They Can Take Longer To Remove
What you likely won’t see while scrolling on Instagram is the process of removing dip powder nails. That part isn’t exactly Instagram-worthy, but it is something you should be aware of. As it happens, all of the time you thought you’d save during the application is more than made up for during removal. Just as with gel manicures, soaking is required to remove a dip powder manicure.
“One thing that people don’t understand is that if it says soak for fifteen minutes to remove, that’s the minimum time,” nail expert Doug Schoon told Self. “It may be fifteen minutes if you take them off the same day , but if you wait two weeks or four weeks, it could take thirty minutes.” Yikes. Still, it’s important to keep on soaking because trying to scrape off your manicure even if you think you’re doing it gently is a bad idea. “That’s like saying I punched you gently in the nose,” Schoon added.
You Can Also Remove With Clippers
Invest in some nail polish remover clips to make the process easier . While many manicurists will admit that, ideally, you should really leave dip powder manicures to the professionals, but monthly trips to the nail salon can get expensive, and more and more companies are offering affordable at-home powder nail kits for novices and experts alike. Below, weve rounded up 14 of the best of them.
If youre a glitter kind of galand really, who isntthen look no further. This dip powder nail kit includes 12 different bright and bold glittery hues, plus a nail file, buff brush and reusable tray for the powders.
How Do You Apply Dip Powder Nail Polish At Home
To properly apply dip powder, take a look at our full step-by-step guide on DIY dip powder manicures or follow our condensed version below.
Want to see our at-home nail dip kit in action? Watch this dip powder how-to video from The Budget Mom.
Read Also: Easy Way To Remove Contacts
Why Are The Benefits Of Dip Powder Nails Over Regular Polish Or Gel
Consumers and nail technicians fell in love with dip powder nails because of how affordable, easy, and long lasting they were. Dipping powder lasts as much as 10x longer than regular polish and 3x longer than gel. People loved that they could apply dip nails without needing to use harsh UV lights on their skin.
People that enjoy using acrylic nail powder at their nail salon typically love dip powder because its much easier for them to apply then trying to apply acrylic nails on their own hands. While acrylic nails are currently more popular than dipping powder, dip powder is picking up significant speed on the popularity charts.
When Was Dipping Powder Invented
Dip nail powder was invented around 1990 by a popular nail company called SNS. It quickly grew in popularity for its long-lasting properties. It was much easier to apply than acrylic but lasted just as long. Dip nail powder was originally released for professionals only but was later released as a professional system that could be used by consumers.
You May Like: Where To Buy Orly
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.
How To Diy A Powder Dip Manicure At Home:
Step 1:Prep Your Supplies
The first mistake I made was assuming that everything I needed was already in the kit or available to me at home. What more could you need besides clippers, files, and polish remover? But as Tricia Atkinson, a nail technician in Richmond, VA, tells Apartment Therapy, you need to prepare your nails thoroughly and effectively before applying a gel nail set. For materials, youll need to start with basics: nail clipper, nail file, buffer, and of course your dip system of choice, she says. I would start with a clean and bright workspace. Make sure you wash your hands, dont forget to trim and file your natural nails to your liking, and always push those cuticles back.
Step 2: Apply the Bonding Agent, Then the Powder and Repeat
Some steps overlap with regular nail care, but theres a process to applying dip powder thats more involved than simply dipping your nails in the powder, as the name implies.
- First, you need to apply the bonding agent that the powder will stick to.
- After a few layers of applying the glue like you would a polish then dipping your fingertip into the powder, you set it with an activator, and then add the shiny top coat.
Step 3: Budget Time for Mistakes, Especially on Your First Try
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus From Acrylic
What Is A Dip Powder Manicure
Dip powder manicures are longer-lasting than their gel counterparts , and they also dont require any UV light to harden. They also yield similar, even-coated results as acrylic manicuresbut since there is no harsh UV light or fake nail tips involved, dip powder manis are also said to be less damaging to your nails in the long-term.
You Shouldn’t Do Them Yourself
A surefire way to avoid cross-contaminating powders is to solely use your own, right? Well, thanks to brands like SNS Nails and Revel Nail, you could certainly buy your own pots o’ powder and start perfecting your manicure at home without the risk of contacting any sort of nasty infection. But, just because you can, does that mean you should? Sadly, it’s probably not a good idea to start down this path.
“I would never recommend doing as a DIY at home because for both treatments, there are chemical products that can harm skin or the nail plate if not properly applied,” nail technician Harli G. revealed in an interview with Elle. “Even professional grade products and products marketed for at-home use contain harming chemicals, so it’s just safer to go to a salon for both gel and dip treatments.”
You May Like: Vicks For Fungus
Unlike Regular Manicures Dip Powder Treatments Can Last Up To A Month
As a result, nail dip manicures can be both cost and time effective. “For busier clients, dip powder is a great option as they last 3 weeks or longer, depending on the level of at-home care after the manicure,” Lily, a nail technician at , tells us. This is almost twice the longevity of your standard gel manicure.
My Powder Dip Manicure Is Growing Out How Do I Fix It
There are other factors to keep in mind to preserve your nails health, especially if you want to continue dip nail sets in the future. The most common mistake I see is that people dont soak off the nails before each new set, Atkinson says, urging people against filling in any bare growth with more powder as a quickie way to top your manicure off. Doing so can lock water or other moisture between your nail and the powder, which is a major risk. You do not want to trap any moisture between your nails, she explains. It can cause mold and fungus. Its also good to avoid picking, plucking, or prying at the gel if it lifts as doing so can cause damage to your nails underneath. Instead, soak the chipping polish off and start fresh.
Its also worth investing in cuticle oil to keep your nail beds hydrated between manicures. Contrary to popular belief, oils simply lock in moisture rather than imbuing your skin with it, so only use a cuticle oil after applying moisturizer to your hands. Cuticle oil does wonders for the nails, especially during fall and winter. Atkinson advises, To keep your nails and cuticles hydrated, cuticle oil and hand lotion is a must! It actually improves your nail health, making them stronger!
Read Also: How To Take Off Powder Acrylic Nails
Curing And Finishing The Nails
One More Clear Coat Then Activate
Finally, youll dip one more clear coat , just like you did in step 2.
Go over each nail one last time with the acrylic tool, double and triple checking that the cuticles are clean . Brush away any excess powder one last time.
Then, use your step 2 on each nail. This isnt really a polish, more of a liquid, so go over everything well. It will dry almost like rubbing alcohol.
Allow to dry for a minute or two, until surface of the nail is hard.
Recommended Reading: Hongo Cura Reviews
Can Bacteria Grow In Dip Powder
Dip powder manicures could cause dangerous bacterial infections, experts say. COCONUT CREEK, Fla. Its one of the most popular nail trends, but some say that dip manicures could cause serious infections. One nail tech, Samantha Cedergren calls the dip powder container a bacteria dish waiting to happen.
They Contain This Krazy Ingredient
If you do your due diligence and visit a reputable salon, you hopefully won’t have to worry too much about methyl methacrylate being used in dip powder manicures. Nevertheless, it might surprise you to know that the legal bonding agent used in dip powder is cyanoacrylate. No? Doesn’t sound familiar? Essentially, it’s Krazy Glue. While your nail tech isn’t actually painting Krazy Glue on your nails at least we hope not both products do contain the same main ingredient: cyanoacrylate.
According to Krazy Glue’s website, cyanoacrylate was used to stop the bleeding and close the wounds of injured soldiers during the Vietnam War. While the brand states that this is obviously not the intended use of Krazy Glue today, cyanoacrylate is still formulated for medical use. Chemist and nail expert Doug Schoon revealed in an article on his site that “cyanoacrylate monomers are great for many purposes in nail salons.” Hmm, not so Krazy after all.
You May Like: Remove Contacts With Long Nails
Lasts Longer Than Gel Manicures
Did you know that dip powder manicures can last up to a month? Once you finish your nails, you can expect a long-lasting and chip-free mani that looks great from day one to 30! Whereas gel manicures only last two to three weeks. Generally, dip powder nails are ideal for people who want to rock a long-lasting nail look.
Step #: Apply Clear Dip Powder
Now you can proceed to your clear layer! The clear powder is extremely important to your dip application because it will protect your gorgeous color pigments when it is time to file the nail.
This step is completed using the Kiara Sky Dip Powder Recycling System. This Recycling System will help to prevent any cross-contamination of other colors with your clear powder.
Apply your Base to the entire nail once again, grab your clear powder, and gently pour it over the nail, allowing the excess to be collected by your Recycling System. You can then reuse the excess powder and use the scoop to pour over your next nail!
Read Also: How To Apply Dashing Diva Gloss
But Yes Dip Manicures Really Last
At the end of the day, barring a bad manicure, a powder manicure should last you for a good couple of weeks. According to the website for SNS, a powder brand, dip manicures last “14 days or more in real-life use.” For me, it was 18 days before I was ready for a change. It can be longer or shorter depending on your nails and how the process goes for you.
Powder Nails Are No More Damaging Than Gels Shellac Or Acrylics
Again, there are definite pros to powder . As for being “healthier for nails,” from our experience, that has more to do with proper removal and maintenance in between than the type of manicure. Bottom line: Theyre a good option if you lead an active lifestyle and want something more durable. Just make sure you get them taken off every month.
Read Also: Does Nail Polish Stain Clothes
What Will Happen If I Do Not Use Activator For My Dip Nail Powder
If you do not use activator to cure your powder, it will break more easily. If you have trouble getting your dip nails to last a long time, then consider using more activator, or even using activator between each dip coat.
What if I dont have any activator? What can I use as an alternative to activator for dip nails?
If you do not have any activator handy, you can try using a clear gel top coat between dip coats and then cure with a UV lamp. Many gel top coats contain similar ingredients to activator liquids, just in smaller quantities.
Another option is to use rubbing alcohol or acetone, which will help soften and meld the powder together.
In conclusion, yes you need to use activator for dip nail application.
Without using activator for your dip nails, you risk your nail powder not lasting nearly as long as it could. Other than that, there is no risk to not applying your activator liquid. Maybe youve found out youre allergic to it, or whatever your reasons are for not using it.
Have you ever had trouble applying activator before? What do you use as an alternative? Let us know in the comments!
What You Should Know Before Getting Dip Powder Nails
Just as with fashion, nail trends tend to come and go. Michelle Humphrey, the phenomenal nail artist who works with celebrities like Lorde and Dua Lipa, shared some of her favorite 2019 manicures with Elle. If adventuring with bold colors is your thing, you’re in luck. “Lollipop and gummy bear tones” are one look well-suited for spring. If you’re not into all of the intense colors, Humphrey recommends trying a subdued yellow shade, like mustard. Even with bold nails being such a hot look in 2019, colorless nails can be just as fun especially if you opt for high-gloss transparent nail extensions.
In addition to choosing the perfect color, there are other nail options to consider especially when getting artificial nails. You can select your ideal shape from square to almond and everything in between. You even get to choose your material, which may just be the most difficult part. From gel to acrylic to the increasingly popular and perhaps most controversial type: dip powder. Wondering what all the hype is about? Here’s everything you should know about dip powder nails before you even think about getting them.
Also Check: Where To Buy Orly Breathable Nail Polish
