They might not be visible to the human eye, but our fingernails harbor all sorts of things, including oil and moisture. Oil is sometimes left behind by the soaps we use to wash our hands or when we touch our faces or scratch our heads.
Meanwhile, excessive moisture on fingernails is the result of sweaty palms or whenever we don’t dry our hands completely after washing them. The presence of oils can affect your manicure—and often, not in a good way.
If you find that your manicure frequently lifts, then the presence of oils and moisture might be the cause. And to combat lifting, you’ll need a good nail dehydrator to get rid of all those oils and moisture left behind on your fingernails.
In this article, we’re going to discuss what nail dehydrators are, how they work, and how they can help you prevent nail polish lifting. You’ll also read about the 5 best nail dehydrators, their pros and cons, and if they’re worth buying or not. Let’s begin.
Best Nail Dehydrators On The Market
1. Modelones Nail Prep Dehydrator
Pros:
- It dries pretty quickly.
- It doesn’t leave behind a chalky residue on your nail.
- It has a non-acid formulation that reduces skin irritation upon contact.
- You can request a refund if you’re not happy with your purchase.
- Overall adhesion is fantastic.
- A bottle of this nail dehydrator is affordable.
Cons:
- Lifting and peeling can happen when the product is applied incorrectly.
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The Modelones Nail Prep Dehydrator is one of the bestselling nail dehydrators in the market. At first glance, it doesn’t stand out much as the clear liquid is stored in a regular nail polish bottle and not in an amber one.
According to Modelones, this dehydrator has a non-acidic formulation that reduces the risk of developing skin irritation during use. But in any case, make sure to use it sparingly and don’t let the brush touch your skin whenever you apply it.
It comes in a 15 ml bottle, and it will likely last a long time if used sparingly. You can buy it individually, or you can opt for a complete prep package that comes with a nail primer.
2. Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator
Pros:
- Apart from getting rid of oil and moisture, this dehydrator also sterilizes the nail.
- The brush glides smoothly on the nail plate.
- It only takes 90 seconds to dry.
- Acrylic and gel nail polish adhesion is long-lasting with this dehydrator.
- It is affordable.
Cons:
- It doesn’t perform well on extremely oily nails.
- Be careful when ordering online as there have been reports that some bottles arrive empty.
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The Morovan Nail Prep Dehydrator is another product you can purchase online. Like other dehydrators, the liquid is stored inside a conventional nail polish bottle and it comes with a smooth brush for easy application. The brush glides smoothly on the nail surface, and it doesn’t take much of the product for it to be effective at cleaning your nails.
The product is compatible with acrylics and gel nail polishes, and you will not experience lifting or peeling if the product is used correctly. You don’t need to use a UV lamp to dry it, so you can give yourself a manicure or pedicure at home. Just leave it on for several seconds, and you’re good to go.
3. Cuccio Nail Solutions Dehydrator
Pros:
- Nail polish and acrylic nails adhere longer and better with this dehydrator.
- Gel nail polish doesn’t bubble or peel when you prep your nails using this product.
- This nail dehydrator is made in the USA.
- The liquid is stored in an elegant frosted bottle that you can easily see.
Cons:
- It’s a little pricey than the other nail dehydrators on the list.
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The Cuccio Nail Solutions Dehydrator might not be the most popular, but it can definitely hold its own when it comes to performance. It gets rid of oils and moisture from nails within seconds, ensuring that your gel nail polish or acrylic nails adhere to the surface for longer.
The applicator is smooth and covers a large area of the nail with just one stroke. Once applied, you don’t have to wait for several minutes for it to dry. Just air dry it for several seconds, apply your primer or basecoat, and you’re good to go.
4. Karlash Professional Natural Nail Prep Dehydrate
Pros:
- It has a non-acid formulation that helps reduce skin and nail irritation.
- It is effective in dissolving oil and moisture on nails.
- It is formulated to be compatible with acrylic nails and gel nail polishes.
- This dehydrator is locally made.
- It is one of the most affordable nail dehydrators available right now.
Cons:
- The chemical smell from the dehydrator is quite strong.
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The Karlash Professional Natural Nail Prep Dehydrate is the first step to getting beautifully polished nails. This clear liquid strips your nails of oils and moisture, ensuring that your acrylic nails or gel nail polish stay on for two weeks or more.
It has a non-acid formulation to reduce the development of nail irritation. But before you do all your nails, make sure to test the product on a couple of fingernails to see if the claim is true.
It is fast drying, but keep in mind that it leaves a sticky residue once applied. This is normal, so don’t worry. We recommend that you wear a face mask while working on your own or other people’s nails as its chemical odor is quite strong.
5. IBD Dehydrate
Pros:
- It is compatible with most primers, gel nail polishes, and acrylics.
- Dissolves oil and moisture easily for improved adhesion.
- Apart from dehydration, it also balances nail pH levels for easier nail polish application.
- It is fantastic for moderately oily nails or sweaty hands.
Cons:
- It might not work if your fingernails are extremely oily or sweaty.
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The IBD Dehydrate is another popular nail dehydration product you can purchase online. Unlike other dehydrators where the contents are stored in a clear bottle, this is stored in an amber bottle to protect its contents from UV light.
You don’t need a lot to make sure that your acrylic nails or gel polish adhere to the surface. Simply wipe a thin coat of the dehydrator onto the surface, then add your primer and your basecoat.
This dehydrator is dye-free, so it won’t turn your nails yellow after some time. The formulation is gentle enough that it doesn’t irritate your skin and nails when applied. This product is affordable, making it a sensible, cost-effective choice for salons with plenty of customers.
What are Nail Dehydrators?
Nail dehydrators are products that strip your nails of oils and moisture. They are formulated to ensure that your acrylic nails and gel polishes adhere to the nail plate longer and better.
How Do They Work?
How nail dehydrators work is quite simple. Oil, sweat, and water can repel nail polish, resulting in chipping or lifting hours or days after your manicure or pedicure.
Simply put, it’s the job of nail dehydrators to get rid of them. Once all moisture and grease are removed from the surface, your nail polish or acrylic nails have a better chance of sticking to your nails.
What’s Inside a Nail Dehydrator?
Commercially available nail dehydrators contain ingredients that we can find in everyday items. Isopropyl alcohol, its main ingredient, is used primarily as an antiseptic at home, the hospital, or in workplaces. It is used as a surface disinfectant in many establishments, laboratories, and homes.
It is also used to deodorize things, clean jewelry, and remove adhesive residue on a surface. Isopropyl alcohol, especially those labeled 99.9% concentrated, is one of the best chemical compounds for getting rid of oil and moisture on any surface. And that is why you will run into it frequently when you’re buying nail prep products.
But if you’re using it on your skin, then make sure to use it sparingly to prevent dryness and irritation.
Another crucial ingredient in nail dehydrators is ethyl acetate. This compound is naturally found in wines, and it emits a sweet and pleasant odor. It was synthesized in the late 19th century, and it has found its way into hardwares and homes worldwide as it is primarily used as a solvent. It is now commonly found in varnishes, perfumes, and yes, nail polishes and dehydrators.
Isobutyl acetate is another compound used in nail dehydrators. This solvent is a potent stripping agent, and it is commonly used as a protective coating for different objects. In nail application, isobutyl acetate is used as a solvent for film-forming compound nitrocellulose.
How to Apply Nail Dehydrator
Applying a nail dehydrator is pretty easy. After pushing, nipping, and cleaning the cuticle, your technician will then apply the nail dehydrator on the nail plate using the brush it came with. When applying a dehydrator, the technician will make sure to cover the nails evenly with a thin coat.
The Many Benefits of Using Nail Dehydrators
Nail dehydrators improve the lifespan of your manicures and pedicures
It’s annoying to find that your gel polish has lifted or your acrylic nails are coming off. Dehydrators ensure that your nail polish or acrylic nails adhere better to the surface. But it’s not just for gel polish and acrylic nails. You can also use this before you apply regular nail polish to ensure that it will last longer.
Using nail dehydrators is economical
Good manicures and pedicures are not that expensive. But they’re not that cheap either, so it’s important to ensure that they last longer. You don’t have to go back to the salon and pay for a new mani or pedi every week or so if your technician prepped your nails properly with the right nail dehydrator.
It saves you time
When you prep your nails properly, it saves you time. There’s no need to schedule another session with your technician, take a day off, and drive down to the salon if your manicure or pedicure starts with proper cleaning, dehydration, and priming.
Are Nail Dehydrators Safe to Use?
Overall, using nail dehydrators is safe for your nails and skin when used properly and sparingly. Pure isopropyl alcohol, the main ingredient of many nail dehydrators available right now, is safe to use in very small amounts on the nails and skin. Make sure to use it sparingly as frequent exposure can lead to itching, burning, and skin irritation.
In general, isobutyl acetate and ethyl acetate are also safe to use on nails. But try your best not to let the nail dehydrator touch the cuticle or skin beside the nails as repeated exposure can also lead to skin irritation.
Tips for Choosing and Using Nail Dehydrators
- Read reviews online. Whether you’re buying a bottle of nail dehydrator online or at your favorite drugstore, it’s best to check the reviews first to make an informed decision.
- Whatever nail care product you are looking for, it is a good idea to stop and check the label for harmful ingredients when shopping. Look out for formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and other toxic ingredients that are commonly used in nail care products and steer clear of them.
- Use nail dehydrators sparingly. Isopropyl alcohol, the main ingredient in nail dehydrators, is notorious for drying out anything it touches. Take care of your nails’ health by applying a thin coat of dehydrator every time you give yourself a manicure or pedicure.
- Keep your nails healthy. Give them rest from harsh chemicals once in a while, and be gentle with them. Don’t use products with toxic ingredients, and don’t bite them. Cut your hangnails with sterilized nail clippers instead of pulling on them.
There you have it, the 5 best nail dehydrators you can buy online. We hope that you have learned a lot from this handy guide, and you can now choose the safest and most effective nail dehydrator. Check out our other articles to learn more about proper nail care and other nail care products.
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