A nail dehydrator is a product used in nail care to remove surface oils and moisture from the nail plate before applying artificial nails, gel polish, or regular nail polish.
Purpose of Nail Dehydrator
The primary function of a nail dehydrator is to:
- Remove Surface Moisture: As the reference indicates, nail dehydrators are solvents that can dissolve small amounts of moisture from the nail.
- Temporarily Dehydrate: Nail dehydrators cause the moisture to evaporate from just the uppermost surface of the nail plate, and they will temporarily dehydrate the upper surface.
This step is crucial because a clean, dry nail surface improves the adhesion of nail products, preventing lifting, chipping, and peeling.
How Nail Dehydrator Works
Nail dehydrators typically contain ingredients like isopropyl alcohol or ethyl acetate. These solvents work by:
- Dissolving surface oils and moisture.
- Evaporating quickly, leaving the nail surface dry.
By removing these elements, the nail surface becomes more porous, allowing for better bonding with nail enhancements or polishes.
When to Use a Nail Dehydrator
A nail dehydrator is typically applied:
- After filing and buffing the natural nails.
- Before applying a nail primer or base coat.
Example Application
Here's an example of how a nail dehydrator would be used:
- Prepare the nails by filing, buffing, and shaping them.
- Clean the nail surface with a lint-free wipe.
- Apply a thin layer of nail dehydrator to each nail.
- Allow the dehydrator to air dry completely before proceeding with primer and other nail products.
