Nail technician
A nail technician or nail stylist is a person whose occupation is to style and shape a person's nails. This is achieved using a combination of decorating nails with coloured varnish, transfers, gems or glitter.[1] Basic treatments include manicures and pedicures, as well as cleaning and filing nails and applying overlays or extensions.
Using a stencil or stamping, nail stylists can also paint designs onto nails with an airbrush, by hand. A nail stylist will often complete a consultation with the client to check for any signs of skin problems, deformities or nail disease before treatment, advise clients about looking after their hands and nails, and recommend nail care products.[2]
Training to become a nail stylist involves completing a professional course that normally takes at least a year.[3] Courses will more than likely cover anatomy and physiology of the nails, hands, arms, feet and legs, contraindications that may arise, identifying diseases and disorders, proper sanitation and sterilizing techniques, how to perform nail services safely, gel polish application, liquid and powder enhancements and hard gel enhancements. The work itself tends to take place in a beauty salon although some nail stylists will make house calls to clients.[4] Once licensed, many nail stylists will keep their own regular client list.[5] The basic equipment needed to carry out Nail services can be easily obtained. Types of basic equipment can include nail drills, brushes, gel polish, and a UV lamp. Specialist equipment will be needed for specific nail applications.[6]
Occupational Hazards
[edit]Chemical Exposures
[edit]With over 400,000 nail technicians registers in just the United States, occupational exposures to chemical hazards remain a major health concern. The significant health impacts of these chemical is marginalized as a majority of this workforce is women of reproductive age[7].
Ergonomic Hazards
[edit]Ergonomics is the science of fitting a job to an employee’s capabilities. It strives to create a strong relationship between the body & mind and the environment in which it works in. The goal of ergonomics is to make any modifications in a workplace that could help the employee both physically and mentally.
Some modifications a nail technician can make is having an adjustable chair that helps support their back and ensures they are at a 90-degree angle. Nail technicians can adjust the lighting when doing precise artwork so they aren’t constantly bending over. When performing tedious repetitive movements such as filing or polishing they should make sure their hands and wrists are kept straight and not bent. Lastly, one should avoid pressure points when placing arms at the end of the table and use a towel or any form of padding to soften the edge.
Notable nail technicians
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References
[edit]- ^ "Nail Stylist | Job Guide". Archived from the original on 5 December 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ "Nail Stylist Job Duties and Employment Options". Study.com. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- ^ "Nail Stylist Job Information | National Careers Service". Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- ^ "Mobile Nail Stylist 2016". How2Become.com. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
- ^ "Cosmetology License | How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist". www.cosmetology-license.com. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
- ^ "How to Become a Nail Stylist". www.norfolkbeautyschool.uk. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
- ^ "Researching Risk of Birth Defects Among Pregnant Nail Salon Workers and Hairdressers | Blogs | CDC". 3 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2024.