9 Best Nail Dehydrators Of 2025
Using a nail dehydrator before doing a gel manicure or nail extensions is a vital step, but for many of us who choose to do our nails at home.
It can be tough to know which nail dehydrator is best to use.
The effectiveness of a nail dehydrator can really affect how well your nails turn out.
So, which are the best nail dehydrators?
The best nail dehydrators properly remove excess oils and moisture from the nails without damaging your natural nails. They should not cause excess damage to your nail bed and should help your polish last longer, without being too difficult to remove.
Used with a good primer, a high-quality nail dehydrator adequately prepares the nail for gel or other applications.
Below is a complete guide to choosing the best nail dehydrators, and which are the best on the market that you can rely on.
What Is A Nail Dehydrator?
Before jumping in and making a purchase, it really helps to know precisely what a nail dehydrator is.
A nail dehydrator is a liquid that removes moisture and oils from your nails.
This, in turn, helps increase the ability of the gel base coat or other nail product to adhere to your nail bed.
If done correctly with a good-quality product, using a nail dehydrator will help your gel or polygel nails, extensions, or overlays last much longer than they would without one.
To really help your nails last as long as possible, it is best to use a nail dehydrator and a nail primer together.
Priming and prepping your nails is essential in determining how well your nails turn out and how durable and long-lasting they are.
This is why it is so important to take your time to choose the best nail dehydrator.
What Is The Difference Between A Nail Dehydrator And a Nail Primer
You will see the terms nail dehydrators and nail primers used together often.
Both are used to prepare nails for gel or acrylic applications and extensions.
While both are used in prepping the nails, they serve different purposes.
The difference between the two is that a nail dehydrator is used on the nails before anything is done or applied.
This helps remove moisture and oils from the nails, allowing nail products to bind more easily to the nail bed.
A nail primer is used as a base coat for your gel or acrylic application.
Nail primers also help protect your nails from absorbing harsh chemicals in nail polish and other products, which a nail dehydrator does not.
It is essential to use both when prepping your nails, as the nail dehydrator helps the gel or acrylic adhere better.
And the primer helps protect nails from damage caused by the products you use.
The two should go hand in hand when you are preparing your nails for a beautiful manicure, as long as you use the two properly and as intended!
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Nail Dehydrator?
When it comes to preparing your nails for extensions or gel and caring for your nails overall, nail dehydrators offer significant benefits.
Here are some of the benefits that come with using nail dehydrators, as long as you use them in moderation:
- Help gel and acrylic nails be long-lasting and durable
- If placed on top of painted nails, it helps to smooth nail beds.
- Helps to prevent chipping and cracking on painted nails
- Leaves nails dry and moisture-free in no time as it evaporates quickly
- Fills in gaps and ridges on nails to smooth them out
Using a nail dehydrator correctly really does help you achieve beautiful and healthy nails, whether you keep your nails natural, with gel, or with extensions.
When Should I Use A Nail Dehydrator?
Knowing when to use a nail dehydrator is absolutely key in ensuring it serves its purpose and helps to extend the lifespan of your nails!
A nail dehydrator should be used after you have prepped your nail bed, but before you apply the primer.
File your nails down to your desired shape, then buff them to remove shine and add some roughness.
Clean away any dust with a nail cleanser and a wipe, then apply the dehydrator to your nails.
Leave the dehydrator to air-dry, then apply the primer to your nails.
The 9 Best Nail Dehydrators
Most nail dehydrators are similar. The differences usually lie in overall quality.
Trusted brands and well-reviewed products are a great way to help you choose.
Look for products that will not only effectively prime your nail beds, but also help your polish last longer without being too difficult to remove later (Beauty Gab)
Below are our favourite nail dehydrators to help you get your search started:
| Rank | Product | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Modelones Nail Dehydrator And Primer | Comes with primer |
| 2. | Azure Beauty Nail Prep Dehydrator And Primer | Comes with primer |
| 3. | Cuccio Pro Natural Nail Dehydrator | Fast-drying |
| 4. | Lagunamoon Nail Prep Dehydrator And Primer | Comes with primer |
| 5. | Morovan Nail Primer And Dehydrator | Comes with primer |
| 6. | Vishine Natural Nail Prep Dehydrator & Primer | Comes with primer |
| 7. | Morovan No Burn Acid-Free Primer | 2-in-1 primer & dehydrator |
| 8. | W-Anqun Nail Prep Dehydrator | Creates a glossy finish |
| 9. | Saviland Nail Dehydrator Fast Dry | Professional quality |
These all work wonderfully to prepare your nails for gel or acrylic application by removing oils and moisture, increasing adhesion, and prolonging nail longevity!
But let’s look at each a little more closely.
1. Modelones Nail Dehydrator And Primer
Modelones has this nail dehydrator and primer set available for those who want to perfect their nails at home.
Used together, the primer and the nail dehydrator allow for firm adhesion of extensions or products.
While not doing damage to natural nails.
The dehydrator helps create a strong bond between the nail and the gel product by reducing oil and moisture and smoothing and evening out the nail beds, too.
The set is compatible with all gel nail systems, acrylic powder, and other liquid nail applications.
You can also use the Modelones kit with any other professional nail brands on the market, too!
Using the dehydrator, you can increase the adhesion of your nails and remove all the grease and oil.
The dehydrator is also quick-drying, so you don’t have to sit around waiting to start working on your beautiful nails!
Once dry, apply the primer to your nails for extra protection and to strengthen the bond between your nails and the product of your choice.
2. Azure Beauty Professional Nail Prep Dehydrator And Bond Primer
The Azure Beauty Nail Prep Dehydrator and Nail Primer offer long-lasting results that you can really see!
Quick to air-dry without a curing lamp.
You will save time on your nail application while still ensuring your nails are durable and healthy!
The nail prep set from Azure Beauty is compatible with all types of nail applications, such as acrylic, gel, and liquid nails.
It is also suitable for use with most nail care brands on the market!
The dehydrator helps dry the nail out, removing oils and grease, providing a great base for the primer.
These two products, together, create strong adhesion and bonds between the natural nail and the nail product you are applying.
Using the two products, the dehydrator and the primer, you will increase the stickiness between the nail and the product and prevent warping, helping the nails last much longer.
Not only are these two products a force to be reckoned with when used together, but they come in a beautiful box, too!
3. Cuccio Pro Natural Nail Dehydrator
The Cuccio Pro Natural Nail Dehydrator gives you professional results right from the comfort of your own home.
When used on prepped nails, the Cuccio Pro Natural Nail Dehydrator will evaporate moisture from the natural nail bed and help balance the nail’s pH to ensure maximum adhesion for tips, polish, acrylics, gels, or glue.
If used correctly, this dehydrator will help prep the nail properly before applying a primer or other nail products.
This will help to prevent lifting and chipping and give your nails the best chance at being durable and long-lasting.
You will need to wait for the nail dehydrator to fully dry before applying a primer, but it dries quickly, so this should not take much time.
This is a great choice to remove grease, oil, and moisture from your nails without damaging your natural nails.
4. Lagunamoon Nail Prep Dehydrator And Primer
Lagunamoon has created the perfect set of nail prep products with their Nail Prep Dehydrator and Primer.
Together, these create a foundation that protects your nails, helps them last longer, and allows colour to last longer, too!
To make the application easy and quick, you do not need to cure the dehydrator under a UV or LED lamp.
You leave it to air dry for a minute or so.
The dehydrator is also very gentle on natural nails. While it is effective at removing oil and moisture, it doesn’t damage the nail beds.
It provides the base for an excellent overlay over natural nails.
Both products are acid-free and compatible with all nails, natural, gel, acrylic, or liquid applications.
It is also suitable for use with all leading professional nail care brands on the market.
For better gel polish adhesion, and nails that are healthy and free from grease and oil.
The Lagunamoon Nail Prep Dehydrator and Primer is a great option, and works as a powerful duo whether you are giving yourself a simple manicure or fabulous gel extensions!
5. Morovan Nail Primer And Dehydrator
Using Morovan Nail Primer and Dehydrator.
You will achieve strong adhesion from the moment you begin prepping your nails!
Using a good dehydrator is one of the most critical steps in a nail application.
With this set, you will have everything you need to create an ideal base.
The nail dehydrator helps remove oil and moisture from the nail and dries out the cuticle in the nail bed.
This ensures there is no lifting of the artificial nail or product once applied, making it last much longer.
Along with the nail dehydrator, you will receive the Morovan Nail Primer.
This is acid-free and less corrosive than many other products on the market.
It works almost like double-sided tape, helping your nail and the artificial product stick together better than ever.
The nail dehydrator and the nail primer are compatible with all types of nail applications, including acrylic, gel, and liquid.
It is also perfect for nail art and nail polish!
This complete set of nail prep agents will give you the perfect base for beautiful nails at home!
6. Vishine Professional Natural Nail Prep Dehydrator & Primer
This 2-in-1 salon kit contains the nail primer and nail dehydrator.
Helps you achieve a quick, easy nail application at home that looks beautiful and is long-lasting and durable.
Using the Vishine set, you will get strong adhesion between your nails and the nail application.
Give yourself the best base to get started.
When used together, the primer and the dehydrator help prepare the nail bed surface to adhere to the artificial nail products and prevent any lifting or chipping.
Giving you long-lasting nails that you can be proud of.
The dehydrator helps reduce nail oils and moisture, which goes a long way in increasing the bond formed.
Once the dehydrator has been applied and air-dried, you can use the gel primer to perfect the base, protect your nails from damage, and further strengthen the bond.
Compatible with almost all nail systems, including acrylic powder, liquid, and gel systems.
As well as nail art and polish, you can use the Vishine set with all leading professional nail products with great success.
Together, these two products will give you long-lasting, natural-looking nails!
7. No Burn Acid-Free Primer
If you want to make your life a little simpler and cut out some time from your nail application.
You should consider using Morovan’s No Burn Acid-Free Primer.
This primer acts as a 2-in-1 dehydrator and primer.
You get the benefits of a nail dehydrator and a nail primer in one step, using one little bottle!
Using this primer, you will increase adhesion between your nail bed and the nail product.
You will remove oil and moisture from the nail bed, prepare the nail surface, and save time on application thanks to the quick-drying properties.
Note that this dehydrator and primer mix is suitable only for UV gel applications and cannot be used for acrylic nails or other liquid nail applications.
This small bottle packs a punch when it comes to dehydrating your nail bed and giving your nails a great base to better hold on to any applied products, keeping colour on your nails for longer, with no chips or lifting.
You can enjoy your beautiful nails for longer when using this 2-in-1 primer!
8. W-Anqun Nail Prep Dehydrator
Made from high-quality materials, the W-Anqun Nail Prep Dehydrator is perfect for healthy nails, safe, and does not damage your natural nails.
It is perfect for reducing oil and grease on the nails and creates a solid foundation for applying other nail products.
Use the transparent nail dehydrator to dehydrate your natural nails before applying acrylic or gel products.
You do not need to worry about curing the dehydrator once it is applied to your nails.
As it air-dries quickly, and once dried, allows for strong adhesion and bonding, giving you long-lasting results.
It is suitable for both professional and home use, and you can enjoy the benefits this dehydrator offers, no matter how experienced you are at doing nails!
9. Saviland Nail Dehydrator Fast Dry
The Saviland Nail Dehydrator is an essential item to keep in your home nail kit!
By applying this dehydrator correctly, you are giving your nails the best foundation to hold onto either acrylic or gel extensions or products.
Removing moisture and oils from the nails effectively, the dehydrator helps prevent lifting and chipping and gives the nails a more natural look overall.
When doing your nails at home, getting them to last longer than a few days can be difficult, but the Saviland Dehydrator really helps with this.
You do not need to use a UV or LED lamp to cure the dehydrator either. You leave it to dry for up to 60 seconds to remove moisture.
It is suitable for use with all gel, acrylic, and liquid nail applications.
The benefits of using the Saviland Nail Dehydrator include quick drying, improved nail adhesion, and removal of grease and oil from the nail surface.
And it can be used both by professionals and those doing their own nails at home!
Related Questions
Do Nail Dehydrators Damage Nails?
Nail dehydrators can damage your nails if you use them too often.
If you dehydrate your nails excessively, they will dry out, which could lead to them breaking and chipping more easily.
Applying a coat or two of nail dehydrators before a nail application every few weeks should not harm your nails, but applying more than three coats can definitely damage your nails.
So while nail dehydrators can damage your nails, as long as you use them in moderation and only when you need to, there should be no problem at all.
Can You Use Alcohol As A Nail Dehydrator?
If you do not want to buy a nail dehydrator, or you need one ASAP and can’t wait for your online order to arrive, you can use some household items to make your own nail dehydrator.
To make a DIY nail dehydrator, you need some pure isopropyl alcohol, acetone, a small nail polish bottle, and a nail polish brush.
You can mix acetone and alcohol in a 1:1 ratio in the small nail polish bottle you are using (nothing is stopping you from making more than one bottle if you want).
Stir together and seal tightly.
There is a good chance you already have these items in the cupboard at home, and they are definitely slightly cheaper than buying nail dehydrators.
However, keep in mind that proper nail dehydrators likely have other ingredients that help to care for and protect your nails.
What Else Can I Use as a Nail Dehydrator?
If you are stuck without a nail dehydrator and don’t have any alcohol at home, you can use acetone.
Acetone is a volatile liquid and tends to evaporate quickly at room temperature.
When used on nails as a dehydrator, it quickly evaporates the moisture on your nails.
Many nail dehydrators on the market contain acetone, but you can use acetone if you do not have access to one.
Many nail polish removers consist entirely or mostly of acetone as well.
Are a Nail Dehydrator and a Nail Bonder the Same Thing?
A nail dehydrator and a nail bonder are not the same thing. A dehydrator is applied to the nails first to remove oils, and then a bonder is used to increase the pH level of the natural nail.
After this, a primer would be used to attach the nail product to your natural nails.
This seems like quite a process, but it is so vital to ensure that the product you use, whether it be gel or acrylic, lasts for much longer.
Do I Need to Use a Nail Dehydrator For Gel Nails?
You do not have to do anything, but it is highly recommended that you use a nail dehydrator for gel nails.
It just better prepares the nails to hold onto the gel and ensures that the gel lasts longer.
If the gel lifts too soon or chips, it can damage your nails, so a dehydrator really helps with this.
Use a nail dehydrator and a primer for the best results when doing gel nails at home!
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