Arizona State Board Nail Technology Practice Exam

What occurs during the curing of each layer of gel polish?

1. The product becomes rough

2. The product remains soft

3. The thickness increases

4. The color intensifies

The correct answer is: The product becomes rough

During the curing process of gel polish, the product undergoes a chemical reaction triggered by UV light or LED light, which leads to its hardening or solidification. This hardening process causes the surface of the gel to become smooth rather than rough. As the gel cures, it adheres to the natural nail and other layers effectively, allowing it to maintain a glossy finish. The other options do not accurately describe what occurs during curing. The product does not remain soft; rather, it becomes firm. The thickness of the gel does not increase as it cures; instead, it retains the applied thickness. While the color of the gel polish may appear to enhance under certain lighting conditions, the fundamental element at work during curing is not color intensification but rather the transformation of the gel from a liquid to a solid form.