Cosmetology License Exam Nail Care and Nail Disorders Syllabus

Nail Care and Nail Disorders syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Nail Care and Nail Disorders in Cosmetology License Exam, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Nail Structure and Conditions

   4 topics

   • Anatomy of the Natural Nail
     • Nail plate, bed, matrix, lunula
     • Cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, free edge
   • Nail growth and composition (keratin)
   • Nail disorders and irregularities
   • Nail diseases and infections requiring referral
2. 2

   Manicuring and Pedicuring

   5 topics

   • Manicure tools, implements, and disinfection
   • Basic manicure procedure and nail shapes
   • Hand and arm massage techniques
   • Pedicure procedure and foot care safety
   • Spa and paraffin treatments
3. 3

   Advanced Nail Enhancements

   5 topics

   • Nail tips and wraps
   • Monomer liquid and polymer powder (acrylic) enhancements
   • UV/LED gel enhancements and polish
   • Maintenance, repair, and removal
   • Overexposure and MMA safety concerns

Nail Care and Nail Disorders flashcards for Cosmetology License Exam

22 of 63 cards from the Nail Care and Nail Disorders deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the technical (medical) term for the study of nails and their disorders?

   Onychology (the natural nail is also called the onyx).

2. What protein is the natural nail plate primarily composed of, and what type of protein is it?

   Keratin, a fibrous (hardened) protein that also forms skin and hair.

3. Name the part of the nail unit where nail cells are produced and nail growth begins.

   The matrix (matrix bed), located beneath the skin at the base of the nail.

4. What is the lunula and what does it represent?

   The visible whitish half-moon at the base of the nail; it is the front part of the matrix showing through the nail plate.

5. Define the nail bed.

   The portion of living skin on which the nail plate sits and rests as it grows toward the free edge.

6. What is the eponychium?

   The living skin at the base of the nail plate that covers the matrix (the fold of skin at the base of the nail).

7. What is the cuticle versus the eponychium?

   The cuticle is dead, colorless tissue shed from the eponychium that adheres to the nail plate; the eponychium is the living skin at the nail base.

8. What are the sidewalls (lateral nail folds) of the nail?

   The folds of skin overlapping the sides of the nail plate.

9. What is the hyponychium?

   The slightly thickened skin under the free edge of the nail that forms a protective seal between the nail plate and nail bed.

10. Define the free edge of the nail.

    The part of the nail plate that extends past the fingertip beyond the nail bed.

11. What is the average growth rate of a healthy adult fingernail per month?

    About 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) per month, faster in summer than winter.

12. Roughly how long does it take a fingernail to fully grow from matrix to free edge, and a toenail?

    Fingernails replace in about 4-6 months; toenails take about 9-12 months.

13. What three qualities describe a healthy natural nail?

    It is firm yet flexible, smooth (no pits or splits), and whitish-pink with a translucent, slightly pink appearance.

14. What water content keeps a healthy nail flexible, and how does it change?

    A normal nail holds roughly 15-25% water content; lower water content makes nails brittle and higher content makes them softer.

15. In cosmetology, what is the difference between a nail DISORDER and a nail DISEASE?

    A disorder (irregularity) caused by injury or imbalance can usually be serviced safely; a disease/infection (signs of infection, inflammation, or pus) must be referred to a physician and not serviced.

16. What is the general rule about servicing a client whose nail or skin shows signs of infection, inflammation, broken skin, or swelling?

    Do not perform the service; refer the client to a physician.

17. What is leukonychia and what causes it?

    White spots on the nail; caused by minor injury to the nail matrix (not a vitamin deficiency).

18. What is onychophagy?

    Bitten nails - the result of chronic nail biting of the nail and surrounding cuticle.

19. What are beau's lines?

    Visible horizontal depressions/ridges running across the nail, caused by illness, injury, or a condition that interrupts nail growth at the matrix.

20. What is a hangnail (agnail) and how is it caused?

    Split or torn cuticle/skin around the nail, caused by dry cuticles or cutting too much cuticle; can be serviced if not infected.

21. What is onychauxis (hypertrophy)?

    An abnormal thickening of the nail plate, usually caused by injury, infection, or internal imbalance.

22. What is onychatrophia (atrophy)?

    The wasting away or shrinking of the nail; it becomes smaller and may fall off.

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