Why Use a Nail Dehydrator for Professional Nail Services?

What Does a Nail Dehydrator Do?

A nail dehydrator (also called prep liquid or ph bonder) is an important step in the nail enhancement process. It removes moisture, oils and residue from the nail plate prior to application of gels, acrylics, dip powders or polish.

Nail dehydrators work by dissolving moisture and drying out the nail surface. This cleans and primes the natural nail for maximum adhesion. Using a dehydrator helps prevent lifting, peeling and other bond failures in nail enhancements and manicures.

Benefits of Using a Nail Dehydrator

High quality nail dehydrators offer many advantages for flawless nails:

• Removes oil and debris for superior bond strength
• Prevents bubbles and flaws in gel polish or acrylic
• Stops nail enhancements from lifting or peeling off
• Works on natural or artificial nails
• Fast drying formula requires no lamp or drying time
• Simple and easy to use - apply and go
• Cost effective and improves application results

Salon professionals recommend dehydrating natural nails before every nail service. For clients getting regular manicures or enhancements, consistently using a prep dehydrator maintains stability and adhesion over time.

Even at home manicurists will see smoother polish application and longer wear by dehydrating first. Using an alcohol-based nail prep ensures each manicure starts with a clean slate for polish and top coat to grab onto.

Is Nail Dehydrator Necessary?

While nail dehydrators are not mandatory, they are highly recommended by experts for these reasons:

• Maximizes Adhesion - A dehydrator chemically preps the nails for the best bond. This prevents chipping, lifting and other failures.
• Smooths Product Application - Dehydrated nails allow even application of gels, acrylic and polish.
• Extends Longevity - Getting 2-3 extra days of wear makes dehydrating worth it!
• Prevents Bubbles/Flaws - Properly prepped nails won't trap air or debris under enhancements.
• Easy Insurance - A quick swipe of dehydrator takes seconds but makes manicures last longer.
• Works with All Products - Useful before acrylics, dips, gels, polish, top coat and more.

While an extra step, dehydrating is quick insurance against surface issues for flawless nails that last.

Is Nail Dehydrator the Same as Primer?

Nail dehydrators and nail primers serve different purposes:

• Dehydrator - Removes oils and moisture from the nails ONLY.
• Primer - Lightly etches the nails for adhesion after dehydrating.

Think of dehydrator as cleaning/prepping and primer as bonding. Using both ensures long-lasting manicures:

• Dehydrate nails to remove surface contaminants
• Apply primer to chemically bond with enhancements

Some products combine dehydrator and primer in one. But separate formulas give the most reliable results.

Do You Dehydrate or Prime Nails First?

Always dehydrate natural nails before priming for the best enhancement adhesion and wear time.

Follow these simple steps:

• Shape and buff nails and remove dust and oil with soap and water.
• Use nail dehydrator on all nails and let dry completely.
• Apply nail primer and let dry.
• Proceed with acrylic, gel polish, dip powder or other nail service.
• Finish by applying cuticle oil around the nail edge - not on the nail plate.

Prep properly with a dehydrator and primer for salon-quality, long lasting nail enhancements at home.

Get Flawless Results with the Right Nail Prep

Don't skip this essential step - properly dehydrating nails takes your manicure from 0 to 100! A quality dehydrator works on both natural and artificial nails for smooth application and extended wear with any nail product.

For lacquers, gels, acrylics or powders, a nail dehydrator is the secret to stopper adhesion and beautiful nails that last.