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Best base for natural nails: Which one is the right one?
Natural nails are beautiful – but often also sensitive. Perhaps you know this:
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The paint only lasts a few days.
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The nail enhancement is lifting at the edges.
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The nails are thin, brittle, or flexible.
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After a short time, everything splinters off again.
The good news:
👉 The right base is key to adhesion, durability and nail health.
And that's exactly what this is about: Which base is the best – for your natural nail?
Why does the natural nail even need a base coat?
A base…
- ensures optimal adhesion between nail and polish
- protects the natural nail from discoloration
- evens out uneven surfaces
- Reduces lifting and chipping
- Improves shelf life – up to 3–4 weeks
In short:
👉 Without a base, there will be no long-lasting result.
Which base coat is best? – That depends on the nail type.
Not all natural nails are the same. Therefore, there's no "one-size-fits-all" base, but rather the perfect base for every need . Acid-free gels should always be used with an acid-free primer.
+ For thin & sensitive natural nails
Recommended: Emmi Nail Base Coat S2
Why:
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Exceptional adhesive strength for builder gels with fiberglass
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Provides stability and protection when combined with fiberglass gels.
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Ideal for brittle or torn nails
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Perfect under gel & shellac -> then no longer removable with remover
Advantage for nail salons: Fewer complaints due to lifting.
👉 Discover fiberglass gels now.
+ For flexible / soft natural nails
Recommended: Emmi-Nail Rubber Base Gel
Why:
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Flexible like a natural nail
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Prevents stress cracks
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Can perform a minor building function as a combination of primer gel and builder gel
Ideal for clients whose nails tend to bend easily. We also recommend using a primer for problem nails.
👉 Discover all Rubber Base Gels now.
+ For oily / poorly adhering natural nails
Recommended: Futureline X-Treme Primer
Why:
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Maximum liability
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Especially for lifting problems
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Perfect under gel & UV polish -> then it can no longer be removed with remover
Tip: Unbeatable when combined with a dehydrator and/or primer.
👉 Discover all Futureline gels now.
+ For healthy, normal natural nails
Recommended: Emmi-Nail Studioline base gel
Why:
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Universally applicable
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Thinly moldable
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Perfect all-round adhesion promoter
👉 Discover all Studioline gels now.
Comparison at a glance
| nail type | product | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Thin / brittle | Base Coat S2 | stability in combination with fiberglass gel |
| Flexible | Rubber Base Gel | Flexible & expandable |
| Oily / Lifting | X-Treme Primer | Maximum liability |
| Normal | Studioline primer gel | Universal & simple |
And for particularly difficult cases, we have this combination of air-drying primer and light-curing base:
- Buy as a set and save
- for problem nails
- air-drying primer
- light-curing primer
Application of base for natural nails in 5 steps
- Clean & mattify nails
- remove cuticles
- Optional: Apply dehydrator and/or primer and let it dry.
- Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure.
- Apply builder gel + color gel / gel / Shellac as usual
Studio tip: "Rub instead of brush" – massage the first layer (base gel) in well. The best way to do this is with a base gel brush .
Those who want to give their nail modeling extra hold should use primer in addition to the base.
The Methacrylic acid The primer causes the scales of the nail plate to lift slightly, allowing for better adhesion with the next layer. However, not everyone tolerates this ingredient. Additionally, acidic primers have a stronger odor and can sting slightly on sensitive nails during application. Which bonding agent is the better choice is a decision each nail technician must make for themselves and their salon clients. Primer with or without acid It can be used under both gel and acrylic powder.
Acid-based primer can usually be used with all gels. With acid-free primer, a kind of acrylic layer forms on the nail. If an acid-based gel is then applied, it may peel off in one layer after curing. Those who prefer acid-free primer should ensure they also apply acid-free gels afterward. If in doubt, simply try the combination of acid-free primer and acid-based gel.
Additionally, a dehydrator can also be used:
The Emmi®-Nail Dehydrator dehydrates and degreases the natural nail. Bonder is used for adhesion problems.
Mistakes that ruin durability
❌ Natural nail not degreased
❌ Base layer too thick
❌ Skin contact during application -> also an increased risk of allergies
❌ No coating of the nail tip
✅ With the right base + technique: up to 4 weeks hold.
When do I need a reinforcing base?
✅ for nail extensions with tips or forms
✅ for heavily used hands
✅ for splitting nails
Ideal for this: Fiber Base & Rubber Base
Conclusion
The best base is the one that suits your natural nail .
With emmi®NAIL you will find the perfect base for every nail type – for maximum adhesion, strong hold and healthy nails.
👉 Find more information in the Primer Guide or the general guide.
