3 Reason Primers are essential for nail technicians.

Acrylics are a medium that requires a significant amount of supplies. Because of this, it is only normal for us to wonder whether it is important to have all of them, particularly if we run out of the product. What about the primer, though? Is it possible to work with acrylics without it? This is what you need to be aware of.

When putting acrylic powder for nails, it is essential and highly recommended to use a primer beforehand. Using a primer prior to applying nail polish helps dehydrate and prepare the nail, which ultimately results in superior adherence. This will result in acrylics that last longer and limit any early lifting that could occur. Let us take a loook at what primer is used for, how to work with it, and whether or not it is feasible to work without it, as well as how you would go about doing so. 

If you are truly interested in acrylic powder for nail enhancements, you should continue reading to obtain all the information you require.

Reason 1: What Does Acrylic Nail Primer Do?

The purpose of nail primer is to dehydrate the nail, remove all of the nail's natural oils, and prepare the nail's surface before applying any nail augmentation or treatment. Although it is most beneficial when applied prior to the application of acrylics or gel, a traditional manicure can also benefit from using this product. The answer can be found in the question's title, which primes the nail. In addition, it helps to ensure that your artificial nails or manicure will survive for a longer period of time, which is an important function it serves. A form of acrylic liquid known as EMA (Ethyl methacrylate) monomer has established itself as the industry standard for nail products. It accounts for somewhere between 70 and 90 percent of the monomer content of most nail acrylics, making it the most important component.

Types of Primers

When working in the nail industry, you are likely to come across both acid-free and acid-based primers as options for your clients. An acid-free primer performs similarly to 'double-sided sticky tape,' while an acid-based primer creates small microscopic holes in the surface of the nail plate. These holes allow the product to 'weave' and stick into the nail. An acid-free primer does not include any acid. Damage to the nail plate and a reduction in its thickness can occur if the same area is repeatedly primed with an acid-based primer. This can cause the area to be primed more thinly.

Acid-free primer

• Depending on the situation, it can frequently be used either in place of an acid primer or after an acid primer.
• Performs the function of an adhesive on both sides for gel and acrylic.
• Continues to be sticky.
• Be cautious about using only a small amount, as using too much of the product can reduce its adhesive effects.

Acid-free primer has an element that temporarily alters the pH of the natural nail, making it more similar in acidity to the product's own pH level. This makes the natural nail's pH level more in line with the primer (highly alkaline). This shift in pH makes it easier for the substance to stick. Suppose your L&P application takes longer than this. In that case, you should prime one hand at a time because the nail will eventually return to its natural pH level after approximately 20 minutes, and the adhesive power of the primer will drop as a result.

Acid primer

• It achieves this by stripping the nail plate of any extra oils that may be present.
• When dry, it has a chalky appearance.
• Clients with troublesome conditions, such as oily nail plates, are the best candidates for this product.

The traditional primer was manufactured with methacrylic acid, which earned a poor reputation due to its caustic features. As a result, acid-based primer was updated, becoming much safer to use on customers while also improving its adhesion properties. In order to prevent skin irritation, it is essential for nail technicians to constantly make sure that they apply the smallest possible quantity of either primer that is required, making sure that it does not touch or flood the skin.

Side note* 

At Hey Beautiful, we created the strength of an acid primer with the safeness of an acid-free primer. Called Elite Ultra Bond, Three times the strength, with vitamin E&D for a healthier nail plate. We recommend it to people with a higher ph scale, oilier nail bed, or smaller nail plate. But if you don’t have many of those clients, the regular Ultra Bond will be sufficient 

How much primer?

The exact product use, the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and the state of the client's nails all play a role in determining whether or not primer is necessary and how much of it should be used. If your client has excessively greasy nail beds and recurrent lifting, they may require a second coat of primer; however, it is good to practice going over other possible causes or application concerns with your client.

It is not acceptable to use primer as a mask for improper application. In most cases, a primer is not necessary for the application of services such as gel polish, nail polish, silk, or fiberglass.

Traditional L&P will adhere to the nails even in the absence of primer, but the adhesion will not be very strong. Because many monomers and base gels now incorporate primer-based features, the amount of primer that is typically required has decreased as a result.

When using tips, avoid applying primer to the tips themselves because doing so might cause the plastic to break. Instead, apply primer to the natural nail in very small amounts, and be sure to do so sparingly. It is also crucial to check the clarity of your primer on a frequent basis to ensure that it does not become contaminated with dust, oils, or anything else that could reduce the product's efficacy.

Myth Busters

Do primers with an acidic pH make the nail more fragile? Doug Schoon, the president of Schoon Scientific, says that this assertion is categorically untrue. Even though methacrylic acid (MAA) primers can be corrosive to the skin and cause some products to be yellow, contrary to popular belief, these primers do not "eat" the nail. This is a common misconception that nail technicians perpetuate. Schoon, whose scientific knowledge is highly regarded in the nail industry, once presented an experiment to verify it, and it was as follows: Nail clippings should be placed in a bottle of primer and left to soak until you are ready to go to bed. In June of 2000, Paul Bryson, who was working as the principal scientist for OPI at the time, accepted Schoon's challenge. He did the experiment on himself by putting his own nail clippings into a bottle of MAA primer and letting it run for 15 years. "The nail clippings from June 2015 were not dissolved, broken down, or otherwise 'eaten,'" he explains. "In other words, they were not consumed." The question now is, what causes nails to thin? According to him, the most likely perpetrators are aggressive and unnecessary over-filing as well as heavy-handed removal of items.

Reason 2: Benefits of Nail Primers & Dehydrators

1. Increases the Life Span of Your Manicures

The most significant advantage provided by nail primers and dehydrators is the enhancement of the adhesion of nail coatings such as acrylics, gel polishes, and even traditional nail polish to the nail surface. In addition, doing so extends the amount of time that your manicure may go without chipping, lifting, or peeling. Nail primers and dehydrators are two products that can help extend the wear time of gel paints and acrylics to at least three weeks.

2. Keeps Your Nail Looking Consistent

Now that your manicures won't peel, lift, or crack so readily, your nails will look much more consistent and appealing for an extended amount of time. This is because the length of time they retain their appearance is increased.

3. Saves You Money

You won't have to retouch your manicure in a hurry if you use nail primers and dehydrators because they make it possible for manicures to last for a long period while still appearing uniform.

Drawbacks of Nail Primers and Dehydrators

1. Can Potentially Damage Your Nails

Primers for the nails can be broken down into a few main categories. Primers that are acid-based make use of methacrylic acid, which generates microscopic tears and holes in the nail bed. This makes it possible for acrylics and gel polishes to have a better hold on the nails. The vast majority of industry professionals advise making use of nail dehydrators in addition to non-acid-based primers. In general, they are safer and gentler on your nails than other products.

2. Will Make Your Acrylic Nails Very Hard to Remove

Primers for the nails are quite helpful in ensuring that acrylics and gel paints attach well to the nail surface. They are so effective that it makes the process of a removal significantly more challenging. Because of this, you will need to remove the polish with an increased quantity of acetone, which will cause additional harm to your nails.

3. Doesn’t Do Anything to Prevent Staining

The dyes in your nail polish will stain your nails, even if you use a base coat, and nail primers and dehydrators won't protect your nails from this the way that some base coats do.

Primers cause your nail polish to attach more strongly to your nails, which may increase the likelihood that your nails will become stained. This is because primers really compel your polish to adhere more closely to your nails.

Recommendations When Working With Primer

If you want your nail enhancement products to have good adherence to your nails, there are several key aspects to consider, including the following:

• Do not combine different brands; it is safer to work with items from the same brand to guarantee that they are compatible. To give just one example, not every monomer can be used with every type of polymer.
• Make use of professional brands that are of good quality, have received a large number of favorable evaluations, and are well-known and respected in the industry.
• Remember to work with the exact amount that is required, and make sure to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
• Before applying primer, the nail plate should be meticulously prepared. This involves pushing the cuticle back, removing shine with a buffer that has 240 grit, removing dust from the manicure plate, and cleaning the nail plate with an appropriate prep product.
• Get the proportion of liquid to powder just right; if it's either too wet or too dry, the mixture will lift.
• Make sure the application is clean, with no product coming into contact with the skin. In that case, you should be prepared to lift.

Reason 3: The Professionals Weigh In

It is simple to determine when it is necessary to use a primer or a bonder: Read the instructions that came with your machine. Primers and bonders share the common goal of improving adhesion in their respective applications. Although the formulas alter, the function that they serve is still the same. At first, there were only starting reading materials available. Primers have a negative reputation since some formulations are harsh and damaging to the skin. Manufacturers are now producing primers that do not include acid. Primers serve as an anchor between the natural nail and the nail enhancements; however, applying additional primers does not result in increased adherence. Doug Schoon is the president of the company Schoon Scientific.

It was necessary to chemically etch the nail plate in order for items to adhere to the natural nail. Hence acid-based primers were utilized. Onycholysis, also known as the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed, can be caused by the careless usage of these products, which expose the hyponychium to acid. Non-acid primers, such as the Artistic Nail Design Rock Hard Opening Act, were developed to address this issue. This formula comprises two molecules: keratin, which bonds to the natural nail, and acrylate, which attracts embellishments and provides greater adherence while being safe. —Alisha Rimando, who serves as the creative director of Artistic Nail Design.

"I try to emphasize to customers that a manicure is similar to a healthy skincare routine, and it's one of my favorite things to do. Your skin can look beautiful if you decide to include high-quality products as part of your routine, and the same is true for nail care. To prevent damage to the nail and ensure that the color will last as long as possible after being applied, you must use the appropriate supplies. Cuccio Veneer #1 Prime functions similarly to a toner in that it eliminates any extra oil or water that may be present on the nail prior to the application of color, so producing a clean and prepared surface. Cuccio Veneer #2 Fuse functions similarly to a serum; it provides something for Base Coat to attach to and will be your most reliable ally in extending the life of your gel manicure. —Rachel Schafer, managing director and co-founder of Cuccio Colour.

Difference between Nail primer and base coat

Nail primer - On the surface of your nails, a primer can eliminate any moisture, oil, or grease that may be present. If you get a manicure after all of this, you will have better results than staying longer if you do so. Primers are intended to remove moisture from the nail plate, making it easier for nail lacquer or acrylic powder for nails to attach to the nail. Primers and dehydrators should only be used when they are absolutely required, such as when applying acrylics or when you have a tendency to peel or chip the paint.

Base coat - A base coat is a transparent polish applied to the nails before applying gel or conventional nail lacquer to extend the wear time of the manicure. They will make it easier for your nail paint to cling to the nail and protect the nail from becoming stained. Plasticizers in base coats give them more flexibility while also improving their ability to adhere to the nail. If your natural nails have a yellowish tint to them, you should get a high-quality base coat that shields nails against discoloration and stains. Your nails' health is safeguarded by the formation of a protective coating on top of them that is provided by base coats. This shields your fingernails and toenails from any potentially damaging chemicals that may be present in the nail paint or gel that you are using.

Conclusion

Before applying acrylic nail polish, it is best to apply a good-quality primer. This step is highly recommended. There is always the possibility of failing. It's possible that you'll end up being one of the few lucky people who get away with it.

But why take the chance? You should do whatever you can to guarantee that they last the 2-4 weeks that you had hoped for when you first started getting them done. Although theoretically, methods may be used to achieve the same outcome as a primer, which is to dehydrate the nail and the oils, primer was developed for a specific purpose.