Arizona State Board Nail Technology Practice Exam

What type of gel is popular in do-it-yourself kits and hardens when an activator is sprayed or brushed on?

1. Builder gel

2. Soak-off gel

3. Hard gel

4. Acrylic gel

The correct answer is: Hard gel

The type of gel that is popular in do-it-yourself kits and hardens when an activator is sprayed or brushed on is hard gel. Hard gel has unique properties that allow it to cure and harden without the need for a UV or LED light, which makes it particularly user-friendly for individuals performing nail enhancements at home. The application process typically involves layering the gel and then applying an activator, which triggers the curing process, resulting in a strong and durable finish. In contrast, builder gel and soak-off gel are often used for different purposes. Builder gel requires the use of a UV or LED light to cure, which is not as convenient for DIY applications. Soak-off gel, on the other hand, is designed to be easily removed with acetone and is typically used for less permanent applications, focusing more on flexibility rather than hardness. Acrylic gel does exist, but it usually refers to a hybrid system between acrylic and gel, requiring a specific application technique and often a light for curing. Therefore, hard gel stands out as the correct choice for the characteristic of hardening upon the application of an activator in a DIY context.