Nail dehydrator. What is it, what is it for, which one is better, how to use it

Using a dehydrator

To degrease and disinfect nails during the application of decorative coating, products containing dehydrators are used. They are produced in the form of separate preparations or included in disinfectants. The bottles are equipped with an applicator with a brush, which distributes the liquid over the plate in an even layer.

A dehydrator is an indispensable tool for those who have “wet hands.”

A quality product performs the following functions:

• cleanses nails of fatty traces and other contaminants;
• restores the natural balance of ph plates;
• disinfects the surface;
• promotes strong adhesion of varnish to the nail;
• prevents the development of pathogenic microflora;
• removes excess moisture.

Creating a manicure without using a dehydrator can result in rapid peeling of the decorative coating. This defect is observed already in the first week of wearing nail art.

The product has the form of a colorless liquid with a slight specific aroma. The consistency is slightly viscous, but fits well on the plate. You can buy a dehydrator at any store that has a manicure section.

The scope of application of the product is not limited to nail decoration. The product is also used for extensions.

How to replace a nail dehydrator

You can replace a dehydrator at home with improvised means that have a similar cleansing effect. But such a replacement should be a one-time use; such products are not suitable for continuous use. All of them, when used repeatedly, disrupt the acid-base balance of the nail plates, dehydrate them, and dry them out. As a home analogue of a dehydrator, you can take:

• medical alcohol;
• alcohol solution of boric acid (3%);
• acetone, nail polish remover based on it.

Important! When using nail polish remover with acetone, you need to read its composition.

If it contains oil-based components, it will not work.

In the photo you can see what the dehydrator looks like.

Components included in the composition

Dehydrators, which are produced in the form of separate products, are distinguished by their multicomponent composition. Each manufacturer's product formula is unique. But the base used is identical.

1. Acetic acid ester with butyl properties or butyl acetate acts as an organic solvent.
2. Fragrances and dyes are a common component that does not have the best effect on nails. When choosing a dehydrator, it is recommended to give preference to formulations without these chemical compounds or with their minimal content.
3. Acids are substances that promote the opening of scales. This opens a passage into the deep layers of the nail structure for the organic solvent. A common ingredient from different manufacturers is methacrylic acid in a concentration of 30-100%.
4. Vitamins – provide tissue nutrition and gentle care. Many manufacturers enrich the composition with valuable microelements. This fact is not a marketing ploy, but a real concern for consumers.

Most dehydrators do not contain aggressive components. This eliminates disruption of the natural microflora and destruction of the nail structure.

How to choose a product for its intended purpose

The choice must be made depending on the manicure. We will help you figure it out:

• A manicure that involves varnish can also be done with a degreaser.
• If you are doing acrylic extensions, you need to apply an acid primer, first using a bonder. However, taking into account the properties of these liquids, only a bonder can be used.
• If you choose a gel for extensions, you can use a dehydrator or an acid-free primer.

Don’t also forget about the bottles marked 3 in 1, which can perform the functionality of three substances at once, helping to prepare your nails for a manicure, regardless of what coating is chosen.

What are the types

Nail dryers are available as separate products or included in primers and degreasers. In the first case, all drugs are divided into two types: acidic and non-acidic.

Acid dehydrator

The degreasing and drying effect is provided by the active compound - methacrylic acid. The concentrated liquid does not penetrate deeply into the horny epithelium, which eliminates the destruction of the structure. The adhesion of the decorative coating to the plate after treatment with a dehydrator is enhanced. Consequently, the manicure will remain presentable for longer.

The acid composition has a drying effect. This is relevant for skin prone to overhydration and oiliness. The product is also suitable for springboard-shaped plates.

The acidic ingredient in the composition indicates that precautions must be taken when working with the dehydrator. Contact with skin increases the risk of itching, burning, and redness.

The acid composition is characterized by rapid drying. You need to work with this tool extremely quickly and smoothly.

Acid Free Dehydrator

The product is characterized by a gentle effect on the horny epithelium. Maximum safety of the composition is achieved through the use of neutral components in production that do not have a negative effect on the nails. However, the bold plus is balanced by the minus - less strong adhesion indicators.

One of the active ingredients of the acid-free composition is resins. They leave a sticky layer after the dehydrator dries.

The absence of acid in the desiccant does not deprive the product of its functionality. It also ensures high-quality removal of moisture and fat, pathogenic microflora. The scope of application is impressive: for acrylic, gel, shellac and other decor.

It is not recommended to use an acid-free dryer when extending onto tips. Failure to comply with this warning may result in the extension material splitting. When correcting gel nails, only the regrown part of the plate is covered with a dehydrator.

An acid-free dehydrator must be used after performing a trim manicure (wet). Treatment with a desiccant prevents the development of inflammation and fungus.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is a misconception that a dehydrator and a degreaser are identical. Their compositions and functionality have many differences. To understand what the differences are, you need to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bonder.

The degreaser removes grease and dirt from the surface, acting superficially. The desiccant also removes excess moisture, penetrating deep into the structure of the horny epithelium. It is not necessary to use both means. Those with oily skin and excessive sweating should give preference to a dehydrator. If there are no skin problems, use a regular degreaser.

When comparing a desiccant with a primer, the following advantages are observed:

• both products create a protective layer that neutralizes the negative impact of decorative coatings on the horny epithelium;
• They are used to treat natural nails.

In comparison of adhesive properties, the desiccant loses to the primer, which creates a stronger adhesion of the plate to the coating.

When applying a primer, the nail surface becomes rougher than after treatment with a dehydrator.

Advantages of the dehumidifier:

• high-quality preparation of the plate for coating, copes with all types of contaminants;
• does not change the color of shellac or gel polish;
• prevents the development of pathogenic microflora;
• does not deplete the tissue of the stratum corneum;
• provides an antibacterial effect;
• can be used on brittle and thin nails;
• does not destroy the structure of the plate;
• restores acid-base balance;
• does not have a toxic effect on the epithelium;
• increases surface adhesion.

Difference between a dehydrator and a degreaser

A degreaser has a superficial effect on the nail, removing exclusively fat from the nail plate, while a dehydrator acts deeper, performing a fairly wide range of tasks, from degreasing the surface to removing excess moisture from the nail and drying it at the deepest level.

Nail primer

When choosing a product, it is important to pay attention to the individual structure of the nail plate. It is advisable to use a dehydrator if a woman suffers from increased sweating and excessively high secretion of subcutaneous fat. You can replace a nail dehydrator with a degreaser if the skin of the face and body is excessively dry, without excessive sweating, and not prone to oiliness.

Acid-free primer

Top 5 funds

IQ BEAUTY nail dehydrator

Effectively removes grease and moisture from the surface of the plates.
The composition does not contain resins that create a sticky layer, or fragrances. When applying, special attention is paid to the cuticle area and ends. Scope of product application: all types of gel, shellac, rubber coatings. Volume – 12.5 ml.

Cost – 195 rubles.

Patrisa Nail nail dehydrator Nail Prep

Liquid for removing fat and moisture from nail plates, characterized by high efficiency. Suitable for working with acrylic, gel, gel polish. Despite its powerful cleaning action, the product provides gentle care. Copes with any type of pollution.

Volume – 16 ml.

Cost – 300 rub.

Fantasy Nails Dehydrator

The drying liquid removes dirt, oil and moisture from the nail plate. This helps create a strong adhesion of the nail to the decorative coating.

Apply the product after polishing and filing the nails. Area of ​​application of the product: working with acrylic, gel, bio-gel, shellac.

Cost - 139 rubles.

PNB nail dehydrator Nail Dehydrator

One of the popular means for creating nail art.
The manufacturer produces a wide range of manicure products, including this dehumidifier. No fragrances or dyes were used in the production, which makes it safe to use. The liquid does not emit an unpleasant odor when applied to nails. This is a professional product used by masters of elite salons.

Volume – 15 ml.

Cost – 240 rub..

NeoNail nail dehydrator Nail Prep

The product is developed on the basis of a unique formula that effectively degreases and dries the nail plate. The composition does not contain aggressive chemical compounds. Area of ​​application: under shellac coating, gel polish, extensions.

Caution: Keep the bottle away from heat sources.

Volume – 10 ml.

Cost – 280 rub.

What is nail degreaser?

Human skin secretes sweat and oil, which contaminate the nail plate. It is impossible to create a permanent manicure over such stains. To remove this unwanted layer, degreasing agents are used.

A degreaser is a special liquid with a special composition that allows you to remove the oily layer in a short time, as well as disinfect the nail, dry the nail and the skin around it. After this treatment, you can apply regular decorative varnish, extension gel, etc. to the nail.

Neil prep (also called a degreaser) can be used to remove the sticky layer after applying an artificial coating and its polymerization on the nail. Although there is a special liquid for these purposes.

How to apply correctly

The declared characteristics and functions of the dehydrator are checked after the first use of the product. To adequately evaluate a manicure product, you need to follow the rules for applying preparatory layers for shellac/gel polish.

Experts propose the following algorithm.

1. Before starting work, the master prepares the necessary tools and puts on gloves.
2. First, each nail plate is treated: removing the keratinized layer of cuticle, giving the nails the desired shape. The process is performed using an orange stick or pusher.
3. Use a sanding file to remove the shine from the surface. Dust is carefully brushed off with a stiff-bristled brush.
4. The next step is to apply the dehydrator. Excess liquid is removed from the brush, after which the product is distributed over the plate. Do not touch the skin around the nail due to the risk of chemical burns. The brush is passed in this order: first the center of the nail, then the side parts. It takes about a minute to dry the layer.

In this way, each plate is processed in turn. The quality of work can be assessed by the whitish surface that appears after drying. The tissue around the plate should not be affected. Next, the following steps are performed to create nail art.

If the dehydrator comes into contact with your skin, immediately rinse your hand under running water. You can continue manicure only after complete drying.

Do not apply the product to all nails at the same time. The period of action of the product does not exceed 30 minutes.

Reviews

Larisa, 30 years old

Lately I've only been using the IQ BEAUTY dehydrator. An ideal composition that really provides nail care. When applying desiccant, it is important to carefully coat the entire plate. If there are untouched areas left, chips will soon form in these places. The product should be used with caution; if it comes into contact with the skin, a strong burning sensation occurs. I remove marks with a cotton swab dipped in clean water.

Yulia, 27 years old

I learned how to do manicures with gel polish myself. The first times were unsuccessful; for a long time I could not figure out the reason for the peeling of the decorative coating 3-4 days after its application. I read that a dehydrator can be replaced with a primer. Only later did I find out that not every primer contains dehydrating substances. After following the technique using all the means, it was possible to obtain durable nail art.

By following the bonder application technology, high-quality preparation of nails for decorating with coatings is achieved. The process includes disinfection of the manicure area, prevention of fungus, removal of dirt and moisture. Taken together, all of these factors help improve the adhesive properties of the plate surface.

How to use degreaser: precautions

The degreaser is applied to the nails with a brush, which is provided in the bottle with the product. If there is none, wipe your nails with a cotton pad soaked in degreaser. Treat the nail carefully so as not to leave any areas uncovered by the degreasing liquid.

Like any chemical, degreaser must be used carefully and follow the instructions for use .

• Do not allow the degreaser to come into contact with the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes . Rinse thoroughly the area where the mucous membrane comes into contact with the product.
• Remember that the grease solvent has a rather pungent odor, to which you may be allergic .

Ask the person you are going to cover if he or she suffers from allergic reactions to similar substances. When you use a product on yourself, make sure it is safe for you too. If you experience an allergic reaction to the degreaser, consult a doctor immediately.

• After use , carefully close the lid of the product and remove it away from sources of heat and bright light .