Which type of nail coating cures through chemical reactions?

The correct choice is gel, which is a type of nail coating that cures through a chemical reaction. When gel products are applied, they undergo a curing process when exposed to UV or LED light. This exposure causes the photoinitiators in the gel to activate and initiate a chemical reaction that hardens the gel into a durable, long-lasting finish. This process creates a strong bond to the natural nail as well as enhancements, providing the strength and flexibility that many clients desire.

In contrast, traditional polish dries through evaporation of solvents, which does not involve a chemical reaction, making it less durable than gel. Both top coats and base coats also typically fall into the category of traditional nail polishes that dry by solvent evaporation and provide additional protection and adhesion but do not undergo a curing process associated with chemical reactions like gel coatings do. Therefore, gel is distinctly characterized by its curing mechanism and superior performance compared to other nail coatings.