Nail Prep and Care Liquids for Every Step of a Manicure
How long a gel manicure lasts is often decided by the liquids, not by the gel polish. A well-degreased and dehydrated nail plate gives the base a reliable grip, a good cleanser leaves the surface clean and glossy, and regular care keeps the cuticles and skin around the nails healthy between appointments. This collection brings together everything you need before, during and after a manicure.
Nail Prep Before Gel Polish and Builder Gel
- Degreasers: remove oils, dust and residues from the nail plate after filing. See degreasers.
- Dehydrators: temporarily remove moisture from the nail plate and balance its pH, which helps prevent lifting. See dehydrators.
- Ultrabonds and primers: create a bonding layer between the natural nail and the base or builder gel. Acid-free ultrabonds are gentle and suitable for most nails; acid primers give extra adhesion on oily or problem nails and are applied only to the nail plate. See ultrabonds and primers.
After Curing: Cleansers and Removers
- Sticky layer removers: cleansers wipe off the sticky (inhibition) layer after curing and leave a clean, glossy finish. See sticky layer removers.
- Gel and gel polish removers: soak-off liquids dissolve gel polish and soak-off materials so they can be removed without heavy filing. See gel and gel polish removers.
Cuticle Work
Cuticle removers soften the cuticle and dead skin, so you can remove them gently with a pusher, with less need for nippers. Most are alkaline formulas, and there are also gentler options with fruit acids. For small cuts during cuticle work, keep bleeding stop products at hand.
Care for Cuticles, Hands and Feet
- Cuticle oils: nourish the cuticles and keep the skin around the nail soft and neat. Dry oils absorb quickly and leave no greasy film, so they are ideal right after a manicure. See all cuticle oils.
- Hand and foot care: hand creams, scrubs, peeling gels, masks and foot creams for salon care rituals and home use. See hand and foot care, and for pedicure also pedicure supplies.
Nail Prep and Care Liquids by Brand
- DARK: dehydrator, ultrabond, cuticle remover, dry cuticle oils and a hemostatic liquid.
- HEYLOVE: pH Bond, ultrabond, cuticle remover, Cuti-cocktail cuticle oils and hand cream.
- LUNAmoon: degreaser, acid and acid-free primers, cuticle oils, hand cream and scrub.
- DNKa': Nail Prep & Cleanser 3 in 1, dehydrator, ultrabond, cuticle remover, dry cuticle oils, hand lotions and spa candles.
- TOUCH: dehydrator and ultrabond.
- Kodi: degreaser, dehydrator, primers, cleanser, gel remover, fruit acid cuticle remover and cuticle oils.
- STALEKS: cuticle remover and Treat.S care oils.
- SHELLY: hand and foot creams, peeling gels, callus softeners, cuticle remover and cuticle oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dehydrator and an ultrabond?
A dehydrator removes moisture and oils and balances the pH of the nail plate. An ultrabond or primer then creates a bonding layer that improves the adhesion of the base or builder gel. Used together, they give the most reliable wear.
Acid or acid-free primer – which should I choose?
Acid-free ultrabonds are gentle and enough for most natural nails. Acid primers give stronger adhesion on oily, soft or problem nails; apply them sparingly and only to the nail plate, not to the skin.
Do I need a degreaser and a cleanser, or is one liquid enough?
A degreaser prepares the nail before application, and a cleanser removes the sticky layer after curing. Some products, such as 3-in-1 prep and cleanser liquids, do both.
How often should I use cuticle oil?
Ideally every day, and always after a manicure. Regular use keeps the cuticles soft, reduces hangnails and helps a gel manicure look fresh for longer.
How do I remove gel polish without damaging the nail?
File off the top coat, then soak the coating with a gel polish remover and gently push it off. Hard builder gels that do not soak off are removed by filing or with a drill bit.