Cleanser & Primer

Cleanser and Primer: The foundation for long-lasting gel nails

Cleanser and Primer are important steps when applying Gel Polish or Builder Gel at home. These two products help prepare the nail for better adhesion and long-lasting results with your gel products. Careful preparation can make a real difference to the final result.

Here you’ll find our Cleanser and Primer products, designed to give your nail treatment the best possible start.

What is nail cleanser used for?

A nail cleanser is a cleansing product used in two important steps of your nail treatment. First, it removes oils from the nail before you apply your gel products. This helps the Base Coat bond properly to the natural nail. You then use cleanser to remove the tacky layer that some gel products leave behind after curing in the UV lamp. This gives the nails a smooth, beautiful finish.

What can you use instead of nail cleanser?

Nailster’s Cleanser is specially developed for use with gel products. It contains ingredients that effectively cleanse the nail plate and remove oils from the surface. Although some people choose to use isopropyl alcohol as an alternative, we always recommend using products designed for this purpose to achieve a good result and help protect your nails.

When is Primer a good idea for your gel nails?

Primer is a pre-treatment liquid that you apply after preparing the nail and, if needed, using a Dehydrator. It helps improve adhesion between your natural nail and Base Coat. Primer creates a surface that gel products can bond to more effectively, which can help support long-lasting results for your gel nails.

Is Primer necessary for gel nails?

Primer is not always strictly necessary, but it is a good idea for many people. If you often find that your gel nails loosen or chip quickly, Primer can help improve adhesion. It is especially useful for nails that tend to be oily, as it creates a more adhesive surface for your gel products. Many people use Primer, especially if Gel Polish or Builder Gel tends to lift.

The difference between Primer and Dehydrator

Both Primer and Dehydrator are important products when preparing your nails, but they have different functions. A Dehydrator, also known as PH-Bond, removes moisture and natural oils from the surface of the nail. This creates a dry, clean base that improves adhesion. You apply a Dehydrator as the first step in preparing the nail plate, after lightly buffing the nail.

Primer is applied after Dehydrator. It creates a stronger bond between the nail plate and your Base Coat. While Dehydrator removes surface moisture from the nail, Primer provides a tacky surface that helps the gel products adhere more effectively. You can choose to use both products for long-lasting results, especially if you have issues with your gel nails lifting.