How to Use Akzéntz Prescription Base Gels Correctly

A Professional Step-by-Step Guide for Maximum Retention

Akzéntz Prescription Base Gels were created to solve one of the most frustrating problems in professional nail services: chronic lifting, poor adhesion, and inconsistent wear. Unlike standard base gels, Prescription Bases are designed to be selected intentionally, based on the client’s nail condition — much like a prescription.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use Akzéntz Prescription Base Gels, when to choose each one, and how to apply them correctly to achieve long-lasting, professional results.

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What Are Akzéntz Prescription Base Gels?

Akzéntz Prescription Bases are specialty bonding base gels designed for clients who experience:

• Lifting at the cuticle or sidewalls

• Oily or moisture-heavy nail plates

• Thin, damaged, or over-filed nails

• Poor retention with traditional base gels

The two most commonly used Prescription Bases are:

• Rx X-Bond – for thin, compromised, or over-prepped nails

• Super-Bond – for extremely oily nails or chronic lifters

These gels are HEMA-free, solvent-free, soak-off, and designed to work seamlessly within the Akzéntz gel system.

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Step 1: Nail Analysis (The Most Important Step)

Before applying any Prescription Base, you must correctly diagnose the nail.

Ask yourself:

• Is the nail thin or damaged from previous services?

• Is the client prone to lifting, especially at the cuticle?

• Do the nails appear shiny again shortly after prep (oil production)?

• Is there moisture or hyperhidrosis present?

👉 Never choose a Prescription Base blindly. The wrong base can cause over-adhesion or difficult removal.

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Step 2: Proper Nail Prep (Do Not Skip)

Prescription Bases do not replace proper prep — they enhance it.

Correct Prep Protocol:

1. Sanitize hands and remove old product completely

2. Gently push back cuticles and remove non-living tissue

3. Lightly refine the nail surface (180–240 grit)

   • Do not over-file — especially when using X-Bond

4. Remove dust thoroughly

5. Dehydrate the nail plate (alcohol or gel cleanser)

❌ Avoid aggressive etching
❌ Avoid acid primers unless specifically required
❌ Avoid flooding the cuticle

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Step 3: Choosing the Correct Prescription Base

Use Rx X-Bond When:

• Nails are thin or damaged

• Client has had over-filing in the past

• Nails feel flexible or sensitive

• Lifting occurs due to poor nail integrity

Why:
X-Bond is formulated to bond gently yet effectively to compromised nail plates without stressing them.

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Use Super-Bond When:

• Nails are oily or moist

• Client experiences repeated lifting regardless of prep

• Lifting occurs at sidewalls or free edge

• Hands sweat easily (hyperhidrosis)

Why:
Super-Bond offers a stronger adhesion profile for nails that naturally resist product bonding.

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Step 4: Application Technique (Critical for Success)

How to Apply Akzéntz Prescription Bases:

1. Apply a very thin layer of the selected Prescription Base

2. Use a scrubbing or slip motion to work product into the nail

3. Avoid excess product — thicker is NOT better

4. Keep product off the skin

5. Cap the free edge lightly if needed

💡 Tip: Think of Prescription Bases as bonding layers, not structure builders.

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Step 5: Curing Correctly

• Cure according to the bottle instructions

• Most Prescription Bases cure in 30 seconds in LED

• Ensure your lamp is professional-grade and properly maintained

⚠️ Under-curing can cause lifting and sensitivity
⚠️ Over-curing repeatedly can contribute to brittleness over time

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Step 6: Applying Color, Builder, or Hard Gel

After curing the Prescription Base:

• Proceed directly with Akzéntz soak-off color, structure gel, or hard gel

• Do not wipe the inhibition layer unless specifically instructed

• Maintain thin, even layers throughout the service

Prescription Bases are designed to be universally compatible within the Akzéntz system.

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Step 7: Removal Best Practices

Although these bases offer superior adhesion, they are still soak-off capable when used correctly.

Removal Tips:

• Break the seal with a file or e-file

• Soak using acetone wraps or professional soak system

• Never force product off the nail

• Gently push softened product away

💡 Clients using Super-Bond may require slightly longer soak times — this is normal.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Super-Bond on thin, damaged nails
❌ Applying the base too thick
❌ Skipping proper prep because “the base is strong”
❌ Mixing systems without compatibility testing
❌ Using Prescription Bases on every client unnecessarily

Prescription Bases are problem solvers, not everyday bases for all nail types.

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Pro Tips for Maximum Retention

• Always test on one nail for first-time clients

• Document which base was used and results

• Adjust prep before switching bases

• Less product = better adhesion

• Train clients on proper aftercare (cuticle oil, gloves, no picking)

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Final Thoughts: A Prescription, Not a Shortcut

Akzéntz Prescription Base Gels are powerful tools when used intentionally and professionally. By correctly analyzing the nail, selecting the right base, and applying it with precision, you can dramatically reduce lifting, improve retention, and elevate the quality of your services.

When used correctly, X-Bond and Super-Bond allow you to customize adhesion — giving each client exactly what their nails need.