What is a nail primer and how to apply it correctly?

Christian Dior once said that the beauty of your hands can say a lot about your style without a single word.

We are accustomed to the fact that a woman’s calling card is her face. BUT now cosmetology has come so far that any age-related change can be masked almost without a trace.

Chanel about manicure

Therefore, you can now learn more about a woman by her hands, by their degree of grooming, by a high-quality and neat manicure. This element is like a bold point in a sentence, completing the integrity of the female image.

Modern products make it possible to wear the coating on your nails for up to four weeks, allowing busy ladies to save time and visit a specialist or carry out the procedure themselves just once a month.

The most important step that directly affects the “service life” of gel coatings or acrylic extensions is the application of nail primer.

What is a nail primer?

The commercial move of manufacturers has led to the fact that on store shelves you can find primer, bonder, and nail prep. All of these are, in fact, types of primers, only slightly different in composition.

Primer – (translated from Latin as “first”, from English as “primer”) is a liquid product for preparing the nail plate for professional long-term manicure. It is designed to clean and degrease the nail surface and prevent peeling of the coating.

As a result, it enhances the adhesion or adhesion of coating materials to the nail plate. Thanks to this, not only does the durability of the manicure increase, but also the risk of the development of pathogenic microorganisms under the artificial turf is reduced - with the materials fitting as tightly as possible, there is simply no room left for the fungus on the disinfected nail.

It is important that the use of a primer prevents the deep impact of the chemical components that make up the “top layers” on the natural nail.

If you care about the thickness of the coating, then the primer does not add a millimeter to it. In professional slang, it is even called “double-sided tape,” which allows you to discreetly and reliably secure the coating even on such vulnerable areas as the ends and edges of the nails.

The Importance of Nail Primer

Externally, the packaging of the primer is identical to any type of varnish - it is an opaque bottle with a brush on the lid. When choosing a product, special attention should be paid to studying the information on the label.

How does a bonder differ from a primer?

Both bonds are applied before the decorative coating. However, they perform different functions.

Considering the sequence of the process of decorating nails with a decorative coating, we can conclude that the primer should be applied first. Only after it has dried, the bonder is distributed over the surface.

Types of primers by composition

The fact is that, depending on the composition, primers are divided into 3 main classes: acidic, acid-free and bond. And when choosing, you need to consider the following factors:

• condition of the nail plate;
• type of coating;
• presence of allergies to chemical components;
• frequency of procedures.

Pre-primer or bond

This type of product is the safest among all three. It does not contain aggressive chemical dyes and fragrances, it does not penetrate deep into the structure of the nail plate, drying only its top layer. Thanks to this, the bond is ideal for weakened, thin and brittle nails, and is also recommended as a practically hypoallergenic product.

BOND

Of course, such a composition does not guarantee strong adhesion to the material. Therefore, the bond is used as a degreaser when applying regular polish, gel polish, or before applying an acid/acid-free primer.

In the second case, it is more correct to call the product a pre-primer. Because it acts as an intermediate protective layer between natural nails and the primer.

Acid-free

Primer based on ethyl acetate - a hypoallergenic solvent, safe even for sensitive hands. It is often called ultrabond due to its similar gentle effect on nails.

Acid-free primer

There are a number of features of an acid-free primer:

• Safe for both the nail plate and skin. Suitable for use with dry hand skin prone to allergic reactions.
• At the same time, it degreases well, it does not affect the pH level (acidity) of the nail and does not thin it.
• Dries quickly, significantly speeding up the manicure process.
• Suitable for any work with gel coatings, from gel polish to modeling using gel.
• When dry, it does not leave a mark on the nail plate - the master focuses on the absence of wet areas on the nail.
• Does not subsequently change the color of the base coat.

Acid

Finally, the “strongest” option, which contains methacrylic acid. The packaging of such a product always contains the inscription “ACIDBASED”, that is, “acid-based”.

It is very important to understand that the acid in this primer is mildly toxic. In combination with other components, it significantly dehydrates the nail several layers deep. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it on weakened nails - this will only worsen their condition.

Acid primer

However, the acid primer has a number of undeniable advantages:

• it provides 100% strong adhesion of the material to the nail, lifting the scales of the nail plate due to severe dehydration;
• completely disinfects the nail, eliminating any possibility of infection;
• suitable for working with oily nail plates;
• recommended for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);
• helps to “tame” the most difficult nail shapes to work with: springboard-shaped, twisted, etc.;
• used before acrylic extensions or strengthening.

Unlike its acid-free counterpart, when it dries, it leaves a typical white coating on the nails, which indicates that the nail is ready for further work.

A significant disadvantage is the specific acidic odor, therefore, in order to avoid irritation of the mucous membrane, it is recommended to thoroughly ventilate the room while working with this product.

Another important point is that such a primer needs to be applied in a very thin, neat layer. This will minimize the aggressive effects of acid.

The Best Acid-Free Primers

An acid-free primer (ultrabond, powerbond, superbond) is considered relatively safe for the health of the nail plate. It has a mild composition without methacrylic acid compounds. It has no specific odor and is indispensable for gel extensions and gel polish coating. Disadvantage - the gentle formula does not effectively disinfect the surface of the nails from fungus, so the product is not recommended for pedicures.

Nail Republic Ultrabond

Transparent liquid with a pungent odor without inclusions. The bottle has a comfortable synthetic brush for easy application. The label details the composition with a description of the chemicals. You should use a nail primer before applying biogel, acrylic or gel. The bond works on the principle of double-sided tape, reliably connecting the artificial and natural layers. Drying does not require an ultraviolet lamp or special conditions, which makes the master’s work easier. Price – 300 rub. for 10 ml.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• good quality of adhesion to the plate;
• economical application thanks to a high-quality brush;
• does not affect the pH level.

Flaws:

• a specific odor that irritates the mucous membrane;
• drying time is at least 2 minutes;
• Removal may be difficult.

ONIQ OAL-013

Unique polymers and chemical compounds in the acid-free manicure degreaser do not dry out the nail plate. The primer has medium thickness, is easy to apply, does not flow under the cuticle, which eliminates chemical burns and discomfort. Ultrabond guarantees the durability of the gel coating during long-term wear without detachment along the edges. Price – 350 rubles.

Advantages:

• no pungent odor;
• affects only the top layer.

Flaws:

• difficult to purchase;
• graduated brush – inconvenient to use, requires skill.

TNL Bond

Nail primer is in demand among manicurists. After applying the bond, a durable layer for the base is formed and provides excellent adhesion. The product disinfects the nail surface by adding ethyl acetate and methyl catone. Dries in 20 seconds. under a UV lamp. Price – 240 rub. for 15 ml.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• excellent quality of coating;
• does not cause allergies;
• good adhesive properties;
• stylish bottle design.

Flaws:

• difficult to remove if you need to remove shellac;
• evaporates quickly if the bottle is not tightly closed;
• acrylic ester in the composition can cause burning of the cuticle;
• low quality fakes are often found.

ELPAZA

The primer for gel polish does not contain harmful substances, it is easy to apply, and when it dries, it leaves a sticky layer. The degreaser acts as a dehydrator for nails and, according to reviews from experts, can compete with more expensive luxury formulations. Price – 160 rub.

Advantages:

• recommended for beginners and home use;
• safe for clients with allergies;
• has an original packaging design.

Flaws:

• not used on thin and brittle nails;
• may dry out the skin and nail plate;
• requires treatment in a UV lamp for at least 2 minutes;
• When applied in a thick layer, defects are formed.

Lianail All Stars ASPR-01

The acid-free primer is absorbed only into the keratin nail layer and does not disturb the structure. Ultrabond contains a minimal amount of methacrylate and has a specific odor. The product provides a strong connection with gel polish and requires air drying for 1 minute. Price – 350 rub.

Advantages:

• easy to apply;
• leaves a sticky layer after application, enhancing the elasticity of shellac;
• increases the wearing time of manicure up to 3 weeks;
• safe;
• does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

• irritating odor;
• high price with average primer quality;
• difficult to remove without cutting.

Step by step application of primer on nails

1. First of all, treat the cuticles and nail folds. Push the cuticle away from the nail plate with a wooden orange stick or a special metal pusher. Then remove excess skin with nail scissors/tweezers or a special cutter if you are using a manicure machine.
2. Using a special file (buff, grinder), carefully sand the surface of the nail, removing the layer of natural shine.
3. Clean your nails from any dust that has formed, first with a brush or brush, then with a lint-free cloth soaked in a disinfectant.

   
   Nail preparation

4. Then apply primer. To do this, carefully “squeeze” the brush against the edges of the bottle, removing excess product. Apply the brush to the center of the nail and allow the degreaser to spread over the surface on its own. Carefully cover unaffected areas with a thin layer, avoiding contact with the skin. “Seal” the tip of the nail.

If correction is in progress and a thin layer of uncut base remains on the plate, then the primer is applied only to the regrown part of the natural nail.

If the primer does get on the cuticle or side ridges, then you need to thoroughly rinse the skin with water.

Primer application

Remember that the thinner the primer layer, the higher its effectiveness. The thick layer prevents the scales of the nail plate from rising higher and adhering to the artificial surface as much as possible.

1. The primer air dries in 15 to 60 seconds. Next, you need to wait for the primer to air dry. How to determine that the material has dried and is ready for further work, see the description of acidic and acid-free primers above.

In rare cases, if indicated in the instructions, drying under a UV lamp is required.

1. Next, proceed to covering or building up

Completing the manicure

How to use primer

Under gel polish

When applying gel extensions or covering nails with shellac, the plates are treated with a primer.

Process sequence:

1. Give the desired shape to your nails.
2. Remove cuticles in a convenient way.
3. Use a buff (220 grit) to remove the gloss.
4. To remove dust and dry the surface, degrease with a conventional compound or a dehydrator.
5. Apply the bond over the entire nail or just along the edges.
6. When using an acidic composition, drying under a UV lamp (3 minutes) is required.
7. Applying the base followed by drying.
8. Coating with colored varnish.
9. After drying, apply top coat.

Extensions with tips or gel are carried out using any primer that does not contain acid. In order to increase the reliability of adhesion of the layers, it is recommended to apply 2 balls of degreaser.

Work with tips is carried out with care, excluding contact of liquid with workpieces. If the material is handled carelessly, the surface of the artificial nail may become cracked.

Under acrylic nails

The preparation process is performed in the following sequence:

1. Push back the cuticle using an orange stick (you can use a pusher).
2. Remove shine with a sanding file.
3. Apply the bond, first squeezing out excess liquid against the walls of the bottle (do not allow it to come into contact with the skin).
4. Allow the layer to dry naturally (when using an acid composition, drying under a UV lamp is required).
5. As soon as there is a whitish film on the surface, they begin to build up.

Regular varnish

Under regular varnish, an acid-free composition or a regular degreaser is used. These are products that have a liquid consistency. They are applied with a thin ball without touching the skin. Drying is carried out naturally, it takes about 1-2 minutes. No special lamp needed.

What can replace the primer?

Like everything you need, the primer tends to run out at the most inopportune moment. In such situations, it is urgently necessary to replace it with a product whose properties will be close to the original version.

These often include the following:

• nail polish remover containing acetone, but without oils;
• alcohol or cologne;
• table vinegar.

Any of these homemade alternatives can dry out the surface of the nail, but none of them guarantee the result that the primer gives. Therefore, for a high-quality manicure, you should always have a specialized product.

Is it possible to replace

There is no absolute analogue of a primer. There are similar products in the industry (bonders), but they perform only part of the functions and are not able to completely replace the primer. At home, in the absence of a professional primer, it is recommended to use a base. Before applying gel polish it will be enough. But with nail extensions, such a replacement cannot be made. Quality basecoats:

• First Base, Essie - helps the varnish to lay down in an even layer, easy to use;

  Base to ensure even application of varnish

• All in One Base, Essie - provides a stable connection with varnish and additionally cares for the nail.

  All in One Base contains useful elements for nail care

Rating and review of top 10 primers

TOP 1. Ultrabond Cody

The most popular acid-free primer from the USA among craftsmen. Volume 12 ml. An absolutely harmless product, more like water. Practical odorless. Allows you to wear gel coating for up to 4 weeks. One package is enough for at least six months of regular use.

Ultrabond Cody

TOP 2. Primer CND.

This is a unique acid-free primer from one of the leading American ones. Volume 15 ml. Despite the absence of acids, it is suitable for acrylic coatings. Effective for both manicure and pedicure. A reliable and economical option for those who value quality.

Primer CND

TOP 3. Ultrabond Naomi.

Acid-free primer made in the USA. Volume 12 ml. It is characterized by the presence of a sticky layer that provides better adhesion of the coating and the nail plate. Does not have a strong chemical smell. Dries in seconds.

Ultrabond Naomi

TOP 4. Primer RuNail.

Domestic acid-free primer. Volume 15 ml. Thanks to the special formula, ACID FREE ensures gentle and strong adhesion of the nail to the artificial coating. Minimizes the occurrence of chipping and detachment. Does not cause allergies or irritation.

Primer RuNail

TOP 5. Primer TNL.

This is an acid-free primer made in South Korea. Volume 15 ml. Performs not only the main function of degreasing the nail plate, but also leveling microcracks, protecting the nail from deep penetration of the artificial coating. It has a pungent odor, but dissipates quickly.

Primer TNL

TOP 6. Primer Formula Pro.

A Russian bond that combines two qualities: the best adhesion in its segment and the absence of methacrylic acid. The result is an ideal coating without chips or peeling, preserving the natural color of the nail and protecting it from delamination.

Primer Formula Pro

TOP 7. Dona Jerdona.

Acid primer made in the USA. Volume is only 10 ml. Very economical - it allows you to treat 3 nails at a time, which justifies the small volume. Does not require polymerization and is suitable for any manicure technology.

Dona Jerdona

TOP 8. Mozart House.

Acid-free primer of Austrian-German production. Volume 10 ml. Users are distinguished not only by the bright design, but also by the comfortable thin brush. The bottle is spill-proof and therefore suitable for transportation. Hypoallergenic and does not cause irritation.

Mozart House

TOP 9. PRIMER BLUESKY.

A Chinese acid-free primer that confidently occupies a significant niche in the market. Contrary to expectations, it is even suitable for hands suffering from hyperhidrosis. A convenient synthetic brush ensures even distribution of the product over the surface of the nail. Has a specific smell.

PRIMER BLUESKY

TOP 10. CANNI Primer.

CANNI Primer

Another acid-free primer from the Middle Kingdom. It is mainly used in non-professional home manicures, as it perfectly fixes decorative gel polishes and allows the manicure to maintain its original appearance for up to 2 weeks. The small volume (7.3 ml) is compensated by low consumption.

The best long-lasting gel polishes

In this category, 4 very popular gel-based polishes are recognized as the best.

Kodi Base Top Gel

This is a combination of base and finish at an affordable price from a famous American brand. The products are positioned as professional, but can be safely used at home. With their help, nails are given a lasting glossy but natural shine. Thanks to the UV lamp, the varnish dries almost instantly. If necessary, it can be quickly removed with a special liquid, foil and an orange stick. The result, according to user reviews, lasts 2-3 weeks.

The coating polymerizes in an LED lamp for no longer than 20-30 seconds, and this is a record in our rating. But it is recommended to choose it only for healthy, well-groomed nails that are not prone to brittleness. Otherwise, the varnish will last less time. It is convenient to create even complex drawings with it. This is the leader of this TOP in terms of the amount of content in the container - 12 ml, its packaging is convenient, although not transparent.

Advantages:

• Versatility of use;
• There are no problems with removal;
• There are no “chips”;
• Low price;
• Does not require “filing” when removing;
• Considerable volume;
• Persistence.

Flaws:

• Large consumption of product when using the “native” brush.

Average price: 600 rub.

OPI Gelcolor

This is a combination of gels in 15 ml bottles of opaque material. Each of them dries in 30 seconds thanks to the auxiliary components in the composition. Reviews show that the manufacturer does not disappoint, promising durability of the glossy finish for 3 weeks. Among the advantages is economical consumption due to the thick consistency. The color palette is replete with pink, blue, and red shades.

If you need to remove the varnish gel, it is enough to spend 15 minutes on it. The peculiarity of this line of products is that there is no need to grind the nails before applying them, which eliminates injury to the plate. Due to the absence of a large number of varnish components, the finished coating is not subject to chips and cracks, gives nails and fingers aesthetics, and lasts for 2-3 weeks.

Advantages:

• Aesthetics of the coating;
• Beautiful colors;
• Lasting effect;
• Large volume.

Flaws:

• It is difficult to control consumption due to the opacity of the jar.

Judging by the reviews, products from OPI Gelcolor made it into the top of the best gel polishes due to the ratio of low price and acceptable quality.

Average price : 1300 rub.

Lovely Gel Polish

In our rating of the best gel polishes, these products compare favorably with their competitors with their varied palette, which includes 12 shades. The range is very beautiful and allows you to create completely different designs, both everyday and festive manicures. They are well pigmented, do not spread over the nails due to their non-liquid consistency and smooth out on their own on the surface. The kit includes a convenient, large and flat brush for even more even distribution of the varnish composition over the plate.

Lovely Gel Polish gel polishes have a dense texture that allows you to apply it in 1-2 layers. But because of this, it takes a little longer than usual for the coating to dry, on average up to 2-3 minutes. They are bottled in practical 12 ml bottles with a rubberized top. The presence of a color sticker on the cap greatly speeds up the search for the desired shade.

Advantages:

• Gorgeous colors;
• Lay evenly on the nails;
• Availability on sale;
• Large volume in bottles;
• Convenience of packaging;
• Ease of use.

Flaws:

• It is difficult to find an analogue among products from other manufacturers.

According to reviews, Lovely Gel Polish lasts a long time even without using a primer.

Average price : 500 rub.

Harmony Gelish

This product deserves the title of one of the best gel polishes in the TOP because of its practicality - it is equally easy to work with both a professional and an amateur. A manicure with this coating looks impressive due to its rich shades. The company has both plain and gradient options to choose from. She even took care of creating French products. The company's designers are clearly partial to sparkles; this decorative element is also present in the collection.

Harmony Gelish takes into account fashion trends, which is confirmed by the abundance of colors - from white to black for spring, summer, winter, autumn. A nice feature is the standard, strictly fixed price for all options in the series. They do not weigh down the nails, give a feeling of lightness, make them aesthetically pleasing and do not wear off for 3 weeks or more. The assortment includes 15 ml bottles, which is very rare for this market. After removing the composition, not even the slightest trace remains of it and the nails themselves do not deteriorate.

Advantages:

• Variety of shades;
• Beautiful decor;
• Super durability;
• Easy to apply;
• Quick rinse if necessary;
• Do not wear out under the influence of water and other factors.

Flaws:

• The price is a bit high;
• You need to remove it with a remover.

Harmony Gelish gel polishes, judging by the photo, add visual volume to the nails, so they are ideal for those with thin, small nail plates.

Average price : 600 rub.

General characteristics of the product

Primer (from the Latin word “prime” - first, primary) should be applied to the nail as a base coat. Its constituent components:

• protect nails from mechanical damage and microbial infections,
• degrease the nail plate, removing natural fatty lubricant;
• provides better adhesion to the coating material.

The disinfecting effect is extremely necessary at the initial stage of manicure. Bacteria trapped between the nail plate and the artificial coating can cause unwanted inflammatory processes in the nail, as well as provoke separation of it and the coating. With the help of this manicure component you can combat unwanted defects of the nail plate - stripes, spots, tubercles. It is very convenient that the primer also has a dehydrating property (removing excess liquid for high-quality adhesion of the coating to the nail). Thus, it is also a nail dehydrator.

The product exhibits a fairly strong disinfectant and dehydrating effect only in the upper layers of the nail, without destroying it or changing the water balance or other indicators of moisture.

It doesn’t matter what exactly the master will do next - gel polish, shellac or acrylic extensions, first of all the nail plate is covered with a base layer. There are currently three types of primers:

• pre-primers,
• acid-free;
• acidic.

Nail Bond, Primer and Dehydrator: What's the Difference?

It's no surprise that nail primer, nail bonder, and nail dehydrator are often confused.
All three products have a common goal.

Namely: to increase adhesion to the natural nail, but this is where the similarities between them end.

We recommend: How to remove gel polish at home: materials and tools

Each product is different both chemically and in how it actually promotes the adhesion of gel and acrylic to the nail plate.

Nail Bond

Contains components used to remove fat and increases the pH of the natural nail.

What is a primer used for?

Preyp - nail primer is a substance that does not contain any fragrances or dyes, and is also hypoallergenic. It is also called "bond" or "degreaser". This layer is very important in the technology of high-quality manicure. It is applied in any case, even before using acidic or acid-free formulations.

The pre-primer degreases only the top layer of the nail, maintaining its health and eliminating brittleness and splitting. Non-specialized means cannot achieve such a result.

note

Both primers effectively prepare the nail surface to adhere to artificial material, but acid-free primers are less likely to damage the nail bed or skin if handled carelessly.
There is a misconception that acid primer thins nails, but this is only true when the primer is applied more than twice, contrary to the instructions, or if too much is applied. It is worth considering that preliminary polishing of the nail also causes some thinning of the nail plate.

Well-known manufacturers of acid primers:

• Runail;
• IBD;
• Yoko;
• TNL;
• Kodi.

We recommend: Which nail extension is better: gel or acrylic

Well-known brands producing acid-free primers:

• CND;
• Bluesky;
• Runail;
• EzFlow;
• Kodi;
• IBD;
• Masura;
• Lechat.

The cost of primers varies from 130 to 600 rubles, depending on the manufacturer, composition and volume of the bottle. For example, a primer from Bluesky (10 ml) costs 250 rubles, and EzFlow Non Acid Primer (14 ml) costs 595 rubles.

Acid primer

Acid primer is most often used for acrylic nail extensions. Before applying such a product, you must use a buff - a special nail file made of plastic, fabric (cotton) or polyethylene, which smoothes the surface of the nail, polishes it and gives it shine. Buff is also used at home, but it is not advisable to do this more than once a month so that the nail plate does not become thinner.

As a result of the action of the acid primer, the horny scales of the nail are raised, ensuring reliable adhesion of the nail and acrylic. This effect is caused by methacrylic acid, which is included in the corresponding variant in significant quantities (30 - 100%). The product must be applied twice, each time waiting until it dries completely. How can you tell if the product has completely dried? It’s very simple - a white coating will appear on the nail plate. Despite the fact that you can use an acid-free primer for an acrylic coating, this is only true for a simple, not too long manicure, without heavy elements. If the coating will contain heavy decorative parts, such as large beads or rhinestones, acrylic modeling or a complex pattern that requires repeated acrylic coating, it is better to choose an acid primer for the job.

However, it should be remembered that methacrylic acid itself is quite active, so such a primer should be applied after pushing back the cuticle and skin fold, so that the composition does not get on the skin, causing burning, redness, and in the case of especially sensitive skin, a chemical burn. If the product does get on the skin, you need to wash it off with plenty of water at room temperature.

For thin, damaged or sensitive nails, the acidic version of the product is extremely undesirable; it can cause significant thinning of the nail plate and require a long recovery. In addition, you should not use an acid primer if you are planning a manicure with tips. This can cause a crack, or even a very painful breakage of the nail. In nail salons, masters often prefer “LeChat” or “IBD Stick”.

Thus, the question “Nail primer: what is it?” You can answer this way: this is the composition necessary for high-quality and long-term nail polish.

It is worth noting

Like all chemicals, primer is a safe product when used carefully and correctly.
One manufacturer may claim that its primer is safer than another company's product, but advice on how to apply primer to nails applies to both acidic and acid-free primers. Primers that do not contain methacrylic acid may not burn the skin as quickly as methacrylic primers, but they can eventually cause a burn.

The primer can saturate the nail plate and cause damage to the nail bed if the nail plate is too thin. If you feel a burning sensation, stop using the primer and wash your hands for a few minutes. The primer reliably neutralizes soap or baking soda added to water.

How to replace nail primer?

At home, instead of a primer, you can use alcohol or acetone. As a last resort, a small amount of vinegar. These products will improve adhesion, but will not fully replace the primer, so be mentally prepared for the fact that without a primer, the extended nail may peel off.