Polymerisation: What happens when the product is applied to the natural nail?

• A. It remains on the surface and dries without bonding
• B. It bonds only to the surface but does not interact with keratin
• C. It forms a rigid shell around the nail
• D. It weaves itself into the keratin structure creating an entanglement of polymer chains

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that polymerising nail products bond to the natural nail by interweaving with the keratin, not just sitting on top. As the product polymerises, its growing polymer chains diffusion into the outer layers of the nail plate and entangle with the keratin fibers, forming an interpenetrating network. This weave creates mechanical interlocking and some chemical bonding, giving adhesion and strength to the coating. It isn’t simply a dried film on the surface, and it isn’t correct to say it bonds only to the surface or forms only a rigid shell without interacting with the nail structure.