A question we get asked all the time is "What is the difference between Primer and Xprime?"

The answer is not a lot.

Very simply, both act as non-acid primers and neither offers better retention than another.

So what is a non-acid primer?

A non-acid nail primer is a type of primer used in the nail industry to prepare the natural nail for better adhesion of nail enhancements without using harsher chemicals, such as methacrylic acid, which can cause irritation. Acid primers are often used to provide even better adhesion.

Key Features of a Non-Acid Primer:

• Gentle on the Nail – It does not contain harsh acids, which can reduce the risk of irritation.
• Adhesion Booster – Helps create a strong bond between the natural nail and artificial product, preventing lifting.
• Safe for Sensitive Clients – Ideal for clients with sensitive nails or those with allergies to methacrylic acid
• Works with Multiple Systems – Can be used with gel polish, builder gels, hard gels, and acrylics.

Using a non-acid primer can not only improve adhesion between the natural nail and nail enhancement, but it can also assist with removing oils from the natural nail, another reason why you do not need to additionally cleanse/ dehydrate the nail before using a primer.

So how do Xprime and Primer differ?

As we have discussed, they are both non-acid primers and, whilst the ingredient's and factory they are made in do differ, they pretty much the same job. We introduced Primer to fit more aesthetically with the rest of our gel range as Xprime was originally released as part of our Xtensions system, before we had our range of gels.