Degreasing nails is a mandatory step in preparing the nail plate for decorative coating, be it gel polish or nail extensions. In this article we will talk about how you can degrease your nails, how to use a degreaser for gel polish and removing the sticky layer, how to choose it and what you can replace it with at home.
Nail degreaser is a special product that is used in manicure to clean the nail plate of dirt and remove the natural shine and fat that forms on the surface of the nail. This solution dries and cleans the nails, so the coating stays on the nails for a long time, without peeling.
Most often you can find a 2 in 1 product on sale: for degreasing nails and removing the sticky layer of gel polish. This allows you to save money, although in reality it is not that expensive and is not used up very quickly, especially if you buy it for use at home.
This implies three main purposes of such a tool:
- Cleaning the nail plate,
- Removing natural shine from nails,
- Removing the dispersion (sticky) layer of gel polish.
Don't confuse degreaser with primer!
Beginners may confuse a degreaser with a primer, bonder, dehydrator or cleanser. I wrote in detail about the differences between these products in the article about nail primer.
In short, yes, the main purpose of using these products is to improve adhesion to the decorative coating. However, primer (acidic or acid-free) and bonder are more professional products and are used for particularly problematic nails (for example, those prone to oiliness) and for extensions, where a more thorough approach is needed. They work on the principle of lifting the scales of the top layer of the nail plate, due to which the material adheres to the nails more securely.
A dehydrator is used only to cleanse nails of moisture and dry them. And the clinser is used only to remove stickiness from the gel polish coating (or the finish when building up).
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.
Definition of sticky layer
The sticky or dispersion layer is a special protective layer that helps the varnish adhere to the surface and dry faster. However, despite its benefits, this substance has many disadvantages that are harmful to human health:
- when it is present on the hands, people may experience a severe allergic reaction that causes coughing or difficulty breathing;
- when a person inhales dust with tiny particles of the sticky layer, this can provoke the development of respiratory tract diseases;
- sometimes the sticky layer has a not entirely pleasant smell.
Many people are interested in the question of how to remove the sticky layer. Professionals in their field always prefer to use a special liquid, which can be very expensive. Sometimes such purchases hit the pocket hard, and then people begin to look for other answers to the question of how to remove the dispersion layer. There is a way out - there are many other means that can be used to remove the dispersion layer of gel polish. What should you still give preference to?
Compound
When choosing a degreaser, an important element is the composition. The base of the degreaser can be an acid-free substance or an acid-containing one. The difference between these components is colossal - from the cost to the effect on the nail.
In addition to the possible presence of acids (methacrylic acid is used), there may be additional components inside the bottle: vitamin complexes, disinfectants (for example, alcohol, ethyl acetate). Also fragrances, special oils, isobutyl or butyl acetate, isopropanol.
Types of degreasers
Degreasing the nail is a mandatory ritual before covering a natural nail with any material. This can be done either with a single-phase liquid or with others that have additional properties - removing excess moisture from the nail, removing stickiness after polymerization of the gel, etc.
Professional degreasers come in three types, each of which performs its own functions.
Dehydrator
A multifunctional product that replaces many bottles - a dehydrator. The spectrum of its action is so wide that the need to purchase other products simply disappears. But a “proper manicure” involves using the product as one of the stages of nail treatment before covering it with any artificial material. Liquid is needed for the following purposes:
- remove all contaminants from the nail, including sweat and fat deposits (but except for decorative coatings);
- disinfect the surface of the nail;
- dry (that is, dehydrate - deprive the upper layers of the nail of moisture).
Such a product does not violate the pH of the nail plate, and, if necessary, can restore it. In addition to all the above abilities, the dehydrator can be used to remove stickiness after gel coating.
It is recommended to apply the product with a brush, and distribute it evenly over the nail with a special napkin that does not leave any traces (lint, fibers, or other particles). Don’t rush and treat all your nails with a dehydrator at once. By the time the second hand gets to apply the gel (shellac, gel polish), the nails will have time to become dirty more than once. This will not only double the cost of the product, but will also result in wasted time.
Klinser
A beautiful manicure is incomplete without the use of a clinser. It is simply necessary if such compositions are used that, after polymerization, leave stickiness on top of the coating. But this product is not only characterized by the function of removing the sticky layer. It is used as a base for subsequent coating with artificial materials, which results in:
- degreasing marigold;
- elimination of other contaminants;
- antiseptic effect.
Due to the alcohol content, the cleaner can easily be used to treat not only nail plates before coating, but also manicure accessories and a drying lamp.
Essentially, this is a universal liquid that can perform all the necessary functions to create the perfect manicure. But you still shouldn’t give up the dehydrator. It is one of the mandatory stages of nail treatment before coating and nail design.
Primer
A primer is applied for a good connection (grip, adhesion) of the natural nail with almost any artificial coating. It is a “ground base” in the form of a gel-like liquid. Features of the product are:
- preventing the harmful effects of applied materials on the nail;
- removal of any “dirty” deposits;
- dry the nail plate.
Without this product it will be difficult to get a manicure for a long time. The primer opens the scales of the nail plate and settles there tightly.
Subsequent coatings no longer deal with the nail itself, but with a layer of primer; it acts as an “intermediary” between the surfaces. High-quality adhesion when coating gel polish and other materials is ensured not only by using a primer, but also by following all stages of the degreasing and nail preparation procedure.
Professional hairdressers, for example, before the extension procedure, choose a suitable primer for their client. They focus on the expected result and the condition of the nail plate. You can choose an acid-free or acidic primer. They differ from each other precisely by the presence of acid in the composition.
An acid primer-degreaser is more aggressive to both the nail and the skin surrounding it. It can cause damage to your nails if you use the product frequently. Contains methacrylic acid, so apply the primer very carefully to avoid burns.
The product thoroughly dries out all layers of the nail, which has a negative effect on it. Using an acidic agent, you can ensure more reliable adhesion of subsequent layers of coating to the natural nail. Excellent as a base before acrylic extensions.
An acid-free degreaser carefully removes excess fat and other dirt without harming the structure of the nail. After systematic use of this product, your nails will not peel or crumble. It also does not cause irritation, burning, itching, redness of the skin around the nail and other unpleasant sensations. Suitable for use before applying shellac or any gel polish.
How to properly use nail degreaser?
High-quality “dead” adhesion between the nail and the decorative coating is ensured by thorough preparation in several stages. All types of degreasers used must be used correctly, following the following sequence:
- Neil prep (i.e. degreaser) . This is the first step to the perfect manicure. Before use, you need to remove the shine of the nail with a buff. Degrease the surface of the nail with the product. It can be applied directly to the nail and then wiped off with a lint-free cloth. You can soak a napkin with liquid and treat your nails with it.
- Dehydrator . The composition is not always applied. In cases of high sweating on the fingers, you cannot do without it. It is also necessary for the subsequent application of acid-free primer. Acidic does not require treatment of the nail with a dehydrator. The product is applied with a brush, then wiping the nail with a special napkin.
- Primer . Cover the nail with this product very carefully so as not to capture the periungual ridges (regardless of whether it is acidic or not). This should be done with a brush; there is no need to wipe it off.
Next they cover it with bonder (drying it in a lamp), gel polish, gel, etc. Sticky layers are removed with a cleaner.
Special protective equipment
Along with the advent of this type of manicure, gel polish, special products appeared that will help protect the cuticle. They have proven themselves well and are used by all manicure professionals. Their advantages are as follows.
- The composition contains natural rubber and the absence of harmful components.
- They smell nice. Their formula includes essential oils that have a positive effect on the skin.
- Dries quickly.
- The container is small in size and will fit anywhere.
- A small and neat brush ensures easy application and integrity of the nail surface.
- They have a long shelf life at low cost.
How to replace degreaser at home?
Experienced nail service professionals prefer only professional manicure products in their work, fearing experiments and unpredictable consequences, so as not to risk their reputation in front of an established client base. But not all lovers of spectacular nails at home can afford them.
You can degrease your nails before coating not only with special liquids. There are many other substances that can replace them.
Boric acid.
Pharmacy alternative to replace standard degreaser. Able to degrease and clean the nail of all contaminants, while simultaneously disinfecting it. But it is not recommended to use the solution often, since the composition contains alcohol, which gradually dries out the nail. Using boric acid is simple: just moisten a cotton sponge or a piece of cotton wool with the liquid, then wipe your nails and the area around it.
Lemon juice.
A popular and proven way to remove fat from nails is lemon juice. If this citrus is not available, then it can be replaced with citric acid, having previously dissolved it (half a teaspoon per 100 g of water). But lemon juice or solution does not effectively degrease the surface of the nail, but is necessary to remove dirt from it. After moistening a cotton wool or sponge in the liquid, wipe the nails thoroughly.
Alcohol.
What is needed is medical alcohol without impurities. Vodka in this case will not be an alternative. Typically, alcohol not only degreases the nail, but also thoroughly disinfects it, preventing the development of fungi and other pathogens. After moistening a cotton pad with alcohol, wipe the surface of the nail. The systematic use of alcohol for degreasing is not recommended, as it greatly depletes the nail.
Soap.
Using soap for degreasing on a regular basis is not a very good option. Although it can be used to remove fatty deposits and dirt from the nail, it still will not be a reliable means of guaranteeing a long-lasting manicure. Using soap is simple: lather your hands, rinse under running water. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
Nail polish remover.
If the liquid does not contain acetone, then such a product can only partially replace a degreasing product. It ineffectively removes impurities, leaving some of the fatty deposits on the nail surface. To use the product, you need to apply it to a sponge (cotton pad, a small piece of cotton wool) and wipe your nails with it, as when removing nail polish.
Replacement for the clinser
Perhaps, after reading the material, the idea arose to make this remedy by mixing alcohol, water, and oil. The proportions of the product are not indicated on the packaging, so the ideal composition is unlikely to be repeated. But if it happens that the degreaser runs out, then here are ways to replace it:
- Water + alcohol, proportion 70:30;
- Nail polish remover without acetone;
- Boric alcohol;
- High quality vodka. Moonshine is best, since there are definitely no additional impurities.
Thus, a clinser is a basic tool for preparing for manicure and fixing polish. This is an element that essentially no one sees, but without it the process itself would be complicated, and the result would not be so beautiful and long-lasting.
Review of popular degreasers
For a good manicure, you don’t have to buy a lot of bottles. Often, nail technicians, to save money, use universal or multifunctional liquids that combine several products. Available in packaging with different amounts of liquid in bottles.
Severina. The Severina degreaser has a relatively low cost, while combining the standard functions of a degreaser and a classic cleaner. Eliminates excess moisture from the surface layers of the nail.
Orly. The 3 in 1 Gel FX Cleanser combines three necessary products that need to be used to treat the nail before and during a manicure: a degreaser, a dehydrating dehydrator, and a dispersion-removing clinser.
Canni . A harmonious tandem of degreaser and dehydrator in one bottle. Professionally prepares the nail plate for any nail modeling system.
My Nail. Prep Nail combines two professional products – a dehydrator and a degreaser. Recommended for use before gel extensions or gel polish coating.
Kodi . Cody's Nail fresher product thoroughly degreases, removes excess moisture, disinfects, and acts as an acid-free primer. Suitable for use before coating with any material.
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