Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Contra-Actions and Aftercare

NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy - Pedicure

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Contra-Actions

Excessive erythema – rednessand warmth to the area. Caused by the blood capillaries dilating which increases

blood flow to the skin’s surface. Excessive erythema is due to tissue damage or an allergic reaction. If it

occurs, avoid any products, pressure or heat to the area and a cool compress may

help alleviate the problem.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Inflammation of the cuticle - due to cuticles being pushed

back too vigorously. Cold compress may help, avoid contact with products.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Allergic reaction - redness, swelling or itching and in severe cases blisters may

develop. These symptoms may not necessarily appear on the hands, they often appear at the throat or eye area

where the client has been touching. Remove product immediately and apply a

cold compress.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Cuts - due to over use or inaccurate use of cuticle nippers. Advise client to

apply antiseptic.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

If an allergic reaction occurred whilst performing a treatment on a client what would you do?

Remove the product immediately using water or in the case of enamels enamel remover.

Avoid using the product again for quite a while and if you decide to try the product again perform a small patch test first.

Note the details of the reaction on the clients record card. If symptoms persist recommend the person seeks medical

advice. Remember an allergy can develop overnight; it may be to a

product that has caused no problems previously. It could be due to pregnancy, illness, stress or medication and the allergy could disappear just as quickly as it came.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Work in pairs to list as many pieces of aftercare advice as possible.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Aftercare Advice

Always allow the nail varnish to dry for at least 20 minutes before the client leaves and recommend the client to be careful for at least 2 hours. It takes 24 hours for the nail enamel to thoroughly dry.

Recommend that the client exfoliates their feet and legs preferably 2-3 times per week using a body scrub.

Apply foot lotion regularly. Do not use nail varnish remover that contains acetone. Always apply base coat prior to enamelling the nail. Massage cuticle cream or oil into the cuticles regularly. Perform regular foot exercises. The client can have a pedicure as often as they like, however to

keep the feet, skin and nails in perfect condition recommend pedicures every 2-4 weeks.

Continued>>>

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Gently push back the cuticles, if needed, after a bath with a tipped orange stick or the corner of a towel..

Avoid using any metal tools on the nails. Shoes should be comfortable, natural fibres and low heeled to

prevent strain on the arches of the feet and prevent injuries. Always dry feet thoroughly after bathing. Refreshing foot spray may help to alleviate tired, hot or swollen

feet. If the clients feet and ankles are prone to swelling recommend,

daily massage in an upward direction and to elevate the feet when resting.

Apply talc or foot powders to absorb moisture. Do not cut or pick at areas of dry skin. Cut toe nails straight across. Use a pumice stone or rasp to keep on top of hard skin.

Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Gently push back the cuticles, if needed, after a bath with a tipped orange stick or the corner of a towel..

Avoid using any metal tools on the nails. Shoes should be comfortable, natural fibres and low heeled to

prevent strain on the arches of the feet and prevent injuries. Always dry feet thoroughly after bathing. Refreshing foot spray may help to alleviate tired, hot or swollen

feet. If the clients feet and ankles are prone to swelling recommend,

daily massage in an upward direction and to elevate the feet when resting.

Apply talc or foot powders to absorb moisture. Do not cut or pick at areas of dry skin. Cut toe nails straight across. Use a pumice stone or rasp to keep on top of hard skin.