conditions should guide shape recommendations.
Filing technique: Always file in one direction to prevent chipping and discomfort.
Client Preparation – Approach and Communication
Ensure the workstation is clean and disinfected.
Greet and introduce yourself to the client; maintain a professional demeanor.
Help the client situate their belongings; ensure their comfort in the workstation.
Client Consultation – Preparing for Treatment
Begin with a visual exam of hands, skin, and nails, assessing:
Condition and texture.
Colour and infection signs (swelling, redness).
Presence of cracks or breaks.
Record all observations for the consultation form.
Nail Analysis
Observations: Shape, length, health state (shiny, pink vs. brittle, yellow).
Cuticles: Check for condition (hard, red, inflamed).
Documenting Medical History
Gather information on lifestyle factors affecting nail health.
Assess any medical conditions and contraindications:
Contra-indication: A condition that may restrict/prevent treatment (e.g., fungal infections, severe eczema).
Contra-indications to Nail Services
Prevention of Treatment:
Cuts, abrasions, bruising, swelling around the nail, severe nail damage.
Conditions requiring referral: Bacterial or fungal infections, severe psoriasis or eczema, minor nail separation.
Identifying Contra-indications
Observe for signs of infection or redness.
When unsure, consult a senior therapist or manager.
Basic Manicure Treatment – Procedure
Sanitize both hands and client’s hands.
Remove any jewelry from the client.
Assess and remove old nail enamel; cut, if necessary.
File nails, apply cuticle cream, soak in manicure bowl.
Push back cuticles with appropriate tools (hooft stick/orange stick).
Gently massage hands.
Clean nails; apply base coat, two coats of polish, and a topcoat.
Basic Manicure Treatment – Massage Techniques
Effleurage: Light stroking to relax and disperse massage medium.
Petrissage: Kneading movements to stimulate blood circulation and relieve tension.
Joint Manipulation: Gentle control of joints to maintain suppleness.
Aftercare Advice for Clients
Home-care: Daily application of hand cream and cuticle oil.
Actions to avoid: Avoid prolonged soaking, using nails as tools, harsh chemicals, and biting/nibbling cuticles.
Importance of hand cream: Maintains flexibility and reduces breakage risks.
Recommended products: Moisturizing hand creams, cuticle oils, nail strengtheners.
Follow-up treatments: Suggested every 4-6 weeks to maintain nail health and detect concerns early.
Equipment and Material Usage
Essential Equipment
Manicure bowl, file, spatula, orange stick, cotton disks, small bin/container, various polishes, hand creams.
Hygiene Practices
Disinfect all tools and surfaces between clients.
Proper disposal protocols to prevent contamination.
Bibliography
Ford G., Stewart H., and Taylor S. (2006). City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Salon Services. Heinemann. ISBN: 978-0-435-46307-6.
Nordmann, L. (2016). Beauty Therapy: The Foundations, Seventh Edition. ISBN: 978-1-4737-3456-2. Cengage Learning EMEA.
Course Information
Basic Skills in Beauty and Safe Practice in the Salon – Level 2
CSBTY-206-1905
Instructor: Ms. Mariella Borg
Module: Manicure
Learning Outcomes
K-3. Identify typical nail shapes and basic nail structure.
K-4. Identify products and tools needed for a basic hand and foot care treatment.
U-2. Describe the procedure for client preparation following safe and hygienic working practices.
A-2. Demonstrate the full procedure required to provide hand and foot care treatment.
Items Required for Practical Lectures
Mandatory Items for Basic Manicure Treatment
Black Tunic or Black T-shirt
4 small towels
Additional Items for Hand Treatment Practical Workshops
Consultation Form (printed, sent on Teams in the files section)
MCAST Tunic and black trousers (black t-shirt/shirt until tunic is available)
Nail File / Emery Board
Hoof Stick
Orange Stick
Spatula (Plastic, Metal, or Wooden)
Small bin/plastic container (for disposal of waste)
Base Coat
Topcoat
2 Nail Polishes (1 light colour and 1 dark)
Introduction to Basic Manicure Treatment
Basic nail services aim to enhance the instant appearance of hands by treating:
The skin and the hands
The cuticles
The nails
Healthy hands feature smooth skin. Neglect can lead to dry, chapped, irritated, rough, or broken skin. The cuticle is skin at the base of the nail; it should be soft and loose but can become tight, dry, split, and overgrown. The primary aim of a basic nail service is to soften and moisturise both cuticles and the skin of the hands.
Benefits of Basic Manicure
Improves overall health of hands and nails.
Maintains healthy skin and nail appearance.
Promotes healthy-looking nails (pink in color).
Improves smoothness and suppleness of hands and nails.
Enhances cuticle flexibility for easier management.
Grooms nails for a more attractive look.
Assists in preventing nail biting.
Helps recover nail strength after exposure to harsh environments (e.g., chemicals or pollutants).
Provides effective nail treatment for special occasions.
Structure of the Nail
Key Components
A - Matrix: The area of nail growth.
B - Cuticle: Overlapping skin at the nail base.
C - Nail Plate: Covers the nail bed, provides protection.
D - Nail Wall: Skin overlapping the nail sides for cushion and protection.
E - Free Edge: Extends beyond the fingertip, usually white.
F - Nail Bed: Provides nourishment and contains blood vessels and nerves.
Detailed Structure of the Nail
Matrix: Located at the nail base; responsible for nail growth via constantly dividing cells.
Nail Plate: Covers the nail bed and protects it. Clear and hardened, revealing the healthy pink color of the nail bed.
Nail Bed: Contains living cells, blood vessels for nourishment, and nerves for pain and heat sensation.
Cuticle: Protects the matrix; should be kept soft to prevent infection.
Free Edge: Helps protect fingertip; filed during nail service.
Nail Wall: Cushions the nail plate and protects it from damage.
Nail Shapes
Almond/Oval: Curved sides, elongates short fingers.
Squoval: Hybrid of square and oval; universally flattering shape.
Square: Straight across free edge; suitable for thin, long fingers.
Rounded: Rounded free edge; ideal for short nails; hard-wearing.
Pointed/Almond: Tapered more than oval; elongates slender fingers.
How to Identify Suitable Nail Shapes
Consultation is key in discussing achievable shapes with the client.
Practical considerations: Customer expectations and nail conditions should guide shape recommendations.
Filing technique: Always file in one direction to prevent chipping and discomfort.
Client Preparation – Approach and Communication
Ensure the workstation is clean and disinfected.
Greet and introduce yourself to the client; maintain a professional demeanor.
Help the client situate their belongings; ensure their comfort in the workstation.
Client Consultation – Preparing for Treatment
Begin with a visual exam of hands, skin, and nails, assessing:
Condition and texture.
Colour and infection signs (swelling, redness).
Presence of cracks or breaks.
Record all observations for the consultation form.
Nail Analysis
Observations: Shape, length, health state (shiny, pink vs. brittle, yellow).
Cuticles: Check for condition (hard, red, inflamed).
Documenting Medical History
Gather information on lifestyle factors affecting nail health.
Assess any medical conditions and contraindications:
Contra-indication: A condition that may restrict/prevent treatment (e.g., fungal infections, severe eczema).
Contra-indications to Nail Services
Prevention of Treatment:
Cuts, abrasions, bruising, swelling around the nail, severe nail damage.
Conditions requiring referral:
Bacterial or fungal infections, severe psoriasis or eczema, minor nail separation.
Identifying Contra-indications
Observe for signs of infection or redness.
When unsure, consult a senior therapist or manager.
Basic Manicure Treatment – Procedure
Sanitize both hands and client’s hands.
Remove any jewelry from the client.
Assess and remove old nail enamel; cut, if necessary.
File nails, apply cuticle cream, soak in manicure bowl.
Push back cuticles with appropriate tools (hooft stick/orange stick).
Gently massage hands.
Clean nails; apply base coat, two coats of polish, and a topcoat.
Basic Manicure Treatment – Massage Techniques
Effleurage: Light stroking to relax and disperse massage medium.
Petrissage: Kneading movements to stimulate blood circulation and relieve tension.
Joint Manipulation: Gentle control of joints to maintain suppleness.
Aftercare Advice for Clients
Home-care: Daily application of hand cream and cuticle oil.
Actions to avoid: Avoid prolonged soaking, using nails as tools, harsh chemicals, and biting/nibbling cuticles.
Importance of hand cream: Maintains flexibility and reduces breakage risks.
Recommended products: Moisturizing hand creams, cuticle oils, nail strengtheners.
Follow-up treatments: Suggested every 4-6 weeks to maintain nail health and detect concerns early.
Equipment and Material Usage
Essential Equipment
Manicure bowl, file, spatula, orange stick, cotton disks, small bin/container, various polishes, hand creams.
Hygiene Practices
Disinfect all tools and surfaces between clients.
Proper disposal protocols to prevent contamination.
Bibliography
Ford G., Stewart H., and Taylor S. (2006). City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Salon Services. Heinemann. ISBN: 978-0-435-46307-6.
Nordmann, L. (2016). Beauty Therapy: The Foundations, Seventh Edition. ISBN: 978-1-4737-3456-2. Cengage Learning EMEA.