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.
Are Gel Manicures Safe
UV lights automatically come with the assumption of scary side effects , so some brands have switched over to LED curing, thanks to their lower levels of UV rays. Totty says, “Over the last couple of years, gel manicures have become the most popular service in any salon. There has been ample research regarding damage to skin and nails the traditional UV lamps used for curing these products have different bulbs than traditional tanning beds, and most nail brands are switching to LED lamps simply because they cure the product in 30 seconds compared to two to three minutes using a UV lamp.”
On the other hand, if you love your UV lamp for drying, Gibson Tuttle recommends applying sunscreen beforehandjust in case.
As with most nail polishes, some gels are made with better ingredients than others. While its hard for gel polishes to be completely clean, the biggest ingredients you want to keep an eye out for are dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene. These ingredients are not only toxic, but some are even carcinogenic. So, if youre mindful about shopping clean, this is something you certainly want to be aware of.
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.
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First What Is A Gel Manicure And What Is Shellac
Since my failed attempt at acrylic nails I have tried every no-chip nail polish known to man, but nothing worked until I discovered gel manicures about 8 years ago. They do not contain acrylic and use latex as their binding agent. I remember my first gel manicure vividly. It was an OPI gel manicure in bright red and it lasted almost 3 weeks! I was elated. That was until I had the gel removed. My nails were destroyed. Then I heard a Shellac manicure was better for your nails.
Whats the difference between a gel manicure and a shellac manicure? Well they are essentially the same thing but shellac is made by CND and I find it a little less harsh on my brittle, weak nails. Both require a UV lamp to set the polish and some people dont like putting their hands under UV lamps . Yes, they provide a no-chip manicure, but for people like me who have very thin nails, we can only do them 4-6 times per year. I once tried doing two shellac manicures back-to-back and the second time all my nails broke within days. So while they are good for a treat, I can not rely on wither for the long-term. Gel and shellac names to look for: OPI, CND, Gelish, Gellin Soak Off, DND.
Dip Nails Vs Gel Nails
Compared to gel, dip nails are a faster process and last longer. I also feel dip keeps your nails stronger. Dip treatments provide a thicker level of protection to natural nails, and it typically lasts three to four weeks, whereas normal polish lasts one to two weeks . The other benefits are that there is no odor and you dont need a damaging UV light. Unlike gel, powder nails are much easier to touch up and to removeand they hold up really well in water.
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What Are The Benefits
Naturally, one of the biggest benefits to the dip powder nails is the simple fact that it is a remarkably durable treatment. As Glamour has said, Dip powder nails are somewhere between a regular mani and a fake nail, with one of the key pros being that it is a way to get a manicure that lasts for two full weeks or more.
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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The Pros And Cons Of A Diy Powder Dip Manicure
Despite my messy manicure, I still have good things to say about the process. I like how bright and durable the gel is after application. With standard polish, I tend to behave more delicately with my hands because it seems like the polish will chip or lift from the smallest tap, no matter how the strength of my top coat coverage.
On the other hand, this durability also means that its more difficult to clean around the edges of your nail once the powder is set. Cleaning up around the cuticles with dip powder can be a bit tricky since the adhesive is technically glue, says Atkinson. She recommends using an electric file with a precision tip, such as this rose-gold portable tool from Alles.
After the application, if you do not have an e-file, I would recommend hand-filing around the cuticles and free edge, she adds. From my own experience, hand filing works best if you have a strong file and my metal nail file was far more effective than my emery board.
How Do You Remove A Dip Powder Manicure And Are They Bad For Your Nails
Much like a gel manicure, dip powder nails can be removed at home by soaking the nails in acetone for 10 minutes and wiping it off with a paper towel. However, the powder doesn’t always slide off easily, which is bad news for your actual nails.
Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist in New York City, says that the removal process can damage the underlying nail plate. If soaking them in acetone for 10 minutes doesn’t work, the nail is going to become more thin when the powder gets scrapped off. The electric files that salons use before soaking nails in acetone is also extremely rough on nails.
Regularly putting your nails through the aggressive removal process can also damage the nail matrix, which manifests in lumps, bumps, and white patches on the nail plate. Cuticles can also get infected. The easiest way to avoid this is by giving your nails some breathing room once a month between dip powder manicures, just like you would with gels.
And when your nails are naked, treat them with a strengthening treatment or a nourishing oil. Dr. Stern has an on-the-go pen that’s a part of her three-step Nail Renewal System. It makes it easy to stay on top of giving your nails the extra TLC they need.
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How Long Do Gel Manicures Last
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Thanks to the curing process, gel manicures typically last anywhere from 10 days and up to three weeks. Totty says, “Gel manicures are designed to last around three weeks. Because of natural nail growth and wear and tear, anything beyond that usually does not look great. There are ways to improve wear with strengthening base gels like LeChat Liquid Gel Builder that will make your gels last longer.”
And while gel polish alone is known for lasting longer than traditional lacquer, how its painted on plays a big role. When applying gel polish , you want to make sure that your nail beds are as dry as possible. That doesnt mean brittleinstead, there shouldnt be any water, lotion, or oils on your nail plates, as the presence of such could prevent your gel polish from latching on.
As with any mani, chips and broken nails are still a possibility with gels theyre just not as likely. If you do chip or break a gel, it helps to have a nail file on hand at all times. File it to a shape you love and leave it be if you can, Gibson Tuttle recommends. If its obvious and you cant return to the salon immediately, we recommend finding a similar polish to cover up any gaps in the color.
Getting To Know Your Client
Understanding the wear and tear your clients nails face every day is key to helping them determine which coating you should use. Dip powders generally need to be redone in two to three weeks, while the standard for gel is three to four weeks. Resins in a dip powder may be susceptible to water and household cleaners, while gel is solvent resistant. If your client uses or washes their hands regularly, a gel service might be better for them.
A salon should be a safe space, where your clients can expect a clean, honest service that makes them feel good. They should leave with the nail service that meets their expectations, then follow the home care regiment suggested for best results. Giving your clients all the information they need to make an informed decision will help give them the best service and itll keep them coming back to the salon for more.
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Which Begs The Question: Are Dip Powder Nail Kits A Diy Or A Dont
Full disclosure, Ive only ever done my nails with the usual lacquer and have never worn acrylics. Gel manicures have intimidated me for years due to my worry about harming my natural nails. But when I saw my sister-in-laws dip powder manicure on social media, I was inspired to try one for myself. Plus, now that I had plenty of time on my hands, I felt ready to dress them up. I bought a Peppi Gel dip powder starter kit online and figured that as long as I followed the instructions to the T, Id get it right in one try.
Wrong. So very wrong. Dip kits take more precision than it seems or at least more than Im used to.
Is Sns Bad For The Nails
Contrary to what some might think, SNS isnt bad for your nails. They have nutrients inside the powder that helps strengthen the natural bed. Theres also no harsh UV light to lock the color in place, so your skin will thank you, too. Of course, the bonding liquid applied can do some damage, so be sure that you go to a certified nail tech so you can get a perfect application every time.
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How Long Do Polygel Manicures Last
According to Lim, Polygel manicures can last up to three to four weeks. The longevity of your Polygel manicure will also depend on the length of the nail and your lifestyle, adds Aaron. If youre involved every day with activities that are rough on your hands, your Polygel manicure may not survive the full month.
Polygel, like acrylics, is certainly more expensive than a basic gel manicure, but in my experience, it lasts almost twice as long. If you get a light nude or pink color, its hard to tell when the manicure has grown out, making it last even longer than you might think.
Many Salons Don’t Carry The Treatment Due To Sanitation Concerns
Check your salon before you make an appointment. “A huge risk for dip nail manicures is sanitation. It is incredibly unsanitary for multiple clients to dip their fingers in the same container of powder, even pouring the product over multiple clients nails and allowing the product powder to fall back into the container is an easy way for nail infections to be passed between clients. If you notice techs applying the dip powder in either of those ways, LEAVE and go to a different salon.” Ultimately your health and safety are of utmost importance, so it’s critical to do some research due diligence beforehand.
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How Are Gel Nail Extensions Applied
When it comes to either getting a box of pre-shaped gel nail extensions or actually creating them, the nail technician needs first to prepare the nails . Then, the expert applies a form underneath the natural nail to create the length one by one with a gel builder, a gel primer, and a gel top coat, letting them dry under the LED or UV light.
If a pre-shaped kit like Apres Gel X is used, Seney explains: “The second step I use a bonder and a primer so the gel can stick to it,” she says. All these products come with the kit. “Third, I apply a layer of gel to the actual nails and let it dry in light for about 60 seconds. After choosing which size fits the client’s actual nail, I apply the gel to the inside of the gel extension and place it on the actual nail. Now it’s time to press down and hold then sit in the light for 60 seconds.” Poof! Nails are ready for your favorite polish and nail art.
Is Dip Powder Safe For Your Nails
Overall, yes. As mentioned in the drawbacks section, there are pros and cons to every nail treatment. In addition to what was mentioned there, Aaron says that the one thing she strongly recommends when considering dip powder is to evaluate the health of your nails first. When DIY-ing, you never want to dip into a fresh pot if you have any sort of nail fungus going on. Whats more, she says not to share your powder with other people in your household unless youre pouring it into their own separate container. This will nix the likelihood of any infections arising as a result. Like any nail service, back-to-back dip powder use can weaken your nails, so it’s best to give your nails at least a week of recovery between services .
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Polygel Vs Gel Vs Acrylics
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Confused about the differences between gel, acrylic, and Polygel manicures? See below for some basic comparisons.
- Gel: The thinnest of the three nail enhancements. “Gel polish on natural nails can bend the nails, causing breakage,” Aaron warns.
- Acrylic: Many people choose an acrylic manicure if theyre looking for longer nails. Plus, they are “thick and sturdy with less breakage to the natural nail,” explains Aaron. To apply, an acrylic powder called monomer must be used. Some experts and clients are wary of the strong-smelling monomer dust that is released into the air when acrylics are applied.
- Polygel: There are two main similarities between Polygel and acrylic nails. Just like acrylic, Polygel enhancements dont usually need to removed, the nail growth area can simply be filled-in with more Polygel. Secondly, Polygel nails can also be applied on top of a nail form and sculpted to create an extension of the nail, just like acrylic. There are also several ways that Polygel nails differ from acrylic, and Polygel manicures tend to outshine acrylic nails for these reasons. “It has the strength of acrylic, but is lighter, stronger, and flexible,” says Lim. Because of this, Polygel nails are less likely to break off. Plus, as Lim points out, Polygel is easier to applyit doesnt require the tedious mixing of powder. Finally, Polygel is odorless and no chemicals are released into the air with application.
