Ingredients in Primers

For the best adhesion, start with a clean manicure and choose the right base coat or builder gel for your client’s nail type. (Read more about selecting the perfect builder gel on our blog here.)

But today, let's focus on Primers. While you don’t need to use a primer on every client, we recommend it in these cases:

• When working with all hard builder gel products.
• With soak-off gel systems, but only for clients who struggle with retention.

Why We Don't Retail Acid-Based Primers

💅 Acid-based primers use the "etching" process to bond enhancement products to the nails. But how does this really work?

🍽️ While they don’t "eat away" at the nail plate, they do strip it in layers, somewhat like peeling an onion. Here's how it happens:

🤓 Acid-based primers contain methacrylic acid, which chemically interacts with the keratin in the nail plate. This reaction breaks down the top layer of the nail, creating tiny grooves that help the enhancement product adhere by roughening the surface. However, because it’s so strong, methacrylic acid can also cause burns or irritation to the skin.

That's why all of our products, including our primers, are formulated to be acid-free. With more clients experiencing skin sensitivities, it’s important to avoid products that can cause irritation upon even minor contact.

🧪 Instead of methacrylic acid, our acid-free primers use Ethyl Acetate, which works by lightly dehydrating the nail surface to create a tacky layer. This allows gels and acrylics to bond without the harsh effects of acid, making it gentler on both the nail plate and the surrounding skin.

If you're looking for a gentle, effective primer, our Acid-Free Primer is your go-to.

ACID-FREE PRIMER - £9.99 This gentle, acid-free, air-dry nail primer is ideal for the Gellifique® UV/LED Gel System. BUY NOW

HEMA in Acid-Free Primers: Why It's Used

HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a key ingredient in many acid-free primers including our Adhesion Plus Acid Free Primer for several reasons:

• Adhesion Promoter: HEMA forms strong bonds with both the natural nail and the gel or acrylic, enhancing adhesion without using aggressive acidic components.
• Improved Durability: By creating a strong bond, HEMA ensures nail enhancements stay longer without lifting or peeling.
• Flexibility: It adds a degree of flexibility to the primer, which helps accommodate natural nail movements, reducing the risk of cracks or chips.
• Compatibility with Gel Systems: HEMA works especially well with UV/LED gel systems, providing an excellent base for gel application.
• Humectant Properties: It helps retain moisture in the nail, preventing over-drying of the nail plate.

ADHESION + ACID FREE PRIMER - £9.99 Adhesion Plus Acid-Free Primer: A fantastic addition to our Nail Prep product range, without harsh acids. It is formulated for individuals seeking to improve adhesion on nails prone to lifting around the cuticle area, due to the anatomical structure of the nail plate or the flexibility of the nail plate. BUY NOW

Why We Avoid Acid Primers

Constant use of methacrylic acid-based primers can strip the nail, leading to thinning, brittleness, and issues like nail plate delamination or onycholysis.

At Gellifique, we only create and offer products that we would use long-term ourselves.

Bundles and Kits

PREP AND PRIME SYSTEM - £17.98 Gellifique® Prep and Prime System duo helps to reduces product lifting even on problematic nails. BUY NOW

APEX BUILD FULL KIT (BOX NOT INCLUDED) - £157.23 Apex Build is an extra-strong and self-modelling base gel (brush on builder in a bottle) with rich colour pigment. Suitable for all types of natural nails and is ideal for small extensions , infills, and overlays on short natural nails. It has low viscosity and self levels in seconds. Can be removed with Acetone or infilled. BUY NOW