All About Dip Powder Nails
Backstory (don’t feel obligated to read it): I have been a diehard gel nail girl for the last ten years. I tried the dip powder nails about a year ago for the first time when I was on vacation, but hadn’t done it since then because it’s not at every salon.
Two of my best friends started raving about dip nails. They gave me their recommendation for a local nail salon. I brushed it off, then later saw a bunch of girls raving about it in a Facebook group. So I made an appointment to try it out once again.
What is the process for dip nails?
The steps for dip nails are as follows (if you want to watch a video instead of reading, check out the IG link):
Manicure: The manicurist files down your nails to the same shape and size so all ten are even. This step is optional and usually will cost extra money. You can get gel without a manicure if you would like.
Base Powder: A thin liquid is applied to each fingernail. The prepped fingernails are then dipped into a fine white powder. This is your foundation.
Color (2-3 dips depending on your interest in vibrancy): Time for color. Just like before, your finger is
Top Coat: Like a good car wash, your gel manicure ends with a fresh clear coat. This is done with a clear powder. Not sure if this is actually normal, but my manicurist did a top coat of gel on the dip nail.
Designs: If you would like a design, they will come after the colored gel polish is completely cured. If you opt-in for a design, you will need one more top coat. This step is optional and usually costs an extra $5-20 depending on how many fingers get the design.
HOw Long are Dip Powder nail appointments?
From the time I soaked my old gel off, to the time I walked out the door it was about 45 minutes, so about the same amount of time as a gel manicure + a gel removal.
How long will Powder dip nails last?
If dip nails are done correctly, they should last 2-3 weeks or until you decide to take them off. They might actually last longer than this, but this is the average for most.
How do I remove dip nails at home?
File off the top shiny layer.
Soak cotton balls in acetone, put them on your fingernail and wrap them in foil or use these AWESOME little guys.
Wait 10-15 minutes without trying to disrupt the process.
If done correctly, the dip nail will pop off with ease.
File down any extra little bits of product.
Are dip powder nails hygienic?
The jury is still out on this one because not all nail salons do it the hygenic way. They are supposed to brush it on. You are dipping your nail into a powder tub that many others have dipped their finger into. Technically any polish brush is touching parts of your nail that may be exposed, but there is something that freaks me out about dipping my nail into community powder. This might be my only hold up.
Can I DIY?
Yep! You can buy a dip powder nail kit, or get just the colored powder to take to a nail salon if you would like. This might be the only way I do it again because, hygiene.
Are they thicker than gel nails?
My Pinterest Inspired Dip Mani
In my two experiences with dip powder…they are thicker than gel nails. I might have just had two weird experiences because I saw a friend’s powder-dipped nails and they didn’t look as thick as mine.
Will I be doing it again?
I mean, I’m not ruling anything out for good, but I don’t like that nail salons aren’t hygienic with the process. I understand that it makes the process go faster, but it’s not good for you. I will see how long they last and will update this post. I think I’m going to stick with good ol’ gel nails.
According to an article on Glamour.com, a lot of unknown substances that are banned in New York can be found in dip powder. They are similar to acrylic powders in some ways, but are a good medium between the two. I’ll wait a little longer to see if any new information comes out to make my final call, but for right now I am going to stick with gel.
Be sure to keep in touch with me on Instagram! @brookiefishyface
Xo, Brooke
*Photo by Sharon McCutcheon
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