NAILS CHAPTER 7 EXAMMMM

Learning Objectives Overview

  1. Understand why to learn about pedicuring services.

  2. Describe essential pedicuring equipment.

  3. List multiuse and single-use implements and materials.

  4. Explain professional pedicure product uses.

  5. Outline steps for establishing a pedicure business.

  6. Identify pedicure massage benefits.

  7. Address special health considerations for clients.

  8. Discuss disinfection practices for pedicuring.

Explanation of Pedicuring Services

  • A pedicure (PED-ih-kyoor) is a cosmetic service performed on the feet by a licensed nail technician or cosmetologist.

  • Basic pedicure includes:

    • Trimming, shaping, and polishing toenails.

    • Exfoliating skin on feet and legs.

    • Performing a foot and leg massage.

  • Pedicures became the fastest-growing service in the beauty industry in the 1990s with the spa resurgence and new equipment like pedicure throne chairs.

  • Importance for nail technicians:

    • Adds a desirable service to the menu.

    • Requires knowledge of tools and proper use.

    • Enables safe and correct performance of pedicures.

Tools Used during Pedicuring Services

To perform a pedicure safely, understand and incorporate safety, cleaning, and disinfection procedures.

1. Equipment

  • Pedicure Station: Includes a comfortable client chair with armrest/footrest, and an ergonomic chair for the technician.

  • Pedicure Stool and Footrest: Technician's stool is usually low for ergonomic posture. Some stools have built-in footrests; separate footrests can also be used.

    • Ergonomics: Crucial for technician's health (back, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands). Maintain a comfortable, unstrained position; avoid leaning/stretching; stretch before/after services.

  • Types of Pedicure Footbaths: Vary from basic basins to automatic whirlpools.

    • Soak Baths: Filled with warm water and product to soften skin; must be large enough for both feet.

    • Transportable Professional Footbaths: Manually filled, emptied, cleaned, and disinfected after each client.

    • Customized Pedicure Units: Have a removable footbath and technician's stool built into one unit; more ergonomic.

    • Portable Water Baths with Inserts: Use disposable inserts for each client, thrown away after service. Rolling platforms may heat/vibrate.

    • Portable Foot Basins with Built-in Whirlpool-Action: Provide gentle massaging action, filled/drained via attachable hoses, have built-in footrest and storage.

    • Fully Plumbed Whirlpool Baths/Pedicure Chairs: Not portable, permanently plumbed, often have built-in massage features and seat warmers. Many have self-cleaning cycles, but manual cleaning/disinfection as per manufacturer instructions and state laws is vital.

  • Pedicure Cart: Keeps supplies organized, has a flat surface for implements, drawers/shelves for storage, often on wheels.

  • Electric Foot Mitts: Heated mitts shaped for feet, used after foot massage with conditioning lotion/mask to aid penetration of ingredients. Add comfort, warmth, and relaxation.

    • Mask (Masque): Concentrated treatment product composed of mineral clays, moisturizing agents, skin softeners, aromatherapy oils, botanical extracts, etc., to cleanse, exfoliate, tighten, tone, hydrate, and nourish skin.

  • Terry Cloth Mitts: Washable, reusable mitts placed over plastic-covered feet (especially after paraffin) to hold in heat and encourage conditioning. Allow paraffin to harden, unlike electric mitts.

  • Paraffin Treatment: A relaxing service that coats the skin, holding in natural moisture and promoting hydration.

    • Safest method: Scoop paraffin into a clear paraffin bag, place client's foot inside, spread to cover skin.

    • Health Precautions: DO NOT use on clients with diabetes-related problems (lesions, abrasions, impaired circulation, loss of feeling), or for elderly clients with sensitive/thinner skin without a pre-service wax patch test.

  • Hot Stones: Generally used in upscale pedicures for feet and legs; provide deep, penetrating, comforting heat for relaxation and increased circulation.

    • Safety: Stones should be comfortably warm, not hot. Test on your arm and check with client.

    • Disinfection: Natural stones are porous and cannot be disinfected; synthetic stones are the safest option as they can be disinfected. Stones must be scrub-cleaned and disinfected between clients to prevent infection transfer (e.g., MRSA).

    • Caution: Invisible lesions from shaving, plucking, waxing, insect bites, pimples, cracked heels, rashes, abraded cuticles, and peeling sunburns are portals of entry for infection; proper disinfection is crucial.

2. Implements

  • Toenail Clippers: Larger than fingernail clippers, designed for shortening thicker toenails, with a wider space between jaws. Must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Use high-quality stainless-steel implements.

    • Caution: Do not trim nails too short or break the seal of the hyponychium to prevent infection.

  • Toenail Nippers: Larger and stronger than fingernail nippers, with a larger hinge box and thicker jaws for shortening nails. Used carefully at a 4545-degree angle to the nail tip, taking small nips across the free edge.

  • Curette (KYOOR-et): Implement with a small scoop-shaped end for efficient removal of debris from nail folds, eponychium, and hyponychium areas. Ideal for big toenail edges.

    • Recommended: Double-ended curette (e.g., 0.060.06 inches (1.51.5 mm) on one end, 0.10.1 inches (2.52.5 mm) on the other). Must have dull edges and be used with the bowl pointing toward the skin.

  • Nail Rasp (NAYL RASP): Metal file designed to file in one direction, with a filing surface of about 1/81/8 inch ×× 3/43/4 inch (3.23.2 mm ×× 1919 mm). Angled rasp is recommended.

    • Usage: Placed under the nail, angled at the center towards the side of the free edge, gently pulled toward the lateral edge to reduce sides that might cause ingrown nails. Preventative tool only; never use on already ingrown nails (refer to podiatrist). Not for use on the top of the nail or past the hyponychium.

  • Pedicure Nail File: Medium-grit works best for toenails, followed by a fine-grit file to seal edges. Metal files (if legal in your state) with embedded abrasives must be cleaned and disinfected.

  • Foot File (Pedicure Paddle): Large file designed to reduce and smooth thicker foot calluses. Comes in various grits and shapes. Must be cleaned/disinfected between uses or disposed of if single-use.

    • Caution: Caring for ingrown or infected nails is a medical treatment and outside the scope of practice for nail technicians. Never use razor-type callus shaver blades; it's illegal and dangerous.

    • Caution for Immunosuppressed Clients: Do not cut into skin, trim cuticles, use blades to cut calluses, or use metal pushers/sharp implements. Even tiny breaks can cause severe infection.

3. Materials

  • Toe Separators (TOE SEP-ah-ray-torz): Foam rubber or rope type, used to keep toes apart during polishing. Single-use only; dispose of or give to client.

  • Pedicure Slippers: Single-use paper or foam, provided for clients without open-toe shoes. Warn clients they can be slippery.

  • Gloves: OSHA recommends nitrile gloves for nail technicians during pedicures or chemical work to prevent skin dryness/cracking and exposure to pathogens. New set for each client.

4. Pedicure Products

  • Foot Soaks (FUT SOHK): Added to water to soften, cleanse, and deodorize the skin. Gentle but effective, professionally formulated.

    • Caution: No additive replaces proper cleaning and disinfection.

  • Exfoliating Scrub (eks-FOH-lee-ate-ing SCRUB): Gritty, water-based lotion with abrasives (sea sand, apricot kernels, pumice, quartz, jojoba beads) to remove dry skin and reduce calluses. Contains moisturizers. Technicians must wear gloves.

    • Caution: Avoid excessively abrasive scrubs that can cause invisible scratches (portals of entry for microorganisms) or ingredients that clog drains (e.g., corn meal).

  • Mask: Concentrated treatment product with clays, moisturizers, softeners, oils, extracts to cleanse, exfoliate, tighten, tone, hydrate, nourish. Applied for 55 to 1010 minutes.

  • Foot Lotion or Cream: Conditions and moisturizes skin, softens calluses, provides slip for massage. Home-care products are also important.

  • Callus Softener (KAL-us SAWF-en-er): Professional-strength product to soften and smooth thickened calluses. Applied directly as per manufacturer instructions. Helps reduce calluses more easily.

    • Caution: Improper use can cause permanent injury. Calluses protect skin; they should be softened and smoothed, not excessively thinned or removed. Never use razor-type callus shavers (illegal and dangerous, stimulates heavier growth).

    • Caution for Alkaline Softeners: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Improper use can cause severe irritation.

Establishing a Pedicure Business

  • Choosing Pedicure Products: Investigate product lines designed to work together. Check company's educational support, customer service, and shipping competence. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

  • Service Menu: Tailor to clientele (e.g., nail art for younger, paraffin for older). Include shorter services (nail trimming, massage, polish change) as menu expanders.

  • Interaction during the Service: Discuss foot health, upgrades, and home care products with clients. Prioritize client relaxation; keep conversation professional; avoid personal/controversial topics. Encourage regular monthly pedicures for ongoing foot health and appearance.

  • Scheduling: Advise clients not to shave legs for 48 hours prior to appointment to prevent microtrauma (tiny unseen openings that allow pathogens). If client has shaved, offer a waterless pedicure focusing only on feet and reschedule full service. Suggest open-toe shoes for polish applications.

  • Designing Services: Basic pedicures (3030-4545 min, foot massage only). Spa pedicures (11 to 1.51.5 hours, includes leg massage and additional pampering).

  • Staying on Schedule: Essential to respect client time. For a 1-hour pedicure, consultation and soaking should be done within 1212 minutes. Allot the last 1010 minutes for disinfecting the basin/bowl.

    • If client has challenging feet, inform them you'll do your best in the allotted time and suggest a follow-up series or home-care products rather than overworking feet in one session.

  • Series Pedicures: Multiple appointments to resolve persistent issues like heavy callus reduction or scaly feet.

    • Callus Reduction: Weekly appointments for 44-66 weeks, involving soak, callus reduction product, foot file/paddle, and lotion. Price is less than a full pedicure. Full pedicure done at 44-week mark. Recommend home-care products (glycolic/lactic acid lotion, DMU lotion, foot paddle) and always wear gloves.

    • Scaly Feet: Client must first see a podiatrist to rule out fungal infection. If non-fungal, 33-66 weekly exfoliation treatments (scrubs, callus reduction, mask) plus home-care.

  • Servicing Older Clients: Often overlooked but need regular foot care due to difficulty reaching/seeing feet or squeezing clippers. Offer services catering to this demographic.

  • Selling Pedicures: Package manicures and pedicures together (e.g., 6 or 12 services for a discount). Market theme services for holidays/events. Charge extra for add-ons like paraffin or nail art.

Benefits of a Pedicure Massage

  • Massage is the most enjoyed feature of any nail service, especially pedicures.

  • Focus is purely relaxation, not therapeutic like general body massage.

  • Induces high degree of relaxation and stimulates blood flow.

  • Holding the Foot during Massage: Grasp firmly between thumb and fingers at mid-tarsal area (thumb on bottom, fingers on top). This:

    1. Locks foot in place, giving technician control.

    2. Has a calming effect, overcomes ticklishness or apprehension.

  • Reflexology (ree-fleks-AHL-ah-jee): Applying pressure to specific points on hands/feet with thumb/index fingers to promote health benefits to specific body parts. Based on the principle that areas in feet/hands correspond to organs, glands, and body parts; stimulating these points can initiate positive energy and increase blood flow.

Approaches to Pedicures for Clients with Special Health Considerations

  • Client Consultation: Ask about health concerns directly but reassure confidentiality. You are not a medical professional, and salons are not bound by HIPAA, but ethical practice dictates confidentiality.

  • Limited Mobility Clients: Clear obstructions/tripping hazards. Offer portable water basin or dry pedicure if they cannot move into a pedicure chair. Always check between toes for infection/lesions.

  • Clients with Involuntary Movement: Ensure the entire leg is supported (behind knees and ankles); client should not need to support their own legs.

  • Clients with Altered Vision: Be clear and descriptive when assisting with color choice (e.g., "bright red that stands out" vs. "subtle red").

  • Clients with Painful Joints (e.g., arthritis): Handle gently. Never apply pressure directly on joints or manipulate them. Smooth lotion with gentle pressure. Check with clients frequently for pain.

  • Clients with Caregivers: Make room for caregivers and accept their assistance.

  • Clients with Lowered Immunity: Strict infection control practices are paramount.

  • Cleaning between Toes ("Flossing"): Check for buildup. If present, soak longer with urea product. Gently clean with a disposable towelette or washcloth after soaking.

  • Tools and Implements (Special Considerations): Do not use sharp tools/implements. Use a curette gently for nonliving tissue, not nipping cuticles. Use fine-grit abrasive on nails. Be careful when clipping nails, always check underneath for attached skin and remove sharp edges.

  • Paraffin (Special Considerations): Let wax cool longer for heat-sensitive clients with loss of sensation.

  • Massage (Special Considerations): Always ask permission and about concerns. Use gentle pressure; purpose is soothing touch, not moving joints/muscles/blood flow. Do not bend/flex knees, ankles, toes. Apply lotion gently, starting just below the knee and smoothing towards feet.

Importance of Following Disinfection Practices

  • Crucial for client safety and infection control.

  • Responsibility: Both the salon and the individual performing the procedure are responsible for following proper disinfection.

  • Disinfectant Type: Use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant that is a broad-spectrum bactericide, viricidal, and fungicide.

  • Record Keeping: Many states require salons to record the time and date of each disinfecting procedure in a pedicure log.

  • Integration: Disinfection procedures must be incorporated into regular cleaning schedules and displayed in employee areas.

  • Resources: Familiarize yourself with your specific footbath's procedures and check state regulations. Resources like probeauty.org/NMC offer informational brochures.