Dip-nail cons: Compared to gels and regular polish, dip manicures also tend to cost a bit more and have a thicker feel on your nail, which some might not like.
The downside is that a dip powder manicure can be tough on your nails. To help you keep your nails healthy, we asked two board-certified dermatologists to share their tips for how to safely get dip powder nails. Here's what they recommend: Leave your cuticles alone.
Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.
While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.
Dip powder creates a hard layer over your nails, strengthening them, whereas gel nail polish is a bit thinner and malleable.
Therefore, professional nail products — be it dip powder or gel — are equally healthy for the nails. In fact, the most important thing to know about dip powder or gel is that neither inherently causes damage to the nail. Instead, damage is caused by improper application or removal of nail coatings.
Terrell suggests a week-long break between applications, and a two-week break every three applications. And of course, take longer, more frequent breaks if your nails feel particularly brittle after removal. During your dip powder rest period, it's important to use products like nail strengtheners and cuticle oil.
In the end, it all comes down to what you want. Both Shellac and dip nail powders have good and bad benefits. If you want to avoid the harmful UV rays, a dip nail is a good option for you. Consider the outcome you want to achieve, and it will be easier to decide.
Extra-strong formula. Dip powder is harder and more durable than gel. As such, it's a great option for those with weak nails or people who do a lot of labor with their hands.
Dip manicures can last anywhere between three to six weeks. This long-lasting manicure bonds to your nail so you don't have to worry about chipping or lifting. Your manicure won't budge or lift until you are ready to remove it.
Skin repels your dip powder application and if there is dead skin sitting on the nail plate near the cuticle, your SNS nails will lift prematurely causing that annoying 'stuck in hair' issue. A few easy tools to help push back your cuticles and make them ready for application.
A Shellac manicure is great for someone who wants to reduce damage to their nail, as shellac polishes are super easy to remove—no nail drill needed. Regular nail polish takes a long time to dry and gel can sometimes lead to damage if removed incorrectly—a shellac manicure is your happy medium.
Dip powder manicure
However, unlike gel manicures, dip powder nails do not need any UV lights during fixing. The dip powder manicure process is simple. As the name suggests, your manicurist rubs a clear adhesive on each fingernail and then dips them into a pigment-based powder one after the other.
DIP MANI REMEDY: Chipping and cracking can often be caused by not having enough dip layers or your layers being too thin. Cold weather is another culprit. 😲 The quick fix? On your next dip mani session, remember to add 1-2 layers of dip powder.
Shellac manis are thinner than gels and dip, but still offer a longer-lasting color. This is a great choice for those who want to change their nail color more often. Think of Shellac as a regular mani plus a little extra protection from chipping.
You can refill your dip powder mani without completely removing the entire manicure. A Nailboo dip powder refill replaces the colored powder in the area of your nails where the new nail has regrown. You may choose the exact shade you currently have on your nails or a different color.
One of the reasons for experiencing pain is that the substances used for dip powder nails don't dry as quickly as other nail products when applied at room temperature. Because of this reason, they will stay on the cuticle for a longer period of time before evaporating, which can lead to pain.
Albano, a biology professor, believes bacteria, fungus, and mold spores can survive in a pot of the powder for weeks. She says that poses a potential infection risk, especially for people with weakened immune systems, and treatment can be challenging.
Reapply Your Top Coat
Another fun way to lengthen the life of your dip powder manicure is to reapply the top coat. Since this is the “sealing” coat, it's also the first that begins to wear away. To keep it strong, reapply a layer of top coat roughly once a week.
My dips are too thick and/or clumpy! - Typically this is caused by getting too much Base or Top Coat on the nail. Dipsy Dip Top and Base Coats are thicker than many other companies' products. That's part of what makes them so good.
Dip powder allows you to keep growing out your natural nails and sustain the longer length. Dippers who have trouble maintaining long nails use acrylic powder to prevent their fingernails from breaking off easily. Dippers with very thin nails also use acrylic powder for durability.
If you have nails that are barely longer than your fingertips, it's actually recommended for you to apply dip powder on short natural nails and NOT use fake nail tips while you grow them out. This will protect your short nails, prevent them from breaking, and help them gain strength.
A set of dip powder nails usually costs just $5-10 more than gels, so the difference is negligible if you plan to wear your manicure for as long as possible. If, on the other hand, you like to change your nail color frequently, gels are probably the most budget-friendly choice.
Dip nails don't require UV/LED light and are typically a much quicker process to apply. Also, soak off easier than gel polish, leaving your nails healthy and beautiful after removal. Unlike traditional manicures, dip powder can hold up for a whole month.