Which of the following is a characteristic of gel nails?

A characteristic of gel nails is that they cure under UV or LED light. This process is crucial because it allows the gel product to harden and adhere strongly to the natural nail. The curing process transforms the gel from a liquid to a solid state, creating a durable finish that can withstand daily wear.

The other characteristics do not accurately describe gel nails. While some nail products do use acetone for removal, gel nails typically require specific removal techniques, often involving soaking in acetone but needing careful handling due to the curing process. Gel nails are not made exclusively from plastic; instead, they are composed of a type of polymer that can be gel-like in consistency. Furthermore, filing is often part of preparing the natural nail and shaping the gel itself to ensure proper adherence and aesthetics. Therefore, the option stating that gel nails require no filing is misleading.