Acid-free nail primer: what is it and how to use it?

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

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

The liquid has a thin consistency, watery or gel-like type, without any shade, and often odor. Packaging, as a rule, is opaque, since light has a destructive effect on the structure of the composition and reduces the shelf life. From a chemical point of view, the composition is complex:

• methacrylic acid;
• ethyl acetate;
• 2-hydroxylethyl mate acrylate.

It is these substances that endow the product with 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 acid-free.In the first, acids are not completely absent, they are simply contained in smaller quantities and less aggressively affect the nail, do not dry it. For weakened thin nails, it is these types of products that are recommended, such as an acid-free primer and prep-primer. The latter is the most gentle of all possible precoats.

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

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.

Even if you just cover your nails with regular, unstable pigment, there is no need to exclude the primer from the algorithm. It will perfectly prime the nail, prepare the plate, and ensure long-term wear without chipping for a long time. In addition, it acts as a barrier between the pigment and the natural nail. The varnish will lay down more evenly and smoother.

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.

If there is no methacrylic acid in the product, 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.

Today the variety of brands on the nail art market is very large. Certain acid-free primers are very popular among professionals and amateurs.

• 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 coatings.
• Kodi... A very common and economical remedy. Does not act aggressively on the cuticle, does not cause burns, is suitable for gel coatings, as well as for acrylic extensions. The price is affordable, while the product can be bought at any professional store.
• Bluesky. It has no odor, its consistency is similar to vegetable oil, does not require drying in a special lamp. The brush is as comfortable to use as possible. Among the downsides is the long drying time. Among the pluses is a very budget price.
• TNL... Very comfortable brush, dries quickly, gives excellent grip, but can cause burns. Not easy to apply, may deform the plate.

• Vogue Nails. Possesses a pronounced pungent odor, perfectly holds the gel surface, provides long-term durability. But the composition is aggressive, it can spoil the plate.
• Lady Victory. The primer has proven itself well 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.The products are hypoallergenic, comfortable to use, do not cause damage to the plate and skin.
• Ez Flow. It is produced in a small volume, while the line of products is very wide. The compositions are varied, 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 being acid-free. Perfectly smoothes the plate, fills in all deformed cracks and irregularities, requires drying in a lamp, gel-like.

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 organize sales. Before making this or that choice, you need to study this segment in the markets of not only 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 distinguished by their aggressive composition and poor durability.

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

• be sure to squeeze out 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 dry longer and require a particularly thin application;
• if the surface is damp even after a few minutes, it is soaked with a napkin.

You can replace the primer with a bonder or prep, but only in the case of using a gel coat or ordinary unstable varnish. They do not provide much durability, however, their composition is quite comfortable and does not spoil the nails.

In general, reviews of acid-free primers are positive. Buyers note their positive effect when applied to weakened plates, moderate manicure durability, comfort in use: no pungent odors, just applied. Liquid formulations of primers are called more economical, they are easier to apply and dry instantly. Negative reviews are most often associated with gel-like compositions, which are more difficult to apply and take longer to dry.

For information on which primer to choose, acidic or acid-free, see the next video.