Final answer:
The first action in a basic manicure should be to wash and sanitize hands, followed by other steps such as nail shaping and cuticle care. Nail technicians require specific training and certification, while nail salons must adhere to licensing and hygienic practices to ensure client safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first action one should perform when conducting a basic manicure according to proper hygienic practices is to wash and sanitize hands. This action is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and ensure a clean and safe environment both for the technician and the client. After washing hands, the subsequent steps typically include removing any existing polish, shaping the nails, pushing back the cuticles, and then moving on to other manicure procedures. It is important to avoid cutting the cuticle, as it can lead to infections and damage to the nail structure. The nail plate, which is the part of the nail that is often trimmed and filed, is composed of dead cells.
Regarding the professional standards for nail technicians, they are usually required to have a certain level of training and certification which varies by region or country. Nail salons also need to adhere to licensing and inspection requirements to operate legally and safely. Moreover, clients should look for salons that follow stringent hygienic practices, such as proper handwashing, use of sterilized tools, and safe use of nail products. While there is always a risk of adverse health consequences, proper sanitation and hygienic practices can greatly reduce that risk.