Cosmetology nail care and enhancements practice questions
Nail care is 10% of the NIC cosmetology theory exam and nearly the whole NIC nail technology exam. California gives nail care 8% of the cosmetologist exam, and Florida 16% of its Written Theory part.
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes in the NIC format. 11 of the 110 questions come from nail care and enhancements, and every answer is explained.
Or try the free nail care and enhancements drillWhy is methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer considered unsuitable for nail enhancements?
What to know about nail care and enhancements
- Before a nail service, check the hands and feet for contraindications: nail fungus, paronychia, open wounds, or a nail separating from the bed. Refer the client to a physician instead of servicing.
- File natural nails from the corner toward the center in one direction; sawing back and forth weakens the free edge.
- Apply polish in this order: base coat, two coats of color, top coat.
- Liquid-and-powder enhancements combine a monomer liquid and a polymer powder that polymerize into a hard coating. EMA monomer is the industry standard; MMA monomer is unsafe for nail use because it bonds too hard and is very hard to remove.
- The apex (stress area) is the thickest, strongest point of an enhancement, placed over the area that takes the most stress.
- UV and LED gels cure under the light their manufacturer specifies. Uncured gel on skin can cause sensitization, so keep product off the skin.
- Clean and disinfect a whirlpool foot spa after every client following the manufacturer’s and your state’s instructions; never shave a client’s legs before a pedicure because it raises infection risk.
- Remove enhancements by soaking in the remover the manufacturer specifies or by filing; never pry or rip them off, which damages the natural nail.
NIC outline area IV: 11 of the 110 questions in our NIC-format mock come from this topic. The notes state principles every state shares; state rules are in the Texas, California and Florida guides.
Drill nail care and enhancements, then sit the full exam
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes in the NIC format. 11 of the 110 questions come from nail care and enhancements, and every answer is explained.
Or try the free nail care and enhancements drillCommon questions
Why is MMA not used for nail enhancements?
Methyl methacrylate monomer bonds too hard and too rigidly, is hard to remove without damaging the nail plate and can cause injury. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the professional standard.
In what order is nail polish applied?
Base coat first, then two coats of color, then a top coat.
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes in the NIC format. 11 of the 110 questions come from nail care and enhancements, and every answer is explained.
Or try the free nail care and enhancements drillMore cosmetology exam topics
- Infection control · 16 of 110
- Safety, chemistry and electricity · 10 of 110
- Anatomy and disorders · 12 of 110
- Hair care, cutting and styling · 30 of 110
- Hair color and chemical services · 20 of 110
- Skin care, hair removal and makeup · 11 of 110
- State laws and rules
Free nail care and enhancements drill · NIC mock exam · Texas exam · California exam · Florida exam
Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, TDLR, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Florida Board of Cosmetology or any state board.