Know when to treat. Know when to stop.
Client consultation, contraindications, reactions, high-risk clients, nail disorders and diseases — and the SOAK rules that keep every service safe.
Every client. Every time.
You must check
- Allergies
- Medications — e.g. blood thinners
- Diabetes
- Skin/nail condition
- Pain or sensitivity
Why it matters
- Protects the client
- Protects YOU
- Helps identify risks before they become problems
If unsure: pause the service and ask the nail manager.
Do not treat.
Gout
A form of inflammatory arthritis that commonly affects the big toe.
- Redness, swelling, heat and severe joint pain
- The area may be extremely sensitive to touch
- A service can increase inflammation and discomfort
Action: Do not treat. Advise the client to seek medical management before returning.
Plantar Warts
A viral infection (HPV) that appears on the soles of the feet.
- Often small, rough growths with black dots
- Can spread through contact or shared surfaces
- Filing or cutting can spread the virus further
Action: Do not treat the affected area. Refer to a podiatrist or healthcare professional.
Athlete’s Foot
Tinea Pedis is a highly contagious fungal infection.
- Itching, redness, peeling, cracking skin or blisters
- Commonly between toes or on the sole
- Moist environments can worsen the condition
Action: Do not perform the service. Recommend antifungal treatment before rebooking.
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease
A contagious viral infection. More common in children, but adults can also be affected.
- Blisters, sores or rash on hands and feet
- Sometimes accompanied by fever
- Highly infectious through direct contact
Action: Do not treat. Client must wait until fully recovered and no longer contagious.
Infected Ingrown Toenails
Occurs when the nail grows into the skin and becomes infected.
- Redness, swelling, pus, pain and sometimes bleeding
- High risk of worsening infection if treated incorrectly
Action: Do not perform the service. Refer to a podiatrist.
Important: Non-infected ingrowns may be managed carefully by trained technicians, but infection = no treatment.
If there are any signs of infection, inflammation or contagious conditions — do not treat.
When in doubt: pause the service, ask a manager or senior technician, and always prioritise safety over completing the booking.
Possible reactions.
Allergic Reactions
An immune response to a product or ingredient.
- Redness, swelling, itching, rash or small blisters
- Can occur immediately or be delayed 24–72 hours
- Common triggers: gels, adhesives, fragrances or sanitising products
What this means: The body is reacting to something it sees as harmful.
Contact Dermatitis
Skin irritation caused by direct contact with a product.
- Skin may appear red, dry, cracked or inflamed
- Burning or stinging may occur
- Usually localised to where the product touched the skin
What this means: The skin barrier has been compromised or irritated.
Heat Spikes
A sudden heat sensation during curing under a UV/LED lamp.
- Client may feel intense heat or burning
- Caused by rapid polymerisation, especially with thicker application
- More common with builder gels or damaged/thin nails
What this means: The product is curing too quickly and generating excess heat.
Bacterial Infections
Can occur if bacteria enters broken or compromised skin.
- Redness, swelling, pain, heat, pus or throbbing
- May develop after service if aftercare is poor or skin was broken
- Higher risk with cuts, aggressive cuticle work or untreated conditions
What this means: Infection is present and requires medical attention.
Stop. Support. Record.
Do not continue, even if the reaction seems mild.
Gently remove the product causing the reaction. Avoid further irritation or trauma.
Stay calm and professional. Reassure the client and explain what you are doing.
Document the service, products used, time of reaction and symptoms observed.
Advise appropriate medical care. Do not diagnose or treat beyond your scope.
Extra care.
Diabetic clients
- Higher risk of infection
- Slower healing
- Reduced sensation
SOAK RULES
- NO cutting cuticles
- Use non-metal file only
- Be extremely gentle
Pregnant clients
Pregnant clients can be treated, but require adjustments.
- Ensure good ventilation
- Offer breaks + comfortable positioning
- Avoid strong chemical exposure where possible
- Be gentle on cuticles + massage pressure
- Check for medical advice or complications
Know the difference.
Onych, pronounced “on-ik,” comes from the Greek word onyx, meaning nail. It is combined with other words to describe nail conditions.
Example: Leukonychia — leukos means white, onych means nail. Together they describe a condition in which white spots appear in the nails.
May be treatable.
Hematoma
Bruised nails or hematoma is an injury to the nail plate/nail bed that creates a clot of blood under the nail plate.
This injury will sometimes cause the nail to fall off during healing. If the matrix is not damaged, the nail will grow back normally. Nail enhancements and/or nail polish can be applied.
Leukonychia
White spots on the nail plate, usually the result of illness or a sharp impact to the nail plate.
They will eventually grow out. You can provide normal services on this condition.
Onychomycosis
A chronic fungal infection of the nail leading to brittle, discoloured (yellow/white) and thickened nails, often starting from untreated athlete’s foot.
Requires long-term treatment as it rarely heals on its own.
Fissures
Cracks in the skin, often at the corners of the nail. They can be quite painful.
Regular cuticle oil application will help to heal and prevent future fissures.
Onychorrhexis
Split or brittle nails can be caused by rough filing, injury, excessive use of cuticle removers or polish removers.
Enhancement services can be performed only if the nail is not split below the free edge. File gently, recommend cuticle oil at home and discontinue harsh soaps and cuticle removers.
Onychomalacia
Eggshell nails that are extremely thin, white and curve over the free edge.
They may be caused by improper diet, internal illness, medication or nervous disorders. Perform services with exceptional care and file very gently. In extreme cases, nail enhancements are not recommended.
Pterygium
The abnormal adherence of the skin to the nail plate.
Pterygium is living tissue and should never be cut or removed. This condition is caused by an injury.
Onychcyanosis
Nails may discolour and turn a variety of colours, including blue. Causes may include poor circulation, medications, heart condition or a systemic disorder.
You can provide nail enhancement services; however, recommend the client see a doctor to deal with the underlying cause.
Onychatrophia
Wasting away or atrophy of the nail, causing it to lose shine, shrink and fall off. It may be caused by injury, reaction to strong chemicals or internal illness.
Use extreme care. If you are uncomfortable providing the service due to the condition of the nail, recommend they see a doctor.
Onychatrophia is often mistaken for a fungal infection.
Onycholysis
Loosening of the nail without shedding. It usually starts at the free edge and continues to the lunula.
It can be caused by internal illness, trauma, infection or medications. A puncture or chemical irritation of the hyponychium can also cause it. Nail enhancement can cause further stress and slow or prevent healing.
Corrugations
Also known as furrows: long ridges on the surface of the nail that may run lengthwise or crosswise.
Some ridges are normal and increase with age. Psoriasis, poor circulation or frostbite can make them worse. Appearance can be improved by buffing or applying nail enhancements.
Do not treat.
Ringworm
Nail ringworm causes nails to become thick, brittle and discoloured (yellow or white). Treatment often requires oral antifungal medication for several months.
Transmission occurs through direct contact or contaminated surfaces such as gym floors.
Tinea Corporis
A fungal infection of the skin. It produces small, scaly patches which can spread outwards and heal from the centre, leaving an identifiable ring.
Do not treat. Refer the client to their GP.
Paronychia
This common nail disease can start as a torn or lost cuticle. Bacteria enter the tissue and a pus-filled swelling begins to form around the nail border.
Do not treat. Refer the client to their GP.
Scabies
A parasitic skin infestation caused by tiny mites. Their burrows appear as darkened, wavy lines on the skin.
Scabies usually affects hands, feet, wrists and inner arms, but can affect the entire body. Never treat a client with scabies as it is highly infectious. Refer them to their GP.
Blue Nail
Usually a symptom of poor circulation and shows as a blue tinge to the nail.
Refer any client with this condition to their GP before treating them.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails that may involve any component of the nail unit, including the matrix, nail bed or nail plate.
It can cause pain, discomfort or even disfigurement.
Onychia
Matrix infection. Tissue at the base of the nail may be inflamed, swollen and there may be pus.
This condition is contagious; it is caused by improperly sanitised implements.
Do not be afraid to say NO.
If you are unsure, pause. Ask a manager or senior technician. Refer the client where appropriate. Safety always comes before completing the booking.