COS825 - Manicures/Pedicures

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date Jan 26, 2026 1:00:34 AM
Last review date Mar 16, 2026 12:15:06 AM


Subject Title
Manicures/Pedicures

Subject Description
This subject introduces students to the procedures for a professional manicure and pedicure using a variety of professional nail and hand care products and equipment. Paraffin treatment, polish application including regular, French and the latest fashion trends, hand massage and nail mends are included. Students learn to identify skin and nail conditions and appropriate sanitation techniques.

Credit Status
This is a required credit in the Esthetics Certificate Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Perform the complete steps of a professional manicure / pedicure.

2. Incorporate hand exfoliation, massage and paraffin wax application.

3. Identify structures of the nail, hand and foot.

4. Complete and follow client history information forms correctly.

5. Set-up and maintain a neat work station and ensure proper sanitization to industry standards.

6. Recognize nail irregularities and diseases.

7. Contra-indications related to manicure / pedicure.

8. Perform a nail mend.

9. Incorporate sales techniques while performing a service.

10. Project a professional image.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
NONE.

Students should consult the Program Information Package each semester to ensure they
have current information regarding program requirements. Packages are available from
the Continuing Education Office. 

Topic Outline

  •   Professional Hygiene and Bacteriology
  •   Anatomy of the Nail, Hand and Foot
  •   Disorders of the Nail, Hand, and Foot
  •   Client Information Forms
  •   Professional Image
  •   Manicure Implements and Procedures
  •   Pedicure Implements and Procedures
  •   Paraffin Hand/Foot Treatment
  •   Massage Techniques (hands/feet)
  •   Sales Techniques
  •   Nail mend

** A weekly topic outline will be distributed in the first class

Mode of Instruction

Lectures/discussions, practical demonstrations and practical lab sessions.

Prescribed Texts
The Foundations Beauty Therapy , The Official Guide To Level 2, Lorraine Nordmann; Cengage Learning

To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Reference Material
None.

Required Supplies

A manicure/pedicure kit is required for this class( applicable fees are included in registration cost).  All students registered in this class are required to use the kit specified and provided by the college - no exceptions. Kits will be distributed in class.  

Students are required to provide their own linens. Required Lines are:
2 Large Towels
4 Small Towels

Students are required to wear a lab coat and appropriate footwear during all classes

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices..


Modes of Evaluation


Term Work and Final Examination Requirements:
To pass this subject, students must achieve the learning outcomes specified in this subject outline.  This achievement is determined through the completion of all subject components.  Students must pass both term work and final exam or final assignment (if the final assignment is in lieu of the final exam) in order to pass the subject (minimum passing grade 50%).  If you are unable to complete the Final Exam/Assignment in this subject, you must provide documentation to support the absence to the instructor within one week.  If necessary, this information will be presented at the promotion meeting for consideration in determining and recommending the final grade.

Assignments:
If an assignment is missed due to class absence, any official documentation that might be grounds for arranging a make-up opportunity must be submitted to the faculty member on or before the next scheduled class.  Make-up opportunities do not apply to all graded assignments.

Test/Exams:
Test and Exam dates have been pre-arranged and are non-negotiable.  If a test/exam is missed, the student must provide official documentation to support the reason for the absence within one week to the instructor.  Make-up tests or exams will be granted for extenuating circumstances only and at the discretion of the faculty.   For further information on evaluation and academic standing, please refer to the Seneca College Academic Policy http://www.senecac.on.ca/academic-policy/acpol-08.html.


Grading is based on the following scheme:

Participation 10%
Practical Test (x2) 15%
Assignment 10%
Written Test (x2) 15%
Final Written Examination 25%
Final Practical Examination 25%
Total 100%

The nature of this subject requires a high level of attendance and participation. Students are required to attend all classes and be punctual.

Student Success: 
Please come prepared to participate in class.  Make sure you bring your course text to each class, participate in class discussions, hand in any assigned work on time and attend each and every class.  Following these suggestions will increase your chances of success.



**Please retain this document for future educational / employment use

Approved by: Lisa Somers