Washington Cosmetology License Practice Exam

The purpose of using cuticle remover during a manicure is to soften and dissolve dead skin around the nail. This product typically contains chemical or enzymatic agents that effectively break down the tough, dry skin known as cuticles. By doing so, it allows for easier removal of this excess skin without causing damage to the living tissue underneath. Softening the cuticles helps in providing a cleaner appearance and encourages better nail care, as well as promoting healthier nail growth since it allows for more effective grooming.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of cuticle remover. Polishing the nails pertains to the application of polish to enhance appearance, coloring the nails refers to applying nail polish or other colored products, and protecting the nails from damage is more about the application of conditioning treatments or topcoats rather than the use of cuticle remover specifically. Thus, the primary role of cuticle remover is indeed to address the dead skin around the nails.