Best Nail Dehydrator And Primer [Review] in 2022

Nail dehydrators and primers work as a perfect pair for applying false acrylic nails and gels. They extend the life of your manicure massively while protecting your nail bed.

They work together to remove all nail oils and dirt and provide a robust adhesive foundation for your gel polish. However, the purpose of each can often be confused, so I’m here to break it down.

So what is a nail dehydrator?

This is a degreasing liquid that gently dehydrates the nail surface, removing any nail oil and other bits of dirt from your nail plate. This makes it easier for the gel polish or acrylic extensions to adhere to the nail.

A nail dehydrator removes all the natural oils and moisture from the nail to prepare it to apply a gel, acrylic, nail overlays, and extensions.

To break it down, a nail dehydrator helps to make a manicure last longer.

What is a nail primer? 

Nail primers then work to treat your nails’ surface to make your acrylic or gel polish adhere better to the nail plates. Nail primers act as a bonding agent to help gel base coats, polish, nail overlays, or acrylics stick to your nail plate.

The primer also has protective qualities that seal the tiny pores on your nail plate, blocking fungus, bacteria, water, or air from reaching your natural nails.

They also prevent your nails from lifting, peeling, or breaking.

They come in acid and acid-free formulas, but I would recommend going for the acid-free formulas instead as they are less corrosive and more gentle on your natural nail.

There are three different types of nail primers:

Non-acid primers:

Non-acid primers contain only a bit of acid, but it’s not methacrylic acid meaning the primer is much more gentle than acid-based primers.

It would help if you still avoided these non-acid primers coming in contact with skin.

Acid-based primers:

Acid-based primers are more common in older nail primers; it was the original primer used in the nail industry. An acid primer is often much stronger and harsher on the skin; it contains methacrylic acid, which can irritate the skin around the nails.

Only use an acid-based primer you have nails with hyperhidrosis or other problems and should only use a thin layer, being extra careful around the edges.

Acid-based primers work excellently with acrylic nails and really prevents lifting, but it is not ideal for gel manicures. Overall I would opt for a primer that is free of acid– it’s not worth it.

Acid-free primers: 

Unlike acid-based primers, acid-free primers are free of acid and have become more common in recent years, and it doesn’t contain any acid. It is much more gentle and softer than an acid primer and can be used on any nail plate.

They work similarly to double-sided tape; they adhere to the nail while anchoring in the gel polish or acrylic dip powder to prevent any lifting.

Nail techs love it, and you will see it most commonly in gel nail extensions or gel manicures. 

A nail dehydrator often comes in a small bottle with a brush in the bottle cap like all regular nail polishes. It comes in a clear liquid and is applied with a thin single coat over the nails.

This may make your nails appear white and rough after use, which is a natural dehydration effect. If it has evaporated to make your nails look white, then you will only need one coat.

You can use a second coat if it doesn’t affect the first plate; there is no need to panic; it won’t harm your nail plate. You can also wipe any excess dehydrator off the brush by wiping on the tip of the lid before use.

You won’t need to dehydrate the extensions as they do not produce natural oils; use them on your natural nails. Additionally, it won’t require curing. It will evaporate on its own.

Make sure you wait for it to evaporate before you go in with the primer.

When do you use a nail dehydrator? 

Once you’ve prepped your nail plate, you should use your nail dehydrator but make sure you use it before the primer. 

You should have filed your nails to the desired shape, buffed the shine off the nail and roughened them a bit, and cleaned off any dust from the last two steps using a nail cleanser or lint-free wipe before you go in with the nail dehydrator. 

Using a nail primer is fairly easy; all you need to do is apply one layer to your bare natural nail plate, avoiding the area near the cuticles. You can either a thin layer cover the entire nail or at the tip of your nail.

Applying the nail primer to the free edge is the most recommended method as it is the area most prone to chipping and lifting. It is important to use a thin layer of nail primer as too much may actually cause the nail to lift.

Once you’ve applied one thin layer, you should allow around a minute for it to air dry (don’t use a UV or LED lamp for the primer)

When do you use a nail primer? 

You can use a nail primer after you’ve filed, buffed, and cleaned your nails and the nail dehydrator has evaporated. You should also apply the primer before your base coat. 

You don’t need to use a primer with regular nail polish only gel, acrylic, and dip powder manicures, but it may make a regular nail polish manicure last a few days longer.  

How do you store a nail dehydrator and primer?

The best way to store your dehydrator is to make sure you tightly seal the bottle lid after use as it evaporates easily and keep it in a cool, dry place like a cupboard, away from heat. 

As for nail primers, you should also seal them tightly and keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat, sparks, or flames. 

Do I need to use a nail primer?

Although many manufacturers and beauty companies recommend using a nail primer for acrylic, dip, and gel nails, it isn’t always essential. 

Nail primers mainly work to make your manicure more durable and improve longevity. I would always recommend it, especially for gel and acrylic nails; for regular nail polish, it isn’t necessary. 

It also prevents your nails from peeling, lifting, or breaking by creating a stronger adhesive for your gel base coat, gel polish, or even acrylic to hold onto. It is also brilliant to use for nail art. 

In this guide today, we have focused on the importance, use, and guide to applying nail dehydrators and primers and looking at the very best nail dehydrator and primer brands. 

They work together to massively improve the durability and longevity of gel, acrylic, dip powder liquid systems, nail art, and even regular nail polish.

I have only selected acid-free or non-acid formulas as they are less corrosive and more gentle on your nail bed. I have also ensured that I have selected universal formulas with a range of gel polishes, acrylic brands, and more so you can use them with complete confidence.

Select any of the products I have chosen for you today, and the results will shock you; some will even make your manicure last up to 30 days!