Primer for nails: why you need it, how to apply, and what this is

Proper preparation of the nail plate - including the application of a primer - is the key to a successful manicure. Therefore, let's talk today about why you need a primer for nails and which primer is better to choose.

What is a primer and what is it for?

A primer is a kind of undercoat. A primer, no matter what industry it is used in, is meant to provide the first layer to help the product adhere to another surface. A nail primer is designed to help artificial nail polish adhere more firmly to the nail plate.

However, when using a primer, you should have certain knowledge, because improper application of it can cause problems with the skin and nails.

Using too much primer can affect adhesion strength, and frequent application of an acidic primer can cause chemical damage to the nails, eventually thinning the nail plate.

What is the best primer to use?

There are two types of primers that you may encounter in the nail industry: acid-free and acidic. The acid-free primer acts like a "double-sided tape" and leaves a sticky coating, while the acid primer forms tiny microscopic holes on the surface of the nail plate, thanks to which the product "weaves" into the nail and adheres securely. However, as I said just above, if you constantly apply an acid based primer to the same area, this can lead to damage and thinning of the nail plate.

Acid free primer

It can be used either in place of an acid primer or after an acid primer.

Works as double sided tape for gel and acrylic.

Leaves a sticky finish

When using an acid-free primer, make sure you apply it sparingly, as too much primer will only reduce the adhesive effect.

The acid-free primer contains an ingredient that temporarily changes the pH of the natural nail (acidic) to more closely resemble the pH of the final coat (alkaline). It is this change in pH that helps the product stick. After about 20 minutes, the nail returns to its natural pH and the adhesive strength of the primer decreases. So if you're getting extensions and it takes longer, apply primer on one hand at a time.

Acid primer

Works by removing excess fat from the nail plate.

The traditional primer was made with methacrylic acid, which got a bad rap for its corrosive properties. Therefore, the acid primer formula has been updated over time, and it has become much safer to use. Despite this, it is important that the manicurist uses only the minimum amount of such a primer so that it does not get on the skin and does not cause irritation.

How much primer to apply?

Whether or not to apply a primer, and how much, depends on the individual case, the manufacturer's instructions, and the condition of the nails. Girls with very oily nails who complain that nail polish peels off quickly may even need to apply two coats of primer.

Do not apply primer as a top coat. Especially when using false nails, as the primer contains ingredients that can corrode plastic.

It is also important to regularly check the purity of the primer to make sure it is not contaminated with dust, oils, etc., as this can affect the effectiveness of the primer.

You can buy a primer for nails at any professional cosmetics store, as well as on numerous Internet sites.

I hope my information was useful to you, and now you know what the primer is used for and which one to prefer. Be healthy and beautiful! :)