Beauty Care

(Nail Care)
Nail Care is a service referring to cosmetics beauty treatment of fingernails and toenails which can be
done at home or in beauty salon. This service is availed of by both men and women. Preparation of the
guest starts with the cleaning of the fingernails and toenails, giving massage to the hands or feet,
application of the nail polish, and giving the final retouch.
Nail care service may be manicure or pedicure. When working with the fingernails, the term is manicure,
and when working with toenails, the term is pedicure.

Tools, Materials and Equipment in Nail Care

There are several tools and materials and equipment needed by the nail care attendant. To make her
successful performer, she needs to familiarize herself with all of these tools and materials in giving
manicure or pedicure.
Tools are also referred to as implement, these are durable handheld materials and must be sterilized after
used with a client. They are the following:
Nail File
- This is used to shape the free edge of the nails to smoothen them. This is usually made up
of metal.
Emery Board
- This is wooden sandpaper like material used to file soft and fragile nails. It has two sides; one
side has fine texture, and the other side has coarse.
Pusher
- This is used to push back and loosen dead cuticle. It is made of steel.
Nail Clipper

- This is used to trim or shorten fingernails or toenails.

Cuticle Nipper
- It is used to trim excess cuticle found at the base of the nails
usually made of metal.
Buffer.
- It is a tool used to smoothen and polish the nails.
Nail Brush
- It is used to brush the nails to cleanse the cuticle or debris around it.
Orangewood Stick
- This is used to remove excess nail polish around the nails. It is made of wood and is disposable.

Materials are supplies used in giving manicure or pedicure which are disposed of after use for each
client. These are the following:
Cotton
 -This is moistened with nail polish remover to remove old nail polish. It is also used to wrap the
pointed end of orangewood stick to remove excess nail polish under the edge and around the
nails.
Plastic Spatula
-This is used to get nail cosmetics from its container.
Towels
- This is used to dry the hands and nails of the client.

Garbage bin/bag
- This is a disposable bag or receptacle where rubbish is thrown to keep the place
clean and free from clutters.

Nail Cosmetics
There are several nail cosmetics a manicurist should be familiarize with. These come in different
brands and are contained in a small bottle with different shapes. The correct application of these is a
must and care should be taken especially on client’s who have allergies or sensitivities. The following
are the different nail cosmetics:

Nail Polish Remover

-Commonly known as acetone. This is used with cotton to remove old nail polish.
Nail Polish Solvent
-This is used in thinning out nail polish which already has become thicker in solution.
Cuticle remover
-This is applied around nails to soften the cuticle before it must be pushed and trimmed
or removed.
Hand lotion/ hand cream
-This is applied to hands before applying the nail color to retain its moisture. Use of hand
lotion will prevent the hands from being dry, cracked and wrinkled.
Nail bleach
-This used to remove yellow stains from the nails.

Nail whitener
-This is applied under the free edge of the nails to make it appear white.

Nail color
-This comes in different colors. This is applied over the fingernails or toenails to
beautify and protect the nails.

Cuticle oil
-It is used to lubricate the skin around the nail Surface.

Base coat
-This serves as a base applied to the nails before nail color. It prevents the enamel from
chipping, thus gives a good quality grip of the enamel to the surface of the nails.
Topcoat/ sealer
-This is colorless and applied over colored nail polish. The use of this will keep the polish
longer in use before it starts to chip points to the need for another nail care service.

Liquid nail dry (quick dry)

-This is applied to dry the nail polish color immediately and to prevent this from getting smeared.
 Equipment in Nail care
Nail care services need some equipment that is necessary to give satisfaction to the clients. The term
equipment includes permanent items that are durable and used for a longer period until they wear out and
need replacement. These are the following:

Disinfection container
-This is a receptacle used to hold the disinfectant solution in which tools or objects to be
sanitized are immersed. It is provided with cover to prevent the solution from being
contaminated especially when not in use.

Manicure pillow
-This is a hand cushion used by the client to keep her hands steady and relaxed.
Finger bowl
-It is bowl that has a special shape for soaking the clients’ fingers in warm soapy
water or anti-bacterial Soap.

Supply tray
-This is used to hold different materials and tools used in nail care such as the
nail polish, cuticle remover, cotton balls container, and other needs.

Electric nail dryer

-This is used to shorten the length of time needed to completely dry the
clients’ nails after the application of nail polish. This is optional.

Sanitized wipe container

-This is usually made of glass and is used to hold clean absorbent cotton or lint-
free wipes.

Use of Nail Care Tools/Implements

The correct and proper way of handling nail care tools greatly contribute to the success of nail care
service. Your client will trust you upon observing your confidence in handling tools and equipment while
giving her your services.

NAIL CLIPPERS
Hold firmly the clippers with the cutting edges downward between your thumb, index, and middle finger.
With utmost care, press the clipper handles together to remove the excess nail length and as desired by the
client.

NAIL FILE
With your dominant hand, hold firmly the nail file and position it under the free edge of the nails.
Supporting the hand of your other hand, slide the nail file across the free
edge of the center of the nail with one stroke. Care must be taken that you do not go deep into the corners.
Feel the free edges of the nails if there are rough spots, bevel lightly by filing with downward stroke using
the fine side of the emery board.

EMERY BOARD
This is used in similar manner with the nail file. Using the fine surface, bevel the rough surface of the
nails to smoothen it.
CUTICLE NAIL PUSHER
Hold this in the same manner as you hold the pencil while writing. Before pushing back, the cuticle, the
cuticle has to be moistened first with the cuticle remover. With the dull spade side, loosen the cuticle by
pushing back lightly and carefully against the side of the fingernails.

CUTICLE NIPPER
Pick up the cuticle nipper by the handle with the cutting edges facing towards you. The bent tip of your
index finger must be on top of the shank Position your thumb on the side of the handle and the remaining
fingers over the opposite handle.

NAIL BRUSH
Insert your ring finger in between the handle of the nail brush. With a downward motion, brush the nails
from the base to the fingertips to clean the nails and fingers.

NAIL BUFFER
Place the thumb and ring finger under the handle of the buffer, while the index and the middle fingers are
on its top and the pinkie finger is on its side. Smoothen the nails by using downward motion from the
base to the fingertips.

ORANGEWOOD STICK
Hold the stick in the same way that you hold a pencil when you write. An orangewood stick has the
following multiple purposes. Care must be taken by applying with gentle pressure to preventive tissue at
the root of the nails from being injured.

MAINTENANCE AND SAFEKEEPING OF TOOLS

AND EQUIPMENT
The manicurist must take care of all the tools and equipment in nail care service. It is a must to clean and
disinfect all these after serving each client.
Ways of maintaining tools and equipment:
1. Sterilization. It is the process of destroying all microorganisms present in an object or place.
2. Sanitization. It is the process of destroying some, not all microorganisms.

Manicurist needs to familiarize herself/himself with the disinfectant antiseptic which are needed to
sterilize and sanitize tools and equipment in the beauty salon.
A professional manicurist always maintains a high standard of personal hygiene.

STERILIZATION
Is the process of destroying all living microorganisms.

SANITATION
Is the process of destroying some but not all microorganisms.

Preparation of equipment to be sanitized.

1. Read the instructions/directions on the disinfectant and understand them very well.
2. Measure and mix the required disinfectant following directions.
3.Saturate a rag or cloth for cleaning with disinfectant solution and wipe the entire surface or area of
equipment.
4. Wipe dry the surface area with paper towel or cleaning cloth.
5.throw away used sanitizing solution and used towels.
 Preparation of metal tools/implements for sterilization.
Soak the tools in hot, soapy water solution to remove any waste, dirt, or oil residue. Rinse them
thoroughly.

Soak the tools or implements in a 70% to 90% alcohol solution for 20 minutes.

Remove the tools/implements from solution, wipe them dry, and place then into a dry sterilizer.
Preparation of the Sanitizing Jar
1. Cleanse first the sanitizing jar with disinfectant. Wipe it dry.
2.Arrange a thin layer of sterile cotton at the bottom of the jar.
3.From the wet or dry sanitizer, remove the tools or implements and place them into the sanitizing jar
with handles up, except for the metal nail files.
4.With 70% to 90% alcohol solution, fill the jar enough solution to cover cutting edges and tips of
orangewood stick

Keeping the Workplace Clean and Safe

1. Beauty Salons must be in good sanitary condition. It must be well-lighted and
well- ventilated.
2. The salon premises should be free from rodents, vermin , flies , and other similar insects.
3. Continuous running hot and cold water must be provided in all salon establishments.
4. Washable and clean curtains are necessary including floor coverings which are cleaned and free from
dust.
5. Hair trimmings on the floor must be kept at frequent intervals. Cotton and other waste materials must
be removed from immediately and deposited in a closed container or garbage bin.
6.The rest rooms should be well, sanitized, and provided with bathroom tissues and other needs of the
clients.

Things To Do After Every Manicure Service

1. Sanitize properly and keep clean all the tools or implements ready for the next use.
2. Provide a separate trash bin for empty bottles and containers.
3. Store, arrange used cosmetics products and other chemicals in their proper place. Label them properly.
4. Clean and sanitize finger bowls before using for the next patron or client.
5. Sterilize metal tools and instrument following proper sterilization procedure. Store them in a clean dry
place until the next use.
6. Dispose tools or implements which are made of porous materials such as nail files, nails brushes and
orange wood stick.
7. Dispose properly waste materials in an enclosed waste container fitted with polythene bag. Sanitize and
disinfect garbage container in a well-ventilated area wearing protective gloves while doing this.
8. Dispose contaminated wastes following the correct procedure as a prescribed by the local authorities.
9. Repair immediately any tool or equip which are in poor condition. Otherwise dispose them properly for
the safety of both client and manicurist.

Practice Occupational Health and Safety Procedures

Occupational Health and Safety is a planned system of working to prevent illness or injury where you
work by recognizing hazards and risks. Health and safety are the responsibility of all persons in the
beauty service establishment. Hazards and risks must be identified by the manicurist. Evaluate and
control or eliminate the hazard or modify the risk that is poses.

Common Hazards in the Beauty Salon

Several Hazards are present in beauty salons and these needs utmost attention. Some of these are
identified here and what to do with these hazards.

Electrical Hazard
Electrical appliances used in the beauty salons can create serious health and safety risks, especially in wet
condition. Using damage tools and equipment poses great risk. Electrical shock can cause electrocution.
Burns and injuries may result from falls.
What to do?
You need to ask the electrician to check all the pieces of electrical equipment in the salon or
workplace. This can be done annually or as often as possible.

Chemical Hazards
Substances used and or produced at work that are a potential harm to the health and safety of people at
work are hazardous. Skin irritation, asthma, poisoning, and cancer are some of the effects to the health of
the workers.

What to do?
This can be prevented through good ventilation which will get rid of the fumes and chemical smell that
builds up in a salon. It is advisable to use appropriate personal protective equipment or clothing (PPE).

FIRE Hazards
Accident may happen like fire since the salon has its electrical appliances. Lack of awareness on fire
safety can harm persons in the workplace.

What to do?
An emergency exit route should be provided, and this must be the easiest route that clients and staff can
use to leave the building or salon safely.

BIOLOGICAL Hazards
This is also known as biohazards. These refer to substances that pose danger to living organisms,
primarily the human being. These microorganisms live on the skin and easily spread between clients and
manicurist. Unwashed hands, soiled equipment or contact with blood or body substances may cause the
transfer of the microorganism from one person to another.

What to do?
Extra care must be taken into consideration and manicurist should assume that all blood and other body
substances are potential sources of infection. Therefore, sanitation and sterilization should always be the
priority in the salon.

ERGONOMICS
In the nail care service, manicurist/pedicurist uses repetitive movements with force like feeling and
buffing the nails. Holding uncomfortable positions for a long period of time causes musculoskeletal
injuries to the manicurist.

What to do?
In performing these tasks, always pay attention to proper position of your body to prevent injuries such as
back pain, neck, wrist, and shoulder pain.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment refers to clothing equipment designed and worn by the manicurists or
salon workers to protect them from risks of injury or illness. Of course, this is only considered as a
control measure to minimize exposure to risk. Other important safety measures are of great factors that
should always be considered.
Examples of personal protective clothing for salon worker are gloves, eyewear, splash proof apron, and
protective mask.

Advantages of wearing PPE at work:

Nails and skin are prevented from injury.

Potentially harmful chemicals to the skin are prevented from being absorbed. Harmful chemicals may
cause allergies, irritation, or other related problems.
Wearing dust masks prevents the manicurist from breathing in a lot of dust or particles while filling or
buffing nails.

Breathing in of air contaminated with chemical and/or biological agents is prevented.