UNIVERSITY OF CALOOCAN CITY

Biglang Awa St., Corner Catleya St., EDSA, Caloocan City

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

HOME ECONOMICS LITERACY

SUBJECT CODE: TLE 026
TOPIC OR LESSON 1: Beauty/ Nail Care
WEEK: 2
SUB-TOPIC/S: Basic concepts in Beauty Care (Nail Care) Services

OVERVIEW OF THE TOPIC

A NAIL TECHNICIAN

Being a well-trained nail technician starts with knowing what it is that nail technicians do. They
are not only responsible for taking care of nails but also making a client feel comfortable and well taken
care of during the treatment.

Nail technicians are generally known for performing pedicures and manicures, which may
include nail art, application of artificial nails, nail repair, and other hand and foot treatments.

But aside from the mentioned responsibilities, a nail technician may also perform the following
tasks:

 Apply gel and acrylic nail enhancements and extensions

 Perform manicures and pedicures
 Use specialist tools and electrical equipment on nail enhancements
 Apply decorative and airbrushed nail art
 Maintain safe work practices and hygiene standards
 Read and interpret product information to make safe and appropriate recommendations to clients
 Conduct financial transactions
 Perform reception duties (receiving bookings and arranging appointments, for example)
 Perform routine housekeeping duties
 Maintain client records
 Provide advice and sell nail products
 Maintain knowledge of current industry standards and practices.

Also, a nail technician will be communicating with different types of clients around the clock. To
be efficient, it is important to have the following qualities:

 Neat personal appearance always

 No allergies to products and chemicals used
 Pleasant and tactful manner
 A genuine interest in people
 Good interpersonal skills
 Great hand-eye coordination

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  Patient
 Creative and artistic ability.

As a nail technician, one must be familiar with your workspace to competently perform the
assigned tasks. Know how to set up the manicure table wherein he/she will be carrying out manicures for
clients, it is critical to not only have an efficient workspace that helps create an effective workflow but
also be presentable enough to entertain customers all day.

LEARNING
OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

a. Explain of basic concepts and principles in Beauty Care (Nail Care) Services.

b. Use of tools and equipment in Nail Care Services properly.

c. Discuss occupational health and safety procedure in Nail Care Services

LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

a. Demonstrates understanding of basic concepts and principles in Beauty Care (Nail Care) Services.

b. Demonstrates understanding of the use of tools and equipment in Nail Care Services.
c. Demonstrates understanding in practicing occupational health and safety procedure in Nail Care
Services

ENGAGE

Where and when do you usually see these things?

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 EXPLORE

UNLOCKING BEAUTY CARE JARGONS

 Bevel - a term in manicuring and pedicuring that means to shape the edge of something
 Hygiene - the science concerned with maintaining good health and cleanliness
 Implements - articles or tools used in manicuring that are durable
 Sterilization - a term referring to any process that eliminates (removes) or kills all forms of
microbial life
 Disinfectant - an agent, such as heat, radiation, or a chemical, that destroys, neutralizes, or
prevents the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms
 Antiseptic - a substance, milder than a disinfectant, that prevents the growth and development of
micro-organisms
 Cuticle - the nonliving epidermis that surrounds the edges of the fingernail or toenail
 Moisten - make wet or damp
 Nail bed - the portion of the skin upon which the nail plate rests
 Spa - a beauty care service where curative minerals are present for beautification
 Hand Spa - a beauty care service using natural oils, vitamins, and minerals, having curative
effect to the body
 Paraffin - a waxy white or colorless solid hydrocarbon mixture used to make candles, wax paper,
lubricants, and sealing materials
 Foot Spa - a beauty care service offered by salons to relax and moisturize the feet

EXPLAIN

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NAIL TECHNICIANS

Here is a list of potential careers a nail technician could pursue:
1. Salon and Spas
Salons and spas are the most conventional types of careers for nail technicians, and for good reason.
Working at a salon is a great starting point for any type of technician. Here you can build on the
skills your learned in school and get experience with all the different types of services you can offer.
At certain salons you might even have the option to choose a flexible work schedule. The salon
environment offers some other great benefits. It provides the opportunity to build rapport with clients
and get referrals. You can also learn a lot about different products and brands use, learn new trends
and techniques, and become more knowledgeable about the services performed.

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2. Retail and Consulting
Nail technicians can become an expert in all things nails. Clients will look to them to recommend the
right products for their nails. Salons also rely on their technicians to upsell products and special
services to clients and customers. Some spas give technicians a commission for selling their products
or services, which means they could earn even more than their base wage.

3. Mobile Manicurist
A nail technician can also have a workspace with a little less structure, he/she might consider
working out of their own home or traveling to their clients. This option means that the technician
provides equipment and supplies. This setup also provides a lot of freedom and other job
opportunities. There is a lot of potential to cater to different events like bachelorette or birthday
parties with custom nail services. Clients can enjoy a unique experience.

4. Salon Owner
If a nail technician already has some natural management and leadership skills, building up a salon
of his/her own may be a natural next step. If they prefer managing other people or managing their
nail station and if you are prepared to put in some hard work, and find their own space, owning a nail
salon could be the perfect outlet for that unique vision. Salon owners may need some additional
business training.

NAIL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

TOOLS are the articles used in any nail care service which are durable or permanent and are
hand-held. Tools are also referred to as implements.

The tools commonly used in giving manicure and pedicure are the following:
TOOLS DEFINITION

Buffer is a cosmetic tool designed to give

fingernails and toenails a high gloss shine,
achieved primarily through friction and
sanding on the nail surface.

Callous Remover is a tool designed

to strip off calluses and corns

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 Cuticle Nail Pusher is a tool used to push
back and loosen the cuticles.

Cuticle Nipper is an implement

used to cut the cuticles.

Cuticle Scissor is an implement

to cut stubborn cuticles

Finger or Manicure Bowl is a small bowl

used for soaking the fingers to soften
the cuticles.

Foot file is made of metal or sandpaper,

with a rough file on one side to remove
calluses and a fine file on the other to
smoothen the feet.

Foot Spa Basin is a large rectangular

container used for bathing and soaking
the feet when giving a pedicure.

Manicure Nail Brush is a plastic handled

brush with nylon bristles used to clean
dirt and cosmetic residue from the nail
surface and skin.

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 Mixing bowl is a small open-top, rounded
cup-like container used for mixing the
aromatic oils and other fluids for the hand or
foot spa.

Nail Cutter / Nail Clipper / Nail Trimmer is

a hand tool made of metal used to trim
fingernails and toenails.

Nail File is an implement used to shape the

free edges of the nail with the coarse side and
bevel the nail with the finer side.

Orangewood Stick is an implement with

pointed and rounded ends to remove excess
polish.

Pedicure Nail Brush is a tool used to

remove cosmetics and cleanse nails.

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 Pumice Stone is a type of volcanic rock,
which is a frothy lava solidified to form a
porous rock to remove dry and annoying skin
of the feet as well as calluses.

Supply Tray is a flat container that holds the

necessary cosmetics and implements.

Trolley is a wheeled cart that is pushed by

hand and used for transporting manicuring and
pedicuring tools and materials.

EQUIPMENT are the items which are durable and permanent needed for a particular activity or
purpose.

These are the equipment and furniture or fixtures that are used in a salon:

EQUIPMENT DEFINITION

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 Chairs are seats with back support which have
four legs, and some have rests for the arms.

Foot Spa Machine is an electronic gadget

used for soaking, bathing and massaging the
feet during a foot spa.

Foot Spa Stool is a simple seat with three or

four legs designed to provide comfort and
elevation during a foot spa.

Hand Spa Machine is an electronic gadget

used to soothe pain of arthritis, muscle spasms
and dry cracked skin of the hands.

Manicure Table is a furniture especially

designed for giving manicure. Usually, it has a
laminated plastic surface and a drawer for
storing materials. It is often fitted with ball
casters for easy mobility.

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 Sterilizer is an equipment in a salon used for
sterilizing metal implements to kill micro-
organisms.

Timer is a device that can be preset to start or

stop something at a given time.

Ultraviolet (UV) nail curing lamps are table-

top size units used to dry or “cure” acrylic or
gel nails and gel nail polish. These feature
lamps or LEDs that emit UV (ultraviolet)
radiation.

BASIC PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE

How can tools and equipment be kept safe, clean, and functional?

It is vital to sterilize metal implements, sanitize wooden tools, disinfect hand and foot spa
machines as well as environmental surfaces before and after each use. Contaminated tools can cause
bacterial and fungal infections that are unsightly, painful and sometimes, fatal. There are several methods
of cleaning and sterilization. Do a cursory cleaning after each nail care service and deep-clean monthly to
keep tools safe and useful all the time.

1. Sterilize metal implements after each use in a hospital-grade disinfectant that is bactericidal,
virucidal, and fungicidal. This disinfectant can be found in beauty supply stores. Immerse the
tools in the disinfectant for 10 minutes.
2. Disinfect foot basins after each use with a bleach solution. Make a 1-to-10 solution by mixing one
part bleach with 10 parts water. Using gloves, rinse the basin with the solution to disinfect. If
necessary, scrub with a detergent to remove any dirt or debris.

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 3. Use a boiling method of sterilization once a month to disinfect all metal implements. Designate
one pot for sterilization to prevent cross-contamination with food. Submerge the tools in boiling
water for 10 minutes. Drain the tools and allow them to dry.
4. Store sterilized metal implements in an airtight, zipper-sealed bag to keep them from being
exposed to dirt and bacteria. Be sure tools are completely dry before storing them. If waiting
more than a couple of weeks before the next nail care service, sterilize the tools again before use.
5. Inspect tools and equipment regularly to identify defective ones for repair, replacement, or
condemnation.

Keeping the Workplace Clean and Safe

1. All beauty salons must be well-lighted and well-ventilated and must be in good sanitary
condition.
2. The salon premises must be free from rodents, vermin, flies or other similar insects.
3. All salon establishments must be provided with continuous running hot and cold water.
4. The curtains and floor coverings in the salon must be washable and kept clean.
5. All hair used cotton or other waste materials must be removed from the floor immediately and
deposited in a closed container. Get rid of them from the salon premises at frequent intervals.
6. The rest rooms must be well-sanitized and be provided with individual towels.
7. Each beautician must wear a washable uniform while working on clients.
8. Each client must be provided with a freshly laundered towel.
9. All waste materials should be disposed of in an enclosed waste bin fitted with polythene bin liner,
durable enough to resist tearing.

NAIL STRUCTURES AND SHAPES

Basic Information About Nail

Nail is a plate of keratin that lies on the tips of the fingers and toes. The main purpose of the nail
is to protect the fingers and toes; however, the fingernail also assists with certain physical activities in
daily life.

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Structures of Nail

1. Lunula - the pearly colored and crescent shaped is due to the cells being pushed closely together,
the blood capillaries cannot be seen through the lunula because of this.
2. Cuticle - the overlapping epidermis around the nail. It is the transparent skin, which is called the
'true cuticle', that is removed during the manicuring process.
3. Free edge - the part of the nail that can be filed and shaped. It is an extension of the nail plate that
overlaps the hyponychium.
4. Matrix - the only living reproducing part of the nail. This is situated directly below the cuticle.
New cells form here and continually push towards to produce the nail plate. It also contains blood
vessels and nerves. Blood supply provides the cells with nourishment. If the matrix is damaged
the nail will grow deformed.
5. Nail bed - the part of the nail where the nail plate rests on, also a continuation of the matrix. It is
abundantly supplied with blood vessels and nerves, having numerous parallel ridges which
dovetail exactly with the ridges on the under surface of the nail plate.
6. Nail walls - the folds of skin that overlap the sides of the nail. They hold your nail in place and
protect the nail plate edges.
7. Nail Plate - is visible nail that rests on the nail bed up to the free edge. This is made up from dead
cells and minimum amount of moisture. The nail is semi-transparent – allowing the color of blood
supply of the dermis to show.

NAIL SHAPES
The shape of nail conforms to that of fingertips of an individual.

1. The square-shaped nails are the most famous among the nail shapes. It is created by allowing
the nail to grow out straight and then filing the tip straight across at right angles with the rest of
the nail plate.

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 2. The oval-shaped nails are common among people with long, perfect nail beds. It may be styled
slightly rounded at the base and slightly pointed at the fingertips. Most often this type of nail has
a natural look and looks very good in a short-medium length.

3. Almond nails, like the oval nails, are filed along the sides. The nail wall is tapered to end in a
round peak, similar to the shape of an actual almond. Natural nails are often too weak to hold this
structure on their own, so most almond manicures are reinforced with gel or acyclic.

4. Round nails are ideal for shorter nails. The nail is grow out straight at the sides for
approximately 1.5 mm and then the tip is filed into a rounded shape. This is a strong shape which
is great for those who keep their nails short.

5. Stilleto/pointed nails are filed away at the sides to a point at the tip; this shape is very weak as
the sides of the nail (which provide the strength) are totally lost.

6. Squoval nails are a combination of the oval and the square nails. These nails have mostly
rectangular figure with rounded corners.

7. Coffin/Ballerina nails are essentially the stiletto nail, but with a square rather than pointy tip.
They are called ballerina nails or coffin nails because the shape resembles both a coffin and a
ballerina's slipper.

CLEANING NAILS
PROCEDURE:

1. Place the hand in a manicure bowl filled with warm water and antiseptic liquid soap just enough
to cover the nails for 5 – 10 minutes.
2. Remove the hand from the manicure bowl and dry it with a towel.
3. Apply cuticle remover on each nail to soften the cuticle.
4. Gently push back the cuticle with a nail pusher.
5. Hold the cuticle knife at 90◦ to the nail plate and stroke it in one direction only, gently loosening
any eponychium that has adhered to the nail plate.
6. Hold the nippers comfortably in the palm of the hand.
7. Use the cuticle nippers to remove any loose or torn pieces of cuticle, and to trim excess cuticle.
8. Using a nail brush, brush off the removed cuticles.

HAND SPA/TREATMENT
I. Exfoliating

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 1. Ask the client to wash his/her hands using soap and water. Make sure that all dirt on the hand
and forearm are removed.
2. Dry both hands with a towel.
3. Sanitize the client’s hands and arms by applying alcohol with a cotton ball.
4. Apply exfoliating scrub on the right hand and forearm to remove dead skin cells. Do the same
on the left hand and forearm.
5. Rinse off the exfoliating scrub with water.
6. Dry the hands using a towel.

II. Paraffin Wax

1. Prepare the paraffin wax machine by filling it water and one package of wax. Turn it on to
melt the wax.
2. When melted, test if the wax is tolerable enough to touch.
3. Gently submerged the left hand into the melted wax. Quickly lift the hand and let the excess
wax drip back into the machine. Do this for 3 repetitions.
4. Cover the right hand with cling wrap then insert hand into a glove.
5. Repeat the same procedure with the right hand.
6. After 30 minutes, remove the glove from the right hand and massage with the cling wrap still
on, breaking off the hardened wax on the hand. Gently remove the cling wrap off together
with the broken wax.
7. Apply lotion and massage the hand and forearm by applying effleurage thumb kneading to
the palm of the hand.
8. Repeat the same procedure on the left hand.

FOOT SPA/TREATMENT

1. Fill the foot spa machine with warm water, alcohol, and liquid soap.
2. Use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to sanitize the client’s feet.
3. Place and soak the client’s feet in the foot spa machine for a couple of minutes.
4. Using a brush, scrub/brush the client’s foot to remove dead skin cells.
5. Lay the foot on your lap and apply some exfoliating scrub to remove any remaining dead
skin cells. Apply effleurage on the foot and calf while applying the scrub.
6. Use a foot file brush to remove any hard skin on the foot.

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 7. Place the foot in a basin filled with warm water. Rinse off the scrub using a sponge. Use a
brush to make sure that all unwanted skin is removed.
8. Dry the foot using a towel.
9. Repeat the same procedure to the other foot.
10. Apply lotion and massage the foot and calf.
11. Apply effleurage on the calf and thumb kneading to the sole of the foot.

POST SERVICES: AFTERCARE AND ADVICE

Aftercare advice will vary from each client with accordance to their individual needs, but
generally it will be as follows:

After a Manicure

 Wear rubber gloves when washing up.

 Wear protective gloves when gardening or doing housework.
 Always wear gloves in cold weather.
 Dry hand thoroughly after washing and apply hand cream.
 Avoid harsh soaps when washing hands.
 Do not use the fingernails as tools.

After a Pedicure

 Change socks or tights daily.

 Apply moisturizing lotion to the feet after bathing.
 Ensure that the feet are thoroughly dry after washing especially between the toes.
 Apply talc or a special foot powder between the toes to help absorb moisture.
 Go barefoot wherever it is safe and practical to do so.
 Ensure that footwear fits properly.
 Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
 If any pain is felt in the feet, visit a chiropodist.

BASIC NAIL DESIGNS

The following are some basic nail designs which can are offered in nail salons. Steps and
illustrations are shown below.

Plain Manicure: It is the traditional application of nail polish to the entire nail plate.

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Steps in Plain manicure

1. Apply base coat

 Begin with little finger of one hand. Repeat polish application on the other hand.

2. Apply two coats of polish

 Use light long strokes from nail base to free edge
 Apply polish to the middle of the nail first and then to the sides.
 Repeat second coat of polish to both hands
 Remove excess polish around nail with a cotton tipped orangewood stick

3. Apply top coat

 Apply a top coat over the entire nail plate .

Half-Moon: It is a style that involves applying of nail polish over the whole nail plate except the area of
lunula.

Steps in giving Half-moon nail design

1. Apply base coat

2. Apply white or platinum nail polish and leave for a few
minutes to dry.

3. Apply colored polish from one side to the other side of the nail following the shape of the lunula.
Repeat the application of the nail polish if necessary.

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 4. Remove excess polish from the skin.
5. Apply top coat.

French Manicure or Tip design: It is a design which involves the application of colored polish over the
whole part of the nail except the area of the free-edge.

Steps in giving French Manicure - Variation no. 1

1. Apply base coat and leave for a few minutes to dry.

2. Apply white or platinum nail polish and leave for a few minutes
to dry.

3. Apply colored nail polish from one side to the other side of the nail following the shape of the
free-edge. Repeat the application of nail polish if necessary

4. Remove excess polish

5. Apply top coat.
Steps in giving French Manicure - Variation no. 2

It involves the application of white nail polish or colored polish on

the tips and coating the rest of the nail with a sheer polish. It is suitable for
short nails and those with moderate length of nails.

1. Apply base coat and leave for a few minutes

2. Apply a coat of translucent pink polish over your entire nail.
3. With the use of white or colored nail polish, draw a thin line over the
tip of the nail following the shape of the free-edge of the nail. Apply
second coating if necessary.
4. Remove excess polish.
5. Apply top coat.

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Elephant Tusk: It is a style that involves the application of nail polish
to create S curve, leaving a slightly larger gap along the nail
walls.

Steps in making Elephant Tusk

1. Apply white or platinum nail polish and leave for a few minutes to
dry.
2. Apply colored nail polish creating a half circle design at the inner
side of the nail as you continue it to form S-like.

3. Fill up the other side to complete the design.

4. Remove excess polish.
5. Seal with a top coat.

ELABORAT
E
I. Write brief answers to the following questions:

1. How often does a nail technician sanitize her hands?

2. Why is it important to observe safety rules in the salon?

3. When do we say that tools and equipment are in good condition? When do we say that they are
not?

II. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.

1. Free edge is the part of the nail that can be filed and shaped. It is an extension of the
_____________ that overlaps the hyponychium.

2. ____________are the folds of skin that overlap the sides of the nail. It holds your nail in place
and protects the nail plate edges.

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 3. Nail bed is the part of the nail that the nail plate ______________ on, also a continuation of the
matrix. It is abundantly supplied with blood vessels and nerves, having numerous parallel ridges
which dovetail exactly with the ridges on the under surface of the nail plate.

4. Matrix is the only living reproducing part of the nail, this is situated directly below the
___________. New cells form here and continually push towards to produce the nail plate. It also
contains blood vessels and nerves. Blood supply provides the cells with nourishment. If the
matrix is damaged the nail will grow deformed.

5. ____________is a visible nail that rests on the nail bed up to the free edge. This is made up from
dead cells and minimum amount of moisture.

EVALUATE

CLEAN SOME NAILS!

Take a video and photos of yourself cleaning your/others’ nails. Follow the rules and steps
below. You can also watch the YouTube video in the link below as your guide.

VIDEO URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trGTbccqCAk&feature=emb_title

I. File and Cut

1. Starting from the little finger, cut the nails of the client’s right hand according to desired
shape.
2. File the nails using an emery board.
3. Place the hand in a manicure bowl filled with warm water and antiseptic liquid soap just
enough to cover the nails.
4. Cut and file the nails on the left hand while waiting for the soaking to finish.
5. Remove the right hand from the manicure bowl and dry with a towel.
6. Soak the left hand in the manicure bowl.

II. Cleaning

1. Apply cuticle remover on the nails of the right hand. Push back the cuticle using a nail
pusher.
2. Remove excess cuticle using nippers. Brush the nails to clean off the cut cuticles.

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 III. Buffing

1. Buff the nails using a buffer by brushing it on the nails to make it shiny. Use a nail
brush to remove any dirt on the nails.
2. Apply cuticle oil and massage it in each nail using your thumb.
3. Wipe off the excess oil using a cotton ball.
4. Remove the left hand from the manicure bowl and dry with a towel.
5. Do the same procedure on the left hand.

REFERENC
ES
 Home Economics- Beauty/Nail Care (NC II) Curriculum Guide May 2016

 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Qualification Standards Office.

Training Regulations for Beauty/Nail Care NCII. Taguig City, Philippines: TESDA, 2012.

 K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and Livelihood Education Learning Module

ADDITIONAL
MATERIALS

PREPARED BY:

Ivy Chezka A. Hallegado

Jinky L. Hassan

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