Nail primer: what is it, what is it for, how to apply and what they are like

In their articles, reviews and master classes, nail art experts mention primers as an important component of a professional manicure, since this liquid works simultaneously in three directions: it promotes the evaporation of excess moisture and removes the natural fatty film from the surface of the nails; disinfects and deprives microorganisms of conditions for their development; lifts keratin scales and forms an additional sticky layer.

Tips for choosing a primer

To choose the best primer for your purposes, pay attention to the following parameters.

Primer type.

Depending on the composition, there are 2 types of primers. The acid type contains rather aggressive methacrylic acid and is mainly used to treat problem nails. It is more suitable for oily, springboard-growing and brittle nail plates. If used incorrectly, it can cause burns or damage the nail structure. Therefore, it is better not to use acid varnish primers for beginners. Acid-free primer is used for weak, sensitive, thin and dry nails. The main active component in its composition, ethyl acetate, has a much gentler effect on the plates.

Drying.

There are primers on sale that dry on their own, and there are products that require the use of a UV lamp. Of course, the first option is much more convenient. Without a lamp, the procedure will take an order of magnitude less time.

Texture.

In general, this is not the most important parameter. Most primers have a liquid texture, making them economical to use. However, if you have uneven nail plates, then it is better to choose a product with a more viscous composition.

Price segment.

Primers from the budget and mid-range segments are quite suitable for home use. This is especially true for users with healthy nail plates. For professionals or in case of problem nails, it makes sense to overpay and purchase a more expensive product.

What it is

Primer is a clear, odorless liquid or gel that is applied to the surface of the nail plate before applying the main coat. Thanks to its composition, the primer perfectly degreases and dehydrates the nail, without drying it out at the same time. It is included in the gel polish starter kit.

This is extremely necessary to ensure the durability of the manicure, because gel polish does not adhere well to wet surfaces. The primer is also famous for its disinfecting effect, but its effect does not extend deeper than the top layer of the plate, which means it has a very gentle effect.

Several types of primers are produced, and the range of suitable products is increasing every day. Usually these products are very easy to recognize thanks to the characteristic dark glass bottle. This provides protection from sun rays. Externally, such a bottle is no different from ordinary varnish, and for ease of application it is equipped with the same brush.

The labeling of the product usually makes it clear that this is a primer or “primer” in literal translation.

It must be applied immediately before mechanical preparation of the nail plate before coating. In order to make the right choice in favor of the most optimal product, you must also familiarize yourself with the basic classification of these products.

The video explains what a gel polish primer is:

The most reliable primer companies

Every major manufacturer of gel polishes has primers on sale. However, not all of them have quality that matches the price. Based on reviews, we chose the most worthy companies:

Kodi.

The American manufacturer has long established itself in the Russian market. Kodi's gel polishes and primers are also of high quality. The range includes acidic and acid-free products. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is one of the best options for craftsmen and home use.

TNL.

Primers from this Korean brand have received high ratings from users. Manicurists especially praise the acid-free product. It dries well, moisturizes nails, and protects the gel coating from chips and cracks.

Dance Legend.

The Russian brand did not disappoint its fans with the quality of its primers. The products from this manufacturer have a gentle composition, good protective properties and economical consumption.

Difference from bonder

Sometimes manicurists use a bonder. This is a product used only to improve adhesion, and the primer is also used for other indicators. Bonder can also be used to equalize the pH balance of nails. They have a sticky texture and gel consistency. After application, the bonder layer must be dried under a lamp.

But professionals still recommend using a high-quality primer, because it prevents the appearance of fungus, retains the coating longer and also dries instantly in the air. When choosing a product, you need to take into account the condition of the nails, as well as other individual characteristics of the plate.

The best primers for gel polish from the budget segment

In this category we included primers with the lowest price and decent quality. The average cost of all models does not exceed 300 rubles. Last but not least, the low price is due to the fact that most models are made in Russia. According to the main parameters, budget primers are not much different from more expensive ones. But still, this category is more suitable for home use. The exception is a few models from the professional line. They can be used for clients in salons.

Where can I buy

It is best to buy the product in stores that sell professional cosmetics for beauty salons . This is where you will find quality products with the necessary certificates. When purchasing, look at the expiration date and brand.

The quality criteria for primers are very individual and can only be determined experimentally. If the nails last as long as they should, then the product is suitable and can be used.

It is not recommended to choose cheap Chinese primers or order them from suspicious companies on the Internet. You have a serious chance of harming your health by using such products for extensions. Burns, completely damaged nail plates and other troubles are common. It is better to purchase proven products and not risk your health.

For more tips on choosing a primer, watch the video below:

What to replace

Lovers of home manicure have repeatedly wondered: what to replace nail primer with? As a disinfectant and drying agent, many craftsmen use a concentrated solution with a high percentage of ethanol. In other words, medical alcohol. Of course, it is not a primer, but it is excellent for removing sweat and fat secretions.

In fact, dehydrators, including acid-free primer, have a complex action composition that forms adhesion of coatings and strong adhesion of polymers, like a primer in construction. The surface, the dorsal layer, is dried and disinfected by removing a thin layer of fat (gloss).

An acid-free primer prevents the formation of white stripes on the nail, which indicate a lack of microelements. It is especially necessary to use an acid-free product when there is already a crack in the plate.

Regarding antibacterial soap with triclosan, which affects only the bacterial background, eliminates infections and fungus. It is not recommended to use it as a good defensive option. You can wash your hands with soap before the procedure: it won’t add any benefit, but it won’t cause harm either.

There is an opinion among pseudo-experts that you can use nail polish remover instead of a primer. However, this is very sad, since the components of acetone do not evaporate upon contact with air, but remain on the plate. After which the nail is coated with polymer in an artisanal way, and many count on a favorable environment under the coating.

Lemon juice is good as a vitamin boost. Citrus oils are often used for relaxing hand massages and baths for trim manicures. You should not count on the benefits of citric acid and apply it as the first layer before coating.

Common Questions

No, the product dries in open air within 30-120 seconds.

Acid basecoats themselves have good adhesion, so the use of a primer is generally not necessary. If the decorative coating does not wear well without a primer, then try using a more gentle, acid-free product.

Despite statements from manufacturers about the need to use coating materials from the same company, products from different manufacturers can be combined with each other. But the compatibility of specific brands must be established experimentally.

To remove residual sebum and remove small particles of dust from nail filings, the nail is first wiped with a degreaser - dehydrator, and then covered with a primer.

Perhaps it is not a primer that is applied to the nails, but, for example, a bonder. The primer dries within 30-120 seconds without additional exposure. If the bottle says Primer, check to see if it has a sticky layer.

Application technology

To apply a primer, you should not have any supernatural knowledge in the field of cosmetology, however, the use of this liquid still requires compliance with a certain procedure. The technique for working with acidic and acid-free primers is as follows:

1. You need to pick up a lint-free napkin prepared in advance.
2. The next step is to unscrew the cap of the bottle that contains the liquid and put primer on it.
3. The brush should be pressed against the edge of the bottle, after which it should be additionally wetted on a napkin; only after completing these steps can you begin work.
4. Next, the product is applied to the middle of the nail plate: it is necessary that the product spreads thoroughly over the surface of the nail. We must remember that under no circumstances should the primer come into contact with the cuticle or the skin around the finger.
5. After covering one nail, you should move on to the other.
6. After all fingers have been coated with primer, screw the lids of the liquid bottles tightly on and discard the used napkin.

When working with this substance, no matter what form: acidic or acid-free, girls use, we should not forget that the primer is a fairly aggressive cosmetic product. But if fashionistas who love to do their nails at home adhere to the basic safety rules described above, then using a primer will only bring joy in the form of strong and beautiful nails

Nail salon workers are well acquainted with the technology of using the product, so it may be better not to risk using a primer at home and turn to professionals who will give you a beautiful manicure.