How to use nail primer What is a nail primer and how to use it

Details are everything. A long-term manicure with gel polish may or may not be. Its fate is decided by materials and technique.

Sometimes the coating behaves like a good old ordinary varnish the very next day - it peels off or cracks. If the unfortunate master in this case blames evil fate (“I’m not guilty”), the professional looks for, finds and corrects mistakes.

One of the most popular mistakes is improper preparation of nails - insufficient degreasing, dehydration and disinfection. Do you still rub your nails with alcohol, believing that this is enough? It's time to increase the level of skill and acquire professional tools.

Primer is one such tool. The product is only gaining momentum in popularity and is not known to everyone. Let's get acquainted!

How to make a manicure last longer is a task that, it would seem, the appearance of gel polishes has solved. But no. Manicure with gel polish is not always synonymous with durability.

To solve the problem, the nail industry began to produce degreasers, dehydrators, bonders and other materials that make it impossible for nails to reject a manicure. Primers in this row stand apart.

If you do not delve into chemistry, but to put it in simple terms, the primer makes the surface of the nails rough and porous:

• penetrates deeply into the nail plate, drying it (degreases and dehydrates);
• lifts keratin scales, providing good adhesion of the nail with synthetic materials;
• creates an almost sterile environment, "unbearable" for the life of microorganisms.

Are there no essentials?

Whether you need to save here - decide for yourself. The bottle is inexpensive, but it lasts for a long time, in light of which the question is, what replace gel polish primer, generates an oncoming one - why?

Financially, the purchase will not make it difficult. Another thing - the primer suddenly ended. In this extreme case, you can use ZHSL with acetone (without oils), alcohol (96%), boric acid or vinegar.

And if without it?

The question seems more reasonable, is it possible to do without a primer? Indeed, the product is not included in the gel polish manicure kits. Mandatory use of a primer is assumed only when building.

When applying gel polishes, they can be neglected if the coating sits firmly and for a long time without it. True, persistent manicure is only on dry nails. From greasy and wet, it tends to slide off the very next day - we “prime” such nails without fail.

Acid or non-acid primer

Encouraged by the intention to buy, you will be faced with a choice situation. There are two types of primers on the market - acidic (actually, primers) and acid-free (ultrabonds). What is each, let's figure it out.

• Acid primer

The main ingredient in acid primers is methacrylic acid - the one that is "carcinogenic" and "silent killer". It is impossible to call methacrylic acid useful, but "everything is a medicine, and everything is a poison." It's a matter of dose.

It is impossible to reach a toxic concentration of acid under the conditions of a manicure, so talking about the dangers of acid primers is similar to talking about the dangers of acetone-based liquid acid or shower gels with lauryl sulfate. Harmful - yes. But moderately.

Methacrylic acid lifts the keratin scales of the nails, dries and degreases the plate. Due to their aggressive nature, primers with methacrylic acid under gel polish are used only on oily and wet nails.

However, if we are talking about extensions, all nails without exception are etched with an acid primer.

• Acid free primer

Weak, dry and thin nails under gel polish are primed with an acid-free primer (ultrabond). Acid-free is not a synonym for safe, although ultrabonds like to be called new generation primers. Yes, they do not contain methacrylic acid. But there is ethyl acetate - ethyl ester of acetic acid.

Acid and alcohol can hardly be called a useful or at least safe duet. However, in comparison with methacrylic acid, ethyl acetate really works more carefully - it dries less, evaporates more slowly and leaves behind not ruffled scales, but a sticky trace. Ultrabond is not used for building.

So, the acid primer etches the plate and opens the scales. Acid-free works like sticky double-sided tape. And we will move on to the technical side of the issue.

VIDEO REVIEW

Instruction time: how to apply gel polish primer

A traditional bottle with a brush "à la lacquer" should not be misleading. Primers are used differently than varnishes.

Application of gel polish with primer- a special story, the nuances of which we will understand.

1. Push back cuticles with an orange stick. Remove the wet shine from the nails with a grinding file, not forgetting to process the line near the cuticle and sinuses adjacent to the side rollers with special diligence.
2. Shake off the dust with a brush, degrease the nails with a prep primer or alcohol and start applying the primer.
3. Pick up quite a bit of the product on the brush, squeeze it well on the edge of the bottle and even blot it on a lint-free cloth.
4. Apply the primer with dotted strokes closer to the center of the nail plate - in the sinuses and to the cuticle, the product will “crawl” on its own. Applying the product end to end with the skin is fraught with dryness, irritation, and sometimes chemical burns. Don't forget to finish the end.
5. Most manufacturers recommend a single application of the primer. A second coat is possible with a very oily nail bed.
6. Wait for the primer to dry completely. Acid dries almost instantly - a white matte coating testifies to its drying. Acid-free dries within 1-2 minutes and leaves a sticky residue.

When working with a primer, do not forget about safety measures - wear goggles, a mask and gloves, work in a well-ventilated area.

If the product gets on the skin, remember that the action of primers is neutralized by alkalis - soap and soda solution.

I choose: primer - what?

Alcohol, acetone, vinegar - these products improve adhesion, but they are not competitors to the primer, and when it comes to nail extensions, such alternatives should be completely forgotten. Mentally ready to buy? Choose!

1. A good acid-free primer for gel polish can be found in the assortment of almost any nail brand. For example, KodiUltrabond by KODI Professional - "a fighter of the invisible front" with an extremely economical consumption, in the light of which 450 rubles per bottle should not be embarrassing.

The expiration date will expire, but it will remain. Leaves a traditional sticky sheen. "Glues" iron any base. They say that with him a manicure can last up to 5 weeks. Probably the best deal on the market.

2. Cheaper (for trial) - this is Chinese acid-free Bluesky gel polish primer. For a modest 150 rubles, the product will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the primers and present their class quite worthily. Budget, stylish, functional - for yourself or beginners it will do.

3. In the range of acid primers, there are also economy and vip options. In particular, South Korean TNL primer- a good state employee for incomplete two hundred rubles. For biogels and gel polishes (with wet or oily nails) - what you need. For acrylic building, its capabilities are not enough.

4. Serious acid primer is Stick Primer IBD with 96% methacrylic acid. Provides strong adhesion of the nail to any material. It’s not a pity to pay 870 rubles for the strongest primer on the market in order to sleep peacefully, without worrying about the fate of extended nails - yours or the client’s.

It has long been clear that the main thing in a long-lasting manicure is not gel polish, but everything except, that is, the top and base. Today, nail masters pay attention to the third durability factor - the primer. If for some reason the manicure does not hold on your hands, connect the “love potion”. It's not going anywhere now.

Well-groomed hands and beautiful nails always make the best impression on others. Therefore, more and more often you can meet women with extended nails, the process of creating which cannot be imagined without a primer.

The invaluable role of the primer

First of all, it should be said that the agent in question is a liquid or gel of a transparent color, odorless. It is used in beauty salons to dry, degrease, clean and protect the nail before the actual extension process. It also prevents the appearance of yellowness and delamination of the surface of the nail.

In addition, he carries out the process of connecting the nail and artificial turf. Without it, the top layers would not hold at all and deform very quickly, which would reduce the time of using a manicure.

Produced in a dark small bottle, which significantly increases the period of its use. Inside there is a small brush, as in ordinary varnish, with the help of which the process of applying the liquid takes place.

The main feature of this tool is that it does not harm the nail, does not spoil its structure and does not dry out the upper layers.

Varieties of primers

To date, there are three types of primer: prep, acid-free and acid. Let's consider each of them in more detail, because they all differ from each other and have their own characteristics.

Prep primer

The most gentle protective agent for nails. It has no dyes and flavors. It acts extremely gently on the nail, without affecting its inner layers at all. As a result, the water balance is not disturbed, which prevents the possibility of dryness and brittleness.

Prep is not used at all for building up, because it does not have much power to adhere the nail plate to acrylic or gel.

Scope of use:

• applied as a protective layer on thin, brittle surfaces;
• it is used for additional adhesion of the nail to the upper extended layers in those people who suffer from severe sweating, which can quickly make the manicure unusable;
• is the base for regular varnish, visibly prolonging its good appearance.

Acid primer

It differs from other varieties in that the main component in its composition is methacrylic acid, the amount of which can range from 30 to 100 percent. The main task of this liquid is to slightly soften the nail and increase the ability of artificial coating to stay on the surface longer.

Apply an acid primer only on healthy nails with acrylic extensions. This is explained by a number of significant disadvantages of this substance:

• Due to the presence of acid in it, it is very toxic and dangerous. If the substance gets on the skin, a burning sensation, redness and even a burn are possible almost immediately.
• It is strictly forbidden to apply on sick, weak, brittle nails. Otherwise, the primer in question will ruin them even more.

The main rule when using this tool is that it should not be applied in a thick layer or several times during one procedure. In this case, the nail will not be damaged.

acid free

This type of primer has a large number of advantages:

• does not contain acids in its composition, therefore it is absolutely safe for all types of nails;
• perfectly degreases the surface;
• suitable for high-quality adhesion of artificial coating and nail;
• acts as a protective layer, preventing microorganisms from developing under the applied coating;
• does not cause burns and other types of irritation if it gets on the skin.

How to use a nail primer

It is quite simple and uncomplicated. In order to perform the whole procedure correctly, use these tips:

1. Gently remove the cuticle from the nail plate.
2. Remove gloss from the surface using a sanding file. Shake off the resulting dust with a fluffy brush.
3. Apply primer in a very thin layer:
4. Remove the brush from the bottle, soaking it on both sides on the edges of the container, attach the brush to the middle of the nail, which will allow the liquid to be evenly distributed over the entire surface, smear the primer on the nail plate with light movements no more than once.
5. Wait about a minute for the product to dry. In some cases, it has to be dried under an ultraviolet lamp (this will definitely be indicated in the instructions).
6. or a process is running.

The complete drying of the primer can be recognized as follows: the acid primer will become matte in appearance and acquire a white tint, the acid-free primer will be transparent and slightly sticky to the touch.

How to choose a primer

Before purchasing this manicure tool, you need to decide what kind of manicure you are going to do. This can be an extension of acrylic material, gel polish, regular polish, shellac and more.

Only after that, carefully read the instructions for each product offered, so as not to harm your nails in any way.

It is best to purchase a product from well-known companies, because they already have a guarantee of the quality of their products. In this case, you should also pay attention to the cost. Too cheap products will never be of high quality.

Popular manufacturers

The most famous and sought-after companies that produce acid primers that are suitable for acrylic nails are Runail, Yoko, TNL, Kodi.

As for acid-free products for gel nails, you should pay attention to CND, Masura, Runail, Lechat and others. All of them produce a quality product that will never harm the nail, if you follow the instructions correctly.

The cost of primers ranges from 160 to 400 rubles.

What can replace the primer for nails

If you're going to apply regular polish, you can use regular alcohol, vinegar, or nail polish remover as a degreaser. However, in the process of building up or applying other types of varnish, there can be no talk of any replacement, because only the primer is able to ensure reliable adhesion of the nail surface to the material.

Using a primer in manicure is an indispensable step in creating beautiful and high-quality nails that will delight your mistress and others for a long time. Therefore, we can safely say that it is impossible to make nails without a primer.

Currently, Shellac manicure is in great demand. This American product, which appeared recently, quickly won the favor of lovers of beautiful nails around the world.

In order to make this manicure, special manicure supplies and substances are required.

A set of tools needed for shellac

• Special lamp for drying nails. You can use both an ultraviolet and LED lamp, with a power of 18 watts.

• Manicure set.

• A tool that removes cuticles. Or use an emollient oil for cuticles.

• Special degreaser for nails. Alternatively, you can wipe it with wipes containing alcohol or acetone.

• A tool that protects nails, which is why shellac primer is needed.

• Base coat for shellac.

• Shellac of the chosen color.

• Top cover.

A primer for shellac is needed because. - this is special base designed to build nails . For which, before building up, a special procedure is carried out. First prepare the nails.

The preparation process is from:

• cuticle removal

• shaping the nail

• superficial cleaning of the nail plate

• nail disinfection

• degreasing nails.

Must be applied to nails before extensions a substance that will connect extended and natural nails. Why do we need substances such as adhesives. And one of the varieties of adhesives is a primer for shellac.

Function and features of the primer

The main function for which a shellac primer is needed is nail protection . Thanks to the primer, the nails will be protected from the appearance of yellow plaque, delamination of the nail plate and the occurrence of fungus, since bacteria will not be able to penetrate into the nails.

Also primer needed to secure, with the help of it, extended nails can last much longer on the fingers. The composition of the primers includes an effective substance that firmly adheres to the surface.

Another additional function is degreasing nails and drying. Such functions are performed by all primers without exception.

Variety of primers for shellac

There are two types of primers for shellac: acidic and non-acidic . Each of them has its pros and cons for what they are needed.

Acid primer- adhesive, which includes methacrylic acid. The great advantage of the acid primer is its high efficiency.

It adheres to surfaces much better than acid-free. Designed if extended nails are going to be worn for a long time. Possesses high resistance.

What is an acid primer for shellac? Typically, these primers are used under acrylic nails. For hands with increased sweating and nail plates with a high fat content, such a primer will be just right.

However, due to methacrylic acid the drug is toxic. It must be applied with great care, without getting the substance on the skin. In case of contact, a strong burning sensation will be felt, and the skin will turn red.

The main function of what shellac primer is for is to protect nails.

Sensitive skin may even develop chemical blisters that will need to be treated.

Acid primer used only for strong and healthy nails. On brittle and sensitive such a primer can not be applied.

This primer is very aggressive. Also, do not use it when applying transparent varnishes, since after drying the primer leaves behind a white coating.

Acid free primer - the most popular and frequently used primer for shellac. Need for safe application on nails, from which it does not contain acid. Suitable for even the most sensitive.

The acid-free primer performs all the functions of protecting and degreasing nails, in addition, if it gets on the skin, there will be no unpleasant consequences. This primer is often used for pedicures.

Prep primer— in itself is not an adhesive agent. However, Prep Primer is often used as a preparatory element before applying a primer to the nail. Acts as a disinfectant and degreaser for the nail plate. Safe and suitable for all nails. Dries instantly.

Does the base coat function as a primer?

Base coat and primer are completely different things. The base coat does not have the functions of a primer, i.e. does not degrease, cannot protect against bacteria and cannot help bond materials.

The base coat is used only to align the nail plate and protect against varnish. The base coat is used under varnish and provides general nail care.

About the price and substitutes for shellac primer

The primer price range is wide. It depends on the volume of the bubble, the composition of the product, the quality of the product and the manufacturer. Mostly from 140 to 600 rubles price varies. Shellac primers of well-known brands are more expensive.

For example, Bluesky, Runail, Kodi, etc. For maximum effect, it is better to purchase high-quality expensive primers, which will include the best protective substances.

The primer cannot be completely replaced. But there are inexpensive tools that can perform some of the functions of a primer.

Suitable for disinfection and degreasing of nails ordinary alcohol wipes and also nail polish remover, which contains acetone.

These analogs will dry the nails and prepare the nail plates for adhesion to the overlay material. Although such methods have a rather aggressive effect on the nails, therefore, they can do harm.

Also used as a substitute vinegar, alcohol, cologne and boric acid. Each contains substances capable of degreasing the nail, but all of them are not able to give the necessary adhesive effect with the extension material.

Extension primer is the best choice for safe and quality bonding.

How to choose the right primer for shellac

The stores now offer a wide range of different primers. The choice of the necessary product will depend on your preferences, the characteristics of the nails, financial capabilities and the popularity of the primer brand.

You can also choose by primer consistency. Each brand produces primers of different thicknesses. When choosing a nail product, try to get a thick primer so that it can be applied easily and safely. After all, liquid primers can spread too much over the nail, which is unsafe.

The most famous among professional nail extension products are brands LeChat or RuNail.

Belongs to the most frequently used tools of the selected group. It is used for the treatment of the nail surface, since thanks to it the best coating of the solution is carried out throughout the nail.

The constituent components of the Bluesky primer do not contain harmful chemical elements, such as, for example, toluene or formaldehyde.

Because of this, Bluesky Primer when in contact with the skin will not cause burn reactions or skin redness. But still, it is necessary to apply such a primer in compliance with all the basic recommendations.

Le Vole Ultra Bond belongs to acid-free primers. A primer of this type is safe and, if accidentally applied to the epidermis, does not cause irritation and burn reactions.

Thanks to its special acid-free composition, will not provoke destruction in the structure of the nail and its layers and will not disturb the water and fat balance of the nail.

Important to remember!

The most important thing to focus on is to use safe application methods when interacting with the product, as well as accurately follow the sequence of coating the nails with the product.

Lady Victory often used with biogel nails, which is so popular now. The primer contains safe substances, which makes this primer absolutely harmless.

It will perfectly protect against any harmful effects of aggressive substances. Also Lady Victory is used in the role of a remedy for nails.

Before using the selected primer, you should familiarize yourself with the composition presented on the label, as well as determine the application technique.

How to use primer

Regardless of the type, for what and what kind of manicure you need a primer for shellac, the method of application is the same for any of them. The final result of the manicure and its duration in wearing depend on how the primer was applied.

To apply the primer, there is a special application technology. The nail primer is very easy to apply even if you are new to nail art.

The most important thing to focus on is to use safe application methods when interacting with the product, as well as accurately follow the sequence of coating the nails with the product. Primer application goes through the following 3 steps:

Preparation for application.

You should immediately prepare a napkin. Can be paper or lint-free. When opening a bottle of primer, first wring out the brush and remove excess liquid from it on a napkin. At this stage also preparing the nail plate.

To do this, the cuticle is removed or moved away from the surface of the nail, and the nail surface itself is treated with a special nail file, the rigidity of which should be minimal. This is done to eliminate the natural shine, if any.

Primer application.

With small strokes of a special brush, apply the product to the nail in the center, not allowing the substance to come into contact with the cuticle or lateral skin ridges of the nail.

After applying primer.

At the end, the nails, after treatment with a primer, should dry completely. Depending on the quality and its variety, the primer gives a different appearance with dried nail plates.

Manicurists apply primer twice. This is done for high-quality and complete protection in order to increase adhesive capabilities.

Features when working with a primer

When treating nails with a shellac primer, you need to follow the following tips, which will make it possible to improve the final result, which is what every master achieves.

• The use of a lamp with ultraviolet rays to dry nails is not a prerequisite, regardless of the type of primer. Due to the special composition of the primer, the applied layer dries in about 1-2 minutes under the influence of sunlight.

If an acid primer was applied, then when a whitish tint appears on the nails, we can confidently say that the substance has completely dried. A dry acid-free primer is determined by the absence of wet areas on the entire surface of the nail.

It is necessary to completely eliminate the possibility of contact between nails and skin before the primer dries completely.

• All manipulations with the primer must be careful and unhurried. The drug should be applied to the nail in a small amount.

The treatment of the nail with a degreasing agent is carried out using a special professional brush, which is usually always sold together with the primer.

If the primer was purchased without a brush, you should separately buy a brush specially designed for it. For the greatest uniformity of the distribution of the substance, it is worth applying the product with small point movements with a brush on the nail.

• It does not follow allow contact with tipsa when applying a primer to the natural area of ​​​​the nail plate, it is necessary to exclude this possibility.

Otherwise, the chemical elements that are part of the primer, when exposed to the tips, can degrade the stability of the substrate and cause damage to it.

• If the primer comes into contact with the skin, immediately wash the affected skin area with soapy water and then hold it for a while under clean cold water.

This will reduce the likelihood of reddening of the skin and the appearance of a chemical burn on the skin.

Regardless of the variety, each primer is an aggressive preparation . Only with strict adherence to safety precautions and compliance with the rules for the use of this substance, working with it will become simple and harmless.

If white flakes begin to appear in the nail product, this indicates the unsuitability for the use of this drug.

Manicurists are advised not to work with unknown primers and, when choosing it, prefer to work with familiar brands that have already been tested and have no complaints about their quality characteristics, and which are guaranteed not to cause harm when exposed to nails.

How to store the primer and how to understand that it is damaged

If white flakes begin to appear in the nail product, this indicates the unsuitability for the use of this drug.

When buying a primer, you should pay attention to date of manufacture and expiration date during which the cosmetic substance can be used.

It is impossible to answer unequivocally whether the expired primer will be damaged. If the primer has recently expired, you can check the primer by applying it to your nails. If the primer spreads during application or, on the contrary, is poorly applied, for example, in lumps, the product is clearly damaged.

Also evidence of a damaged primer will be flaking, rolling, or uneven application.

When it comes to using a primer for personal purposes, every lover of a spectacular manicure can decide for herself whether it is worth covering her nails with a primer if it has expired.

This substance has a rather high price, so some do not dare to throw out the product. Why you need to know that expired shellac primers can cause various allergic reactions and even harm the health of nails.

Manicurists do not advise risking their own health and beauty for reasons of economy.

May your nails always be well-groomed and beautiful.

Regardless of where you prefer to do a manicure (in a beauty salon or on your own), you need to use additional products for color coating. Among them are the base, top coat and primer - regular and acid-free. Each of these tools performs its tasks, they are not replaced by each other.

What is a primer?

A primer is a special liquid whose function is to provide a bond between the natural nail and the artificial nail. He prepares the plate for the procedure. By composition, primers are divided into acid-free and acidic, most often the product is packaged in jars, containers and bottles. Coming into contact with air, the primer dries, so keeping it open for a long time is not recommended. During use, it can cause discomfort in the form of a tingling, pulling effect with varying intensity. However, these are fleeting side effects that do not affect the result.

Compound

The liquid has a thin consistency, watery or gel-like type, which does not have any shade, and often no smell. Packaging, as a rule, is opaque, since light destroys the structure of the composition and reduces the shelf life. From a chemical point of view, the composition is not simple:

• methacrylic acid;
• ethyl acetate;
• 2-hydroxyethyl mateacrylate.

It is these substances that give the tool the ability to fasten an artificial plate with a natural one.

Depending on the amount of acid contained, primers are classified into acid-free and acidic. In the first, acids are not completely absent, they are simply contained in a smaller amount and act less aggressively on the nail, do not dry it. For weakened thin nails, exactly such types of products as acid-free primer and prep primer are recommended. The latter is the most gentle of all possible precoats.

It is distinguished by a soft action, it does not seep into the deep layer of the plate, maintains a moisture balance, and prevents dehydration.

However, it is not suitable for building and gel coatings, as the adhesive ability is weakly expressed.

Manicure with gel polish and shellac

In order for the coating to be even and strong, the natural plate must be degreased with high quality. The primer solves the following tasks:

• degreasing the surface of the nail;
• dries the top layer of the nail plate without destroying the deep ones;
• disinfects;
• prevents delamination and deformation of the plates;
• protects against aggressive coatings;
• increases adhesion, and hence the service life of the coating.

The use of a primer requires accuracy, it is necessary to avoid getting it on the cuticle, skin of the hands. You can not use a primer at all only if the nail plate is perfectly even, does not exfoliate, is not thinned. In this case, a base coat is sufficient. It is important to follow the instructions for use, as any type of product can cause burns.

Regular manicure and extensions

Even if you just cover your nails with a regular, unstable pigment, you do not need to exclude the primer from the algorithm. It perfectly primes the nail, prepares the plate, and ensures long-term wear without chipping for a long time. In addition, the tool will act as a barrier between the pigment and the natural nail. The varnish will lay down more evenly and smoothly.

It is impossible to carry out the procedure of nail extension without a primer. In this type of manicure, it is not only the most effective, but also irreplaceable.

Pros and cons of acid-free composition

If the product does not contain methacrylic acid, it is called acid-free. It also dries and protects the nail, provides adhesion to the artificial nail, but has a less traumatic effect on the plate. The composition is more gentle, but less effective. It is ideal for dry and very weak, thin nails. At the same time, it is absolutely not suitable for use with a pedicure.

Both types of the product have the same properties, however, the acid-free one has a more pronounced caring effect, rare side effects, burns.

Choose a brand

To date, the variety of brands in the nail art market is very large. Among professionals and amateurs, some acid-free primers are very popular.

• Runail. It has a liquid composition, thanks to which it lasts for a long time. Despite the small packaging, it does not contain acids. Dries quickly, suitable for all gel coats.
• Kodi. Very common and economical. Does not act aggressively on the cuticle, does not cause burns, suitable for gel coatings, as well as for acrylic extensions. The price is affordable, while the tool can be bought at any professional store.
• Bluesky. It is odorless, similar in consistency to vegetable oil, does not require drying in a special lamp. The brush is the most comfortable to use. Among the minuses is a long drying time. Among the advantages - a very budget price.
• TNL. Very comfortable brush, dries quickly, gives excellent grip, but can cause burns. It is not easy to apply, it can deform the plate.

• Vogue Nails. It has a pronounced pungent odor, perfectly retains the gel surface, and provides long-term durability. But the composition is aggressive, it can spoil the plate.
• Lady Victory. The primer has proven itself in the professional market, the volume of the bottle is quite large.

• Le Vole Ultra Bond. The company produces several types of bonders and primers, you can choose a product for any coating. Means are hypoallergenic, comfortable to use, do not cause damage to the plate and the skin.
• Ez flow. It is produced in a small volume, while the line of funds is very wide. The compositions are diverse, they allow you to choose a product for any type of nails and type of coating, they dry very quickly, the consistency is liquid.
• IBD. Provides a high degree of adhesion, while not containing acid. Superbly levels the plate, fills all deformed cracks and irregularities, requires drying in a lamp, gel-like.

Where to buy?

It is better to make a choice in favor of professional supermarkets and online stores, official websites of representatives of a particular company. Periodically held trade fairs also arrange sales. Before making this or that choice, you need to study this segment in the markets not only of your own country, since ordering from the official website of another country is usually much more profitable.

The price category of primers is quite wide, the cost varies from 150 to 2 thousand rubles. As for acid-free products, they are much cheaper. You should not choose the cheapest tool, you need to study the reviews of professionals and amateurs and choose the most acceptable option. Inexpensive products are characterized by an aggressive composition and poor resistance.

How to use?

First of all, you must carefully follow the instructions that come with the bottle. There are general principles of use and secrets of professionals that are suitable for any type of primer:

• applied after hygienic manicure, cuticle trimming, nail shaping, but before using the base coat;
• surface degreasing is necessary;
• movements during application must be very careful so that the composition does not get on the skin;
• first, the brush should be drawn from the end to the center, only then distributed on the sides;

• be sure to squeeze the brush so that the layer is loose;
• liquid formulations dry on their own, gel-like formulations may require drying in a special lamp;
• gel-type primers have a sticky surface, they take longer to dry and require particularly thin application;
• if the surface is wet even after a few minutes, it is blotted with a napkin.

You can replace the primer with a bonder or prep, but only if you use a gel coat or a regular unstable varnish. They do not provide much durability, however, their composition is quite comfortable and does not damage the nails.

If you just need to degrease the plate before coating, then feel free to use alcohol, nail polish remover or vinegar. As for the extension, the primer cannot be replaced by anything, since a very reliable adhesion is needed here, which ensures the durability of the artificial nail.

Recently, the use of regular nail polish has become less and less popular. It was replaced by a newer and more convenient type of coating - gel polish or otherwise shellac.

Its advantage is that with the help of ultraviolet radiation emitted from a special lamp, the varnish is polemized and becomes hard in less than a minute. There is no need to worry about the fact that the varnish will be erased and wait several hours for the moment of its final drying. In addition, a manicure made with gel polish lasts an average of 2 to 3 weeks. This is the best option for busy girls.

However, it should be noted that, unlike applying the simplest nail polish, when using shellac, you will either have to go to the salon to a specialist, or purchase a lot of necessary materials and gain experience on your own.

One of the necessary tools for manicure with gel polish is a primer. After its application, the active substance, as it were, smoothes the scales of the nail plate, which makes the subsequent coating even and smooth.

To understand why you need a primer for gel polish, let's analyze its principle of operation and main functions:

• The main task of the primer is to provide maximum adhesion between the varnish and the nail plate in order to prevent peeling or chipping of the coating.
• Degreasing, surface disinfection before coating is also an indispensable function of the primer. It will prevent the growth of microbes and fungi in the space between the varnish and the plate.
• It is also often used in nail extensions for strong bonding of natural and artificial nails.

Primer types

There are two types of primers on the manicure market, which are used by both manicure masters and girls who want to do their own manicure with gel polish:

1. acid primer. The peculiarity of this tool is that it contains methacrylic acid. These types of primers are gradually becoming a thing of the past due to the negative effect on the nail plate - with their frequent use, you can get a burn of the nail bed or the skin around it. In any case, even the use of an acid primer is considered the most gentle in comparison with the preparation of the nail with abrasive files;
2. Acid free primer. A product that does not contain methacrylic acid. Recently, it has been most popular in beauty salons due to the most gentle action. Contains the main active ingredient - ethyl acetate (ethyl ester of acetic acid). This substance is less toxic and dangerous in comparison with the acid that is part of the acid primers.

Important! Which gel polish primer to use is best decided by the nail service master, who will accurately assess the condition of the nails.

The technology of using a primer for gel polish:

1. Before starting the manicure procedure, it is necessary to disinfect all the tools, the hands of the master and the client;
2. Form the desired shape of the nails with nail files, remove the cuticle and dead dry skin, burrs;
3. Degrease and polish the nail plate;
4. Apply a small amount of primer with a special brush. This must be done very carefully so that the product does not get on the skin, especially if a trimmed manicure was performed and there is a possibility of minor damage to the skin;
5. After the primer layer is high, apply the base, color polish and top coat, drying each layer separately for the required amount of time.

Attention! Modern high-quality primers do not require drying in UV or LED lamps.

After all of the above, it becomes obvious why a primer is needed, however, girls who do their own manicure at home often want to save time and money and do without a preliminary primer, so they often have a question - is it possible to apply gel polish without a primer. Professional masters recommend going through all stages of manicure, however, they allow the possibility not to use a primer, provided that the nail plate is perfectly even and well degreased, there are no small hairs or dust on it. It is also not recommended to use a primer on weakened or damaged nails.

In the modern market of cosmetics, such a tool as a bond (or prep in another way) is presented. It has an effect exclusively on the top layer of the plate, which minimizes its negative impact, however, the period of wearing a manicure with it is slightly less than with a primer. These tools are interchangeable.

There are many manufacturers that produce primers. Their price ranges from 50 rubles to 1000 depending on the company and volume. As a rule, they are available in small tubes with a brush, visually reminiscent of jars of nail polish. The consistency of the primer is a liquid with a sharp acidic odor.

Nail design with brown gel polish

The most popular companies most often used in beauty salons are Kodi, Runail, Tnl, Uno. Their price varies between 300-500 rubles. there are more budget brands from 150 rubles: Blue Sky, Jess nail, Severina. All of the above primers can be bought at any store that sells gel polish manicure products. You can choose the best primer for gel polish only by experience, or by contacting the services of a nail service master. He will assess the condition of the nails and give appropriate recommendations.

Contraindications for use

There are a number of contraindications due to which you should not use this tool:

• damage to the nail plate;
• allergic reactions to the components of the product;
• inflammation, wounds on the skin around the nail plate.