Prepare for the Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Exam with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and confidence for exam day.

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What is typically the final step in a basic manicure?

  1. Soak the nails

  2. Apply polish

  3. Push back cuticles

  4. Exfoliate

The correct answer is: Apply polish

In a basic manicure, applying polish is indeed the final step, as it not only enhances the appearance of the nails but also provides a protective layer. This step comes after all preparatory work and grooming tasks have been completed, such as soaking the nails to soften them and make it easier to clean and shape, pushing back cuticles to create a neat appearance, and possibly exfoliating to remove dead skin. This structured approach ensures that the nails are properly cared for before the addition of polish, which is intended to give a polished, finished look. By completing the manicure with polish, you ensure that the previous steps culminate in an elegant and professional final appearance.