Understanding Adhesion, Retention, and Choosing the Right Foundation for Every Service
Professional Note: This guide is intended for trained nail technicians using Akzéntz enhancement systems. Product recommendations should always be combined with proper nail preparation, correct application techniques, correct system pairing, and complete curing according to Akzéntz instructions.
Introduction
Every gel service begins with one of the most important, but often overlooked, steps: choosing the right base.
A base gel does far more than prepare the natural nail for colour or structure. It creates the foundation for reliable adhesion, supports long-lasting wear, and helps each enhancement perform as intended. Selecting the appropriate base can improve retention, reduce lifting, and create a service that is better suited to your client's natural nail and lifestyle.
Rather than relying on a single universal formula, Akzéntz has developed a range of base gels, each designed with a specific purpose. From healthy natural nails to clients experiencing lifting, excess moisture, or nail damage, every base in the Akzéntz system is formulated to address different needs while maintaining the performance and quality professionals expect.
In this guide, we'll explain what each Akzéntz base gel is designed to do, when to use it, and how to choose the right foundation for every service.
What Is a Base Gel?
A base gel is the first layer applied to the natural nail before building, colour application, or finishing products. Its primary role is to create a secure bond between the natural nail and the enhancement system while helping the service perform as intended.
Although it may appear to be a simple first step, the base layer has a significant influence on the overall performance of the service.
Each Akzéntz enhancement system is designed with a recommended foundation. In many cases, this standard base is the ideal choice. However, some clients have natural nail characteristics or lifestyles that benefit from a more specialized approach. That's why Akzéntz has developed multiple bonding solutions, allowing professionals to tailor the service rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all product.
Why Does Akzéntz Offer Different Base Gels?
No two natural nails are exactly alike.
Some clients have naturally dry nails, while others retain more moisture or produce additional surface oils. Nail thickness, flexibility, previous damage, daily activities, and even frequent exposure to water can all influence how well an enhancement adheres and wears over time.
Rather than formulating one base gel to address every possible scenario, Akzéntz developed a range of specialized bonding solutions. Each base is engineered to support different nail conditions, enhancement systems, and retention needs, giving professionals the flexibility to choose the most appropriate foundation for each client.
For most services, the recommended base within the chosen Akzéntz system will provide excellent results. When additional adhesion support is needed, products such as X-Bond and Super Bond offer targeted solutions for more challenging nail conditions without requiring technicians to compromise the rest of their enhancement system.
This approach allows nail technicians to customize adhesion based on the individual client, helping create more consistent, reliable, and long-lasting results.
Before We Explore Each Base
Choosing the Right Enhancement System
Long-lasting retention begins long before you select a bonding product.
Along with proper preparation and base selection, one of the most important decisions a nail professional makes is choosing the enhancement system that best suits the client's natural nails, lifestyle, and service goals.
Every Akzéntz system has been thoughtfully developed with specific performance characteristics, allowing professionals to select the system that will perform best for each individual client.
While all Akzéntz systems are engineered for exceptional adhesion and durability, no single system is intended to be the perfect solution for every client. Understanding when to choose a soft soak-off gel or a non-soak-off hard gel system is an important part of achieving consistent, long-lasting results.
To learn more, visit our guide on Choosing the Correct Gel System and Understanding the Difference Between Hard and Soft Gel.
Luxio®
Luxio Base
The Foundation of the Luxio® System
Luxio Base is the recommended foundation for the Luxio® Soak-Off Colour Gel System. Developed specifically to work as part of the complete Luxio system, it creates the bond between the natural nail and the colour layers while maintaining the flexibility and soak-off performance that Luxio is known for.
For most clients with healthy natural nails, Luxio Base is the ideal starting point. Its balanced formulation is designed to provide reliable adhesion while allowing the finished service to remain flexible and remove cleanly at the end of its wear cycle.
Rather than acting as a universal bonding product for every enhancement system, Luxio Base was engineered specifically for soak-off gel services. When paired with Luxio Colour, Build, or Gloss, it helps create a complete system designed for beautiful wear, exceptional performance, and efficient removal.
Best For
Luxio Base is an excellent choice for:
- Healthy natural nails
- Normal to slightly dry nail plates
- Clients who prefer a flexible, natural-feeling enhancement
How to Use Luxio Base
After completing proper nail preparation, apply a thin, even layer of Luxio Base to the natural nail, ensuring complete coverage without flooding the cuticle or sidewalls.
Cure for 30 seconds in an Akzéntz curing lamp before applying Luxio Colour or Luxio Build.
For the majority of clients, Luxio Base should be used as the foundation of every Luxio service.
If a client begins experiencing ongoing retention challenges despite proper preparation and application, consider evaluating the natural nail before immediately changing your application technique. In some cases, a specialty bonding product may be more appropriate for that client's nail type.
When to Consider Another Option
While Luxio Base is the recommended choice for most Luxio services, some clients may benefit from a different bonding solution.
Clients with thin or damaged natural nails may benefit from X-Bond for additional adhesion support.
Clients with oily nail plates or hyperhidrosis may achieve better retention with Super Bond.
Clients experiencing persistent lifting should first have their preparation, application, curing, and aftercare evaluated before changing products.
Compatible Systems
Luxio Base is designed specifically for the Luxio® Soak-Off Colour Gel System and is intended to be used with Luxio Base, Luxio Colour, Luxio Gloss, and Luxio Build.
Because Luxio Base is formulated for soak-off flexibility and removability, it is not intended as the standard bonding layer for Pro-Formance hard gels or Trinity services. Those systems are designed with their own recommended foundations to provide optimal performance.
Options™ Soak-Off System
Opti-Bond
The Foundation of the Options™ Soak-Off System
Opti-Bond is the recommended bonding layer for the Akzéntz Options™ Soak-Off Gel System. Designed to complement the flexibility of soak-off enhancements, it provides dependable adhesion while allowing the finished service to move naturally with the nail.
While Opti-Bond was originally developed for the Options system, many professionals also choose it for clients whose natural nails benefit from a more flexible foundation. It is particularly well suited to clients whose nails are healthy or slightly moisture-retentive but require additional adaptability due to their natural flexibility or lifestyle.
Best For
Opti-Bond is an excellent choice for:
- Healthy natural nails requiring a flexible foundation
- Clients receiving an Options soak-off gel service
- Naturally flexible nail plates
- Clients with mildly moisture-retentive nail plates, excluding severe hyperhidrosis cases
- Short overlays, short extensions and natural nail services
How to Use Opti-Bond
Following proper nail preparation, apply a thin, even layer of Opti-Bond to the natural nail and cure for 30 seconds in an Akzéntz LED curing lamp.
For clients requiring additional strength while maintaining a soak-off service, Opti-Bond can be followed with Options Crystal Clear before applying colour.
As with all Akzéntz systems, proper nail preparation, thin application, and complete curing remain essential for achieving optimal adhesion and long-lasting results.
When to Consider Another Option
Although Opti-Bond is an excellent foundation for many clients, some natural nail conditions may benefit from a different bonding solution.
Clients with thin, damaged, or compromised natural nails may benefit from X-Bond.
Clients with oily nail plates or hyperhidrosis may achieve improved retention with Super Bond.
Compatible Systems
Opti-Bond is designed for the Options™ Soak-Off Gel System and is intended to be used with Opti-Bond, Options Crystal Clear, Options colour gels, and other compatible Options products.
While it can also be incorporated into specific professional application techniques where additional flexibility is desired, technicians should always follow Akzéntz system recommendations when selecting a bonding product.
Prescription Base System
Specialized Adhesion Solutions for Challenging Nail Types
Every natural nail is unique. While many clients achieve excellent retention with the standard base recommended for their Akzéntz enhancement system, others may have nail characteristics that benefit from a more specialized bonding approach.
The Prescription Base System was developed to provide targeted adhesion solutions for clients experiencing specific retention challenges. Rather than offering a single product for every situation, the Prescription Base System includes two bonding gels, X-Bond and Super Bond, each formulated to support different natural nail conditions.
Choosing between them isn't about selecting the strongest option. It's about understanding the client's natural nail and choosing the product designed for that specific need.
X-Bond
Versatile Adhesion for Thin, Dry, and Compromised Nails
X-Bond is an excellent choice for clients whose natural nails have become compromised through damage, excessive filing, dryness, or have been over-acidified.
Because X-Bond is compatible across multiple systems, it has become a popular choice for professionals who need additional adhesion while maintaining the performance of the chosen enhancement system.
For many technicians, X-Bond is the first specialty bonding product to consider when a client's nail condition indicates that additional retention support may be beneficial.
Best For
X-Bond is an excellent choice for clients with:
- Dry or dehydrated nails
- Nails that have been over-filed or over-acidified
- Damaged or weakened nail plates
- Retention challenges related to nail condition
- Luxio®, Options™, or Pro-Formance® services where additional adhesion support is appropriate
How to Use X-Bond
After proper nail preparation, apply a thin, even layer of X-Bond to the natural nail and cure for 30 seconds in an Akzéntz curing lamp.
X-Bond can be incorporated into Luxio®, Options™, and Pro-Formance® services when additional adhesion support is appropriate for the client's natural nail.
As with every Akzéntz bonding product, proper preparation, thin application, and complete curing remain essential for achieving optimal results.
When to Consider Another Option
Although X-Bond is an extremely versatile bonding gel, it may not be the ideal solution for every client.
Clients with healthy natural nails will often have excellent results using the standard base developed for their enhancement system.
Clients with oily nail plates or hyperhidrosis will benefit more from Super Bond.
Super Bond
Specialized Adhesion for Oily and Moisture-Retentive Nail Plates
Super Bond was developed for clients whose natural nail characteristics can make long-term adhesion more challenging.
It is specifically formulated for oily nail plates and clients experiencing hyperhidrosis or excess moisture, helping professionals achieve more reliable retention in situations where standard bonding products may not provide optimal performance.
Best For
Super Bond is recommended for clients with:
- Oily nail plates
- Hyperhidrosis
- Moisture-retentive nails
- Persistent lifting associated with excess oil or moisture
How to Use Super Bond
Following proper nail preparation, apply a thin layer of Super Bond to the natural nail and cure for 30 seconds in an Akzéntz curing lamp.
As with all bonding products, correct preparation, controlled application, and proper curing remain essential for achieving reliable results.
When to Consider Another Option
Super Bond is not intended to be the first choice for every client.
Healthy natural nails generally perform well with the standard base designed for the selected Akzéntz system.
Thin, damaged, or compromised nails may benefit more from X-Bond.
Pro-Formance®
Hard Gel System
Adhere™ — The Foundation of the Pro-Formance® Hard Gel System
Adhere™ is the dedicated bonding gel for the Akzéntz Pro-Formance® Hard Gel System. Designed to create a strong bond between the prepared natural nail and Pro-Formance hard gel, Adhere provides a reliable foundation for hard gel enhancements while maintaining the performance and durability expected from the system.
Its thin viscosity allows for controlled application without adding unnecessary bulk to the enhancement.
For clients with healthy, normal to slightly dry natural nails, Adhere is the recommended starting point when working with the Pro-Formance system.
Best For
Adhere is an excellent choice for:
- Healthy natural nails
- Normal to slightly dry nail plates
- Pro-Formance® hard gel overlays
- Structured hard gel manicures
- Sculpted enhancements and extensions
- Clients requiring the strength and durability of a hard gel system
- Nail technicians looking for the dedicated bonding gel for Pro-Formance®
How to Use Adhere
After completing proper nail preparation, apply a thin, even layer of Adhere to the natural nail, ensuring controlled product placement and complete coverage of the prepared nail plate.
Cure according to Akzéntz recommended curing guidelines before proceeding with your selected Pro-Formance builder gel.
As with every Akzéntz enhancement system, proper nail preparation, thin application, and complete curing are essential for optimal adhesion and long-lasting wear.
When to Consider a Different Bonding Product
While Adhere is the recommended starting point for most clients receiving a Pro-Formance hard gel service, the condition and characteristics of the natural nail should always be considered when selecting a bonding product.
Clients with thin, damaged, or compromised natural nails may benefit from X-Bond™.
Clients with oily nail plates or hyperhidrosis may benefit from Super Bond™.
Clients experiencing retention concerns should first be evaluated to determine the cause of lifting before changing bonding products.
The goal is not to automatically select the strongest bonding product available, but to select the product best suited to the client's natural nail and the service being performed.
Trinity®
The All-in-One Hard Gel System
Adhesion, Strength, and Gloss in One Product
Trinity® is Akzéntz's original 3 in 1 hard gel system, combining adhesion, strength, and a high-gloss finish in a single product.
Designed to simplify hard gel services without compromising performance, Trinity eliminates the need for separate base, builder, and finishing gels for many applications.
For clients with healthy, normal to slightly dry natural nails, Trinity is designed to be applied directly to the prepared natural nail, allowing the same product to create the bonding layer, build the enhancement, and provide a durable glossy finish.
Its self-levelling consistency and exceptional clarity have made Trinity a favourite among professionals looking for an efficient workflow while maintaining the strength and performance expected from a hard gel enhancement.
Trinity is available in clear and various shades.
Best For
Trinity is an excellent choice for:
- Healthy natural nails
- Normal to slightly dry nail plates
- Hard gel overlays
- Structured manicures
- Sculpted enhancements and extensions
- Nail technicians looking for an efficient 3 in 1 system
How to Use Trinity
After completing proper nail preparation, apply a very thin layer of Trinity to the natural nail and cure for 30 seconds in an Akzéntz curing lamp.
Once the initial layer has cured, apply a slip layer to the nail and continue building the nail with Trinity as needed before completing the service with the final glossy surface.
Wipe with Prep & Wipe to remove the inhibition layer.
As with every Akzéntz enhancement system, proper nail preparation, thin application, and complete curing are essential for optimal adhesion and long-lasting wear.
When to Consider an Additional Bonding Product
Although Trinity is designed to function as its own adhesive layer, there are situations where an additional bonding product may be appropriate.
Clients with thin, damaged, or compromised natural nails may benefit from X-Bond™ beneath Trinity.
Clients with oily nail plates or hyperhidrosis may benefit from Super Bond™.
If a client begins experiencing retention issues that are not related to damage, oil, or excess moisture, Adhere™ may be introduced after the cause of the lifting has been properly evaluated.
Choosing the Right Akzéntz® Base Gel
Selecting the right base gel begins with two simple questions:
1. Which Akzéntz enhancement system are you using?
2. What does your client's natural nail need?
For many clients, the standard base developed for their chosen Akzéntz system will provide excellent adhesion and long-lasting wear. When a client's natural nail presents unique characteristics, such as damage, excess moisture, or increased flexibility, a specialty bonding product may provide additional support.
The goal isn't to choose the strongest bonding product. It's to choose the one designed for your client's natural nail and the service you're performing.
Start with Your Enhancement System
For a Luxio® service, begin with Luxio Base.
For an Options™ service, begin with Opti-Bond™.
For a Pro-Formance® service, begin with Adhere™.
For a Pro-Formance® Trinity® service, Trinity can be used as its own adhesive layer, or Adhere™ may be incorporated when appropriate.
These system foundations should be the starting point for most clients. From there, evaluate the condition and characteristics of the natural nail to determine whether a specialty bonding product may be beneficial.
Then Evaluate the Natural Nail
For healthy, normal natural nails, begin with the standard base designed for the selected enhancement system.
For normal to slightly dry natural nails, the system base will generally provide reliable adhesion for routine services.
For thin or weakened natural nails, consider X-Bond™ to provide additional adhesion support.
For damaged, over-filed, or over-acidified natural nails, X-Bond™ may provide additional retention support for the compromised nail plate.
For oily natural nail plates, consider Super Bond™, which was developed specifically for oily and moisture-retentive nails.
For clients experiencing hyperhidrosis, Super Bond™ may help support adhesion where excess moisture is contributing to retention challenges.
For naturally flexible nails within the Options™ system, Opti-Bond™ provides a flexible foundation designed to move with the natural nail while supporting adhesion.
Most importantly, product selection should always follow an evaluation of the client and the service. Persistent lifting does not automatically mean a stronger bonding product is required. Preparation, application, curing, enhancement structure, lifestyle, aftercare, and the condition of the natural nail should all be considered when troubleshooting retention.
What About Primers?
Additional Support When Retention Needs Troubleshooting
Akzéntz gel systems are designed to be primerless, meaning a primer is not a mandatory step in a standard Akzéntz service. With proper nail preparation, correct system and base selection, application, and curing, many clients will not require a primer for successful adhesion.
However, every client is different. When persistent lifting or retention concerns occur despite proper preparation and product selection, a primer may be introduced as an additional troubleshooting step.
Akzéntz offers two non-acid primers, Sure-Bond™ and Affixit™, each providing a different level and type of adhesion support.
Sure-Bond™
Gentle Adhesion Support
Sure-Bond™ is a gentle, non-acid primer designed to cleanse, gently dehydrate, and balance the natural nail while providing additional adhesion support. It contains small amounts of adhesive monomers and dries quickly without leaving a sticky layer.
Sure-Bond is particularly well suited to soak-off gel services, clients with sensitivities, or situations where additional adhesion is desired while maintaining easier product removal.
Consider Sure-Bond when:
- A client is experiencing retention concerns and additional adhesion support is needed
- Working with soak-off gel services
- A gentler primer option is preferred
- Working with clients who may have product sensitivities
Affixit™
Maximum Adhesion Support
Affixit™ is a non-acid primer designed to provide a stronger level of adhesion support for problem lifters. Once air dried, Affixit leaves behind a very thin, sticky film that bonds to the keratin of the natural nail. When the selected base gel is applied and cured over Affixit, it crosslinks with this film to create a bond.
Affixit is compatible with all Akzéntz gel systems and can be introduced when additional adhesion is required after other potential causes of lifting have been evaluated.
Consider Affixit when:
- Troubleshooting persistent lifting
- A client requires a greater level of adhesion support
- Proper preparation, system selection, base selection, application, and curing have already been evaluated
How to Apply Primer
Both Sure-Bond and Affixit should be applied after completing proper natural nail preparation and before applying the selected base gel.
Apply a thin, controlled layer to the natural nail and allow the product to air dry. Primer should never be allowed to pool, flood the nail, or come into contact with the surrounding skin or cuticle.
Remember: Primer is not a replacement for proper preparation or appropriate product selection. Before introducing one, determine why the client is experiencing lifting and address any issues with preparation, application, curing, system selection, or aftercare first. The goal is to introduce additional adhesion only when the individual client's needs indicate that it may be beneficial.
Conclusion
From selecting the enhancement system that best suits your client's natural nails and lifestyle, to performing thorough nail preparation, choosing the appropriate bonding product, and following proper application and curing techniques, every step contributes to a successful, long-lasting service.
Throughout this guide, we've explored how each Akzéntz bonding product has a specific purpose. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Akzéntz provides systems designed to work together, giving nail technicians the flexibility to tailor every service to the individual client.
At Akzéntz, we believe education is one of the most valuable tools a nail professional can have. The more you understand the products and the principles of proper system selection, the more confidently you can troubleshoot challenges, improve retention, and deliver consistently exceptional services.
Continue Your Education
Looking to deepen your knowledge or gain hands-on experience with Akzéntz products?
Our community of Akzéntz Certified Educators offers professional education, workshops, and advanced training designed to help you build confidence with our complete range of systems and techniques.
Whether you're exploring Akzéntz for the first time or expanding your expertise, connecting with an Akzéntz Certified Educator is one of the best ways to continue your professional journey.