Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Licensure Practice Questions and Study Guide

Applying a top coat significantly enhances the longevity of nail polish by providing a protective layer over the colored polish. This layer helps to seal in the color, preventing it from chipping and fading. A top coat can also improve the shine of the nails and enhance their overall appearance, making the manicure look polished and professional for a longer time.

While a base coat is also important as it prepares the nail and helps the polish adhere better, the top coat is specifically designed to protect the surface of the nail polish. Quick-dry polish can reduce waiting time for drying but does not inherently improve the durability of the polish. Using a UV light can aid in curing certain types of gel polishes, but it is not applicable to traditional nail polishes and does not contribute to longevity in the same way a top coat does. Therefore, the application of a top coat is essential for maintaining and extending the life of a manicure.

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