Introduction

Confusion about what materials are permitted during the Kentucky Nail Technician licensing examination—especially regarding poly-gel / hybrid gel systems—has grown rapidly as modern nail products evolve. Students, instructors, and even licensed nail technicians have expressed uncertainty about what PSI (the testing vendor for Kentucky Board of Cosmetology) officially allows.

Thanks to a recent public inquiry—copied to Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) and answered directly by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology—this question now has a clear, authoritative answer. Because LBA is Kentucky’s most transparent beauty college and a leading advocate for compliance, we are publishing a full research-based explanation to ensure every student and educator in the state can access accurate, public licensing guidance.

1. Background: Why the Question Matters

Nail technology has expanded beyond traditional acrylics (“liquid monomer + polymer powder”) to include:

Hard gels
Builder gels
Poly-gels (hybrid systems)
Oligomer-based UV/LED gels
Odorless acrylics

While the beauty industry has advanced quickly, PSI licensing examinations must follow standardized, regulated product categories. Students want to know if hybrid products fall within allowable testing materials or if only “traditional” acrylics are acceptable.

This matters because:

(1) PSI exams are highly regulated

Each state’s exam is based on a Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), which outlines:

permitted materials
prohibited materials
content areas
state-specific modifications

Kentucky’s CIB is posted here:
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos/test

(2) Incorrect assumptions can cause exam failure

Using an unapproved product could:

lead to point deductions
invalidate a procedure
lead to automatic failure

(3) Schools must teach to the exam

LBA’s responsibility is to ensure students:

train with the right material
know exam requirements
understand PSI’s permitted systems

2. The Inquiry: A Kentucky Nail Technician Seeks Official Clarity

A Kentucky nail professional—Crystal Beeler—asked this question directly to the KBC:

Are nail students allowed to use poly-gel/hybrid gel in place of the odorless system during PSI testing?
And if students bring a cordless lamp, is that allowed?

LBA-KBC-Clarification_-PSI-testing-Nov2025

This is a real, system-wide question that affects every Kentucky nail student.

3. KBC’s Official Response (November 21, 2025)

The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology replied:

“PSI provides the most up-to-date testing information… On page 11 of the KY Nail Technician Candidate Bulletin… it does state the use of Gels (oligomer) monomer and polymer.”

KBC also emphasized:

“We highly recommend reviewing the candidate bulletin.”

(Source: Louisville Beauty Academy LLC M…)

This answer is central to the issue.

4. What Page 11 of the PSI Bulletin Actually Says

On page 11, under:

Manicurist Theory Content Outline – Section IV

PSI lists required theory knowledge including:

Gel (oligomer)
Monomer
Polymer

This confirms:

✔ Poly-gel and hybrid gel systems fall under “gel/oligomer”

✔ Polymer curing systems are an approved category

✔ Examination content includes gel-based chemistry

This means PSI recognizes oligomer-based products as part of the tested theory.

5. What This Means for Kentucky Nail Technician Students

A. Poly-Gel / Hybrid Gel = Allowed Category

Because poly-gel is a hybrid oligomer system, it fits under PSI’s “gel” product category.

Poly-gel formulations include:

urethane acrylates
oligomer blends
photo-initiators
These are consistent with gel systems tested under PSI theory.

B. Cordless Lamps

The bulletin does not prohibit cordless curing lamps if the procedure requires curing—but students must confirm during updates because PSI periodically revises kit requirements.

C. Students Must Follow the Candidate Bulletin

The CIB is the only governing document PSI recognizes.

Thus:

schools
instructors
online sources
friends
forums

cannot override PSI’s bulletin.

6. Regulatory Context: Why PSI’s CIB Controls the Exam

Kentucky law outlines KBC’s authority:

KRS 317A.050 — Powers and Duties of the Board

The Board may:

regulate examinations
contract with vendors (PSI)
determine competency standards

PSI’s bulletin is created under this authority.

201 KAR 12:082 — Curriculum & Assessment Requirements

Schools must:

prepare students for the licensing exam
use materials consistent with exam standards

Thus, the PSI bulletin is the legally binding standard for testing.

7. Why Louisville Beauty Academy Is Publishing This

LBA is Kentucky’s leader in:

Compliance
Digital recordkeeping
Transparency
Open communication
Public access to licensing information

By publishing this article, LBA ensures:

✔ Every Kentucky nail student has accurate information

✔ No one is misled by rumors or outdated teaching

✔ Students can prepare confidently

✔ LBA remains the state’s most transparent beauty college

8. References & Source Links (APA-Style)

Primary Source Email Chain
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology & Crystal Beeler. (2025). Email communication regarding PSI nail testing clarification. Louisville Beauty Academy records. Louisville Beauty Academy LLC M…

PSI Candidate Bulletin
PSI Exams. (2025). Kentucky Nail Technician – Candidate Information Bulletin.
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos/test

Kentucky Statutes
Kentucky Legislature. (2024). KRS 317A – Cosmetology.
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38956

Kentucky Administrative Regulations
Kentucky Legislature. (2024). 201 KAR 12 – Board of Cosmetology regulations.
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/TITLE201.HTM

Product Chemistry References
Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC). (2023). UV Gel & Hybrid Gel Material Science Overview.
https://probeauty.org

9. Conclusion: Clear Answer for All Kentucky Nail Students

Based on PSI’s bulletin and KBC’s official written confirmation:

Yes — Poly-Gel / Hybrid Gel systems are accepted under PSI’s “Gel (oligomer)” category.

Yes — Polymer-curing systems fall within the examined material categories.

Students must always follow PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin as the governing document.

Louisville Beauty Academy is proud to publish this statewide clarification so every student, instructor, and beauty professional has equal access to the truth.

For enrollment or licensing guidance:

📱 Text: 502-625-5531
📧 Study@LouisvilleBeautyAcademy.net
🌐 https://LouisvilleBeautyAcademy.net

📌 Disclaimer (As of November 2025)

The information provided in this article is based on the most current publicly available sources from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC), PSI Exams, and Kentucky statutes and regulations as of November 2025. Licensing requirements, PSI testing procedures, allowed materials, product categories, and state regulations are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) makes every effort to share accurate, timely, and verified information; however, LBA does not guarantee future accuracy if state rules or PSI exam requirements are updated after the publication date.

This content is provided strictly for educational, informational, and transparency purposes. It should not be interpreted as legal advice, regulatory interpretation, or a guarantee of testing outcomes.

Students, instructors, and the public are strongly encouraged to consult the official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology directly for the latest updates:

PSI Candidate Bulletins: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos/test
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology: https://kbc.ky.gov

Louisville Beauty Academy assumes no liability for decisions made based on this information and advises all candidates to regularly review authoritative sources to ensure full compliance with current state requirements.

Representing Kentucky, Louisville Metro, and the Beauty Industry on the National Stage — October 2025, Washington, D.C.

In October 2025, Louisville Beauty Academy proudly represented Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the entire beauty education and industry sector as one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses, selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its prestigious CO—100 list.

Louisville Beauty Academy was chosen from more than 12,000+ applicants nationwide — standing as the only honoree from the state of Kentucky, the only beauty education institution, and the sole representative of the beauty industry among this elite group of 100 small businesses across 35 states and Washington, D.C.

This recognition celebrates businesses driving growth, innovation, and workforce development in their communities and beyond. Honorees were selected by an esteemed panel of judges for their impressive growth, innovative strategies, and strong workplace culture.

🏛 Representing Kentucky and the Beauty Industry in Washington, D.C.

Founder & CEO Di Tran and CFO Rick Dye represented Louisville Beauty Academy on the national stage in Washington, D.C., joining 99 other honorees for three days of events at the historic U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters (1615 H Street NW).

The agenda included:

🧠 Small Business Forum featuring AI implementation training from Google, psychology and stress management strategies, and investment & collaboration sessions.
🤝 Networking and learning exchanges with top entrepreneurs from across the country.
🌟 The Night of 100 Stars Gala at the historic Decatur House (748 Jackson Pl NW), celebrating the small businesses that are the backbone of the U.S. economy.

Louisville Beauty Academy’s presence underscored Kentucky’s rich legacy, known worldwide for Bourbon and the Kentucky Derby, and now rising to national prominence for its beauty industry leadership.

💼 Small Business: The Foundation of America

The CO—100 honorees exemplify the heartbeat of the U.S. economy: small business owners who, day in and day out,

Pay employees and contractors,
Deliver critical services to clients,
Navigate operations, marketing, inventory, payroll, hiring, regulations, and more —
often wearing multiple hats to keep their businesses thriving.

Louisville Beauty Academy, through its state-licensed vocational programs, has graduated nearly 2,000 students, many of whom have become salon owners, entrepreneurs, and licensed professionals. These graduates contribute an estimated $20–50 million in annual economic impact to Kentucky and neighboring states, through employment, business creation, and essential beauty services.

🌍 A Unique Advocate for Workforce Development

Louisville Beauty Academy’s model focuses on accessible, multilingual, affordable beauty education, offering both short- and long-term state-licensed programs. Di Tran and Rick Dye advocated for the critical role of short-term state-licensed vocational programs in America’s workforce pipeline — particularly the need to allow Pell Grants and federal loans to be used for shorter programs under 600 hours, which are currently excluded by federal policy despite being state-certified and regulated.

Di Tran also proudly represented and thanked Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) — representing over 1,800 businesses — for years of partnership in state-level advocacy, including efforts for multilingual licensing exams and vocational fairness. He also recognized the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), representing over 700 local independent businesses, as another strong local partner.

“GLI and LIBA are powerful local forces for good. Together with the U.S. Chamber, we can align local, regional, and national advocacy to truly uplift small businesses and workforce development,” said Di Tran.

✍️ From Washington Back to Louisville — Knowledge Sharing

Di Tran emphasized that this experience was not just about receiving recognition, but bringing knowledge back home. From AI implementation strategies for small businesses (through Google’s U.S. Chamber Foundation sessions) to stress management tools and investment insights, Louisville Beauty Academy intends to share and apply these lessons locally to strengthen small businesses in Louisville and across Kentucky.

As a former board member of LIBA and an active advocate through GLI, Di Tran continues to play a dual role: listening and learning nationally, while amplifying Kentucky’s voice at the federal level.

🏅 Prestige, Certification, and Opportunity

Graduating from Louisville Beauty Academy is not only a milestone — it’s an achievement that carries prestige, credibility, and real economic value. Each student receives state-regulated and state-certified beauty licenses and certificates overseen by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology, considered among the most respected credentials in the field.

Louisville Beauty Academy is the only (or one of the very few) beauty colleges in Kentucky that offers all beauty license and certificate programs, including short-term and full programs — fully regulated and approved by the state.

And now, as one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses on the national stage, the Academy shines a spotlight on beauty education as a pillar of workforce development and entrepreneurship.

📲 Enroll Today
Text 502-625-5531 or email study@LouisvilleBeautyAcademy.net to begin your journey in one of Kentucky’s most respected beauty education institutions, now nationally recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

🌟 A Proud Moment for Louisville and Kentucky

Louisville Beauty Academy stands proudly as a national representative of Kentucky’s growing beauty industry — adding a new dimension to Kentucky’s reputation, alongside Bourbon and the Derby.

Their work, supported by state, city, chamber partners, and community, reflects a modern vision:

Empowering immigrants, working parents, and career changers through short, affordable, multilingual education.
Building sustainable beauty businesses that employ and serve locally.
Advocating for policy changes that open federal funding to more Americans seeking vocational pathways.

📢 About the CO—100 Program

Each CO—100 honoree receives a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, national brand exposure, and exclusive access to expert insights, networking opportunities, and a vibrant community of fellow business leaders.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and their stories are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The CO—100 honorees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, adapt with agility, and build with vision.”

Learn more at www.co100.com

📝 Contact

Louisville Beauty Academy
📍 Louisville, Kentucky
🌐 https://louisvillebeautyacademy.net
📧 study@louisvillebeautyacademy.net
📲 Text: 502-625-5531