When performing a stress test on acrylic nails, which part of the nail should be examined?

During a stress test on acrylic nails, the focus should be on the free edge. This part of the nail is the most prominent area that typically undergoes pressure and bending during regular activities, making it critical to assess for durability and strength. The stress test essentially evaluates how well the acrylic material adheres to the natural nail and its ability to withstand stress without cracking or breaking.

In contrast, while the nail bed, cuticle area, and nail matrix are important components of nail anatomy, they do not directly provide insights into the stress resilience of the acrylic application. The nail bed supports the nail plate but does not experience the same levels of bending as the free edge during a stress test. Similarly, the cuticle area serves as a protective barrier for the nail matrix and deserves care but is not where one would look for signs of stress or weakness in the acrylic extension. The nail matrix is responsible for nail growth and doesn't undergo the same kinds of physical stress that occur at the free edge. Thus, assessing the free edge during the stress test is essential for evaluating the overall integrity of the acrylic nails.