Liam Carter
Gel manicures are a popular nail treatment, known for their glossy and long-lasting finish. However, to achieve the best results, it's important to properly prepare your nails before applying gel polish. This includes shaping the nails, pushing back the cuticles, and removing any natural nail oils or residue. One product that can be particularly useful in this process is a primer, which helps to ensure better adhesion of the gel polish and can help your manicure last longer. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of priming your nails before a gel manicure and provide a step-by-step guide on how to prime your nails for a salon-quality finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of priming | To prevent chipping and peeling, and to ensure long-lasting manicures |
| Types of primer | Acid-free, acid primer |
| When to prime | At the very start of your gel nail manicure |
| How to prime | File and shape nails, push back cuticles, remove shine from the nail plate, remove oils and dust with a lint-free wipe, apply a layer of prep/dehydrator |
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What You'll Learn
Primer types: acid-free and acid primer
There are two types of primer used for gel nails: acid-free and acid primer. A primer is designed as a first coat to help a product adhere to another surface. In the context of nail care, a primer helps the enhancement adhere to the nail plate.
Acid-free primer is the most commonly used primer due to its gentle formula that helps with adhesion. It acts like 'double-sided sticky tape', creating a stronger bond between the natural nail and the gel polish or soft gel tip extensions. This type of primer contains an ingredient that causes a temporary change in the pH of the natural nail (making it slightly more acidic) to make it closer in pH to that of the product (highly alkaline). This pH change helps the product adhere.
Acid primer, on the other hand, is a stronger substance that is recommended for those with problematic nail plates or anyone who may be suffering from hormone problems or taking specific medications that can affect their nails. Acid primer makes tiny microscopic holes in the surface of the nail plate, so the product can 'weave' and stick into the nail. Over-priming with an acid-based primer can lead to chemical nail damage and can eventually thin the nail plate. Therefore, it is important to apply this type of primer sparingly.
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Primer application: removing oils and grease
To ensure your gel manicure is long-lasting and chip-free, it is important to prepare your nails properly before applying the gel polish. Primers are a great way to do this as they remove any remaining oils and grease on the nail plate, allowing the base coat to adhere properly.
There are two types of primer: acid-free and acid primer. Acid-free primers are the most commonly used as they have a gentle formula that helps with adhesion. Acid primers, on the other hand, are stronger and are more suitable for those with problematic nail plates or those who may have hormone problems or be on specific medications that affect their nails.
To begin the process of removing oils and grease from your nails, you should first file and shape your natural nails with a soft nail file. This will help create an even base for the primer. Next, gently push back all cuticles from the nail plate. It is important to remove any shine from the nail plate as this step is critical for a long-lasting manicure.
After shaping and pushing back the cuticles, you can use a lint-free wipe and a gel residue wipe-off solution to remove natural nail oils and any excess dust from the nail. This step will ensure your nails are clean and free of any debris before applying the primer. Once you have completed this step, be sure to avoid touching your nails so that you have a clean base to work with.
Your nails are now ready for primer application! Remember to follow the specific instructions for your chosen primer and allow enough time for the primer to dry before moving on to the next step of your gel manicure.
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Nail preparation: filing and shaping
Preparing your nails is essential for achieving a long-lasting and durable finish. Without taking the right steps to prepare the nail surface, you’ll find that your gel polish will quickly chip or peel away at the edges.
The first step in prepping your nails for gel polish application is to get your perfect nail shape. You can use either nail clippers or a file to achieve the length you want. Use the file in one direction along the edge of your nails to create a rounded, square, almond, or stiletto shape.
Next, apply cuticle oil to your nails and wait 60 seconds. This will help soften the cuticles before you push them back with either a metal or wooden cuticle pusher stick. It's important to be cautious not to leave any bits of skin on the edge of the nail bed as gel polish doesn't adhere well to the skin, which can cause lifting and an uneven finish. Remove any dead skin around your nails with cuticle nippers to keep them neat. Only nip and remove dead skin, which will be white in colour. Be careful not to remove any live skin or you may cause injury.
After filing and shaping your nails, you will need to remove any shine from the nail plate using a white block, making sure to go around all of the edges of the nail. This step is critical for a long-lasting manicure.
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Cuticle care: softening and pushing back
Cuticle care is an important step in nail preparation and can help to maintain healthy nails and prevent damage. Cuticles should be softened and pushed back gently, without the use of force or cutting, which can lead to irritation, infection, and damage to the nail's growth pattern.
To soften cuticles, begin by removing any nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover. This will ensure there is no oily residue, which can make the process slippery. Then, soak your nails in warm water for around 5-10 minutes. The warm water softens the cuticles and cleans the nail bed. You can add a few drops of moisturising soap, or jojoba or coconut oil to the water for extra hydration.
Once your cuticles are softened, you can use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently push them back. An orange stick is made of soft wood and is a gentle way to push the cuticle without scratching the nail. A cuticle pusher is available in metal or wood and is designed for a more precise push, with a curved end that fits the natural shape of your nail. You can also use a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or your fingers, but an orange stick will give a cleaner look.
Gently push the cuticle in circular motions, rolling it back to reveal more of the nail plate. Be careful not to use sharp or forceful movements, as this can cause injury to the delicate skin around the nails. Only push back the cuticle when it is overgrown, and be sure to use light pressure to avoid any damage.
After pushing back the cuticle, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails to keep them hydrated and supple. You can use cuticle oil, hand cream, or both, and apply them throughout the day for best results.
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Dehydration: removing shine and nail oils
Dehydration is a critical step in preparing your nails for gel polish. Without it, your manicure may chip or peel after a few days. To dehydrate your nails properly, follow these steps:
First, remove any shine from the nail plate using a buffer or a nail file. This step ensures your manicure will last longer. Next, remove natural nail oils and any excess dust from the nail using a lint-free wipe and a gel residue wipe-off solution. It is important to cleanse your nails of dirt and oil and dehydrate the nail plate before applying gel polish. Even invisible residue can cause your manicure to lift.
You can use a pre-soaked wipe or apply a prep and wipe solution to a lint-free wipe and then wipe it over your nail surface. Be sure to clean the entire nail. Once all your nails are clean and free of any debris, apply a layer of nail prep/dehydrator. Avoid touching your nails at this stage to ensure a clean base.
Your nails are now ready for gel polish!
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Frequently asked questions
Priming nails before gel polish application helps to dehydrate the nail plate and remove any remaining oils or grease. This ensures that the base coat adheres properly to the nail and prevents premature chipping and peeling.
There are two types of primer commonly used before applying gel polish: acid-free primer and acid primer. Acid-free primer is the most popular option due to its gentle formula, which effectively promotes adhesion. Acid primer, on the other hand, is a stronger substance suitable for individuals with problematic nail plates or specific health considerations that may affect their nails.
First, shape your nails using a nail file or clippers to achieve your desired length and form. Next, apply cuticle oil and wait 60 seconds to soften the cuticles. Then, gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher, being cautious to remove any bits of skin from the nail bed as gel polish does not adhere well to the skin. Finally, remove any remaining natural nail oils and dust with a lint-free wipe and nail residue wipe-off solution. Your nails are now primed and ready for gel polish application!
