How much of the natural nail plate should a nail tip cover at most?
- One-half
- Three-quarters
- One-tenth
- The whole plate
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A. One-half
The contact area should never cover more than half of the natural plate; covering more weakens the bond and puts more adhesive on the nail than needed. One-tenth would give too little surface to hold the tip.
Reference: Nail technology theory: nail tips and wraps
A client's nail falls between two tip sizes. Which tip should be chosen?
- The larger one, filed to fit the sidewalls
- The smaller one, pressed flat to spread it
- The larger one, left wide at the sidewalls
- The smaller one, with extra adhesive added
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A. The larger one, filed to fit the sidewalls
The tip must reach from sidewall to sidewall without being forced, so the larger size is tailored to fit. A tip that is too small is under stress when flattened and tends to crack or pop off.
Reference: Nail technology theory: nail tips and wraps
What is the usual result of applying a nail tip that is too narrow for the nail?
- The tip softens when adhesive is applied
- The tip yellows under the overlay
- The tip cracks at the sides or loosens
- The tip bonds more tightly to the plate
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C. The tip cracks at the sides or loosens
A narrow tip must be spread to reach the sidewalls, which puts it under constant tension; it splits along the sides or lifts away. It can also damage the natural nail edges.
Reference: Nail technology theory: nail tips and wraps