What does a nail primer do?

A nail primer enhances the adhesion of nail enhancements, which is its primary function in nail care. When applied before specific nail treatments, such as acrylic or gel applications, the primer creates a better bond between the natural nail and the enhancement product. This increased adhesion helps to prevent lifting, chipping, and peeling, leading to a longer-lasting manicure or enhancement.

While some may think a nail primer colors the nails, conditions the cuticles, or dries the nails faster, these functions are not the purpose of a primer. Nail primers are typically clear or lightly tinted and focus on preparing the nail surface for better product performance rather than changing its color. Additionally, while conditioning cuticles is essential for overall nail health, it is usually accomplished with oils or specific cuticle treatments rather than primers. Finally, the aspect of drying nails faster is addressed through different products designed for that purpose, such as quick-dry topcoats, rather than the primer itself. Thus, the role of a nail primer is specifically tied to enhancing product adhesion, confirming why the correct answer is focused on this crucial aspect.