Using a nail dehydrator before doing a gel manicure or nail extensions is a vital step, but for many of us who chose to do our nails at home, it can be really difficult to know which the best nail dehydrator to use is.
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 causing damage to 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 properly prepares the nail for gel or other applications. Below is a complete guide on choosing the best nail dehydrators, and which the best are on the market that you can rely on.
What Is A Nail Dehydrator?
Before jumping in and making a purchase, it really does help to know exactly what a nail dehydrator is.
A nail dehydrator is a liquid that works to remove the moisture and oils from your nails, which in turn helps to increase the ability of the gel base coat, or other nail product, to adhere to your nail bed.
If done properly using a good quality product, using a nail dehydrator will help your gel or polygel nails, extensions or overlays last much longer than they would have if you did not use them.
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 incredibly important in determining how well your nails turn out, and how durable and long-lasting they are.
This is why it is so important taking your time to choose the best nail dehydrator.
What Is The Difference Between A Nail Dehydrator And 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, which helps to remove moisture and oils from the nails, for the nail products to easily bind to the nail bed.
A nail primer is used as a base coat for your gel or acrylic application. Nail primers also help to protect your nails from absorbing harsh chemicals from nail polishes and other products, which is something that a nail dehydrator does not.
It is important to use both when prepping your nails, as the nail dehydrator helps to give the gel or acrylic a better surface to adhere to, and the primer helps to protect nails from any damage that could be caused by the products that 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 just caring for your nails overall, nail dehydrators have some great benefits to offer.
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 cracks 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 or with gel or 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 needs to be used once you have prepped your nail bed, but before you apply the primer.
So file your nails down to your desired shape, buff your nails to remove shine and to add some roughness, clean away any dust left behind using a nail cleanser and a wipe, and then apply the dehydrator to your nails.
Leave the dehydrator to air dry, and you can then go on to 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 which help your polish last longer without being too difficult to remove later.
Below are our favorite 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 adhesions and longevity of nails! But let’s look at each a little more closely.
1. Modelones Nail Dehydrator And Primer
Modelones have 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 strong adhesion of extensions or product, while not doing damage to natural nails.
The dehydrator helps to create a strong bond between the nail and the gel product, as it reduces oil and moisture, and helps to smooth and even out the nail beds too.
The set is compatible to be used 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 will be able to increase the adhesion of your nails and have all the grease and oil removed. 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 to give them extra protection, and to increase 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 having to use a curing lamp, you will be able to save time on your nail application, while still ensuring that 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 to be used with most nail care brands on the market!
The dehydrator helps to dry the nail out, removing oils and grease, providing a great base for the primer to be applied to. These two products together work to create strong adhesions 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 you will be preventing warping too, 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 works to balance the pH of the nail to ensure maximum adhesion of any tips, polish, acrylics, gels, or glue.
If used correctly, this dehydrator will help to prep the nail properly before a primer or other nail products are applied. This will help to prevent lifting and chipping and gives 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 is fast drying, so this should not take much time at all. 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 your nails last, and which allows color to last longer too!
To make application easy and quick, you do not need to cure the dehydrator under a UV or LED lamp, you simply leave it to air dry for a minute or so.
The dehydrator is also very gentle on natural nails, and while it is effective at removing oil and moisture, it doesn’t do any damage to the nail beds. It provides the base for an excellent overlay over natural nails.
Both products are acid-free and are compatible to be used on all nails, natural, gel, acrylic, or liquid applications. It is also suitable to be used in conjunction with all leading professional nail care brands found 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 a strong adhesion from the moment you begin prepping your nails! Using a good dehydrator is one of the most important steps in a nail application, and with this set, you will have all you need to create an ideal base.
The nail dehydrator helps to rid the nail of oil and moisture and dries up the cuticle in the nail bed area. 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, and works almost like a double-sided tape, to stick your nail and the artificial product together better than ever.
The nail dehydrator and the nail primer are compatible with all types of nail applications, such as acrylic, gel, and liquids. It is also perfect to use for nail art and nail polishes as well!
This complete set of nail prepping agents will give you the perfect base to create beautiful nails at home!
6. Vishine Professional Natural Nail Prep Dehydrator & Primer
This 2-in-1 salon kit containing the nail primer and nail dehydrator helps you achieve a quick and easy nail application at home, that not only looks beautiful but is long-lasting and durable too.
Using the Vishine set, you will get strong adhesion between your nails and the nail application, by giving 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 apply the gel primer to perfect the base, protect your nails from damage, and further increase the strength of 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 are wanting to make your life a little simpler and cut out some time from your nail application, you should consider using the No Burn Acid-Free Primer from Morovan.
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 surface of the nail, and cut out time from the application thanks to the quick-drying properties.
One thing to note is that this dehydrator and primer mix is only suitable for UV gel applications, and cannot be used for acrylic nails or other liquid nail applications.
This small bottle packs a punch of power when it comes to dehydrating your nail bed and giving the nails a great base to hold onto any applied products better and keep color 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 to use on healthy nails, and is safe and does not damage your natural nails.
It is perfect to use to reduce the oil and grease found on the nails and works to create a solid foundation for the application of other nail products.
Use the transparent nail dehydrator to dehydrate your natural nails before applying acrylic or gel products.
You do not have to worry about curing the dehydrator once applied to your nails, as it air dries quickly, and once dried, allows for strong adhesion and bond, giving you long-lasting results.
It is suitable for both professional and home use, and you can enjoy the benefits that this dehydrator has to offer 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 nail kit at home! By applying this dehydrator properly, 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 to prevent against lifting and chipping and helps to give the nails a more natural look overall.
When doing your nails at home, being able to get them to last longer than a few days can be difficult, but the Saviland Dehydrator really does help with this.
You do not need to use a UV or LED lamp to cure the dehydrator either. You simply leave it to dry for up to 60 seconds as it removes moisture. It is suitable to be used for all gel, acrylic, and liquid nail applications.
The benefits of using the Saviland Nail Dehydrator include it being quick-drying, it increases nail adhesion, it removes grease and oil from the surface of the nail, 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 end up damaging your nails if you use too much too often. If you dehydrate your nails excessively, your nails will obviously end up drying out, and this could lead to them breaking and chipping easily.
Applying a coat or two of nail dehydrators before a nail application every few weeks should not do any harm, but applying more than three coats often can definitely damage your nails.
So while nail dehydrators can end up causing damage to your nails, as long as you use them in moderation, and only use them 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 just need some pure isopropyl alcohol, acetone, a small nail polish bottle, and a nail polish brush.
You can simply mix the acetone and alcohol together in a ratio of 1:1 in the small nail polish bottle you are using (nothing is stopping you from making more than one bottle if you wanted). Stir together and seal tight.
There is a good chance you already have these items sitting in the cupboard at home, and it definitely is slightly cheaper than buying nail dehydrators. However, keep in mind that proper nail dehydrators likely have other ingredients which 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 causes the moisture on your nails to evaporate quickly as well.
Many nail dehydrators on the market contain acetate, but you could use acetone if you do not have access to any of these. 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 would be applied 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 important 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?
While you do not have to do anything, it is highly recommended that you use a nail dehydrator for gel nails. It just better prepares the nails to hold onto the gel better and ensures that the gel lasts for longer.
If the gel lifts too soon or chips, it could cause damage to your nails, so a dehydrator really does help with this. Use a nail dehydrator and a primer for the best results when doing gel nails at home!
Up Next: How To Tell Your Nail Tech What You Want
