Question 1

What chemical process causes gel nail products to harden when exposed to UV or LED light?

Accepted Answer

Photoinitiators in the gel absorb light energy and trigger polymerization, cross-linking the monomers into a hard polymer network.

Question 2

What is the term for the thin, sticky layer that remains on the surface of a cured gel nail?

Accepted Answer

It is called the inhibition layer (also known as the dispersion layer or tacky layer), caused by oxygen inhibiting the top layer of gel from fully polymerizing.

Question 3

What distinguishes a hard (non-soak-off) gel from a soft (soak-off) gel in terms of removal?

Accepted Answer

Hard gels have a tighter cross-linked polymer structure and cannot be dissolved by acetone; they must be filed off. Soft gels (soak-off/BIAB) have a looser structure that acetone can penetrate and dissolve.

Question 4

What is a gel polish (also called shellac-type or soak-off gel)?

Accepted Answer

Gel polish is a hybrid product combining aspects of traditional nail polish and gel technology; it applies like polish, cures under UV/LED light, and is removed by soaking in acetone.

Question 5

What is a builder gel, and what is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

A builder gel is a thick, viscous hard or soak-off gel used to create structure, length, and strength on the nail. It can sculpt extensions or add an apex for support.

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