Question 1

What is the correct order of steps for a basic manicure?

Accepted Answer

The standard manicure sequence begins with removing old polish, then hand sanitization, nail shaping, soaking, cuticle care, nail cleaning, hand/arm massage, and finally base coat, color, and topcoat application.

Question 2

What is the primary chemical component in acrylic nail systems?

Accepted Answer

Professional acrylic nails use ethyl methacrylate (EMA) monomer liquid mixed with polymer (acrylic) powder. MMA (methyl methacrylate) is banned in many states due to health risks. EMA is the industry-accepted and safer alternative.

Question 3

What is the difference between a gel polish and a traditional acrylic system?

Accepted Answer

Gel polish (soak-off gel) is cured under UV or LED light and removed by soaking in acetone. Traditional acrylics use a chemical reaction between liquid monomer and powder polymer and are typically removed by filing or soaking in acetone.

Question 4

At what angle should a nail file be held when shaping the nail to avoid damage?

Accepted Answer

When filing natural nails, the file should be held at approximately 45° to the nail edge and filed in one direction (side to center), not in a sawing back-and-forth motion. Sawing creates heat and causes splitting, peeling, and weakening of the nail plate.

Question 5

How is a nail tip applied during an artificial nail extension service?

Accepted Answer

A nail tip is applied by placing nail adhesive in the tip well, positioning the tip at the free edge at approximately a 45° angle, then rocking it down onto the nail plate and holding for 5–10 seconds. The tip should cover no more than half the natural nail plate to avoid stress.

Question 6

When applying hard gel nail enhancements, what must be done between each layer to ensure proper bonding?

Accepted Answer

Hard (traditional) gel requires photo-initiation — it only cures (polymerizes) when exposed to UV or LED light. Each layer must be fully cured before the next is applied, or the enhancement will be weak, flexible, or prone to lifting. Uncured gel between layers traps uncured inhibition layers.

Question 7

What is the 'inhibition layer' (tacky layer) left on top of gel after curing?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen in the air inhibits the polymerization of the uppermost gel surface, leaving a tacky inhibition layer. This layer must be wiped off with a cleanser (isopropyl alcohol) after the final cure for a smooth finish, or left on if applying additional layers (it aids inter-layer adhesion).

Question 8

When performing acrylic application using the dry bead technique, the ratio of liquid (monomer) to powder (polymer) should produce a bead that is:

Accepted Answer

The correct monomer-to-polymer ratio produces a medium-wet bead: glossy surface, slight dome, holds its shape but can flow slightly when placed on the nail. Too wet = weak structure, over-reaction, lifting; too dry = white, chalky product that won't self-level and may lift.

Question 9

Which nail tip style is most appropriate for a client with a naturally wide, flat nail plate?

Accepted Answer

Nail tips should match the client's natural nail width and curvature to ensure proper adhesion and a natural appearance. Using a tip that is too narrow creates gaps at the sidewalls, poor adhesion, and an unnatural look. Wide, flat nail plates need wider tips.

Question 10

A nail form is used during which service?

Accepted Answer

Nail forms are reusable or disposable guides placed under the free edge of the natural nail to provide a mold for building sculpted (tip-less) nail extensions with acrylic or hard gel. The form is removed after the product cures. Tips use a pre-made plastic extension instead of a form.

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