During a natural nail service, nail polish is applied:

• A. Directly to the bare nail
• B. Over the base coat
• C. On top of the top coat
• D. Under the base coat

Answer: (B)

Polish is applied over the base coat because the base coat primes and protects the natural nail, creating a smooth surface for the color and helping it adhere longer. This setup also helps prevent staining from pigmented polish. If you apply color directly to a bare nail, adhesion is weaker and staining can occur. The color should sit between the base coat and the top coat, with the top coat sealing the color afterward.