Assignment 3
1. Identify the equipment required to perform a manicure
2. Discuss the steps you would need to take in order to perform a
manicure
3. Describe the purpose of paraffin wax treatments
4. Describe why hand massage is often incorporated into manicure
treatments
Unit 3:
Manicure
Key Aspects of Manicure
Manicures are treatments for the hands and nails that promote their
health and improve their appearance. One of the key aspects of a
manicure is the initial consultation where the manicurist and the client
determine the client’s needs, expectations, and the feasibility of meeting
these needs and expectations. During the consultation, the hands and
nails can also be reviewed for conditions and diseases that may prevent
the client from receiving a manicure. The nail technician should be able to
recognise conditions that are contagious or that prevent adequate service.
The initial consultation for manicures should include determining:

Nail disorders

Possible nail treatments

Limitations to nail services because of nail conditions

Medical conditions

The identification of:
1. Infections
2. Diseases
3. Irritations
4. Inflammations
5. Trauma


The client’s needs

The client’s expectations
Discussion as to whether or not the client’s needs or
expectations can be met before service is rendered
Following initial consultation, and using the information collected from the
client, the nail technician can determine the type of manicure that is best
for the client’s needs and expectations.
Although manicures and manicure styles can be adapted by a nail
technician, there are generally two types of manicures offered. These are
basic manicures and the paraffin wax treatments.
A final feature of a manicure is to include a massage into the treatment.
Massages promote blood circulation and overall hand, arm, and joint
health. It is very common for hand, and arm massages to be included in
manicure treatments.
Performing a Manicure
Prior to performing a basic manicure, you must first complete the
consultation. In the consultation, a discussion should occur that addresses
any health issues or conditions. A basic manicure will begin with the
following supplies:

Towels

Lotion or moisturiser

Cuticle remover

A wooden pusher

A metal pusher

Nail files with abrasive sides

Buffers

A fingerbowl

A nipper

Tweezers

A nail brush

Nail clippers
To perform a manicure you should:
1. Determine which hand the client uses most
frequently on a daily basis. Allow it to soak in the fingerbowl for as
long as possible and manicure this hand last.
2. Remove varnish from the nails
3. Use the abrasive side of a nail file to
shape the nails. Apply a motion that
moves the nail file from the side of the nail to the middle of the free
edge. Do not use a back and forth sawing motion as it can damage
the nail plate. You should not file a nail that has been soaked or
softened. If you use a nail clipper, be sure
not to cut too low. Cutting too low can
break the skin and make the client
susceptible to infection
4. Place the hand in a fingerbowl containing
products that will soften the eponychium skin
and cuticles
5. Use a nail brush to brush the nails with
strokes that move down the nail from the
back of the hand to the finger tips
6. Dry the hand
7. Use a cuticle-removing product and remove
any excess cuticle with a pusher. Be sure not
to remove too much cuticle, this can cause
the skin to break rendering the client susceptible
to infection
8. Remove any dead skin such as hangnails with
nippers
9. Clean under the free edge with a pusher
10.Repeat steps two through nine for the other hand
A paraffin wax manicure treatment will generally include the same
preparations as a basic manicure. However, the paraffin wax manicure
treatment holds additional benefits to the basic manicure. While the basic
manicure focuses on the nails and the skin of the nail bed, matrix, and
the other features, the paraffin wax treatment also benefits the skin and
the blood circulation of the hand. The paraffin wax treatment opens the
skin’s pores and helps to moisturised the skin. Paraffin is a petroleumbased product. The paraffin wax treatment may include:

Soaking the client’s hand in wax; or

Applying the wax and then covering the
soaking hand with a plastic bag, towel, or
cosmetic mitt
Paraffin wax treatments achieve the best results when they are performed
as a supplement to a manicure.
To perform a paraffin wax treatment:
1. Inspect the client’s hands for infections, diseases, and injuries
2. Apply moisturiser and massage into the skin
3. Position the hand palm down and fingers parted
4. Ensure the wax is not too hot
5. Dip the hand into the wax for three seconds
6. Repeat dipping three to five times
7. Wrap the hand in a plastic bag or cosmetic mitt
8. Perform steps one to seven on the other hand
9. Let the hands stay in the paraffin for five to 10 minutes
10.
Massage the client’s hand in the plastic bag or cosmetic mitt
to remove the wax
11.
Remove the hands from the plastic bag or cosmetic mitt
12.
Dispose of the used wax and sanitise or dispose of the plastic
bag or cosmetic mitt
In addition to paraffin wax treatments, most
manicures are coupled with a hand massage.
Hand massages promote blood circulation
which contributes to the health of the hand.
They are performed by manipulating the
movements of the hand, fingers, wrist, and
palm. They promote:

Healthy skin

Blood circulation

Skin gland
performance

Muscle fibres

Nerves

Pain relief
A massage includes the following elements:

Effleurage
Effleurage is performed using light strokes with the
fingers and the palm repeatedly. This massage
technique has little pressure and uses the fingertips to
manipulate the skin’s surface. To perform effleurage:
i. Loosely hold the hand to keep the
wrist and fingers flexible
ii. Curve the fingers to adjust to the
shape of the massaging area
iii. Lightly touch the massaging area with
the tips of the fingers (no nails)

Petrissage
Petrissage technique applies a kneading motion to the
skin. It also includes lifting the skin, squeezing the
skin, and applying pressure to the skin. It is a
technique normally used for the back, shoulder, and
arms. It also targets the muscles, nerves, and glands
to stimulate them. When performing a petrissage, it is
best to:
i. Keep the pressure gentle
ii. Keep the pressure firm
iii. Keep the movements smooth

Friction
Friction massage applies deep rubbing to the skin. It helps
with circulation and promotes the performance of the glands.
To perform a friction massage:
i.
Hold the skin firmly in one hand while moving the other
hand up and down the bone
ii.
Press the massage area and twist with a quick motion
back and forth
iii.
Move the hands quickly in a downward motion while
twisting the skin against the bone in the opposite
direction

Tapotement
Tapotement massage is performed by applying quick sort
slaps and chops to the skin. It should only be performed by a
professional who has been trained and who understands the
medical consultations of the client

Vibration
Vibration massage is performed by shaking the skin fast as if
contracting the muscles. The fingertips should hold the skin
still while the vibration is occurring
A hand massage is performed prior to a manicure:
1. Apply lotion or cream to the hand
2. Have the client place the arm on the table or surface with their
elbow resting on a small cushion or towel
3. Begin with manipulating the movement of the hand to relax it. This
manipulation is also referred to as “joint movement”
a. Use one hand to hold the client’s arm, and the other to
perform the massage
b. Using the hand that is not holding the customer’s arm, move
the customer’s wrist back and forth five to 10 times or until
you can feel that the customer has released tension and has
relaxed
c. Beginning with the smallest finger, hold each finger at the tip
where the nail is and rotate in a circular motion three to five
times on each finger
4. Perform effleurage on the palm of the hand; meaning to softly
stroke the hand.
5. Rub the palm of the hand with circular motions in alternating
directions (circular motions to the left; circular motions to the right)
6. With the thumb on the top of the wrist, and the fingers on the
bottom of the wrist, rub the wrist in circular motions in alternating
directions (circular motions to the left; circular motions to the right)
7. With the thumb on the top of the palm of the hand, and the fingers
on the back of the hand (palm), rub the back of the hand in circular
motions
8. In the same position begin to rub down the smallest finger,
squeezing when you reach the tips
9. Perform step eight for each finger
In addition to the hand massage, an arm massage is also often an
element of the manicure process. Applying an arm massage as part of the
manicure process promotes the same features as the hand massage, but
for the arm. The arm massage will help with blood circulation and the
health of the arm. To perform an arm massage:
1.
Apply lotion or cream to the arm
2.
Hold the client’s arm with one hand, place the client’s hand in
your other hand with the client’s palm facing up
3.
Place your fingers under the client’s hand and the thumbs in
the client’s palm
4.
Move the thumbs in circular motions in the palm of the hand in
alternating directions
5.
Perform step 4 from the client’s wrist down to the client’s elbow
6.
At the elbow slide your hands back to the wrist and complete
steps four and five, three to five times
7.
Bend the client’s elbow so that the arm is horizontal and the
palm is facing down
8.
With your thumb under the arm and your fingers on top of the
arm lightly twist the arm in opposite directions
9.
Perform step eight throughout the arm three to five times
10. With the thumbs on the top of the client’s arm, lightly move the
thumbs in opposite directions from the wrist to the elbow (this
technique is also called petrissage kneading movement)
11. Perform step 10, three to five times
12. With your right hand, rub in circular motions over the client’s
elbow three to five times
13. With the left hand at the top of the client’s forearm, using both
hands “climb” down the arm to the elbow and then down to the
finger tips