{"id":909,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=909"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:55:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:55:29","slug":"do-you-need-a-base-coat-for-acrylic-nails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/do-you-need-a-base-coat-for-acrylic-nails\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need A Base Coat For Acrylic Nails?"},"content":{"rendered":"
When getting acrylic nails, you may wonder if using a base coat is necessary or just an optional extra step. With so many products and steps involved in a professional acrylic manicure, figuring out the basics can be confusing.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, the quick answer is: yes, a base coat is highly recommended for acrylic nails to help them last longer and protect your natural nails<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the importance of base coats for acrylics. We’ll overview the benefits of using one, the different types available, application tips, how to care for acrylics properly between salon visits, and finish with a quick recap on why a base coat really is an essential primer before acrylic application.<\/p>\n
Applying a base coat is crucial for protecting the natural nail plate underneath acrylic or gel polish. The nail plate is made up of delicate keratin layers that can be damaged when repeatedly exposed to the adhesion and removal process of nail enhancements.<\/p>\n
Using a base coat creates a protective barrier between the natural nail and the artificial polish. This helps prevent peeling, splitting, brittle nails, and other types of mechanical damage. According to industry experts, a good base coat can reduce the risk of nail plate injuries by up to 70%!<\/p>\n
So don’t skip this important first step.<\/p>\n
A quality base coat is formulated to help nail extensions and polish adhere properly to the natural nail. The base coat works like a “primer” by allowing products to bond to the nail plate surface better.<\/p>\n
This gives a strong foundation for building acrylics, gels, or polish that will be less likely to lift, crack, or fall off prematurely. Using a base coat helps the polish last longer, which saves time and money.<\/p>\n
According to Sally Beauty’s latest industry report, a good base coat can increase the wear time of polish by over 30% compared to going without one.<\/p>\n
There are ingredients in some polishes, gels, and acrylics that can cause staining or discoloration of the natural nails over time with repeated use. A base coat provides a protective layer that blocks those pigments from penetrating into the nail plate.<\/p>\n
This keeps nails looking clean, healthy, and free of yellowing or dark spots. Some base coats even contain whitening properties to actively brighten the nails. For example, OPI’s Natural Nail Base Coat is infused with vitamin E and camellia oil to hydrate and nourish nails while blocking stubborn stains.<\/p>\n
Keeping nails stain-free and brightly white is especially important before special occasions like weddings.<\/p>\n
Bonding base coats are formulated to help acrylic nails adhere properly to the natural nail. They work by roughing up the surface of the natural nail so the acrylic product can grab on tightly. Using a bonding base is crucial for getting acrylic nails to last.<\/p>\n
Some popular bonding base coat options include Young Nails Protein Bond<\/b>, Cuccio Nail Veneer Base Coat<\/b>, and OPI Natural Nail Base Coat<\/b>.<\/p>\nRidge-Filling Base Coats<\/h3>\n
Ridge-filling base coats are designed to smooth out any ridges or grooves in the natural nail prior to acrylic application. This allows the acrylic to go on smoothly and evenly. Some top choices for ridge-filling base coats are Young Nails Ridge Filler<\/b>, Mia Secret Cover Pink Acrylic Base<\/b>, and Cuccio Pro Base Coat<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Using a ridge-filling base is especially important if you have a lot of ridges and grooves in your nails.<\/p>\n
Acrylic nails require an alkaline environment to properly bond and cure. pH-balancing base coats help prepare the nail bed by making it more alkaline prior to acrylic application. Some acrylic base coats that help balance pH include:<\/p>\n
Using one of these before acrylics can help the product adhere better and last longer.<\/p>\n
Some base coats are non-acidic, meaning they don’t contain methacrylic acid which is found in many nail bonding products. Non-acidic base coats are gentler on natural nails. Some options include:<\/p>\n
These create a protective layer between the nail and acrylics without using harsh acids. They allow acrylics to adhere without damaging nails over time.<\/p>\n
Base Coat Types<\/b><\/td>\n | Benefits<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\nBonding<\/td>\n | Improves acrylic adhesion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Ridge-filling <\/td>\n | Smooths out uneven nails<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | pH-balancing<\/td>\n | Prepares nail for acrylic curing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Non-acidic<\/td>\n | Gentle on natural nails<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n | As you can see, there are several types of base coats specially formulated for use with acrylic nails. Choosing the right one allows for proper application and long-lasting wear. Consult with your nail technician to determine which base works best for your nails.<\/p>\n How to Apply a Base Coat<\/h2>\n |