Degreasers, dehydrators, primers

The technology of applying a gel-varnish coating involves the preparation of nails for the procedure. It is on the quality of this preparation that the further quality of the finished manicure depends (wear time, coating resistance to chips and cracks). The key to a flawless gel polish manicure is special products such as degreasers, dehydrators, primers. All of them are designed to enhance the adhesion of gel polish or gel or other artificial material to the nail plate, thereby ensuring excellent durability of the coating and long wearing time of the manicure. In addition, you need to know the difference between these tools and the sequence of application.

So what's the difference between all these products: degreasers, nail prep, dehydrator, bond, nail fresh, primer, ultrabond, bonder, etc.?

A degreaser (nail prep) is a necessary preparation for all types of manicure, if the master uses an artificial coating (decorative varnish is also an artificial coating). It also occurs with the English name Nail Prep. The degreaser removes natural deposits (dust and grease) from the nail surface.

Dehydrator (bond) - an additional drug that dehydrates (dries) the nail plate, removes excess moisture. Bond, when applied, degreases only the upper layer of the natural nail, thereby not disturbing the water balance and does not lead to their drying and fragility of the nail plate. The dehydrator does not contain any dyes or fragrances and is hypoallergenic. It can even be used before applying nail polish for added durability. The main indication for the use of this drug is increased sweating on the client's hands. It is also recommended to use a dehydrator after a wet manicure.

Acid-free primer (ultrabond) - works like double-sided tape, leaves stickiness, thereby forming a stronger connection of nails with the artificial coating. An acid-free primer is preferable to an acidic one, since it does not violate PH   - balance of the nail plate. Used before coating with gel polish and when extending nails with gel.

The acidic primer is based on methacrylic acid. Promotes the opening of the scales of the nail plate, which rise and allow the material for nail extension to cling to them, thus forming a strong bond. This primer is mainly used for nail extension.

Base coat (bonder) is the first phase in a three-phase nail coating or extension system. Requires polymerization in a UV lamp.

The sequence of application of drugs before gel polish or build-up:

1. Degreaser (nail prep);

2. Dehydrator (bond);

3. Primer (Ultrabond or acid-free primer is preferable as it does not disturb PH   - balance of the nail plate. If the primer is acidic, then there is no need for a dehydrator);

4. Base coat (bonder).

Usually, within each brand of gel polish, there is a full range of specialized tools for its application, developed taking into account the characteristics of certain gel polishes. For example, for Shellac CND gel varnishes, the manufacturer suggests using CND Scrubfresh as a degreaser, and CND Nail Fresh as a dehydrator. For your convenience, each gel polish that can be bought on our website has a description with technology and a list of recommended means for application.