The key to high-quality and long-term manicure is competent pre-treatment of the nail plate. As a rule, nail polish alone is not enough; this layer can also be unstable if the nail under it is not prepared. And this is done using the so-called primer. Everyone knows about its functions, just like the need to use it. But with what can a primer be replaced if it is not at hand, and a manicure should be finished? Consider this issue!
Short introduction
First of all, it is worth understanding what a primer is and under what names you can still find this tool. So, literally translated, the word "primer" means "primer." Obviously, this product is designed to prepare the nail for applying a further decorative layer or several layers. Moreover, he is obliged to perform certain functions, namely:
- Pull excess moisture from the nail.
- Remove the greasy layer from the surface.
- Make the surface a little rough.
All this is necessary in order for the base layer of gel polish or an expandable composition to “stick” to the nail plate in the most dense way. But it happens that this miracle cure ends at the most inopportune moment, and then the question arises: how can I replace the primer while maintaining this functionality?
No. 1 - acetone
The first thing you can replace a primer for nails is a nail polish remover with acetone content. It is such an aggressive and "out of fashion", and not those exquisite bubbles that are now in the range sold as sparing. Everything is simple - there is a lot of acetone in the “Nail” tool, and it is this component that allows you to simultaneously draw unwanted moisture from the nail, degrease it and create a slight roughness on the surface. It is important to remember that if you are not buying “Marigold”, but another similar product, study its composition. There should be no oils in it, since it is we who get rid of them with the help of a primer, because it is they that prevent the manicure from staying on its nails for a long time.
No. 2 - vinegar
A tool that contains a large number of acids necessary for high-quality degreasing of the nail. This is what you can replace a primer at home, when even acetone is not at hand. The tool acts more gently 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, 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 raise the scales of the nail so that the varnish is firmly adhered to the surface. But you can compensate for this drawback with a file. Masters advise choosing medium abrasion and treating each nail with it.
No. 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 the nails more carefully. On the contrary, alcohol can greatly dry both the nail itself and the skin around it, which will subsequently cause a lot of discomfort. Therefore, it must be used very 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 again take a file and process the surface of the nails, so that they become more rough and fasten themselves to all further layers of manicure. 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 the nail most of all, which will allow the helium or acrylic mixture to fix on it for a very long time.
No. 4 - alcohol-containing liquids
It often happens that there is no pure alcohol in a house - nothing surprising, in recent years it has not been considered a “must-have” in a medicine cabinet, as it has many more “humane” alternatives. Here they can be taken in everyday life. As a rule, what primer can be replaced with can be found in any medicine cabinet. These are tinctures on various herbs and berries, alcohol rubbing for joints and muscles, some homeopathic remedies for colds 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 can raise flakes the nail and make it more porous. As a bonus, experts note that many of these tools also have a positive effect on the structure of the nail itself and the condition of the cuticle. Fingers are transformed and longer maintain a well-groomed appearance.
No. 5 - boric acid
Here we are back to acids, which also do an excellent job with the function of degreasing and preparing the nail plate for the further application of decorative layers. Boric acid is a universal remedy, it is available in almost every house and even in every office, so it will be very simple to quickly apply it in manicure. Please note that if the percentage of acid is very high, it is advisable to dilute it with water, otherwise the cuticle and the nail itself can be very dry. Also, the "plus" to this tool is the fact that it is part of many ultrabondas - that is, primers for nails.
No. 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 do not know at home how to replace the primer due to the lack of all of the above funds, use this. Salicylic acid will help you achieve an almost perfect result. It dries efficiently, but at the same time it 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 just have to finally “pull them up” by going through 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 the pharmacy products, which are based on alcohol, but forgot about this not very healthy drink. In this case, this is a great alternative than replacing a primer for gel polish, and spending this liquid with greater benefit. It is very convenient to purchase a mini bottle at the checkout if the house does not have any other means for degreasing the nail plate, and it takes a very long time to go to the nearest pharmacy. Note that vodka is not as aggressive as pure alcohol, therefore, it can be used without undue fears, and sometimes it is necessary to treat nails twice or thrice to achieve the desired effect.
No. 8 - cologne
Completes our list of those products with which you 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’s precisely male colognes that have more “aggressiveness” with respect to nail scales. But you can also use women's eau de parfum or eau de toilette, just repeat the procedure several times. Also a plus of this method is the fact that some essential oils, which are part of aromas, also have a drying effect. This 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.
Masters Tips
Experts in the field of manicure answered positively to the question of whether it is possible to replace the primer with household or pharmacy means. They then make recommendations regarding the use of one of the selected products.
- Do not use cotton pads and especially cotton wool for degreasing the nail - small fibers will clog into the scales and they will ruin the manicure. Lint-free napkins, linen, calico or other natural material are suitable.
- In the morning on the day when you are going to do a manicure, do not use creams and oils, but wash your hands more often. Fats from these products penetrate very deeply into the structure of the nail and it will be very difficult to wash them even with first-class primers.
- Do not forget about the processing of the nail plate with a file - it is possible before applying the primer substitute, or after.
- Do not touch the nails that you just degreased - all efforts will be in vain.
Conclusion
It turns out that you can make a manicure according to a more budgetary scheme, without acquiring expensive ultra-bonds. For the home version, when you work on your nails, or the nails of your near and dear ones, this is normal. But if you work with clients even at home, then such a technique will cause outrage. Substitutes will be relevant for emergency situations, but on an ongoing basis they can be used only for yourself.