Free study questions · Cosmetology state board

Nail services and enhancements practice questions

9 free nail services and enhancements questions for the cosmetology written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   Liquid-and-powder nail enhancements are made by combining:

   AA gel oligomer with a powder activatorBA liquid monomer with a powder polymerCA resin adhesive with a wrap fabricDA liquid polymer with a powder monomer
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   Answer: B. A liquid monomer with a powder polymer

   The liquid is a monomer and the powder is a polymer; mixed into a bead, they react and harden into the enhancement. FDA notes that traces of unreacted monomer can cause allergies, so the product is kept off the skin.

   FDA: Nail Care Products (methacrylate monomers)

2. Question 2

   When filing a natural nail, the technician should file:

   AFrom each corner toward the center, in one directionBFrom the center outward, pressing down into the sidewallsCDeep into the corners to sharpen the sidesDBack and forth quickly across the whole free edge
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   Answer: A. From each corner toward the center, in one direction

   Filing from each corner toward the center in one direction keeps the free edge from splitting or peeling. Sawing back and forth and filing deep into the corners weaken the nail.

   NIC Cosmetology outline IV: manicure and pedicure

3. Question 3

   Before applying nail polish, a base coat is applied to:

   ASeal the color on top and protect it from chippingBDry the color faster and give it a high-gloss finishCSoften the cuticle before it is pushed backDHelp color adhere and keep pigment from staining the plate
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   Answer: D. Help color adhere and keep pigment from staining the plate

   A base coat gives polish something to grip and keeps dark pigments from staining the nail plate. The top coat goes on last to seal the color and add shine.

   NIC Cosmetology outline IV: manicure and pedicure

4. Question 4

   To help prevent ingrown toenails, toenails should be trimmed:

   AInto a point at the center of the nailBVery short, well below the toe’s tipCStraight across the top of the nailDIn a deep curve that follows the toe
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   Answer: C. Straight across the top of the nail

   Dermatologists advise cutting toenails straight across to lower the chance of an ingrown toenail. Curved or very short cuts let the corners grow into the skin.

   AAD: How to trim your nails

5. Question 5

   Dermatologists advise protecting skin from the UV lamp used in a gel manicure by:

   AUsing a thicker top coat on each nailBSoaking the hands in cold water firstCApplying broad-spectrum sunscreen firstDRubbing cuticle oil on the hands first
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   Answer: C. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen first

   The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the hands before a gel manicure, or dark gloves with the fingertips cut off. The lamp that cures gel polish gives off ultraviolet light.

   AAD: Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails

6. Question 6

   A nail shape that is square at the free edge with softly rounded corners is called:

   ABallerinaBAlmondCStilettoDSquoval
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   Answer: D. Squoval

   A squoval nail is filed straight across the free edge like a square, then the corners are slightly rounded. The softened corners are less likely to snag than sharp square ones.

   NIC Cosmetology outline IV: manicure and pedicure

7. Question 7

   Compared with a 100-grit file, a 240-grit file is:

   AMade for removing bulk acrylicBToo rough to use on natural nailsCFiner and less abrasiveDCoarser and more abrasive
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   Answer: C. Finer and less abrasive

   The higher the grit number, the finer the abrasive particles and the gentler the file. Low-grit, coarse files are for shaping enhancements, not natural nails.

   NIC Cosmetology outline IV: tools and safe practices

8. Question 8

   The final coat in a polish application, the top coat, is meant to:

   ASeal the color and resist chippingBFill ridges before the color goes onCKeep pigment from staining the plateDRemove oil from the nail plate surface
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   Answer: A. Seal the color and resist chipping

   Top coat goes on over the color to add shine and help prevent chipping and peeling. Base coat, ridge filler and dehydrator are applied before the color.

   NIC Cosmetology outline IV: manicure and pedicure

9. Question 9

   A dehydrator is applied before enhancements or polish to:

   ASoften the cuticle so it lifts off the plateBBond the tip to the natural nail plateCRemove surface oil and moisture from the plateDAdd moisture so the plate bends without cracking
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   Answer: C. Remove surface oil and moisture from the plate

   Oil and moisture on the nail plate keep polish and enhancement products from bonding. A dehydrator removes them for a short time, which helps prevent lifting.

   NIC Cosmetology outline IV: nail enhancements

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.