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The 6 Best Substitutes for Nail Slip Solution

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Nail slip solution is an important product for keeping your nails healthy and strong. And for getting that perfectly shaped nail. However, it can be expensive and difficult to find.

Luckily, some great substitutes can be just as effective. And they work just like the original nail slip solution. Check out our list of the best substitutes for nail slip solution.

1. Rubbing Alcohol

Haz isopropyl 70% rubbing alcohol

If you want to ensure that your manicure will not chip or slip, using a nail slip solution is the best way to go. It thins out the gel polish and allows easy application. However, if you do not have it handy, rubbing alcohol can work as a substitute.

Rubbing alcohol helps adhere the polish to the nails and will give results similar to a store-bought nail slip solution. For best results, use a paintbrush and paint each nail with rubbing alcohol as you apply the polish.

Alcohol is the main ingredient in most nail slip solutions, so rubbing alcohol should keep your results the same. The main difference between the two is that a store-bought nail slip solution has been specifically formulated for nails, while rubbing alcohol can be found in any store and may have different properties.

Also, finish your mani with a topcoat for added protection and shine. With this method, your beautiful manicure should stay put for days.

2. Gel Base Coat

A gel base coat can be an excellent substitute for nail slip solution, offering similar benefits with a few extra perks. Using a gel base coat ensures that your manicure will have an extra layer of protection and help your polish last longer and stay strong.

Additionally, because the color adheres to the gel base coat instead of your nail, the color will not lose its vibrancy even after several days. Furthermore, by removing the gel base coat, you can keep your nails looking fresh and new easily and quickly.

Most gel base coats are watery and transparent. This will work great as a nail slip solution. The watery consistency helps the polish glide on the nail quickly and ensures that the color layer is even. Plus, it dries quickly, allowing you to move on to the next step of your manicure quicker.

If you are looking for a good substitute for nail slip solution, try a gel base coat. Not only will it offer excellent coverage and adhesion of color to your nails, but it will dry quickly and last longer than regular nail polish. With just a few coats of a gel base coat, you can be sure that your nails will look fabulous for days on end. So do not wait any longer; give it a try today.

Overall, a gel base coat is an excellent replacement for a nail slip solution and should not be overlooked when planning a manicure!

3. Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

Acetone-free nail polish remover is an extremely helpful resource when creating nail art designs. It offers the same benefits as a traditional slip solution but does not dry out the nails like acetone can.

In addition, it removes any leftover residue from around the cuticles that may hinder your design’s desired finish. This makes it much easier to seamlessly blend patterns or motifs without fear of lifting or crumbling once the procedure is finished.

Just make sure the nail polish remover is acetone free. Otherwise, you will need help with your manicure setting properly. This will cause your nail art to chip and peel over time.

To ensure the best outcome, you can opt for a nail polish remover free of formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. Additionally, many non-acetone versions will have added ingredients such as vitamin E or aloe vera to help protect your nails from drying. Try to avoid these additives as they may deteriorate the Polygel.

Overall, acetone-free nail polish remover is an excellent substitute for those looking for an effective and gentler alternative to nail slip solution.

4. Hand Sanitizer

Bottle of Hand Sanitizer Held in a Hand

Keep your nail slip solution handy with a bottle of hand sanitizer. With just a spritz, you can keep yourself and your tools germ-free and well-prepared for your next mani without constantly disinfecting the table and experiences.

If you decide to use hand sanitizer, make sure it is at least seventy percent alcohol. This will allow the nail slip substitute to work its magic. Also, avoid hand sanitizers with tons of fragrances or dyes. These additives may inhibit the manicure curing properly.

A hand sanitizer nail slip solution is perfect if you are in a pinch. Get creative while still taking care of yourself and your nails. With this unique substitute, you can feel confident in creating a perfect manicure every time.

This is especially handy if you are mobile or want to do manicures while on the go. Get a pocket-size sanitizer bottle to ensure you maximize sanitation in any situation. Just remember only to use it as an alternative and not instead of classic cleansing techniques.

5. Vodka

Vodka is not only great for drinking but can also be used as a substitute for a nail slip solution. It is an inventive way to save a bit of money without sacrificing beauty.

Although vodka is effective in breaking down polish, it will not have a strong odor and may take a little longer to clean fingernails. To use it in place of the nail slip solution, pour some vodka into a bowl, dip your fingers into the bowl, and swirl them around for about five minutes.

While vodka is not the perfect solution to not having a nail slip solution, it is a viable option that should not impede your work too much. Use vodka as you would any other nail slip solution. This means that after five minutes, your nails should be ready to be polished.

Remember that if you have sensitive skin, it is always best to test a small area of skin first and see how it reacts with the vodka before using it on all your nails.

Vodka is an excellent alternative to store-bought chemicals. Gather some friends and enjoy a manicure/pedicure night with free-flowing liquor.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent alternative to traditional nail slip solutions, with many added benefits. It is an affordable way to keep nails looking polished and bright, as it removes stains from buildup.

Hydrogen peroxide also helps reduce bacteria growth due to its antiseptic properties. And since it does not contain toxic chemicals or products, it has the potential to be even safer than commercial nail bath products.

Hydrogen peroxide users also report that their nails feel healthier after using the product, which is likely due to its ability to penetrate the nail bed without damaging or stripping away anybeneficial oils.

Try hydrogen peroxide as a nail slip solution, and you will see almost no difference between its performance and the performance of the top nail slip solution. This is a great way to keep your nails healthy and looking great. Best of all, hydrogen peroxide is a natural product that is safe for people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Also, hydrogen peroxide can be easily found in drug stores or supermarkets and is relatively cheap. So if you are looking for an affordable nail slip solution option, you have found it.

Finally, this easy-to-acquire substance can be found in most homes and is a perfect way to ensure healthy-looking nails without having to make an extra trip out shopping.

How to Use Nail Slip Solution and the Alternatives

The easiest way to use nail slip solution is in combination with your Polygel, gel, or acrylic nails. Since most nail slip solutions are for Polygel nails, that is what we will focus on here. Similar steps can be followed for the other nail polish types.

1. Prep the Nail

Before getting started, you want to prep the nail bed for the polish and treatment it will get. Begin by ensuring your nails are clean and free of dirt, oil, or moisture. You can use a gentle cleanser and cotton swab to do this.

This includes all of the following:

  • Trim the nail
  • File and shape the nail
  • Buff the nail
  • Clean the nail

After you are satisfied with the shape of the nail, you can move on to the next step.

2. Tame The Cuticle

An essential part of all nail care is the cuticles. Cuticles are the skin surrounding the nail that maps the edge of the nail. Trim, clean, and push back the cuticles. This is an essential step, as you do not want to cause skin irritation.

Cuticles are also a breeding ground for bacteria, and keeping them clean, trimmed and neat is important.

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3. Clean, Clean, Clean

After prepping the nail and cuticle surface, make sure the work area is ready to go. Remove any debris or dirt using some rubbing alcohol. This can be done with a wipe or a cotton ball. Just make sure the area is clean before you continue.

Avoid using oils or washing your hands, as that will introduce unnecessary moisture. Moisture can be the enemy of keeping a long-lasting set of nails.

4. Pick Your Forms

If you are utilizing nail tips or forms, now is the time to select them and get prepped for applying the gel polish. Picking the right nail form or tip is something to discuss with your client. You want them to get the final look they want.

Keep in mind the natural shape of their nails. Some nail forms are cut to be slightly wider than others and can help create a more dramatic look or a longer-lasting one.

Make sure to select a size that fits each nail and is not too large. You do not want gel touching the skin if at all possible.

Once you have your form or tip ready, pick the correct size for each finger. It is always better to start with a little too small and build up to the polish from there.

5. Apply Your Gel And Nail Slip Solution

Now it is time to apply the gel using your brush. Then once the gel is on the nail, dip the brush into the nail slip solution of your choice.

Dip the brush in the nail slip solution and then paint the gel into place on the nail tip or form. Repeat this process until your gel has the desired consistency and shape.

You should notice the nail slip solution helps make the gel application process more manageable. It works by thinning the gel to the right consistency and allows easy application.

6. Cure The Manicure

The final step is to cure the gel. Once your gel nail is shaped the way you want, put the gel under a UV lamp to cure it. Follow package directions for how long you need to cure the nails.

It is essential to cure the nails once the polish has been applied. Follow the directions, and this will ensure a seamless manicure process.

In Summary: There Are 6 Nail Slip Solution Substitutes

If you find yourself in a bind and need a quick nail slip solution substitute, any of the above should do the trick. While you can’t beat the true nail slip solution, these nail slip solution substitutions will come in handy if you ever need a quick fix in a pinch.

Have you ever used any of these substitutes before? What are some other substitutes you have found to work well? Let us know in the comments.

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