NVQ Level 3 Nail Services Exam 2 Practice Test

An initiator is the substance that starts the curing or polymerization by delivering the energy needed to begin the reaction, often by generating reactive species like free radicals when activated by light or heat. In nail products, this means the initiator kicks off the resin hardening process so the material sets properly. It’s not a solvent, which merely dissolves substances; it’s not something that terminates the reaction, which would stop the process; and it’s not a pigment, which only adds color. The idea of carrying energy to start the reaction is what makes it essential.