Cosmetology Nail Care and Manicuring 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the structure under the free edge of the nail that connects the nail to the fingertip?
- Lunula
- Hyponychium (Correct answer)
- Eponychium
- Matrix
Correct answer: Hyponychium
The hyponychium is the thickened skin beneath the free edge of the nail plate that forms a seal to protect the nail bed from bacteria and debris.
Question 2: The nail matrix is responsible for:
- Protecting the nail bed
- Producing nail cells that form the nail plate (Correct answer)
- Connecting the nail to the skin
- Providing the nail's pink color
Correct answer: Producing nail cells that form the nail plate
The nail matrix is the living tissue at the base of the nail that produces the cells (onychocytes) that harden and form the nail plate.
Question 3: What is the white half-moon shape at the base of the nail called?
- Hyponychium
- Eponychium
- Lunula (Correct answer)
- Matrix
Correct answer: Lunula
The lunula is the visible, whitish crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate that represents the distal portion of the matrix.
Question 4: Onychomycosis is the technical term for:
- Nail biting
- Fungal infection of the nail (Correct answer)
- Ingrown toenail
- Nail separation from the bed
Correct answer: Fungal infection of the nail
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate and/or nail bed, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the affected nails.
Question 5: A cosmetologist SHOULD NOT perform a manicure service if the client has:
- Dry cuticles
- A fungal nail infection (Correct answer)
- Ridges in the nail plate
- Short nail length
Correct answer: A fungal nail infection
A nail fungal infection (onychomycosis) is a contraindication for nail services because the cosmetologist could spread the infection or worsen the client's condition.
Question 6: When filing nails, the correct technique is to file in which direction?
- Back and forth in a sawing motion
- In one direction from corner to center (Correct answer)
- From center to corners
- Straight across only
Correct answer: In one direction from corner to center
Nails should be filed in one direction from the corner toward the center tip to prevent splitting, peeling, and weakening the nail structure.
Cosmetology Nail Care and Manicuring 1
What is the structure under the free edge of the nail that connects the nail to the fingertip?