Indiana PSI Nail Technician Practice Test

What may damage the nail plate and break the seal when removing a tip?

1. Nippers

2. Metal pusher

3. Polish remover

4. Soak in soap

The correct answer is: Nippers

Using nippers to remove a nail tip can potentially cause damage to the nail plate and break the seal because nippers are designed to cut specifically and can exert a substantial amount of pressure on the nail bed. If not handled carefully, nippers can create tears or splits in the natural nail, leading to potential injury or weakening of the nail structure. This is especially true if the tip is adhered strongly or if the technician is inexperienced, as excessive force may be applied. In contrast, while the other tools or substances listed serve various functions in nail care, they do not directly create the same risk of physical damage to the nail plate. A metal pusher, for example, is typically used to gently push back cuticles without the cutting effect. Polish remover is intended to dissolve polish and may not affect the seal of a tip significantly when used properly. Soaking in soap helps in loosening the tips without causing physical trauma to the nail. Therefore, the use of nippers is the most risky method in this scenario when it comes to protecting the integrity of the natural nail during tip removal.