Nail adhesion systems have never been better thanks to numerous technological breakthroughs. There is no longer any need for the nail plate to be “roughed up” or “buffed” to generate a surface that is compatible with nail polish.
Adhesion-promoting products, such as nail dehydrator and primer, are now available that are designed to improve compatibility and create strong bonds between the natural nail and the nail enhancement. And all that without the burning, strong odor, yellowing or aggressive filing that were once associated with this service in the past.
In this post, we shall discuss the Nail dehydrator and primer functions along with their benefits and drawbacks in the next sections.
Are Nail Primers and Dehydrators Required?
When applying artificial nails, gel polish, or ordinary nail polish, you do not need to use a nail dehydrator and primer. However, they have certain incredible advantages that, in many circumstances, make their use worthwhile.
- Primers
If you think about it, primers may be considered bonders. Both items increase adhesion in distinct ways, so we have decided to separate them. It is not possible to use primers and bonders interchangeably. For acrylics, a primer is nearly always required; a bonder is not an acceptable substitute. Acid or non-acid, primers fulfil one primary function: Nail bed preparation for acrylics. Natural nails are far more vulnerable to these products because of their more caustic chemical properties.
Like a tree’s roots attaching to the soil, primer’s principal purpose is to hold the acrylic in place. Even though non-acid primers can be slightly corrosive, they pose significantly less of risk to the skin than primers that contain acid. A chemical burn to the skin is significantly less likely to occur in the event of a spill with non-acid primers (such as Magic Bond). Only the natural nail receives a primer application.
When is it OK to use a Primer?
- Before using acrylic paint, of course. (Nomma Plus does not require the use of a primer.)
- Previously, UV/LED Gels
Using a non-acid primer like Magic Bond, you can keep even the most resistant clients from peeling their Gel Polishes.
- Dehydrators
Dehydrators, like bonders, can be found in almost every household. They aim to improve nail adhesion by preparing the natural nail surface. Using a dehydrator, the oils in the nail are dissolved, resulting in a smoother surface. PH Plus (Bonder) or our Magic Bond Primer have far more advantages than Dehydrator. The Dehydrator was officially retired in 2017 and will no longer be manufactured.
When Do you need a Dehydrator?
- Before applying nail lacquer
- To get the best results with gel polish
- Prior UV/LED Gels
Any nail improvement can benefit from the added adhesion provided by a dehydrator.
Benefits of nail dehydrator and primer
- Improves Your Nail Polish’s Durability
One of the most significant advantages of using nail primers and dehydrators is that they improve the adhesion of acrylic, gel, and even ordinary polish to your nails.
And by doing so, you may extend the life of your manicure without chipping, lifting, or peeling it. It is possible to extend the life of acrylic and gel polishes by using primers and dehydrators.
- Maintains the Consistency of Your Nail Polish
In addition, your nails will seem more consistent and appealing for a longer amount of time because your manicures are less likely to peel, lift or split.
- Helps You Save Cash
Because Nail primers and Dehydrators keep your manicures looking consistent for a long time, you won’t have to re-polish your nails as frequently. I don’t have to tell you this, but acrylic nails and gel polishes can be expensive, especially if you use the best brands. This helps you save both time and cash.
Drawbacks of nail dehydrator and primer
- Your Nails Could Be Damaged
When it comes to nail primer, there are a variety of options. For acrylic and gel paints to adhere better to your nails, Acid-Based Primers use Methacrylic Acid, which produces microscopic tears and holes in the nail bed.
It is safe to use acid-based primers if you use them sparingly, but if you use them too regularly, they will weaken your natural nails over time. Dehydrators and Non-Acid Based Primers are recommended by most experts. They tend to be less damaging to your nails than other nail polishes.
- Difficult to remove
Nail primers are excellent for ensuring that your acrylic and gel polishes stick to your nails, making them more durable. Using them is more challenging since they are so amazing. As a result, removing it will necessitate using additional acetone, further damaging your nails.
So, if you intend to change your nails regularly (every week or so), I suggest skipping the nail primer in favour of a nail dehydrator.
- Inability to Prevent Stains
Nail Primer and Nail Dehydrators are useless in preventing nail polish colors from staining your nails, as certain base coats are. Primers may increase the danger of staining since they make polish stick more strongly to your nails, which may lead to a higher risk of discoloration.
As a result, to keep your nails free of stains while using gel or conventional polish, I recommend using a nail primer followed by a nice base coat.
How to apply nail primer?
- Acid-free nail primer
A primer is always the first step in your manicure. Using a nearly dry brush, apply an acid-free primer to each nail. Allow it to dry for 40-60 seconds. A primer that has not evaporated is okay to work on because it will never completely evaporate. The natural should only have a base coat applied.
- Acidic primers
Apply 1-2 little dots of nail polish remover to the nail bed before applying an acid primer. As a result, it will spontaneously expand throughout the nail plate. To avoid smudging your gel manicure, wait until the acid primer has completely evaporated before applying your gel manicure.
How to apply a nail dehydrator?
You can use a store-bought nail dehydrator or you may apply acetone and Isopropyl alcohol as nail dehydrators as well.
As less water is present in highly concentrated Isopropyl alcohol, it is more likely that moisture will be left on your nails after drying.
- You will first need to apply the Isopropyl alcohol to your nail using a clean nail paintbrush and wait for your nail to absorb it before moving on to the second step. (Before applying the rubbing alcohol to your nail, make sure the nail paint brush is clean and dry.)
- Continue with the acetone when the Isopropyl alcohol has been completely evaporated.
- Allow 2 to 3 minutes for the rubbing alcohol and acetone to fully permeate into the nail. If you look closely, you will notice that your nails are taking on a matte, bleached look.
- When your nails are dry, you can proceed with the rest of the nail-care procedure.
- To avoid leaving rescues on your nails, use products that do not contain items like cotton wool when applying them here.
A rough or uneven acrylic or gel nail might spoil a manicure if this happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to use a nail primer and dehydrator in conjunction with each other?
A primer is a must-have in any home. A good set of acrylic nails requires the use of a primer. Dehydrators and bonders are not required, but a bonder is.
Is acetone an acceptable dehydrator?
At normal temperature, acetone is a highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly. Since the moisture on your nails is forced to evaporate due to the fast evaporation, it can be used as a dehydrator.
Do you need to cure nail primer?
Always apply your primer first. Using an almost dry brush, apply an acid-free primer to each nail and allow it to dry for around 40-60 seconds. It is fine to work on acid-free primer while it’s still slightly damp.
With no primer, can I apply acrylic nails?
There would be no acrylic nails without the primer. Despite the recent advent of primer-free monomers from businesses such as Creative Nail Design and Supply Source, priming will continue to be an essential step in most acrylic systems for the time being.
Do you start by applying a nail dehydrator or primer?
The dehydrator would be applied first to remove the oils from the nail, followed by a bonder, which would be applied second to elevate the PH level of the natural nail, and primer, which would be used third to aid in the attachment of the enhancement to the nail.
Conclusion about Nail dehydrator and primer
A primer should be kept on hand at all times. The application of primer is critical in the completion of a suitable set of acrylic nails. There is no requirement for both a bonder and a dehydrator, necessary. I strongly advise using PH Plus rather than a dehydrator because it increases adherence more effectively than dehydrators.
I hope that this article about nail dehydrator and primer will be helpful for you.
