Nail Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dehydrator, primer and bonder do, and how do they differ?
Dehydrator degreases the nail plate and removes excess moisture from it, primer boosts the material's adhesion to the nail through an acid or acid-free base, and bonder additionally creates a flexible bridge between the nail and gel or acrylic on oily or problem nails.
In what order should nail prep products be applied?
The standard sequence is dehydrator first to degrease the plate, then primer to boost adhesion, and only then gel or acrylic goes onto the prepared nail. Bonder is used as an extra step, usually after primer, on nails prone to lifting.
Why does gel lift when the prep stage is skipped?
Without degreasing and dehydrating, natural oils and moisture remain on the plate, preventing a firm bond between the material and the nail. Gel or acrylic then fails to grip properly and starts lifting at the edges within days to weeks.
How long do nail prep products last, and how should they be stored?
Once opened, dehydrators, primers and bonders typically last 6–12 months before losing effectiveness, especially acid-based primers. Store them tightly capped, away from direct sunlight and heat, ideally at room temperature.
