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Manicure is one of the most popular beauty treatments. To make the nails look beautiful and neat, and the coating last for a long time, the master must use proven professional products. One of these tools is a primer.
Primer is a liquid that degreases the nail, dries it. How well the gel polish “adheres” to the nail plate depends on the quality of the product.
As noted by Anna Ruben, manicure and pedicure master, studio founder and manicure instructor: it is important to choose a suitable primer for the client, depending on the structure and characteristics of the nails.
There are many types of this product on the market – acidic, acid-free, bonders. We publish a rating of the best primers of 2021 with reviews and tips from an expert.
Expert selection
Yoko Nail Primer
Primer with methacrylic acid. The manufacturer notes: this primer can be used with both gel polish and acrylic. It is recommended for nail hyperhidrosis (increased moisture of the nail plate).
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 10 best nail primers according to KP
1. BLUESKY, Luxury Silver Primer
Acid-free primer, suitable for nails with hyperhidrosis. In clients with high moisture nails, the coating does not hold well. This primer will help solve the problem. Apply with a thin brush. Don’t let the small volume (10 ml) scare you: the primer has an economical consumption.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. CANNI
The primer of this well-known brand provides excellent “coupling” of the base layer to the nail. The manufacturer notes: thanks to the primer, the coating lasts for 4-5 weeks, without chips, scuffs and peeling. The primer comes from China, it can be bought in online stores or beauty shops.
But the composition is not indicated on the packaging, and therefore it is impossible to talk about its safety. The primer has a smell, but not as “chemical” as many other products.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. JessNail
Acid-free nail primer, fragrance-free. The manufacturer in the description states that the tool provides reliable adhesion of a natural nail with gel polish or acrylic (can be used with both). It contains three ingredients, including alcohol. A thin comfortable brush with a pile of medium length.
Suitable for both home and professional use. Can be used even with sensitive nails – does not dry the skin.
Advantages and disadvantages
4. TNL Professional
Acid-free primer-bond, suitable for professionals and beginners in manicure. Can be applied under gel polish, used with acrylic or gel nail extensions. Those who have already used this primer note that the coating really lasts for a long time – 4-5 weeks without chips, cracks and detachments.
The primer has a strong chemical smell, but it quickly dissipates.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Olystyle
The primer of this brand also promises the perfect adhesion of the nail with gel polish or acrylic – whether it’s a regular coating or extension. The primer seems to glue the nail with the material, while not damaging the nail plate, it acts as a protective layer. The tool does not change the color of the gel polish.
It has an oily texture and a strong smell. The manufacturer promises both durability of the coating and ease of removal.
Advantages and disadvantages
6. ONE
Professional primer, not suitable for home use, it is quite expensive. But manicure masters are happy to work with him. This primer provides an excellent “coupling” of the nail with gel polish, extension gel, acrylic and even simple varnish.
In other words, the primer works in all systems. Suitable for weak, thinned, exfoliating nails.
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Irisk Professional
The primer, despite the affordable price, is classified as a professional product. Irisk Professional Gel Primer, as the manufacturer himself notes, “gives a strong and reliable adhesion of a natural nail to gel or acrylic.” Manicure with this primer can last as long as possible.
The craftsmen noticed that the tool is easy to use – it has a comfortable brush, it dries quickly in the air. But there are also complaints: they say the bottle does not close tightly. Small volume – only 5 ml.
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Bagheera Nails
Acid-free primer, provides a strong adhesion to the coated nail. However, many note that it dries for a very long time – competitors can do it in 15-30 seconds, and Bagheera Nails need to dry for a whole minute. However, its adhesion is excellent, the color of the varnish does not distort or change, there are no detachments.
The manufacturer notes that the primer works best with other products of this brand. It has a good consistency – not runny or thick. In the bottle, the brush is small, does not leave villi.
Customers noted that the product has a pungent alcohol smell – this is a big minus. After all, the primer dries for a long time, and sensitive people have watery eyes from it.
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Kodi Ultrabond
The primer of this brand not only provides good adhesion of the material to the nail, but also saves the nail plate from exposure to rays and chemicals. Can be used with varnish, gel, acrylic. The primer prevents the nail from turning yellow under the coating.
It is a safe remedy, it can be used by people with weakened nails – it does not contain methacrylic acid. The primer has a comfortable brush, optimal texture and liquid consistency, it is economically consumed.
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Riki Bio Primer
This primer contains a therapeutic component – keratin. The primer not only creates a good grip, but also restores the nail plate. It takes a little longer for Riki to dry completely – 45 seconds.
The primer does not contain methacrylic acid, which means that it can also be used by allergy sufferers. Many have noticed the good quality of the bristles of the brush, it does not shed.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a nail primer
– In the arsenal, the master needs to have both an acid primer and an acid-free primer, because the nail plates of clients are different, – says Anna Reuben. – Buy both types, the prices of these funds are very affordable. The master must be able to understand the types of nails and primers: this is taught in professional courses. If doubts creep in which primer to choose, consult with a consultant by going to a professional cosmetics store.
So, there are several types of primers.
Acid-free primers
The name speaks for itself – these primers do not contain methacrylic acid. Their formula is safe, suitable for both normal and weakened nails. Ethyl acetate is based on a solvent that does not cause allergies and does not harm nails. Another advantage of acid-free primers: they are convenient to use when building up, they dry quickly.
Acid primers
Based on methacrylic acid, 80% of the total composition. Thanks to this acid, the primer has a strong effect on the plate, so it should only be used on strong and durable nails. In no case should not be applied to weak and worn nails! In this type of primer, there is also ethyl acetate – it is responsible for degreasing and cleaning the nail plate, which is necessary before applying the coating.
Bonders and primer boosters (prep primers)
As an alternative to the primer, masters use a bonder. These are different tools, although their functions are largely similar.
The bonder, like the primer, helps the nail adhere to the coating (gel polish or acrylic) and performs protective functions. Bonder can also be called “invisible protection” – it creates a film on the nail plate that will protect the nail from exposure to ultraviolet rays during drying.
But the bonder is used as a bonding agent, while the primer, first of all, cleans and degreases. Bonder looks like a gel, it needs to be dried in a lamp. The primer, on the other hand, has an easily evaporating composition that dries on its own. Bonder and primer can be used together.
Bonder is also called prep primer or primer booster. It is applied before using an acid or acid-free primer.
Popular questions and answers
Answers questions about the importance of applying a primer and others Anna Ruben – manicure and pedicure master, founder of the studio and manicure instructor.