Illinois Nail Technician Practice Exam

What solution in a manicure must be frequently changed?

1. The hand lotion

2. Water with soap, used to soak the fingers

3. The disinfectant

4. The cleaning wipes

The correct answer is: Water with soap, used to soak the fingers

In the context of a manicure, the solution that must be frequently changed is the water with soap used to soak the fingers. This is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the safety of clients. During a manicure, the water becomes contaminated with dead skin cells, oils, and various other debris as the fingers soak. Regularly changing this solution not only helps to keep the environment clean but also enhances the effectiveness of the soaking process, allowing for better softening of the cuticles and skin. Using fresh, clean water ensures that the biological load and potential pathogens are minimized, reducing the risk of infection or irritation. This practice is crucial in a professional setting, where the health and safety of clients must always be prioritized. In comparison, while hand lotion, disinfectant, and cleaning wipes are also important in the manicure process, they do not require the same level of frequency in changing as the soaking solution does. Hand lotion is applied at a later stage and can be used multiple times before being replaced, disinfectants are typically used as needed following proper protocols, and cleaning wipes may be used as necessary but are not immersed in a solution that becomes dirty over time. Therefore, the need to frequently change the water with soap makes it the correct focus in this context.