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

Every woman who visits a nail salon is sure to hear the name nail dehydrator and wonder: what is it and what is it for?

Nail design of any kind requires mandatory preliminary preparation of the surface for applying a decorative coating , which is necessary to protect it from damage by aggressive substances, ensure high-quality application of products and long-term wear. For this purpose, various substances are used, including a dehydrator.

What is a dehydrator and why is it needed?

A dehydrator is a special substance that is designed to treat the nail plate immediately before applying gel polish.

The cosmetic product performs the following functions:

• degreases the nail plate;
• restores the natural acidity of the nail surface;
• heals nails, reduces the possible development of complications and diseases to the minimum possible;
• disinfects the plate;
• prolongs the life of the artificial coating applied on top;
• removes various contaminants, both natural and technical, from the nail, as well as traces of fat;
• removes excess moisture from the nail, dries it, thereby guaranteeing the strength of the connection between the artificial coating and the natural one.

This product is especially indispensable when the client has so-called “wet hands”, disinfection of which is a prerequisite for creating a high-quality manicure. Neglecting to use this product can lead to rapid deterioration of the manicure, peeling of artificial nails or coating.

There are dehydrators that are included in other manicure substances that act as disinfectants, as well as separate products that are bottles with a brush filled with liquid.

The dehydrator looks like a colorless liquid; it is applied to the nail with a brush and then dried. You can purchase such a substance at any store that sells manicure and pedicure products.

You can often find products with the inscription on the label: bonder or bond. All of these are types of dehydrators that perform the same functions.

Do not use nail polish remover to dry or degrease your nails. At first it will dry out the nail plate, but later it will negatively affect its condition. The surface will begin to break and peel faster. A product intended for removing nail polish should be used only for its intended purpose and as rarely as possible.

Gel polishes

Gel polishes from Kodi have a unique structure. After the coating dries, it does not create barriers, allowing air to pass through perfectly, so that the nail plate “breathes.” As a result, the nails remain strong and healthy, do not flake or break. The components used in the production of these products are of excellent quality. No formaldehyde substances or toluene are used in the manufacturing process of gel varnishes.

Even if a young lady constantly does gel manicure using professional Kodi products, her nails will not turn yellow or become brittle, as often happens when applying decorative cosmetics from other brands. The gel polish of this company has an excellent consistency; it is applied smoothly, without streaks.

The company offers a wide selection of its products. The most popular gel polishes include:

• with matte texture;
• characterized by a pearlescent luster;
• containing silver, gold or colored microparticles;
• having glitter;
• with a translucent base.

The palette is so diverse that it includes more than 300 different shades. Thanks to this, every girl can find a coating that she likes: be it natural pastel colors or neon colors.

Using Kodi gel polishes, you can create a manicure for any occasion, as well as one that will suit different clothing styles.

What should be in a dehydrator?

Having found out why a nail dehydrator is needed and what it is in principle, you need to pay attention to its composition.

The following subtleties are important here:

• The basis of each dehydrator is butyl acetate (this is an ester of acetic acid with butyl properties), a solvent of organic origin. It is he who is able to remove moisture from the surface of the nail as delicately and accurately as possible, without damaging the nail or compromising the integrity of its structure. This substance evaporates almost instantly from the surface, without having time to affect the deeper keratin layers;
• The minimum amount of dyes and various fragrances in the product will be healthier for the plate;
• There are dehydrators containing acids that perfectly open the nail scales, penetrating into it. This function increases the subsequent adhesion of the plate and materials applied to it;
• acid-free bonders act more gently, sparing the plate without penetrating deep inside it.

When choosing a dehydrator in a store, you need to pay attention not only to its composition, but also to the cost. A good product cannot have a low price. Such products may not give the desired effect and may even cause harm to health by damaging the nail plate or causing an allergic reaction. A high price is also not a guarantee of purchasing a quality product.

It is better to prefer the middle price category, purchasing similar products only in trusted stores.

By using an acceptable amount of high-quality bonder, you don’t have to worry about your health in general or the safety of the nail plate in particular.

Is a nail dehydrator safe?

A nail dehydrator is a tool that allows you to prepare your nails for the application of synthetic varnishes and other substances. The issue of safety of its use is always relevant.

This liquid is in direct contact with the surface of the nails, but it does not penetrate inside , and, therefore, is not capable of having a toxic effect on its structure. In addition, the substance restores the acid-base balance, strengthens and gently cleanses the nails.

Using a high-quality dehydrator, you should not worry that the natural microflora of the nails may be disrupted or the epithelium of the horny part may be destroyed.

In general, bonder is a complex of gentle substances characterized by the following properties:

• lack of aggression towards the nail plate;
• normalization of the correct pH balance;
• gentle disinfection of the manicure area;
• increased strength of the applied coating;
• prevention of the occurrence of fungi and the development of infectious and bacterial processes.

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Why do nails need to be degreased?

The natural surface of the nails is well moisturized and covered with a lipid film formed in the nail bed and the stratum corneum of the plate. In addition to natural lubrication, marigolds, like a sponge, absorb moisture from the outside and absorb fats and oils even better. The plate also contains tiny dust, particles of dying skin and even microbes.

If you perform a manicure on such nails, it will not last long, the coating will initially lie unevenly, and the sealed dirt will cause inflammation. That is why the surface of the nail must be thoroughly cleaned.

Types of dehydrators

The hypoallergenic properties of dehydrators allow you to work real miracles: by cleaning your nails and preparing them for manicure, it protects the surface from delamination and prolongs the life of any applied coating, from regular polish to gel polish.

Acid dehydrator

The active ingredient here is methacrylic acid. Its concentration can vary from 30 to 100%. After such exposure, the nail structure can maintain a very strong bond with any material, which makes this primer ideal for use when using acrylic nail extensions.

Features of use:

• such a primer quickly dries the plate, so it is only suitable for oily skin, as well as springboard-shaped nails;
• it is important not to allow the substance to come into contact with the skin of the hands or cuticles, due to the likelihood of itching, burning or redness;
• this primer is fast drying;
• the presence of a white coating that appears after application is a sign that the next product can be applied to the nails.

Acid Free Dehydrator

An acid-free dehydrator has the most gentle properties on the skin and nail plate, however, it has less strong adhesion of materials to the surface of the nail. This type of substance has a lot of resins in its composition, due to which it leaves a sticky layer after use.

Recommendations for use:

• used as a preparatory step before applying gel polish to nails or extending them with gel;
• removes oily film from the nail well, removing microorganisms and drying the surface;
• if it is intended to build up gel on tips, the use of a dehydrator is not indicated, because it can cause them to split and deteriorate;
• when correcting gel nails, the dehydrator is applied only to the grown part (it is important not to get on the skin line);
• It is imperative to use this type of bonder after performing a trim manicure, and not a hardware one, but a wet one. This will help reduce the likelihood of developing fungus or inflammation.

Some primers already contain dehydrating substances, so it is permissible not to use an additional bonder.

Although in this case, the use of a dehydrator will only contribute to the creation of a durable coating.

Entertaining chemistry

All artificial materials, be it acrylic, gel, regular or gel polish, are afraid of water or, scientifically speaking, hydrophobic. And the surface of the nail is moisture-loving, or hydrophilic. Like the Montagues and the Capulets, they are completely different, but they so want to be together. And the primer helps with this.

Primer molecules have two ends. One is hydrophobic, the other is hydrophilic. Like double-sided tape, the molecule attracts the artificial material with one end and the surface of the nail with the other.

For this reason, it is not possible to replace the primer with anything. Yes, you can wipe your nails with alcohol, citric acid and other miracle remedies from the Internet. This will dry and degrease the surface, but will not provide the required “stickiness,” especially if you have problem nails.

As you might expect, using a nail primer is not difficult.

Dehydrator, primer, bonder and degreaser: similarities and differences

Dehydrator and degreaser

After the concept of a nail dehydrator has become clear and what it is, you need to understand other substances that are similar in their properties. Do not confuse a dehydrator with a degreaser; these substances have different functions and different compositions.

If the latter removes a layer of dirt and fat deposits from the surface of the nail, then the dehydrator removes only excess moisture, thereby drying the nail plate. In general, both products perform the same task, but the degreaser copes with it only superficially, while the dehydrator penetrates deeper into the nail structure.

To achieve the best effect, you should not use both means at the same time.

It is best to choose one substance based on the characteristics of your own nail plate:

• women with excessive sweating and oily skin should use a dehydrator;
• in the absence of such problems, an ordinary degreaser is quite suitable.

Primer and dehydrator

As for the primer and dehydrator, the following important points can be noted:

• both products are applied to the natural nail plate;
• applying a dehydrator practically does not change the surface, but the primer makes it rougher;
• The primer has the function of protecting the nail surface from harmful chemical compounds that are found in every artificial coating. It acts as a kind of barrier between a person’s own tissues and the substances applied to them;
• The primer has better performance in maintaining the strength of the manicure when compared with a dehydrator.

Primer and bonder

The concepts of primer and bonder also have a lot in common. Moreover, some manufacturers consider these names to be synonyms and give them to substances that are similar in composition and functions. This is not entirely true.

Bonder is translated from English as something capable of binding and fastening. In the process of creating a manicure, this substance is used to enhance the adhesive properties of gel, acrylic or other extensions to a woman’s nail. In addition, the product acts as a preventative against peeling off the ends that have been extended.

Bonder functions:

• protects the plate from the harmful effects of manicure products;
• prevents harmful substances from penetrating through the plate into the body;
• removes dirt from the surface of the nail;
• equalizes pH;
• applied after the primer so as not to damage the nail;
• dries under the lamp, after which you can continue creating a manicure.

Primer is translated from English as a priming agent. It is most often used to prepare the nail plate for the application of extension materials (acrylic or gel, gel polish).

In addition, it performs the following functions:

• protects the nail and removes a layer of fat from it;
• supports RN;
• applied before the bonder;
• dries quickly on its own.

In order to get a high-quality manicure, you must apply each product in the prescribed time frame.

If you refuse one of them, you can get a manicure that will deteriorate within the first week of wearing it. In addition, if you omit the primer, the nail coating may be damaged when the gel is removed. And if you put the bonder aside, the manicure will peel off incredibly quickly.

Base coat

Kodi nail base is the most popular product that both beginners and experienced nail artists prefer to use. This base combines the qualities of a special product for strengthening and smoothing the nail and a rubber base. The main advantage of Rubber Base Coat is its thick consistency, which allows you to simultaneously strengthen and even out the nail. During wear, such a base practically does not peel off. It can be removed either using a cutter or using chemicals that allow you to remove the decorative coating. In addition, the features of the Kodi nail base include:

• the thick consistency does not spread and does not stain the skin around the nail;
• the base lays down perfectly and has self-leveling properties, thanks to which the nail artist does not have to spend a lot of time to distribute the layer evenly and without sagging;
• characterized by excellent adhesive properties and lasts up to 5 weeks;
• can be used to correct small chips;
• allows you to even out even nails that are prominent, giving them an ideal appearance;
• protects against the penetration of coloring pigments contained in gel polish into the surface of the nail;
• It is characterized by a plastic structure of a polymer lattice, due to which the design is durable and wears well.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Dehydrator

Using a nail dehydrator is an action that rarely has any disadvantages, unless a person is individually intolerant to the substances contained in it or allergic reactions occur when the product gets on the skin, which happens if it is used incorrectly.

The advantages of using this substance are undeniable:

• does not change the color of the final coating;
• perfectly removes the oily layer from the surface of the nail, as well as all types of dirt;
• prevents the development of fungal and bacterial infections;
• does not deplete the structure of the plate and does not corrode its surface;
• subject to proper application of a high-quality composition, it is suitable for sensitive skin;
• suitable for brittle, yellow and thin nails;
• dries nails and increases their adhesion;
• has an antimicrobial effect.

Features of Kodi Professional nail products

When visiting a beauty salon or doing a manicure yourself at home, the fair sex often opt for gel coating. Even though gel manicures are a little more expensive than regular polishes, your nails will look great for a long time. One of the most popular professional brands that is widely used by nail professionals is Kodi Professional. Let's take a closer look at the features of this product, as well as the rules for applying Kodi nail base and other professional products.

Rules for applying dehydrator

Application of the dehydrator should be carried out extremely carefully, following the following sequence:

1. The master must work with gloves.
2. First remove excess cuticle and skin around the nail. This can be done using an orange wood stick or a pusher.
3. Remove the shine from the surface of the nail using a sanding file, carefully shake off the resulting dust with a stiff brush.

4. Carefully apply the composition to the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin and mucous membranes, so as not to get a chemical burn.
5. The product should be applied to the brush a little at a time, carefully wiping it on the edges of the bottle.
6. You need to apply the dehydrator starting from the center of the nail, after which it should spread independently over its surface.
7. If the product gets on the skin area, you should immediately wash it off with running water.
8. Before starting the next stage, you need to wait until the substance has completely dried. This takes about 1 minute.
9. The result of correctly performed actions will be a whitish surface of the nail plate.

10. Now comes the turn of the other stages of creating a manicure.

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Instructions for using nail primer:

1. Holy of holies. Careful treatment of the nail plate! Ignoring this stage negates all subsequent manipulations. Carefully treat the nails with a buff or nail file. Pay special attention to the side ridges and the area near the cuticle. Use a stiff brush to remove dust.
2. Place a little primer on the brush and wipe off the excess on the edge of the bottle. The thinner the layer, the better! Place the brush on your nail and let the product spread. Avoid getting primer on your skin.
3. Dry the layer well in air for the required time. In rare cases, a UV or LED lamp will be required. The manufacturer indicates such details in the instructions for each specific product.
4. That's it, you can proceed to the next step of extension or manicure.

And now about the nuances. There are three types of primers: pre-primer, acid-free and acidic. Each has its own characteristics.

Is it possible to replace the dehydrator with something?

Having figured out what it is, some nail service specialists decide to replace the nail dehydrator with another product. This is especially true when creating a home manicure, when the dehydrator suddenly runs out and a new bottle is simply not at hand. The Internet is full of different tips for this case, but not all of them are safe for the nail plate.

As an exception, you can use a nail polish remover containing acetone.

This product tends to dry out the nail plate; the main thing is that it does not contain additional fragrances or oils, which can ruin the whole picture.

In addition, you can always have a household degreaser such as vinegar or rubbing alcohol on hand. Their use is also possible, but the effect that is achieved when using a dehydrator can hardly be expected.

Sometimes, to achieve this goal, boric acid or cologne is used, which have a much lower price than professional dehydrators. However, their effect on the nail plate and the expected effect leave much to be desired.

Proper use of brand products

To properly do a manicure using professional products from this company, you need to carry out the procedure in stages.

• Carry out preliminary preparation of the nail plate. Remove or push back the cuticle, file the edges of the nail, giving them the desired shape. Using a buff, remove the gloss. Apply degreaser to a cotton pad and wipe each nail, paying special attention to the cuticles and side edges.
• Apply an acid-free primer that will ensure reliable adhesion of the shell polish to the nail. It is applied in a thin layer, so it dries within 30 seconds.

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Review of popular dehydrators

On the modern market you can find many dehydrators, both from popular brands of cosmetic products for professional manicure, and inexpensive economy class products.

IBD Dehydrate

This dehydrator has many advantages:

• cleans the nail plate 100% before applying artificial material;
• does not cause irritation in case of contact with the skin around the nail;
• restores the pH balance of the nail;
• leaves no traces;
• does not penetrate into the lower parts of the nail structure;
• approved for use before any type of coating, including nail extensions;
• does not contain fragrances or dyes;
• completely evaporates from the nail plate.

The cost of the product ranges from 520 to 900 rubles per 14 ml bottle.

Patrisa Nail

This type of dehydrator is one of the most powerful means; it copes well with the following tasks:

• used before coating nails with gel polish, acrylic, gel, bio-gel and ordinary nail polish;
• perfectly removes remaining dirt;
• carefully removes the fatty layer;
• prepares the nail for any type of coating, ensuring its long-term preservation;
• does not disturb the structure of the nail.

The cost of the product varies from 200 to 350 rubles per 16 ml bottle.

CND

This is a nail dehydrator that is used in beauty salons to increase the durability of manicures using gel polish. This product is made in the USA by Creative Nail Design.

Features of the product:

• acid-free composition ensuring the softness of the active substance;
• an easy-to-apply brush with hairs of the required length;
• the product has a fairly dense texture, but at the same time it is easy to apply and does not spread;
• dries in 5 seconds without the need for a special lamp;
• extends the life of manicure by 2 weeks;
• has a rather strong odor.

The cost of the product for a 15 ml bottle is 600 rubles.

Nail Dehydrator PNB

The company that produces this brand of dehydrator is one of the most popular in the world.

Nail dehydrators such as PNB are designed for both professional and home use. What are these features of the product - in the description below.

Primer benefits:

• perfectly removes excess moisture;
• degreases the plate well;
• applicable for both home and professional manicure and pedicure;
• leaves no traces behind;
• does not require special drying;
• has virtually no foreign odor.

Some craftsmen emphasize that this product dries the plate too much, causing its free edge to curl. The cost of the product in 15 ml packaging is 650 rubles.

Lily Angel Dehydrator

This dehydrator is considered an excellent choice for natural nails.

Features of the product:

• dries the upper part of the nail structure well;
• is an excellent base for the preparatory stage of any type of manicure;
• used both for applying gel polish and for nail extensions;
• firmly binds all layers of material to the natural nail;
• its combined use with a primer from the company of the same name allows you to obtain an ideal adhesion;
• protects the nail from possible detachment of the material and the harmful effects of substances on its structure.

A 15 ml bottle of the product will cost 260 rubles.

KODI NAIL FRESHER

This is a professional tool that provides several functions:

• cleansing and dehydration of the nail plate;
• degreasing the surface;
• does not harm natural nails;
• good for nails that are prone to splitting;
• used in conjunction with a degreaser.

A 15 ml bottle costs about 450 rubles.

El Corazon

This German product qualitatively performs the following actions:

• removes a layer of fat from the nail plate;
• disinfects the surface, removing dirt and germs;
• promotes successful application of subsequent layers;
• maintains manicure appearance for up to 2 weeks;
• has no smell;
• used to remove the sticky layer;
• Requires application with a napkin.

This product can be purchased at a price of 150 rubles per 120 ml

RuNail

The Russian manufacturer has created a product that perfectly withstands competition in the cosmetic products market.

The product meets the following requirements:

• does not contain flavors, dyes or fragrances;
• does not harm the body and the nail plate;
• used for various extension techniques;
• can be used both at home and in the salon;
• has a fairly strong aroma (its use is only permissible with a protective mask);
• is used economically;
• works well with other brands of manicure products;
• increases the lifespan of nails;
• dries the nail surface well.

You can buy a 10 ml bottle for 260 rubles. Having found out what a nail dehydrator is, you can evaluate the degree of benefit of its use in creating a professional-quality manicure that will last and delight its owner.

The best cleaners for degreasing

The simplest and most suitable option for home use is clinsers. They are inexpensive and suitable not only for degreasing, but also for cleaning brushes from varnish. Cleaners do not penetrate deep into the nail plate, so they do not corrode it.

Bloom Cleanser+

The nail degreaser contains isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera extract. Cleanser does not contain acetone, solvents, fragrances or fragrances, and is harmless to natural plates. Price 100 ml – 120 rubles. bottle 1 l – 550 rub.

Advantages:

• large volume is beneficial for salons;
• without smell;
• dries quickly;
• hypoallergenic;
• safe composition.

Flaws:

• difficult to find on sale.

KAPOUS Cleanser Nail Degreaser

A Russian-made nail cleaner is used before coating with artificial material and to remove the dispersion layer from gel coatings after polymerization. Due to its disinfecting properties, it protects against fungi and bacteria. The cost of a 200 ml bottle is 150 rubles.

Advantages:

• fully performs its functions;
• dries quickly;
• does not dry out.

Flaws:

• not sold in small bottles with a brush;
• inconvenient dispenser.

Solomeya Cleanser 2 in 1

With this cleaner you can remove the sticky layer from the gel coating, remove moisture and any dirt. It is best to use nail degreaser with lint-free wipes. Price 280 rub. for 150 ml

Advantages:

• is used sparingly;
• after this use of the clinser, the varnish lays down in a very even layer and lasts a long time;
• removes oily shine;
• it's cheap.

Flaws:

• unpleasant odor;
• uncomfortable bottle.

Cleaner Severina

Inexpensive Russian-made degreaser for removing the sticky layer. Removes excess moisture, grease, and dirt from the surface. As a result, any artificial coating lasts longer and is worn without chipping or peeling. The cost of a 100 ml bottle is 80 rubles.

Advantages:

• prepares well for manicure;
• contains components and vitamins that are beneficial for nails;
• very convenient dispenser.

Flaws:

• high consumption;
• specific smell.