CA COSMETOLOGY State Board Written Exam: Nail Care &
Service 2026
1. What is Onycholysis, and what causes it?
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Metabolic Conditions
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Excessive Weight Training
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Dietary Causes
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Trauma to nails
2. Describe the process of applying nail wraps and the role of resin in this
process.
Nail wraps are glued onto the nail and do not need any hardening
process.
Nail wraps are applied over the natural nail or tips, reinforced with a
resin, and hardened with a catalyst.
Nail wraps are painted directly onto the nail and require no additional
materials.
Nail wraps are only used for decorative purposes and do not require
any reinforcement.
3. What is the definition of paronychia in relation to nail care?
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail.
A condition causing nail discoloration.
A fungal infection of the nail bed.
, A type of nail enhancement technique.
4. Number 1 is pointing to the
Nail fold.
Hyponychium.
Cuticle.
Free edge.
Eponychium.
5. Which term refers to the thickening of the nail plate or an abnormal
outgrowth of the nail?
ptergium
tinea manus
onychauxis
onychia
6. What is the primary role of acrylic primer in the application of acrylic nails?
Ensures adhesion of acrylic products to the nail
Strengthens the natural nail
Moisturizes the cuticles
, Provides color to the acrylic nails
7. If a client presents with a bruised nail, what should a nail technician
recommend as the best course of action?
Advise the client to monitor the nail for healing and avoid further
trauma.
Recommend immediate removal of the nail.
Suggest applying nail polish to cover the discoloration.
Encourage the client to soak the nail in hot water.
8. Blue nails is classified as a nail :
Virus
Disease
Disorder
Fungus
9. Describe the process of creating acrylic nails in your own words.
Acrylic nails are created by applying gel over natural nails.
Acrylic nails are made by mixing acrylic powder with acrylic liquid
to form a moldable substance that hardens.
Acrylic nails are made by using a special adhesive to attach plastic
tips.
Acrylic nails are formed by layering nail polish on top of natural nails.
10. What is the primary characteristic of onychogryposis?
Thinning of the nails
, Discoloration of the nails
Brittleness of the nails
Increased curvature of the nails
11. What shape is the lunula at the base of the nail?
Circular shape
Half-moon shape
Square shape
Triangular shape
12. If a client presents with symptoms of onychia, what steps should a nail
technician take to address the condition?
Apply acrylic nails to cover the affected area.
Perform a manicure to improve the appearance of the nails.
Refer the client to a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Advise the client to use over-the-counter nail treatments.
13. What is the primary purpose of a block buffer in nail care?
To trim the cuticles.
To apply nail polish.
To remove nail extensions.
To smooth the surface of the nail.
14. Describe the condition known as onychocryptosis and its implications for
nail care.
Service 2026
1. What is Onycholysis, and what causes it?
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Metabolic Conditions
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Excessive Weight Training
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Dietary Causes
Separation of the nails from the nail bed begins at the free edge -
Trauma to nails
2. Describe the process of applying nail wraps and the role of resin in this
process.
Nail wraps are glued onto the nail and do not need any hardening
process.
Nail wraps are applied over the natural nail or tips, reinforced with a
resin, and hardened with a catalyst.
Nail wraps are painted directly onto the nail and require no additional
materials.
Nail wraps are only used for decorative purposes and do not require
any reinforcement.
3. What is the definition of paronychia in relation to nail care?
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail.
A condition causing nail discoloration.
A fungal infection of the nail bed.
, A type of nail enhancement technique.
4. Number 1 is pointing to the
Nail fold.
Hyponychium.
Cuticle.
Free edge.
Eponychium.
5. Which term refers to the thickening of the nail plate or an abnormal
outgrowth of the nail?
ptergium
tinea manus
onychauxis
onychia
6. What is the primary role of acrylic primer in the application of acrylic nails?
Ensures adhesion of acrylic products to the nail
Strengthens the natural nail
Moisturizes the cuticles
, Provides color to the acrylic nails
7. If a client presents with a bruised nail, what should a nail technician
recommend as the best course of action?
Advise the client to monitor the nail for healing and avoid further
trauma.
Recommend immediate removal of the nail.
Suggest applying nail polish to cover the discoloration.
Encourage the client to soak the nail in hot water.
8. Blue nails is classified as a nail :
Virus
Disease
Disorder
Fungus
9. Describe the process of creating acrylic nails in your own words.
Acrylic nails are created by applying gel over natural nails.
Acrylic nails are made by mixing acrylic powder with acrylic liquid
to form a moldable substance that hardens.
Acrylic nails are made by using a special adhesive to attach plastic
tips.
Acrylic nails are formed by layering nail polish on top of natural nails.
10. What is the primary characteristic of onychogryposis?
Thinning of the nails
, Discoloration of the nails
Brittleness of the nails
Increased curvature of the nails
11. What shape is the lunula at the base of the nail?
Circular shape
Half-moon shape
Square shape
Triangular shape
12. If a client presents with symptoms of onychia, what steps should a nail
technician take to address the condition?
Apply acrylic nails to cover the affected area.
Perform a manicure to improve the appearance of the nails.
Refer the client to a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Advise the client to use over-the-counter nail treatments.
13. What is the primary purpose of a block buffer in nail care?
To trim the cuticles.
To apply nail polish.
To remove nail extensions.
To smooth the surface of the nail.
14. Describe the condition known as onychocryptosis and its implications for
nail care.
