Dehydrators

Nail Dehydrator: Dry Nail Plate, Lasting Coating

Even a freshly buffed nail plate holds moisture and natural oils. Under the base they form a thin film that weakens adhesion, and the coating then lifts at the cuticle or the free edge. A dehydrator removes this film from the top layer of the nail just before the base coat.

How a Dehydrator Works

It degreases the surface and pulls excess moisture out of the top layer of the nail plate; some formulas also clean away dust and impurities. The effect is temporary, because the nail gradually takes on moisture again from below. Apply it right before the next step rather than at the start of the treatment. It air-dries in seconds and needs no lamp.

Who Needs It Most

Nails that are naturally moist or oily, and hands that sweat a lot (hyperhidrosis), benefit most. Here a dehydrator can decide whether the manicure lasts or lifts after a few days. On dry, healthy nails it is a quick safety step that takes only seconds.

Dehydrator, Primer or Cleanser?

• Dehydrator: removes moisture and oils, but does not bond.
• Ultrabond or primer: creates the bond to the base and goes on after the dehydrator, on a nail that is already dry.
• Cleanser: degreases too, and also wipes off the sticky layer after curing, but it does not remove moisture the way a dehydrator does. You will find it among our nail prep and care liquids.

Dehydrators by Brand

• DARK: dehydrator with a brush that air-dries in 10–15 seconds, 10 ml.
• DNKa': degreases and dehydrates without drying out the skin or nail, for bases, gels and acrylic, 12 ml.
• HEYLOVE: pH Bond, a dehydrator that also cleans the nail of dust and impurities, for all gel products, 15 ml.
• Kodi: quick-drying dehydrator for degreasing and drying the nail plate, 15 ml.
• TOUCH: dehydrator for moist nail plates that also helps prevent bacterial growth and enhances the action of the primer, 13 ml.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly should I apply the dehydrator?

Right before the primer or base, after filing and removing the dust. Let it dry for a few seconds and do not touch the nail plate with your fingers afterwards.

Does a dehydrator dry out the nails?

Used correctly, no. It works only on the top layer of the nail plate and evaporates within seconds. Apply it to the nail only, not to the surrounding skin.

Is HEYLOVE pH Bond a dehydrator or a bonder?

Despite its name, pH Bond is a dehydrator: it removes moisture and oils and cleans the nail before the base. If you need a bonding layer as well, follow it with an ultrabond.

Can I skip the primer if I use a dehydrator?

It depends on the base. Some bases are made to work on a dehydrated nail without a primer, others recommend one. Check the instructions of your base, and on weak, oily or problem nails add an ultrabond or primer.

Can I use a dehydrator before acrylic or builder gel?

Yes. The dehydrator step is the same for gel polish, builder gel and acrylic. For acrylic, an acid primer usually follows.