Nail Technology Program

Chapter 12: Gel Nail Enhancements

Hard vs Soft Gel, UV/LED Curing & Removal|37 Questions|Board Exam Prep

Student Name

Date

Instructor

Score

Vocabulary Matching

Match each numbered term with the correct lettered definition.

Terms

1.Hard gel

2.Soft gel (soak-off)

3.UV lamp

4.LED lamp

5.Photoinitiator

6.Inhibition layer

7.Oligomer

8.Curing

9.Gel base coat

10.Builder gel

Definitions

A.A gel that cannot be removed with acetone and must be filed off; used for building length and structure

B.A chemical in the gel that reacts to light energy to start the polymerization (hardening) process

C.A curing device that uses broad-spectrum ultraviolet light; typical cure time is 2 minutes

D.A tacky, uncured layer left on the gel surface after curing due to oxygen inhibiting polymerization

E.A gel that can be dissolved with acetone for removal; commonly used for gel polish and overlays

F.A short chain of monomers that forms the base of gel products; more viscous than monomers

G.A thick, viscous gel used to add structure, length, and strength to nail enhancements

H.The first layer of gel applied to the natural nail to promote adhesion between the nail and the gel system

I.A curing device using narrow-spectrum light-emitting diodes; cures in 30-60 seconds

J.The process of hardening gel through exposure to UV or LED light energy

Fill in the Blank

Complete each statement with the correct term or phrase.

Question 11Fill in the Blank

Gel nails are cured (hardened) by exposure to or LED light.

Question 12Fill in the Blank

The chemical in gel that absorbs light energy and triggers polymerization is called a .

Question 13Fill in the Blank

gel can be soaked off with acetone, while hard gel must be filed off.

Question 14Fill in the Blank

The tacky residue left on the surface of cured gel is called the and is removed with a cleanser or alcohol before the final step.

Question 15Fill in the Blank

LED lamps cure gel in approximately seconds, which is significantly faster than UV lamps.

Question 16Fill in the Blank

When sculpting with hard gel over a form, the gel should be applied in thin layers and cured between each layer to prevent .

Question 17Fill in the Blank

Gel base coat creates adhesion between the nail and the gel enhancement system.

Question 18Fill in the Blank

Builder gel is a thick, viscous gel used to add and length to the nail enhancement.

Multiple Choice

Select the best answer for each board-exam style question.

Question 19Multiple Choice

The main difference between hard gel and soft gel is:

A. Hard gel cures faster than soft gel

B. Soft gel can be soaked off with acetone; hard gel must be filed off

C. Hard gel is always clear while soft gel comes in colors

D. Soft gel requires UV light while hard gel requires LED light

Question 20Multiple Choice

The role of a photoinitiator in gel products is to:

A. Add color to the gel

B. Absorb light energy and start the polymerization process

C. Create the inhibition layer

D. Thin the gel for easier application

Question 21Multiple Choice

If gel nails are applied too thickly in one layer, the most likely result is:

A. A stronger, more durable nail

B. Heat spike, incomplete curing, and potential cracking or peeling

C. Faster curing time

D. A smoother surface finish

Question 22Multiple Choice

The inhibition layer should be removed:

A. After each layer of gel is cured

B. Only after the final layer of gel is cured

C. Before applying the base coat

D. It should never be removed

Question 23Multiple Choice

An LED lamp differs from a UV lamp primarily in that LED lamps:

A. Use a narrow wavelength spectrum and cure faster

B. Are cheaper but slower

C. Can cure all types of gel including UV-only gels

D. Do not require electricity

Question 24Multiple Choice

To remove soft gel (soak-off gel) nails, the technician should:

A. Peel them off by hand

B. File through the top coat, then soak in acetone until the gel lifts off

C. Use a UV lamp to reverse the curing process

D. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes

Question 25Multiple Choice

A heat spike during gel curing is most commonly caused by:

A. Using the wrong color gel

B. Applying gel too thickly before curing

C. Curing for too short a time

D. Using a lamp that is too old

Question 26Multiple Choice

UV lamp bulbs should be replaced regularly because:

A. They change color over time

B. Their light output decreases, leading to incomplete curing and service failure

C. They become a fire hazard

D. They cure the gel too quickly

True / False

Mark each statement as True or False.

Question 27True / False

Hard gel can be soaked off with acetone just like soft gel.

True

False

Question 28True / False

LED lamps cure gel faster than UV lamps.

True

False

Question 29True / False

The inhibition layer should be left on between gel layers because it helps the next layer adhere.

True

False

Question 30True / False

All gel products can be cured with any type of lamp (UV or LED).

True

False

Question 31True / False

Gel should be applied in thin, even layers to ensure complete curing and prevent heat spikes.

True

False

Question 32True / False

Gel polish (shellac-type products) is a type of soft gel.

True

False

Question 33True / False

Builder gel can be used to create nail extensions and add structural strength.

True

False

Question 34True / False

Peeling off gel polish is a safe removal method that does not damage the natural nail.

True

False

Short Answer

Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.

Question 35Short Answer

Compare UV lamps and LED lamps. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Question 36Short Answer

Explain what the inhibition layer is, why it forms, and when it should be removed.

Question 37Short Answer

Describe the proper procedure for removing soft gel (soak-off gel) nails without damaging the natural nail.