Manicures

Question 1

List 5 points to a healthy nail.

Answer 1

A healthy nail is firm, flexible, slightly pinkish in colour; the surface should be smooth, curved and unspotted without hollows or wavy ridges.

Question 2

What is not found in the nail?

Answer 2

The nail contains no nerves or blood vessels.

Question 3

Name three parts of the nail.

Answer 3

1) Nail Plate
2) Nail Root
3) Free Edge

Question 4

Nails grow fastest on the _____________ finger and slowest on the __________.

Answer 4

Nails grow fastest on the middle finger and slowest on the thumb.

Question 5

Describe the eponychium.

Answer 5

The eponychium is the extension of the cuticle at the base of the nail plate which partly overlaps the lunula.

Question 6

Describe the mantle.

Answer 6

The mantle is the deep fold of skin in which the nail root is embedded.

Question 7

How long does it take to replace a nail?

Answer 7

Normally replacement of a nail takes about four months.

Question 8

What is the purpose of a base coat?

Answer 8

A base coat is a liquid product applied before the liquid nail polish. With this application, the nail polish adheres readily to the nail surface. Also prolongs the life of enamel, minimizes pigment of enamel from staining the nails and minimizes irregularities in the nail plate.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a top coat?

Answer 9

A top coat is a liquid product applied over the nail polish. It imparts toughness and extra gloss and makes the nail polish more resistant to chipping.

Question 10

Describe the lunula.

Answer 10

The lunula is located at the base of the nail. The area underneath the lunula is the matrix. The light colour of the lunula may be due to the reflection of light where the matrix and the connective tissue of the nail bed join.

Question 11

What is the function of the matrix?

Answer 11

The matrix is the part of the nail bed that extends beneath the nail root and contains nerves, lymph and blood vessels. The matrix produces the nail as its cells undergo a reproducing and hardening process. The matrix will continue to grow as long as it receives nutrition and remains in healthy condition.

Question 12

Describe nail grooves.

Answer 12

Nail grooves are slits or tracks on the sides of the nail upon which the nail moves as it grows.

Question 13

The nail plate extends from _________ to ___________.

Answer 13

The nail plate extends from the root to the free edge.

Question 14

The nail root originates from an actively growing tissue called what?

Answer 14

The nail root is at the base of the nail and is embedded underneath the skin. The nail root originates from an actively growing tissue known as the matrix.

Question 15

Describe the perionychium.

Answer 15

The perionychium is the portion of cuticle surrounding the entire nail border.

Question 16

How long should you wait before spraying a nail dryer?

Answer 16

Wait 5 minutes after applying polish before spraying a nail dryer.

Question 17

What is the average rate of nail growth for a nail per month?

Answer 17

The average rate of nail growth in the normal adult is about ⅛” of an inch per month.

Question 18

What is the technical term for nails?

Answer 18

Onyx is the technical term for nails.

Question 19

What should you have your client do before applying polish?

Answer 19

Before applying regular polish, have your client pay for the service, get their keys out, go to the washroom, put their jewellery back on, put their coat and shoes on, etc. In essence have them do anything that they require their hands for so they don’t ruin their polish application.

Question 20

Explain what a 100 grit nail buffer would be used for.

Answer 20

100 grit nail buffers are used to smooth out irregular nail ridges.

Question 21

Explain what a 4000 grit nail buffer would be used for.

Answer 21

4000 grit nail buffers would be used to add gloss.

Question 22

Explain the difference between nail conditioners and nail hardeners.

Answer 22

Both nail conditioners and nail strengtheners promote faster nail growth and can be used as base coats. Conditioners are for drying peeling nails and strengtheners are for weak and fragile nails.

Question 23

What is the free edge?

Answer 23

The free edge is the end portion of the nail plate which reaches over the finger tips. This portion is no longer attached to the nail bed.

Question 24

Describe nail composition.

Answer 24

The nail is mainly composed of keratin, a protein substance that forms the base of all horny tissue.

Question 25

What is the nail bed?

Answer 25

The nail bed is the portion of skin, on which the nail plate rests. It is supplied with many blood vessels which provide nourishment necessary for the continued growth of the nail. It is also abundantly supplied with nerves.

Question 26

What is the cuticle?

Answer 26

The cuticle is the overlapping skin around the nail. A normal cuticle around the nail should be loose and pliable.

Question 27

What is the hyponychium?

Answer 27

The hyponychium is the portion of the epidermis under the free edge of the nail.

Question 28

What are the nail walls?

Answer 28

The nail walls are the folds of skin overlapping the sides of the nail.

Question 29

Explain nail malformation.

Answer 29

If the nail is separated from the nail bed through injury it becomes distorted or discoloured. Should the nail bed be injured after the loss of a nail, a badly formed nail will result. If the nail is torn off accidentally, or lost through an infection or disease, it will be replaced only as long as the matrix remains in good condition.

Question 30

What are nail polish removers?

Answer 30

Nail polish removers usually contain acetone as a normal base with the addition of a small quantity of oil to offset the drying action of the solvent. The product must be capable of fast, and defeating effects on the nail plate and surrounding skin tissue.

Question 31

What is cuticle oil?

Answer 31

Cuticle oil softens and lubricates the skin around the nails. Replaces oil and moisture lost when using nail polish removers.

Question 32

What is cuticle cream?

Answer 32

Cuticle creams are mixtures of fats and waxes which are intended to soften and nourish the cuticle and make the nail plate more flexible, by replacing the natural fats lost daily in life through exposure to detergents and drying elements. Should be used within the manicure sequence and as a nightly home care treatment.

Question 33

What are cuticle removers?

Answer 33

Cuticle removers may contain 2-5% sodium or potassium hydroxide plus glycerine. After the cuticle is softened with this liquid, it can be easily removed. Also acts as nail bleach removing nicotine stains effectively.

Question 34

What is regular nail polish?

Answer 34

Regular nail polish is used to add colour or gloss to the nail. it is a solution of nitro cellulose in such volatile solvents as amyl acetate, together with a plasticizer (castor oil), which prevent too rapid drying.

Question 35

What is gel polish?

Answer 35

Gel polish is a special varnish formula that is cured under and LED (light emitting diode) lamp.

Question 36

What are nail polish solvents?

Answer 36

Nail polish solvents are used to thin out enamel nail polish. It is important to never use acetone.

Question 37

What are massage lotions?

Answer 37

Massage lotions keep the skin soft by replacing the natural oils lost from the skin. They are recommended for overcoming a dry, chapped, or irritated condition of the skin. Hand creams and lotions should have a fast absorption to increase circulation and prevent moisture loss.

Question 38

What happens to the nail if the matrix is damaged or if an individual is in poor health?

Answer 38

The growth of the nails may be underdeveloped or slow growing if an individual is in poor health, if a nail disorder or disease is present or if there is an injury to the nail matrix.