PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech practice exam

What will cause a nail tip to crack?

1. Applying too much adhesive

2. Trimming with a fingernail clipper

3. Using a nail file

4. Soaking in acetone

The correct answer is: Trimming with a fingernail clipper

Trimming a nail tip with a fingernail clipper can lead to cracks due to the compression and force applied to the nail. The clipping action creates a sharp and uneven edge, which may not distribute stress evenly across the nail tip. This uneven stress can create weak points that are more susceptible to cracking, especially if the nail tip is already under tension from product application or everyday wear and tear. The other options relate to practices that, while potentially damaging in other ways, do not inherently cause the same risk of cracking the nail tip. For instance, applying too much adhesive can lead to peeling or lifting, but not necessarily cracking. Using a nail file, if done correctly, should be a careful process that shapes and smooths without causing damage. Similarly, soaking in acetone is a common practice for removing products but does not directly lead to cracking unless the structure of the nail tip has already been compromised.