A healthy manicure leaves the client's nails and surrounding skin:

A properly performed manicure should leave the client's nails shaped and cared for and the surrounding skin intact and undamaged — not cut, bleeding, or injured. Causing nicks or cuts not only hurts the client but creates infection risk and reflects poor technique. The goal is attractive nails achieved through gentle, careful, sanitary work. Understanding that a quality, safe manicure protects the integrity of the nail and skin (rather than damaging them) reflects the client-care and safety standards the exam reinforces.