Iowa Nail Tech Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Nail Your Certification!

Gel polish is the type of polish that requires a UV light to cure. This is because gel polish contains photoinitiators that react to ultraviolet light, allowing the polish to harden and adhere firmly to the nail. The curing process occurs in layers; once a thin layer of gel polish is applied, it is placed under a UV or LED light, which causes the polish to harden quickly, providing a durable and long-lasting finish.

Other types of polish, such as regular nail polish, matte finish polish, and sheer polish, do not rely on UV light for curing. Instead, they air-dry, which can take longer and typically results in a less resilient finish compared to gel polish. Understanding the curing process of gel polish is essential for nail technicians, as it impacts the techniques used during application and the durability of the final manicure.