What is the purpose of pH balancing/dehydrator in prep, and when is it used?

• A. Removes oils to improve adhesion; used after cleansing and before priming.
• B. Adds fragrance to nails; used before varnish.
• C. Soaks nails in water.
• D. Strengthens nails by applying resin.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is to create a clean, dry nail surface so adhesives can grip properly. A pH balancing/dehydrator works by removing surface oils and excess moisture from the nail plate. When you cleanse the nails, oils and water can still linger, which can interfere with bonding. Applying the dehydrator pulls these oils away and leaves the nail in a slightly drier, more receptive state, often with a surface that's ready for bonding by lowering the surface moisture and slightly adjusting the pH to improve adhesion.

Because of that, it’s used after cleansing and before priming or applying any product. It’s not a fragrance, not a soak, and it doesn’t strengthen the nails; its job is to optimize the surface for better adhesion of gels, acrylics, or polishes. Apply it to the nail plate, let it evaporate, then proceed with priming and product application.