West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

Gel polish is specifically formulated to be cured using UV or LED light. This process is essential because gel polish contains photoinitiators, which are compounds that absorb light and initiate a chemical reaction to harden the polish.

When exposed to UV or LED light, the gel polish undergoes a process called polymerization, where the gel transforms from a liquid state to a solid film through cross-linking of molecules. This results in a durable, glossy finish that is resistant to chipping and can last for weeks without losing its shine.

The other options do not provide the necessary spectrum of light or energy required to cure gel products effectively. Water or air cannot initiate the polymerization process, sunlight or heat might not deliver the consistent, controlled intensity necessary for curing gel polish, and regular light bulbs do not emit the specific wavelengths required to activate the curing agents in gel polish. Therefore, the most accurate and effective method for curing gel polish is through UV or LED light.