Which component affects the hue and shade in nail polish?

The correct answer is pigments because they are responsible for providing color to nail polish. In nail polish formulations, pigments are finely ground color particles that, when dispersed in the base of the polish, determine the hue (the type of color) and shade (the depth of the color). Pigments can absorb and reflect light, which contributes to the overall appearance of the polish on the nails.

While solvents, additives, and thickeners play important roles in nail polish formulation, they do not directly affect the color. Solvents are primarily used to dissolve the ingredients and help the polish apply smoothly, additives can enhance properties like drying time or durability, and thickeners adjust the viscosity of the product. However, none of these components contribute to the specific color characteristics that pigments provide. Thus, pigments are the key factor in defining the hue and shade of the nail polish.