• Texas Nail Technician (TDLR) Written Exam
January/February 2026 Comprehensive Prep Memo | State
Board Nail Technology Theory Questions & Answers,
Sanitation Laws, Infection Control, Nail Anatomy, Chemicals,
Safety Rules & Complete Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of a base coat in nail application?
• A) To add color
• B) To protect the natural nail and enhance adhesion
• C) To create a glossy finish
• D) To strengthen the nail
Correct Option: B) To protect the natural nail and enhance adhesion
Rationale: The base coat serves as a barrier between the nail plate and colored polish
or enhancements, protecting the natural nail and helping the color coat adhere better.
2. Which of the following is a common symptom of a fungal nail infection?
• A) White or yellow discoloration of the nail
• B) Nail brittleness
• C) Excessive oiliness
• D) Increased growth rate
Correct Option: A) White or yellow discoloration of the nail
Rationale: Fungal infections often cause discoloration, which can appear white, yellow,
or even green depending on the severity.
3. What is the recommended method for sanitizing tools used during a nail service?
• A) Wipe with a damp cloth
• B) Soak in warm water
• C) Autoclave or disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant
• D) Leave them exposed to air for 24 hours
Correct Option: C) Autoclave or disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant
Rationale: Proper disinfection is crucial to prevent the spread of infections, and using
an autoclave or EPA-registered disinfectant is the recommended practice.
,4. During a manicure, which nail shape is considered most flattering for long
fingers?
• A) Square
• B) Oval
• C) Round
• D) Stiletto
Correct Option: B) Oval
Rationale: Oval shapes are generally considered to complement longer fingers by
softening their appearance.
5. What is the appropriate action if a client has an allergic reaction to a product
used in the salon?
• A) Ignore the symptoms
• B) Apply more product
• C) Stop the service and provide first aid if necessary
• D) Offer a discount
Correct Option: C) Stop the service and provide first aid if necessary
Rationale: Safety is a priority; stopping the service and addressing the client's needs is
critical in case of an allergic reaction.
6. What is the correct angle for filing natural nails?
• A) 30 degrees
• B) 45 degrees
• C) 60 degrees
• D) 90 degrees
Correct Option: B) 45 degrees
Rationale: Filing at a 45-degree angle helps to create a smooth edge without causing
nail damage.
7. Which of the following is NOT a type of nail enhancement?
• A) Acrylic
• B) Gel
• C) Nail polish
, • D) Dip powder
Correct Option: C) Nail polish
Rationale: Nail polish is a cosmetic finish, while acrylic, gel, and dip powder are forms
of extensions or enhancements.
8. How often should you replace nail files?
• A) Once a week
• B) Every month
• C) When they become worn or lose grit
• D) Once a year
Correct Option: C) When they become worn or lose grit
Rationale: Worn files can cause damage to nails and lead to unsatisfactory results.
9. What ingredient is commonly used in nail polish remover?
• A) Acetone
• B) Alcohol
• C) Hydrogen peroxide
• D) Vinegar
Correct Option: A) Acetone
Rationale: Acetone is a powerful solvent that effectively removes nail polish.
10. Why is it important to perform a patch test before using a new product?
• A) To test the product’s scent
• B) To determine application time
• C) To identify potential allergic reactions
• D) To see if it looks appealing
Correct Option: C) To identify potential allergic reactions
Rationale: Patch tests help to ensure client safety by identifying sensitivities before a
full application.
11. What should you do with a client's cuticles during a manicure?
, • A) Ignore them
• B) Push them back gently
• C) Cut them all off
• D) Remove them with a chemical solution
Correct Option: B) Push them back gently
Rationale: Gentle pushing backs of cuticles is standard practice to maintain nail
health.
12. What type of brush is typically used for applying acrylic nails?
• A) Flat brush
• B) Fan brush
• C) Oval brush
• D) Detail brush
Correct Option: A) Flat brush
Rationale: Flat brushes help to control acrylic application for a smooth finish.
13. The purpose of a quick-dry topcoat is to:
• A) Prevent chipping
• B) Enhance shine
• C) Speed up the drying process
• D) Change nail color
Correct Option: C) Speed up the drying process
Rationale: Quick-dry topcoats are designed to reduce wait time for the top layer to set
and harden.
14. What are the signs of an infection in a nail service?
• A) Redness and swelling
• B) Hardened skin
• C) Clear and normal color
• D) Increased flexibility
January/February 2026 Comprehensive Prep Memo | State
Board Nail Technology Theory Questions & Answers,
Sanitation Laws, Infection Control, Nail Anatomy, Chemicals,
Safety Rules & Complete Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of a base coat in nail application?
• A) To add color
• B) To protect the natural nail and enhance adhesion
• C) To create a glossy finish
• D) To strengthen the nail
Correct Option: B) To protect the natural nail and enhance adhesion
Rationale: The base coat serves as a barrier between the nail plate and colored polish
or enhancements, protecting the natural nail and helping the color coat adhere better.
2. Which of the following is a common symptom of a fungal nail infection?
• A) White or yellow discoloration of the nail
• B) Nail brittleness
• C) Excessive oiliness
• D) Increased growth rate
Correct Option: A) White or yellow discoloration of the nail
Rationale: Fungal infections often cause discoloration, which can appear white, yellow,
or even green depending on the severity.
3. What is the recommended method for sanitizing tools used during a nail service?
• A) Wipe with a damp cloth
• B) Soak in warm water
• C) Autoclave or disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant
• D) Leave them exposed to air for 24 hours
Correct Option: C) Autoclave or disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant
Rationale: Proper disinfection is crucial to prevent the spread of infections, and using
an autoclave or EPA-registered disinfectant is the recommended practice.
,4. During a manicure, which nail shape is considered most flattering for long
fingers?
• A) Square
• B) Oval
• C) Round
• D) Stiletto
Correct Option: B) Oval
Rationale: Oval shapes are generally considered to complement longer fingers by
softening their appearance.
5. What is the appropriate action if a client has an allergic reaction to a product
used in the salon?
• A) Ignore the symptoms
• B) Apply more product
• C) Stop the service and provide first aid if necessary
• D) Offer a discount
Correct Option: C) Stop the service and provide first aid if necessary
Rationale: Safety is a priority; stopping the service and addressing the client's needs is
critical in case of an allergic reaction.
6. What is the correct angle for filing natural nails?
• A) 30 degrees
• B) 45 degrees
• C) 60 degrees
• D) 90 degrees
Correct Option: B) 45 degrees
Rationale: Filing at a 45-degree angle helps to create a smooth edge without causing
nail damage.
7. Which of the following is NOT a type of nail enhancement?
• A) Acrylic
• B) Gel
• C) Nail polish
, • D) Dip powder
Correct Option: C) Nail polish
Rationale: Nail polish is a cosmetic finish, while acrylic, gel, and dip powder are forms
of extensions or enhancements.
8. How often should you replace nail files?
• A) Once a week
• B) Every month
• C) When they become worn or lose grit
• D) Once a year
Correct Option: C) When they become worn or lose grit
Rationale: Worn files can cause damage to nails and lead to unsatisfactory results.
9. What ingredient is commonly used in nail polish remover?
• A) Acetone
• B) Alcohol
• C) Hydrogen peroxide
• D) Vinegar
Correct Option: A) Acetone
Rationale: Acetone is a powerful solvent that effectively removes nail polish.
10. Why is it important to perform a patch test before using a new product?
• A) To test the product’s scent
• B) To determine application time
• C) To identify potential allergic reactions
• D) To see if it looks appealing
Correct Option: C) To identify potential allergic reactions
Rationale: Patch tests help to ensure client safety by identifying sensitivities before a
full application.
11. What should you do with a client's cuticles during a manicure?
, • A) Ignore them
• B) Push them back gently
• C) Cut them all off
• D) Remove them with a chemical solution
Correct Option: B) Push them back gently
Rationale: Gentle pushing backs of cuticles is standard practice to maintain nail
health.
12. What type of brush is typically used for applying acrylic nails?
• A) Flat brush
• B) Fan brush
• C) Oval brush
• D) Detail brush
Correct Option: A) Flat brush
Rationale: Flat brushes help to control acrylic application for a smooth finish.
13. The purpose of a quick-dry topcoat is to:
• A) Prevent chipping
• B) Enhance shine
• C) Speed up the drying process
• D) Change nail color
Correct Option: C) Speed up the drying process
Rationale: Quick-dry topcoats are designed to reduce wait time for the top layer to set
and harden.
14. What are the signs of an infection in a nail service?
• A) Redness and swelling
• B) Hardened skin
• C) Clear and normal color
• D) Increased flexibility
