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Cosmetology State Board Exam Cheat Sheet (2026)

A free, printable Cosmetology State Board exam cheat sheet: the 205 highest-yield points to know, grouped into 7 sections that follow the exam's content areas, each section with its published weight.

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  • 187 of the 205 points carry a citation to the rule they come from.
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  • 484 free Cosmetology State Board practice questions on the same material, every one explained.
  • Last updated: August 2026.
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Anatomy & Sciences

~22% of the exam
Study →
Topical only
Cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians and manicurists work on intact skin surfaces only. Cutting, puncturing, or removing living tissue is outside the scope of practice.· BPC §7316
Exfoliation depth
Mechanical and superficial chemical exfoliation by licensees is limited to the stratum corneum. Removal of living layers requires medical supervision.· BPC §7316
Sun-care advising
Recommending sunscreen and explaining UV damage is appropriate consumer education. Diagnosing a pigmented lesion is not.· BPC §7317
No invasive procedures
Injections, lancing of pustules, or any technique that draws blood is prohibited for non-medical licensees.· BPC §7317
Chemistry meets anatomy
Permanent waves, relaxers, and color must penetrate the cuticle to act on the cortex; damaged cuticle equals damaged-looking hair.
Set client expectations
Loss of 50–100 telogen hairs per day is normal. Sudden diffuse shedding or patchy loss should be referred to a physician.
Protect the matrix
Never cut, push aggressively, or apply MMA-containing products near the matrix or eponychium; damage can cause permanent nail deformity.· 16 CCR §979
Disinfection target
California requires implements that contact skin to be cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA-registered, hospital-grade, bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectant.· 16 CCR §979
Refuse service for active infection
Do not perform services on clients with open sores, oozing skin, live lice, or untreated contagious conditions.· 16 CCR §979
Refer, do not diagnose
If a condition looks abnormal, inflamed, or contagious, refer the client to a physician. Diagnosing a disease is the practice of medicine.· BPC §7317
Visible signs of infection = no service
Pus, broken skin, or active bleeding around a nail means the client must be referred and the appointment declined.· BPC §7317
Massage is supportive
Licensee massage is for relaxation and product penetration. Manipulating joints, treating injuries, or providing therapeutic medical massage is outside the scope of practice.· BPC §7316

Chemistry & Products

~12% of the exam
Study →
Hair and skin are slightly acidic
Natural pH is about 4.5 to 5.5. Products formulated near this range help the cuticle lie flat.
Each pH unit = 10x change
A change from pH 5 to pH 7 is 100x less acidic, not just twice as much.
Surfactant = main cleansing agent
Hydrophilic head + lipophilic tail lifts away oil and dirt.
Clarify before chemical services
Removes hard-water minerals and silicones that can block penetration.
Match category to client goal
Temporary covers, semi/demi tones, permanent lifts and changes.
Only permanent and lighteners lift natural pigment
Demi and semi cannot make hair lighter than its current level.
Higher volume = more lift, more damage risk
Use the lowest volume that achieves the goal.
Follow the ratio printed on the box
2 oz color at 1:2 = 4 oz developer.
Apply scalp protectant first
Petroleum-based base cream around the hairline and ears reduces irritation.
Time strictly per manufacturer
Over-processing causes breakage and scalp burns.
Reduction breaks, oxidation re-forms
Waving lotion = reducing agent; neutralizer = oxidizer.
Strand test first
Predicts processing time and curl size on this client's hair.
AHA on surface, BHA in pores
Choose by skin type and concern.
Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum daily
Especially important after exfoliation and retinoid use.
Adjust strength and time to porosity
Damaged hair = lower volume, shorter time, watch closely.
Do an elasticity test before chemicals
Hair that breaks or fails to spring back is not a candidate.
SDS for every hazardous product
Required by Cal/OSHA, kept readily accessible to staff.· 8 CCR §5194
16 standardized sections (GHS)
Section 4 = first aid; Section 13 = disposal.· 8 CCR §5194
Label and close containers
Stored in clean, dry areas, away from food.· 16 CCR §979
MMA banned for nail services
Use EMA-based products only.· BPC §7315
Dispose per SDS and local rules
Never pour chemicals into storm drains.· 8 CCR §5194

Electricity & Equipment

~8% of the exam
Study →
Standard US outlet supply
About 120 V, 60 Hz alternating current; powers most plug-in salon equipment.· National Electrical Code
DC for galvanic devices
Galvanic machines convert AC to DC internally so they can deliver a steady polarized current to the electrodes.· Industry standard
Galvanic polarity matters
Like charges repel: acidic (positively ionized) products are pushed in from the positive pole; alkaline desincrustation is performed from the negative pole.· Industry standard
High-frequency = mild surface effect
High-frequency current is not a deep medical treatment; it gives only a surface antiseptic and warming effect.· Industry standard
Microcurrent is sub-sensory
True microcurrent is so low that the client should not feel a sting or muscle jerk; strong contractions indicate the device or settings are wrong.· Industry standard
Infrared safe distance
Keep the lamp roughly 18 to 30 inches from the treated area and adjust to client comfort; warmth, never pain.· Manufacturer instructions
UV is not a substitute for disinfection
A UV cabinet may help keep clean items dust-free in storage, but tools must still be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant.· 16 CCR §979
Eye protection under UV
Both client and operator must wear UV-protective eye covering during any direct UV exposure.· Industry standard
GFCI in wet areas
GFCI protection is required near sinks, shampoo bowls, and other locations where water and electricity can meet.· 8 CCR §2340
No daisy-chaining high loads
Do not run multiple high-wattage tools through a single power strip or extension cord; respect the circuit's amperage rating.· 8 CCR §2340
Damaged cord = out of service
Tag and remove any tool with a frayed cord, cracked plug, or exposed wire until it is properly repaired or replaced.· 8 CCR §2340
Power off before water rescue
If an energized appliance falls into water, cut the power at the breaker or unplug at the outlet before touching anything.· Cal/OSHA general electrical safety
Tool sanitation between clients
Clean to remove debris, then disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant per label contact time before reuse.· 16 CCR §979
Never immerse motorized tools
Clippers and other powered tools have their blades and surfaces disinfected per the manufacturer; the motor is not submerged.· 16 CCR §979
Routine maintenance
Inspect cords, plugs, and equipment regularly; replace damaged parts and follow the manufacturer's care manual.· Cal/OSHA general electrical safety
Esthetician scope is the skin's surface
Non-medical electrotherapy (galvanic, high-frequency, microcurrent) is allowed; medical lasers and needle electrolysis are not.· BPC §7316
Standard electrotherapy contraindications
Pacemakers and implanted electronic medical devices, pregnancy, epilepsy, metal implants in the treatment area, and broken skin are common reasons to refuse the service.· Industry standard

Infection Control & Safety

~25% of the exam
Study →
Sanitize = clean with soap and water
Removes visible debris and many microbes but does not kill pathogens; it is a pre-step, not a substitute for disinfection.· 16 CCR §979
Disinfect = kill pathogens on a hard, non-porous surface
Required for all multi-use tools and surfaces between every client; uses an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.· 16 CCR §979
Sterilize = destroy all microbial life, including spores
Not required for salon practice; salons are required to disinfect, not sterilize.· 16 CCR §979
Disinfectant must be EPA-registered
The product label must show an EPA registration number and be bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal.· 16 CCR §979
Minimum 10-minute contact time, fully immersed
Multi-use tools must be completely submerged for at least 10 minutes (or the label time if longer).· 16 CCR §979
Mix to the exact dilution on the label
Concentration that is too weak does not disinfect; too strong can damage tools and skin.· 16 CCR §979
Change the solution when contaminated and at least daily
Solution that is visibly soiled, cloudy, or contains debris must be replaced immediately.· 16 CCR §979
Wet sanitizer must be covered, deep enough for full immersion, and labeled
Solution is changed daily and whenever soiled.· 16 CCR §979
Pre-clean tools before immersion
Remove hair, debris, and product; disinfectant cannot penetrate dirt.· 16 CCR §979
Store disinfected tools in a clean, dry, covered container
Separate from soiled tools, food, and personal items.· 16 CCR §979
Multi-use = hard, non-porous, fully disinfectable
Examples: shears, metal nippers, combs, clipper guards.· 16 CCR §979
Single-use = porous or non-cleanable, discard after one client
Examples: orange wood sticks, emery boards, buffer blocks, neck strips, cotton, wax sticks.· 16 CCR §979
Never reuse a single-use item on a different client
Reuse is a violation even if the item appears clean.· 16 CCR §979
No double-dipping of wax applicator sticks
One scoop per stick; use a fresh stick or discard the wax.· 16 CCR §979
Single-use applicators for shared cosmetics
Dispense with a clean spatula or onto a palette; never re-enter the bulk container.· 16 CCR §979
Contaminated product must be discarded
Wax or cream contacted by a used applicator is treated as soiled.· 16 CCR §979
Stop the service immediately when a client bleeds
Put on disposable gloves before touching the wound or contaminated tools.· 8 CCR §5193
Use single-use applicators for styptics
Never apply liquid or powder styptic directly from the bottle onto broken skin.· 16 CCR §979
Disinfect blood-contaminated tools with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant
Discard contaminated cotton and gauze in a sealed bag or biohazard container.· 8 CCR §5193
Document the exposure incident
Maintain a record of bleeding incidents and any worker exposure to blood.· 8 CCR §5193
MMA (methyl methacrylate) is prohibited on natural nails in California
Use is a violation of state law and grounds for disciplinary action.· BPC §7315
EMA (ethyl methacrylate) is the legal monomer
All legitimate professional nail liquids are EMA-based.· BPC §7315
Red flags: harsh chemical odor, unlabeled product, unusually low price
Verify product labels and purchase only from licensed beauty suppliers.· BPC §7315
After every client: drain, scrub, refill with EPA-registered disinfectant, circulate per label
Remove debris from the filter and screen first.· 16 CCR §979
End-of-day: remove jets, screens, and filters; clean and disinfect them
Soak removable parts in disinfectant before reinstalling.· 16 CCR §979
At least weekly: full disinfectant cycle through the spa
Run an EPA-registered disinfectant through the unit for the full contact time.· 16 CCR §979
Maintain a written cleaning log
Records must be available for BBC inspection.· 16 CCR §979
Wash hands with soap and warm running water before every service
Hand sanitizer supplements but does not replace washing when hands are visibly soiled.· 16 CCR §979
Keep a clean garment, hair restraint, and no eating at the station
Personal hygiene of the licensee is part of infection control.· 16 CCR §979
Clean neck strip or towel between client skin and cape
The cape itself cannot touch the next client's bare skin without a fresh barrier.· 16 CCR §979
Used linens go in a closed, labeled hamper, separated from clean
Cross-contamination of clean and soiled items is a violation.· 16 CCR §979
Launder soiled linens with detergent in hot water, fully dry
Reusing a used towel on another client is prohibited.· 16 CCR §979
Single-use razor blades: one client, then a sharps container
Never reuse a blade on a different client.· 16 CCR §979
Non-disposable razors must be disinfected with a tuberculocidal product
Full contact time on a hard, non-porous surface.· 16 CCR §979
Cuticle nippers and metal sharps: pre-clean, full immersion, covered storage
Same 10-minute minimum immersion rule applies.· 16 CCR §979
Screen for contagious or infectious conditions before service
Inspect scalp, skin, and nails; look for lice, scabies, ringworm, pus, open sores.· 16 CCR §979
Refuse service if a contagious condition is present
Refer to a physician; document the refusal.· 16 CCR §979
Provide adequate ventilation; consider local exhaust at nail stations
Removes fumes from the worker's breathing zone.· 16 CCR §979
Keep a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on file for every chemical in the salon
Workers must be able to access the SDS during their shift.· 8 CCR §5194
Store chemicals in original labeled containers, away from heat
Never transfer to unmarked bottles.· 8 CCR §5194
Start of day: mix fresh disinfectant to label dilution; date the container
Old solution is discarded.· 16 CCR §979
Between clients: hand wash, surface clean, disinfect tools, replace single-use items
Fresh neck strip or towel before the cape touches new skin.· 16 CCR §979
End of day: drain, scrub, launder, restock, check SDS binder
Foot spas get a full disinfectant cycle at least weekly.· 16 CCR §979

Ethics & California Law

~15% of the exam
Study →
BBC is the licensing and regulating agency
Beauty professionals and establishments in California are licensed by the BBC, within the Department of Consumer Affairs· BPC §7303
Statutory authority is the Cosmetology Act
Business and Professions Code §7300-§7426· BPC §7300
Detailed regulations are in Title 16 CCR
Sanitation, equipment, conduct, and inspection rules implementing the Act· Title 16 CCR
Cosmetologist = hair + skin + nails (full service)
Broadest individual license· BPC §7316
Barber = hair + shaving + chemical hair services
Not limited to male clients· BPC §7316
Esthetician = skin only (facials, waxing, lashes, brows)
May NOT cut hair, may NOT perform nail services· BPC §7316
Manicurist = nails only
Hands and feet up to elbow and knee; no facials, no waxing, no hair· BPC §7316
Hairstylist = hair only (new, 2023)
No skin care, no nail services· BPC §7316
Laser hair removal = medical, not BBC
Requires a physician or supervised medical personnel· Medical practice
Botox and injectables = medical only
Never within a BBC license· Medical practice
Microblading and permanent makeup = local body art registration
Regulated by local health departments under the Safe Body Art Act, not by the BBC· Safe Body Art Act
Deep micro-needling = medical
Only very superficial cosmetic rollers may fit within esthetician practice· Medical practice
Practicing without a license is unlawful
Includes expired licenses· BPC §7317
Aiding or abetting unlicensed practice is unlawful
Salon owners are responsible for who works in their salon· BPC §7317
Students may not work for compensation outside school clinic
Fees from clinic services go to the school· BPC §7317
Both establishment AND individual licenses are required
Neither replaces the other· BPC §7346
Individual license must be displayed at the workstation
Each practitioner is responsible for displaying her own license, including booth renters· BPC §7363
Current price list must be posted
Itemized and visible to clients· Title 16 CCR
No smoking, eating, drinking in service areas
Sanitation rule under Title 16 CCR; signs typically posted· Title 16 CCR
Salons consent to unannounced inspections
Refusing entry is itself a basis for citation· Title 16 CCR
Consult and document before chemical services
Prior chemicals, scalp/skin condition, allergies, patch test, consent· Title 16 CCR
Client records are confidential
Stored securely; shared only with authorized staff· Professional duty
Pregnancy or medical history does not automatically forbid service
But triggers careful manufacturer-direction compliance and documentation· Professional duty
FEHA prohibits service discrimination
Race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability· FEHA
CROWN Act protects natural hair texture and protective styles
Braids, locs, twists, Bantu knots, etc.· CROWN Act (FEHA)
Gender-based pricing is suspect
Set prices by service, not by client gender· FEHA
Client safety first, paperwork second
Stop the service, provide first aid, arrange medical care if needed· Professional duty
Document every incident in writing
What happened, when, by whom, what was done· Title 16 CCR
Report through proper channels
Owner, insurer, and BBC where warranted· BBC rules
Licenses renew every 2 years
All BBC individual and establishment licenses· BPC §7321
No continuing education requirement
California is unusual in not requiring CE· BPC §7321
Notify the BBC of address changes within 30 days
Keeps renewal and discipline notices reaching you· Title 16 CCR
Discipline ladder: citation → probation → suspension → revocation
From least to most severe· BPC §7404
Citations may be appealed
Informal conference or formal hearing within the deadline on the citation· BPC §7406
Two qualifying paths: approved school OR registered apprenticeship
Both end at the PSI written exam (no practical since 2022)· BPC §7321

Hair Services

~13% of the exam
Study →
Texture = diameter of one strand
Fine, medium, or coarse; independent of how many hairs are on the head· Hair science fundamentals
Density = hairs per square inch of scalp
Low, medium, or high; independent of texture· Hair science fundamentals
Porosity = how easily liquids enter the cuticle
High porosity hair processes chemicals faster and absorbs water quickly· Hair science fundamentals
Elasticity = stretch and recovery without breaking
Healthy wet hair stretches ~50% and returns; weak elasticity warns of breakage risk· Hair science fundamentals
Water should be warm, tested on the inside of the wrist
Hot water can burn the scalp; cold water leaves oils behind· Shampoo procedure
Surfactants work because they bridge water and oil
Head attracts water, tail attracts oil and debris· Cosmetic chemistry
Massage with the pads of the fingers in circles
Never use fingernails; they scratch the scalp and create infection risk· Scalp care basics
Conditioner is concentrated on mid-lengths and ends
Smooths cuticle, eases detangling, restores slightly acidic pH· Conditioning principles
Nape = hairline at the lower back of the neck
Lowest perimeter; often the heaviest weight line in a one-length cut· Head landmarks
Occipital = rounded area above the nape
Named for the occipital bone; key turning point for graduation· Head landmarks
Parietal ridge = widest part, separates top from sides
Where a hat band naturally rests; reference for top sections· Head landmarks
Crown and apex = back top and highest point
Crown often holds a natural swirl; apex is the highest point of the head· Head landmarks
Blunt cut = one length, full weight at the perimeter
All hair meets the same line; no elevation· Cutting fundamentals
Layering removes weight and adds movement
Shorter pieces sit above longer ones; uses elevation above 90 degrees· Cutting fundamentals
Point cutting softens ends without shortening length
Shears held nearly vertical and notched into the tips· Texturizing techniques
Razor cutting creates tapered, textured ends
Angle cut produces feathered finish; not for fragile, fragile or heavily damaged hair· Cutting fundamentals
Slithering and slide cutting remove interior bulk
Blend layers and reduce density without forming a hard line· Texturizing techniques
Primary colors: red, yellow, blue
Cannot be made by mixing other colors· Color theory
Secondary colors: orange, green, violet
Each comes from mixing two primaries· Color theory
Complementary pairs neutralize each other
Red/green, blue/orange, yellow/violet· Color theory
Levels run 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde)
Higher number = lighter; tone (ash, gold, etc.) is layered on the level· Haircolor level system
Single process = lift and deposit in one application
Permanent or demi-permanent formula with developer· Color application
Double process = pre-lighten, then color or tone
Bleach first, then a separate toner or deposit-only color· Color application
Highlights are lighter than base; lowlights are darker
Both can be permanent, demi, or semi; both can be placed anywhere· Color application
Balayage = freehand painted lightening
Soft, blended grow-out; differs from foiled, root-to-end saturation· Color application
Underlying pigment is warmer at darker levels
Red at darkest, moving through orange and yellow to pale yellow at lightest· Color theory
Blue toner cancels orange; violet cancels yellow; green cancels red
Complementary color neutralizes the unwanted tone· Color correction
Permanent color does not lift permanent color
Removing unwanted darkness usually requires bleach or color remover· Color correction
Always strand-test before a corrective service
Confirms processing time, expected result, and that the hair can withstand the chemistry· Manufacturer instructions
Examine the scalp; do NOT relax over broken skin
Reschedule if scratches, sores, or abrasions are present· Manufacturer instructions; sanitation standards
Operator PPE: chemical-resistant gloves and eyewear
Required for every relaxer application· Safety standards
Run a strand test before a full application
Confirms processing time and that hair can withstand the chemical· Manufacturer instructions
Neutralize after rinsing
Acid-balanced neutralizing shampoo stops the alkaline action and rebalances pH· Manufacturer instructions
Retouch: apply only to new growth
Overlapping onto previously relaxed hair causes breakage· Manufacturer instructions
Smaller rod = tighter curl; larger rod = looser wave
Rod diameter sets the curl shape· Perm fundamentals
Coarse / resistant hair needs LONGER processing
Chemical penetrates slowly through a tight cuticle· Perm fundamentals
Fine hair needs SHORTER processing
Absorbs chemicals quickly; easily over-processed· Perm fundamentals
Neutralizer rebuilds disulfide bonds in the new shape
Without it the curl will not hold and damage continues· Perm chemistry
Test-curl during processing
Confirms when the desired curl has formed; protects against breakage· Manufacturer instructions
Apply heat protectant before any hot tool
Distributes heat and reduces direct cuticle damage· Thermal styling best practice
Match temperature to hair condition
Lower for fine, fragile, or lightened hair; higher only when hair can safely take it· Thermal styling best practice
Disinfect multi-use tools between clients
Clean debris, then disinfect with EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant per label· 16 CCR §979
Discard single-use items after one use
Neck strips, disposable razor blades, and similar items go in the trash· 16 CCR §979
Manufacturer label wins ties
Follow printed directions over verbal advice or personal habits· Manufacturer instructions

Skin & Nail Services

~5% of the exam
Study →
Trigeminal nerve (CN V) = main sensory nerve of the face
Three branches: ophthalmic V1, maxillary V2, mandibular V3· Cosmetology anatomy fundamentals
Facial nerve (CN VII) = main motor nerve of facial expression
Controls orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, zygomaticus, frontalis, and others· Cosmetology anatomy fundamentals
Orbicularis oculi closes the eye; orbicularis oris purses the lips
Frontalis raises the brows; zygomaticus lifts the corners of the mouth· Cosmetology anatomy fundamentals
Normal: balanced oil/moisture; fine pores
No special precautions; standard facial sequence works· Cosmetology fundamentals
Dry: low oil; tight, sometimes flaky
Use creamier cleansers, richer moisturizers, gentle exfoliation· Cosmetology fundamentals
Oily: high sebum; visible pores
Use lighter, oil-free or salicylic-based products; do not overstrip· Cosmetology fundamentals
Combination: oily T-zone, drier cheeks
Treat by zone rather than as a single skin type· Cosmetology fundamentals
Sensitive: reactive, easily flushed
Use gentle, fragrance-light products; patch test before introducing new actives· Cosmetology fundamentals
Standard order: cleanse → exfoliate → (extract carefully) → massage → mask → tone → moisturize → SPF
Each step prepares the skin for the next· Cosmetology esthetics fundamentals
Extraction is optional and gentle
Cotton-wrapped fingers or sanitized extractor only; stop if a comedone resists· Cosmetology esthetics fundamentals
Daytime always ends with broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Apply to entire face, ears, and neckline regardless of weather· Cosmetology esthetics fundamentals
Effleurage starts and ends massage
Light gliding strokes; tapotement generally avoided on delicate facial skin· Cosmetology esthetics fundamentals
Test wax temperature on your own inner wrist
Never test temperature directly on the client· Cosmetology safety fundamentals
Wait at least 6 months after stopping oral isotretinoin (Accutane) before waxing
Isotretinoin thins skin; wax will lift live tissue, causing wounds and scars· Cosmetology contraindication standard
Avoid waxing skin on recent topical retinoid, recent peel, or sunburn
Compromised barrier = high risk of skin lifting· Cosmetology contraindication standard
No double-dipping wax applicator sticks
Single-use sticks; discard after one application that touched skin· 16 CCR §979
Do not wax over broken skin, herpes outbreak, or known wax allergy
Refer to a physician or reschedule when fully healed· Cosmetology contraindication standard
File in one direction toward the center
Reduces splitting and breakage· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Gently push back the cuticle; do NOT cut living tissue
Only loose, dead hangnail may be trimmed with disinfected nippers· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Single-use wooden orangewood sticks are discarded after one client
Porous items cannot be disinfected and must not be reused· 16 CCR §979
Polish order: base coat, two thin color coats, top coat
Thin coats dry faster and chip less· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Foot spa: drain, scrub of debris, then disinfect with EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant between every client
Disinfectant contact time must match the product label· 16 CCR §979
Trim toenails straight across, not deeply curved
Reduces risk of ingrown toenails· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Use a metal foot file or pumice for callus, not a credo blade
Credo razor-style callus shavers risk skin injury and are heavily restricted in pro practice· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Single-use porous items (foam toe separators, paper liners, emery boards) are discarded after one client
Cannot be disinfected; reuse risks cross-contamination· 16 CCR §979
MMA (methyl methacrylate) liquid monomer is prohibited in California nail products
EMA (ethyl methacrylate) and other approved monomers are the legal acrylic option· BPC §7315
Gel cures by UV or LED light, not by air or heat
Under-curing risks allergic sensitization; follow lamp wattage and time on label· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Remove enhancements with proper solvents, not by peeling or prying
Peeling tears layers of the natural nail plate· Cosmetology nail fundamentals
Red-flag MMA signs: very hard/brittle nails, suspiciously low price, refusal to disclose monomer
Manicurists must refuse to use MMA, even on client request· BPC §7315
Refer, do not service: onychomycosis, paronychia, open wounds, active infection
Refuse the affected nail/area and refer to a physician or podiatrist· Cosmetology contraindication standard
Manicurist scope = nails of hands and feet, plus surrounding skin care of hands/feet
No facial waxing, no facial treatments, no hair services· BPC §7316
Esthetician scope = skin care including facials, waxing, makeup, superficial peels
No injectables, no medical lasers, no dermis-penetrating procedures· BPC §7316
Injectables, dermis-level peels, and medical lasers are medical acts
Must be performed by appropriately licensed medical professionals· BPC §7316

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