Indiana PSI Nail Technician Practice Test

Which of the following describes the use of acetone when removing nail enhancements?

1. Accelerator

2. Catalyst

3. Inhibitor

4. Sovent

The correct answer is: Sovent

Acetone is primarily classified as a solvent, which means it is a substance that can dissolve other compounds. When it comes to removing nail enhancements such as acrylics or gels, acetone works effectively to break down the polymers that make up these products, allowing them to be removed cleanly from the natural nail. The solvent properties of acetone facilitate the removal process by penetrating the layers of the nail enhancement and loosening the bond between the enhancement and the natural nail surface. This characteristic is critical because it ensures that the removal is efficient and minimizes the potential for damaging the underlying natural nails. Other terms like accelerator, catalyst, and inhibitor refer to substances that influence chemical reactions differently; they do not accurately describe acetone’s role in this context. An accelerator speeds up a reaction, a catalyst helps a reaction proceed without being consumed, and an inhibitor slows down or prevents a reaction. Since acetone doesn’t perform any of these roles in the context of nail enhancement removal, describing it as a solvent is the most accurate and relevant choice.