Does acid primer create holes in the nail… or not?

Within the nail industry, persistent misconceptions still circulate. One of them is the claim that an acid primer “creates holes” in the nail. A statement that is often repeated, but rarely explained correctly.

The problem? Poor technique is too often confused with product knowledge. So let’s go back to the facts.

What does an acid primer actually do?

An acid primer (methacrylic acid) has a clear and functional role in nail treatments.

The product:

  • Degreases the nail plate
  • Temporarily removes moisture from the nail plate
  • Increases surface energy
  • Improves product adhesio

That’s it. There is no magic involved, but also no damage (holes), as is often claimed.

Where does the misunderstanding come from?

What many people notice after using a primer is:

  • A white, dull, and dehydrated nail
  • A slightly rough surface

These effects are often incorrectly interpreted as “damage” to the nail.

In reality, they are visual signs of:

  • Dehydration of the nail plate
  • And/or micro-roughness caused by filing

So it’s not the primer causing damage.

The real causes of nail damage

When actual damage occurs, the cause is usually something else:

  • Over-filing the natural nail
  • Poor or incorrect preparation (prep)
  • Insufficient training or knowledge

It’s essential to correctly distinguish cause and effect. A product is often blamed, while technique is the real culprit.

What do regulations say?

If an acid primer truly created “holes” in the nail, this would not go unnoticed in Europe.
In that case, we would already be dealing with:

  • A ban on the ingredient
  • Widespread complaints
  • Medical reports and cases

This is not the case.

Marketing versus reality

Within the industry, terms are often used such as:

  • “acid-free is healthier”
  • “acid is aggressive”
  • “this product is safer"

While these claims may sound convincing from a marketing perspective, they are not scientifically supported.
Both acid primers and acid-free primers are simply tools.

The real difference

The difference is not about good or bad, but about:

  • When you use the product
  • How you apply it
  • And whether you understand what you’re doing

An experienced nail technician knows when an acid primer is needed and when an acid-free alternative is more suitable.

Conclusion

An acid primer does not create holes in the nail. Incorrect techniques do.

That may be confronting, but it is the reality.