The key to a high-quality and long-term manicure is competent pre-treatment of the nail plate. As a rule, a base coat alone is not enough, this layer can also be unstable if the nail underneath is not prepared. And this is done with the help of the so-called primer. Everyone knows about its functions, just like the need for its use. But how can you replace the primer if it is not at hand, and the manicure must be finished? Consider this question!
Short introduction
First of all, it is worth understanding what a primer is and under what names you can still find this tool. So, in literal translation, the word "primer" means "primer". Obviously, this product is designed to prepare the nail for application.further decorative layer or multiple layers. At the same time, he is obliged to perform certain functions, namely:
- Pull excess moisture from the nail.
- Remove the greasy layer from the surface.
- Make the surface slightly rough.
All this is necessary in order for the base layer of gel polish or build-up composition to “stick” to the nail plate in the most dense way. But it happens that this miracle remedy ends at the most inopportune moment, and then the question arises: what can replace the primer with this functionality?
1 - acetone
The first thing you can replace the primer for nails is a nail polish remover containing acetone. Exactly this, aggressive and "out of fashion", and not those exquisite bubbles that are now sold in the assortment as sparing ones. It's simple - there is a lot of acetone in the "Nigold" tool, and it is this component that allows you to simultaneously draw out unnecessary moisture from the nail, degrease it and create a slight roughness on the surface. It is important to remember that if you are buying not "Nigold", but another similar product, study its composition. It should not contain oils, since it is from them that we get rid of with the help of a primer, because they prevent the manicure from staying on the nails for a long time.
2 - vinegar
A product that contains a large amount of acids necessary for high-quality degreasing of the nail. This is what you can replace the primer with at home, when even acetone is not underhand. The tool acts more sparingly than its branded counterpart, but at the same time it has a positive effect on the nails and the skin around them. The cuticle softens, the fingers become more tender, the skin is cleansed. It is important to note that with the help of white table vinegar, alas, it is impossible to lift the scales of the nail so that the varnish adheres to the surface as firmly as possible. But you can compensate for this shortcoming with the help of a file. Masters advise choosing medium abrasiveness and treating each nail with it.
3 - ethyl alcohol
This drug acts by analogy with vinegar, but differs from its predecessor in the absence of acids in the composition. It is also important to note that the absence of acids does not mean at all that the product will treat nails more carefully. On the contrary, alcohol can greatly dry out both the nail itself and the skin around it, which in the future will cause a lot of discomfort. Therefore, it must be used extremely carefully, applied to the nails without touching the cuticle, and only once. At the same time, like white table vinegar, ethyl alcohol will not be able to provide a decent adhesion of varnish and nail. That is why you need to take the file again and process the surfaces of the nails so that they become rougher and fix all further layers of manicure on themselves. By the way, if you are looking for something that can replace the primer for building, then alcohol will be the best candidate. It will dry out the nail the most, which will allow the helium or acrylic mixture to gain a foothold on it for a very long time.
4 - alcoholic liquids
It often happens that there is no pure alcohol in the house - nothing surprising, in recent years it is not considered a "must-have" in the medicine cabinet, as it has many more "humane" alternatives. Here they can be taken into use. As a rule, what you can replace the primer with can be found in any first aid kit. These are tinctures on various herbs and berries, alcohol rubbing for joints and muscles, some homeopathic cold remedies based on ethyl, etc. They will do a good job with the oily layer of the nail plate, and, depending on the “aggressiveness” of the effect, they will scales of the nail and make it more porous. As a bonus, experts note that many of these products also have a positive effect on the structure of the nail itself and the condition of the cuticle. Fingers are transformed and retain a well-groomed appearance for longer.
5 - boric acid
Here we are back to acids, which also do an excellent job of degreasing and preparing the nail plate for further application of decorative layers. Boric acid is a universal tool, it is available in almost every home and even in every office, so it will be very simple to quickly apply it in a manicure. Please note that if the percentage of acid is very high, it is advisable to dilute it with water, otherwise you can greatly dry the cuticle and the nail itself. Also, the "plus" to this tool adds the fact that it is part of many ultrabonds - that is, primers for nails.
6 - salicylic acid
Well, here we see how a tool that perfectly copes with various kinds of skin defects helps to temporarily solve the problem of the lack of ultrabond for nails. When you don’t know at home how to replace the primer due to the lack of all of the above tools, use this. Salicylic acid will help you achieve almost perfect results. It dries qualitatively, but at the same time carefully, perfectly disinfects, removes excess moisture from the surface of the nail plate. Moreover, if its concentration is not too high, the nail will become a little rough, its upper layers will rise. You will only have to finally "lift them up" by walking over them with a nail file. After that, you can safely apply the coating and be sure that it will last soundly.
7 - vodka
We have already discussed all pharmaceutical products based on alcohol, but forgot about this not very he althy drink. In this case, this is a great alternative than replacing the primer for gel polish, and spending this liquid with more benefit. It is very convenient to buy a mini-bottle at the checkout if there are no other means for degreasing the nail plate in the house, and it takes a very long time to get to the nearest pharmacy. Note that vodka is not as aggressive as pure alcohol, so it can be used without undue concern, and sometimes you need to treat your nails twice or thrice to achieve the desired effect.
8 - cologne
Ends oura list of those products that can replace the primer for gel polish, it is this aromatic product. It contains more than 70 percent of ethyl alcohol, so the appearance in this rating is quite justified. It is men's colognes that are more "aggressive" with respect to nail scales. But you can also use women's perfume or toilet water, just repeat the procedure several times. Also, the advantage of this method is that some essential oils that are part of the aromas also have a drying effect. These are tea tree, citruses, white flowers, etc. Therefore, the fresher your perfume, the better! Well, as a bonus, you get a fragrance that will literally be hidden under your manicure.
Advice from the masters
Experts in the field of manicure answered positively the question of whether it is possible to replace the primer with household or pharmacy products. They then give recommendations on how to use one of the selected products.
- You should not use cotton pads, and even more so cotton wool itself for degreasing the nail - small villi will clog into the scales and they will ruin the manicure. Lint-free wipes, products made from linen, calico or other natural material are suitable.
- From the very morning on the day you are going to do a manicure, do not use creams and oils, but wash your hands more often. Fats from these products will penetrate very deeply into the structure of the nail and it will be very difficult to wash them even with first-class primers.
- Don't forget about processingnail plate with a file - you can before applying a primer substitute, you can after.
- Don't touch the nails you just degreased - all efforts will be in vain.
Conclusion
It turns out that you can get a manicure using a more budgetary scheme, without purchasing expensive ultrabonds. For the home option when you are working on your own nails, or those of your family and friends, this is fine. But if you work with clients even at home, then this technique will cause resentment. Substitutes will be relevant for emergencies, but on a permanent basis, they can only be used for yourself.
