When it comes to applying nail polish, there are a variety of products that can be used to create a flawless and long-lasting finish. Primer and dehydrator are two such products that are commonly used in the beauty industry to prepare nails for polish application.
But which one should you use first: primer or dehydrator? And what are the benefits of each product? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both primer and dehydrator, and explore when and how they should be used.
What is Primer?
In the world of beauty, primer is a product that is used to help makeup adhere better to the skin. It is essentially a base that helps to smooth out the skin’s texture and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
When it comes to nails, primer serves a similar purpose. Nail primer is a base coat that is applied to the nails before polish. Its primary function is to help the polish adhere better to the nails, resulting in a more even application and longer-lasting wear.
Types of Nail Primers
There are two main types of nail primers: acid-based and acid-free. Acid-based primers contain methacrylic acid, which helps to break down the oils on the surface of the nail, allowing the primer to bond more effectively. Acid-free primers, on the other hand, do not contain methacrylic acid and are gentler on the nails.
Benefits of Using Primer
The main benefit of using primer is that it helps to improve the adhesion of nail polish, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure. It also helps to smooth out the surface of the nail, making polish application easier and more even. Additionally, primer can help to prevent staining of the nails, particularly in the case of dark or highly-pigmented polishes.
When to Use Primer
Primer should be used prior to polish application, after the nails have been properly prepped. This means the nails should be clean and dry, and any old polish should be removed. It’s also important to ensure that the nails are free of any oils or lotions, as this can affect the adhesion of the primer.
How to Apply Primer
To apply nail primer, start by shaking the bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are properly mixed. Next, use the brush to apply a thin, even coat of primer to each nail. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to polish application.
What is Dehydrator?
Dehydrator, also known as nail prep, is a product that is used to remove moisture from the nails. By doing so, it helps to improve adhesion of polish, much like primer. However, dehydrator works in a slightly different way.
Dehydrator contains alcohol, which helps to remove oils and moisture from the nails. This creates a drier surface, which in turn allows polish to adhere better. In addition to improving adhesion, dehydrator can also help to prevent lifting and chipping of the polish.
Benefits of Using Dehydrator
Like primer, the main benefit of using dehydrator is that it helps to improve the adhesion of nail polish, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure. However, dehydrator can also help to prevent lifting and chipping of the polish, as it creates a drier surface that is less likely to be affected by environmental factors.
When to Use Dehydrator
Dehydrator should be used after the nails have been properly prepped, and prior to primer application. This means the nails should be clean and dry, and any old polish should be removed. Dehydrator should be applied using a brush, and allowed to dry completely before moving on to primer application.
How to Apply Dehydrator
To apply dehydrator, start by shaking the bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are properly mixed. Next, use the brush to apply a thin, even coat of dehydrator to each nail. Allow the dehydrator to dry completely before moving on to primer application.
Which Should You Use First: Primer or Dehydrator?
So, which should you use first: primer or dehydrator? The answer is actually both. While both products serve similar purposes, they work in slightly different ways, and using them together can help to create a longer-lasting and more even manicure.
To use both primer and dehydrator together, start by prepping the nails as usual. This means cleaning the nails, removing any old polish, and ensuring that the nails are free of oils and lotions. Next, apply dehydrator using a brush, and allow it to dry completely. Finally, apply primer using a brush, and allow it to dry completely before moving on to polish application.
Conclusion
When it comes to achieving a flawless and long-lasting manicure, primer and dehydrator are two products that can make a big difference. While they serve similar purposes, using them together can help to create an even better result. So the next time you’re getting ready to apply nail polish, make sure to use both primer and dehydrator for the best possible outcome.