What is protein bond for nails? It’s exactly what you need if you don’t want to damage your nails.
It’s a special adhesive that isn’t acidic or corrosive. It creates a strong bond between the natural nail and whatever goes on top. Therefore, it makes a sticky surface for gels, acrylics, extensions, and even nail polish.
Let’s talk about how to use protein bond for nails.
How to Apply Protein Bond
Before you apply protein bond, make sure that you have all the necessary supplies on hand. You’ll need to prep your nails as always before a manicure. You might need tools like:
- Nail file or nail drill
- Clippers
- Cuticle nippers
- Cuticle pusher
- Lint-free wipes or rubbing alcohol and cloth or towels that don’t shed
Moreover, you’ll need the protein bond liquid:
Lavis Protein Bond & Primer
Here’s an affordable protein bond solution that removes excess oil and greatly improves adhesion. The formula not only prevents lifting it also protects against chipping. It air-dries rapidly.
Step 1: Nail Prep
Trim, shape, and prepare the nails as you usually would before applying polish or enhancements.
When you shape the tip with a file or nail drill, move from each outer edge toward the center. If you file back and forth, you risk causing the nail to split.
Step 2: Remove the Shine
Remove the shine from the surface of the nail with a medium-grit hand file or an arbor band on a nail drill. Use only gentle pressure—you’re only dulling the surface.
Step 3: Clean
Use nail wipes or alcohol to remove debris like dust from buffing and any leftover oil. Lint-free wipes are worth the investment as they don’t leave any fibers behind like cotton pads might.
Step 4: Apply the First Coat
Applying protein bond is just like applying base coat only you don’t need a nail lamp to cure it. Brush it over the entire surface of each nail and let it air dry.
You can also simply cap the nails for extra protection against chipping. Brush along the end of the nail, allowing a bit of protein bond to coat the edge and underside.
If you’ll be applying nail lacquer, one coat of protein bond is sufficient.
Step 5: Apply the Second Coat for Gels and Acrylics
But if you’ll be doing gels or acrylics, it’s best to apply a second coat of protein bond. Complete all 10 fingers and go back to the start and repeat the application.
You can also apply this second coat over tips and enhancements.
Does Protein Bond Work with Hard Gel?
Yes, protein bond works great with hard gel. Just be sure to apply two coats of bond. It dries in seconds, so by the time you finish all ten fingers, you can brush on the second coat.
Is Protein Bond Necessary for Extensions?
Although it’s possible to do extensions without using protein bond, you’ll be missing out on the benefits. Unlike acidic primers and nail dehydrators, protein bond is gentle on natural nails. It improves adhesion without making it harder to soak off gels.
Lavis Soft Gel Tip Adhesive Set
This handy set includes both protein bond and tip adhesive. The adhesive has impressive sticking power and won’t bubble up.
After you’ve applied the protein bond and it’s dry, apply the gel tip adhesive and cure for 10 seconds.
Later after you’ve applied all the tips, cure a second time for between 30 to 60 seconds.
Lavis Gel Base, Diamond Top, Protein Bond & Primer, Soft Gel Tip Adhesive
Save time and money by getting everything you need in one set. This kit comes with the base and top coats as well as the protein bond and adhesive. What’s nice is that the top coat works equally well on natural and artificial nails including tips.
What Are the Benefits of Using Protein Bond for Press-on Nails?
If your extensions lift too soon and you find yourself peeling off tips in frustration, you need to try protein bond. Unlike acidic primers that wreak havoc, protein bond isn’t nearly as drying or damaging to the natural nail. It greatly enhances adhesion so that everything from extensions to polish sticks better and stays longer.
Lavis Complete Press-on Nail Kit
This brand makes at least 11 different sizes and styles of nail tips. This kit comes with square medium tips plus adhesive, protein bond, base coat, topcoat, and a LED nail lamp. It’s everything a beginner needs and also perfect for a professional.
Can You Apply Colored Polish Directly on Protein Bond?
Do you need a base coat?
If you’re using nail lacquer, no, you don’t need a base coat. But use one if you’re concerned about a dark-colored polish staining your nails, for example.
For gels, use a base coat on top of the protein bond.
Lavis Summer Collection Gel Set 11
After you’ve applied the protein bond, brush on the base coat and colored polish to continue with your manicure. This set comes with protein bond, base coat, topcoat, and 6 gorgeous gel polishes. The summery colors include pinks, red, orange, neon yellow, and spring green.
Can You Use Protein Bond with Nail Polish?
Yes, protein bond isn’t just for gels, tips, and acrylics. It works wonders with regular nail polish, too.
Nail lacquer usually only lasts about a week. Sometimes it starts to chip before then. However, protein bond improves nail polish’s durability and extends the manicure’s lifetime.
Follow the same process of shaping, buffing, and cleaning the nails before applying the protein bond. One coat should be sufficient unless the nail bed is naturally very oily. In that case, apply 2 coats.
Conclusion
Protein bond and primer is an ideal choice for many different nail applications. It creates a strong bond without damaging the natural nail, plus it reduces the natural oil to prevent lifting. It dries quickly, making it easy to apply. It’s not acidic or corrosive and doesn’t require a nail lamp to cure. Moreover, it’s compatible with nail lacquer, gels, acrylics, tips, and other enhancements.