What is TrueBond? Your Guide to Better Gel Retention

If you've ever had a client who seems to experience lifting no matter how perfect your prep is, you're not alone.

While thorough nail preparation is the foundation of every successful manicure, some clients simply need a little extra help when it comes to retention. That's where TrueBond comes in.

Designed to work seamlessly across the entire HONA Gel System, TrueBond is a versatile, hypoallergenic bonder that helps create an even stronger connection between the natural nail and your chosen gel product.

Whether you're applying Builder Gel, Gel Polish, SwiftTips or Hard Gel, TrueBond can become an invaluable part of your service menu.

TrueBond Free Online Masterclass

If you want to feel more confident using TrueBond across your services, our Free TrueBond Masterclass is the perfect place to start.

Designed to help nail techs understand the full potential of HONA’s multipurpose bonder, this masterclass breaks down how and when to use TrueBond for improved retention, clients prone to lifting, full cover tip application, maintenance appointments and more.

Whether you’re new to TrueBond or already using it in salon, the masterclass will help you refine your technique, understand the “why” behind each use and feel more confident incorporating it into your services.

Join Here: TrueBond Masterclass 

What is TrueBond?

TrueBond is HONA's multi-purpose bonder, designed to improve adhesion and support long-lasting retention.

Applied after nail prep and before your chosen gel product, TrueBond creates an additional bonding layer between the natural nail and the enhancement, helping to reduce the risk of lifting and improve overall wear.

Unlike traditional acid-based primers, TrueBond is gentle on the natural nail and designed to work alongside HONA's hypoallergenic system.

When Should You Use TrueBond?

While many clients will achieve excellent retention without it, TrueBond is particularly useful for clients who need a little extra adhesion support.

You may choose to use TrueBond for:

• Heavy-handed clients
• Clients who regularly experience lifting
• Oily nail plates
• Long enhancements requiring additional support
• Brand conversion clients adjusting to a new system

TrueBond is designed to work across the whole HONA Gel System, including:

• Builder Gels
• Gel Polish
• SwiftTips
• TrueSculpt Hard Gel

It can also be used at different points throughout your service, depending on where extra retention support is needed. For example, TrueBond can be applied after Builder Gel and before Gel Polish, used near the free edge for clients prone to lifting, or incorporated into chrome application to help create a smooth, reliable base for your finish.

This makes TrueBond a versatile addition to your kit, whether you’re working on natural nails, overlays, extensions or detailed nail art.

How to Apply TrueBond

Applying TrueBond is quick and easy, making it a simple addition to your existing service routine.

1. Complete your nail preparation as normal.
2. Apply a thin layer of TrueBond to the natural nail.
3. Scrub the product firmly into the nail plate using the brush.
4. Cure for 30 seconds.
5. Continue with your chosen HONA system.

For clients who require additional retention support, TrueBond can also be strategically applied throughout the service, including before gel polish application, around the free edge, or during chrome application.

Why We Recommend Scrubbing In TrueBond

Scrubbing in TrueBond is a technique where the product is worked firmly into the natural nail, rather than simply floating it over the surface.

This helps TrueBond make closer contact with the nail plate, creating a stronger foundation for your gel application and significantly boosting adhesion.

This technique is especially beneficial when working with HEMA-free products, as well as clients who are prone to lifting or need extra retention support.

After nail prep, apply a thin layer of TrueBond and use the brush to scrub the product into the nail plate, paying particular attention to the areas where lifting commonly occurs, such as the free edge, sidewalls and cuticle area. Cure for 30 seconds before continuing with your chosen HONA system.

Why Nail Retention Matters

When lifting occurs, it's rarely caused by a single factor.

Retention is influenced by:

• Nail preparation
• Product application
• Client lifestyle

TrueBond isn't designed to replace good prep. Instead, it works alongside your prep routine to give you and your clients the best possible foundation for long-lasting results.

Summary 

If you're looking for a simple way to improve retention for challenging clients, TrueBond is a valuable addition to your nail kit.

Compatible with Builder Gel, Gel Polish, SwiftTips and Hard Gel, it provides an extra layer of adhesion exactly where it's needed most, helping you create stronger, longer-lasting results across every service.