OK ... 'clean' prep (as opposed to 'dirty' prep) is something I came up with a while ago.
Every CND tech does CLEAN prep (at least that is how they are taught)because that has been CND philosophy for EVER. No destruction, degrading, thinning or etching of the nail plate during PREP. Meaning, that all that is necessary to do to the nail plate in order for CND products to stick fast with no lifting is to exfoliate and CLEAN the surface of the plate. There is never any need to etch or use a rough abrasive on the surface of the plate ... all CND users need to do is to remove oil or contamination (dirt) from the plate. CND products are more technically advanced so there is less to do.
The same philosophy is used for removing cuticle. No abrasives, No harsh chemicals, just cuticle remover and a sanitised metal implement used gently to remove all non living tissue (cuticle). CLEAN and GENTLE techniques that keep the natural nail plate strong and healthy ... why? Because the stronger the nail plate is, the less lifting and other problems cleints have.
Most other products require much more to be done to the surface of the natural nail plate or the product just won't stick to it. Most techs end up just filing off cuticle and filing off the surface and then using primer etc before the product will even begin to stick. I call this dirty prep because it is invasive and not gentle and much more destructive.
When I demonstrate CND PREP to people, they can't believe how little I have to do or how few products I use to do it. And I never get lifting on the nails I do. Everyone goes on and on about lifting, and it is something I never even think about.
