Gel nail dehydrator, also known as nail prep, is a liquid solution that removes oil and moisture from a nail’s surface to prepare it for gel polish and other nail products. Dehydrators help nail products adhere better by creating a smooth, dry surface. They can also normalize the nail’s pH balance.
Dehydrators are typically watery and evaporate quickly. They often contain ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate. Some say that salon-grade dehydrators are better than alcohol because they don’t strip oils as abruptly, which can make nails brittle.
