Can You Do Dip Powder Nails At Home
Yup, you totally can. Just keep in mind that at-home dip powder kits require some serious patience and time . If youâre a little hesitant, go to a salon for your first dip powder manicureâthat way you can get a feel for the process and end result before you get all DIY with it.
Of course, if youâre willing to pay attention to every direction and detail and are prepared to take your time with it, definitely take a stab at an at-home dip powder manicure. Below, four top-rated dip powder kitsâall of which include the proper base coats, top coat, and moreâto get you started:
How Do You Use A Dip Powder Nail Kit At Home
How To Choose Between Dip Powder And Acrylic Nails
Before using the dip system, Aaron always likes to know what her clients long-term care wishes are for their nails. Does the client wish to be as natural as possible or would they care to extend the nails with tips? she muses. Are they okay soaking off with every visit? Do they want natural colored nails or a color polished look? These questions determine whether dip or acrylic is best. For clients that are accustomed to gel polish on their natural nails, Aaron says that an upgrade to the dip system is perfect. These clients are already used to soaking off every two to three weeks and with dip powder, it would be no different, she explains. For clients that are used to acrylic nails, I only suggest dip powder to them when its time for a new set. So when soaking off for a new set I begin the consultation by first looking at the condition of the clients nails and asking: Do you want to keep your natural nails and if so at what length? Depending on their answer, Aaron will recommend dip powder, as its typically gentler than classic acrylic.
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Diy Or Dont: The Results
In this instance, perfect really wont happen without a lot of practice. Doing your own dip powder nail set isnt impossible, but it might take some getting used to before getting it right. Also, remember that preparation is key and that while making mistakes wont ruin your manicure, having the right tools to correct them will save you a lot of time and trouble.
Even so, while the thought of DIY dip powder manicures is appealing, I think Ill leave this technique to skilled professionals. I love how gel nails look, how quickly they dry, and the dipping process is fun but I realized that Id much rather sit and wait for standard nail lacquer to set after application than wait for it to break down enough to come off when Im more than ready to see it go. When the day comes for me to visit a salon again, Ill give gel or powder polish another try this time, in the care of expert hands.
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to satiate her natural-born wanderlust. An all-around creative, Britt has worked in various facets with Scene Louisiana, The Nerd Machine, and The Daebak Company, Inc.
The Benefits Of Dip Powder Nails

If youre someone who values their time and loves a long-lasting nail look, dip powder nails will be right up your alley. The benefits of dip powder nails is that they are more durable, last longer than gel polish, and can easily be done at home, Aaron explains. I have found myself telling clients that if you can polish your nails, then you can easily do the dip system.
- No curing with UV lights: Once you finish your dip powder nails with a layer of top coat, you don’t have to cure your nails with harmful UV lights .
- Easy to do at home: There are a number of complete at-home gel nail kits available for use at home, and the manicurists we’ve tapped agree that if you can paint your nails with polish at home, you can do dip powder nails at home.
- Lasts up to a month: Dip powder nails last a long time. When done properly by a professional, you should expect your nails to remain chip-free for up to a month. When you DIY your dip, you can expect your mani to last for about two to three weeks.
- Endless color choices: With the boom of dip powder nails, companies scrambled to provide a wide array of color choices, just as you would have with traditional nail polish. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding powder shades to replace your favorite lacquers.
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Should I Try Nail Dipping Powder
Do you want longer lasting, frustration-free nails? Tired of your new nails chipping? Then youd absolutely love dip nail powder! While dip nail powder is not as cheap as regular polish, in the long run youll be saving money by not having to apply new nail color every few days and save a lot of time. Once you have your liquid application set you can pick a 1 oz jar of dip nail color to try for only $13.95 and see how you like it. Application does take a bit of practice but after a few tries youll fall in love with the system and practicality of it.
We hope this helped you understand what dip powder nails are, where they come from, and help you decide if you should try them. We always encourage first time users to go to your favorite nail tech or nail salon and have the professionals apply your nail color, that way you can see how its done up close and in person.
What else do you know about dip powder that we didnt cover? Share in the comments! Thanks for reading and have a glamorous day.
The Health Ofdip Powder Nails
Now, before we close out this article, it is probably a good idea to weigh in on the debate about whether or not it is a healthier option than gels or acrylics. The simple truth is that it is no less healthy, and no healthier. The pros and the cons explain just why this is the case. As another expert has said, it wont hurt your nails any less than the other options out there, and it does last longer than traditional polish and gels.
Yet, it could be that this is a choice that you keep for the special events or occasions, or times when you need good looking nails but also much stronger and more resilient coatings. The treatments give you harder nails, but there can be a few downsides if they are removed improperly. So, if you want to give them a try, find an expert who knows how to apply AND remove them safely, or just head out and get yourself one of the trendy kits and practice applying and removing your own dip powder nails. There are scores of tutorials to give inspiration, advice and guidance in this fun and unique beauty treatment.
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And You’re Done Applying Your New Dip Nails At Home
Congratulations! Youve applied your new dip nails. That wasnt so hard, was it? Dip nail powder takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, I guarantee you wont return to regular polish. We hope you enjoy your long lasting nail color and really hope this dip nail tutorial helped you with the process. Don’t forget to read up on how to remove your dip nails or how to apply chunky glitter dip nails. If you have any questions or would like us to cover another topic, let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading, Fairies!
Coating Your Nails With Powder
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Use Acetone To Remove The Dip Powder
Here are two ways to use acetone for removing the dip powder manicure:
- Wrap your nails In foil
Take a cotton ball and thoroughly soak it in acetone remover. Next, place the soaked cotton ball on top of your nail and tightly wrap your nail in aluminum foil. Repeat the same process on each nail. Leave the foil for 10 to 15 minutes.
The acetone will sink into the strong layers of resin and powder, and the manicure will come off easily and gently. Remember that you should work on one nail at a time. While removing the foil, gently rub the cotton ball along with the foil on your nails.
- Soak your nails in acetone
One of the dip powder removal technique you can do is by soaking your nails in 100 percent acetone with hot water. You can either place a tissue on top of a bowl with hot water then pour the acetone or add a zip lock then place the acetone there. You can soak your nails for minimum of 5-10 minutes depending on your preference and if you can see the dip powder nails is already soft.
+1 For Powder Dip: Theres No Harmful Uv Light
Clients flock to powder dip manicures because they dont require UV light to dry like traditional gel varieties, Csetri said.
While the UV light isnt a concern so much for because light does not penetrate the nail very well, said Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, it is risky because youre exposing the tops of your hands to UV light that over the long term could be very detrimental. A study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that during the gel manicure UV drying process, ones hands take in an energy dose equal to the daylong recommended limit for outdoor workers.
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Step #: Apply Top Coat
Finally, apply your #5 Dip Top Coat that comes in your Kiara Sky Dip Powder Starter Kit in quick, thin strokes and allow to dry! Apply a second layer of Top Coat and allow two minutes to dry. Before returning your Top Coat brush to its original bottle, wipe it clean with a lint-free wipe to make sure you’re keeping it free of debris and avoiding contaminating your glazes.
Should You Try Dip Powder Nails

If you’re already fond of more permanent mani solutions, Marton contends that there’s no reason you shouldn’t give dip powder a shot. They’re equally healthy to gels and basic acrylics that are already out, she says. Just make sure you’re checking packaging and asking your manicurist what brand they’re using. Another thing to consider is how you like the finish of your nails. Gel manicures look more like traditional nail polish onmeaning they work better for nail art designswhile dip nails tend to look a little thicker on your nail and lend themselves well to solid colors and ombré finishes.
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How To Apply Activator
Activator is as simple as brushing it over your nails. You dont need a lot of it, and you dont really have to worry about missing your nail, because it wont leave any residue behind like gel or matte top coats would.
After applying, wait around 5 seconds for it to dry . You can wave your hands around like a crazy person to speed up the process.
Follow step 2 and 3 all over again to create more vibrant color and longer lasting nails. Sometimes one dip coat is enough, but usually youll need two full dips.
Is Nail Dipping Safe For My Nails
The rave of nail dipping trend has got some people wondering if it is safe at all. Nail dipping manicure can last anywhere from four to six weeks and even more. However, you should keep it chip-free. During this period, your natural nails are protected, and they grow naturally too.
Moreover, this fake nail installation technique does not use UV light which is required to set gel nails.
To be frank, nail dipping is not without its buts. Dip powder nails removal is a handful on its own despite the simple installation process. Removing dip nails require that your put your fingers in acetone for up to 20 minutes. And, this could be drying your nail beds and lead to brittle nails.
Additionally, if youre getting it done at a salon, the fact that you will have to put your nail in the same powder pot as tens of clients could put you off.
But, putting the safety and seemingly hazards on a scale, nail dipping isnt so much a bad idea. After the removal, you can treat your hands and nails to good hand cream and restore hydration. Also, you can get them taken off at the salon at a fair charge.
Technically, you do not stand so much a chance of getting your nails ruined if you do not make nail dipping a now and then thing. If you take breaks between each procedure, it is very possible to have strong, healthy nails after all.
Also, you can enjoy the exclusiveness of using a pot of powder alone to avoid being exposed to the risk of nail fungus infection.
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How Do Dip Powder Nails Work
Directions will vary slightly by kit, but the process of applying dip powder nails is generally something like this:
Apply a base coat to your nail.
Dip your wet nail into a jar of powder.
Tap and brush off excess powder from your nail.
Repeat the dipping and brushing until you achieve your desired color and opacity.
Polish with a sealant and your nails will be instantly dry.
Here, beauty blogger Cristine of Simply Nailogical gives a helpful tutorial on how to do a dip nail manicure at home.
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The Materials Youll Need Include:
- Acetone
- Aluminumfoil Cut into 10 small squares large enough to fit around your finger
- Cottonballs
- Nailfile and buffer
NOTE: If youare having this process done in a salon, your technician may use a drill tofile everything off if so, avoid them! This damages the nail, is actuallypainful and is a way for them to save time rather than do the job right. Belowis the only way that experts should remove the treatment.
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How Much Are Dip Nails
Dip powder nails can cost between $30 and $50 depending on where you go and the style you get. However, price isnt the only factor to consider when researching salons and nail techs. This service isnt commonly offered at salons due to sanitation concerns. If you dont already have a recommended nail artist, do your research to find one near you.