If you’re looking for a manicure option that cuts down on salon time and offers results up to three weeks (or longer in some cases), dip nails is one of the best alternatives.
But there’s a lot more to know about dip nails than you might think such as, what’s the difference between dip powder nails and gel nails, can you do a dip powder manicure at home, and is dip powder safe for your nails?
To answer those questions and more, we tapped OPI Global Education Manager, Galdina Jimenez, and Nashville-based nail artist, Deanna Rattanavong. Keep reading for their expert take on everything you need to know about getting a dip manicure.
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What are dip powder nails?
According to Rattanavong, dip nails are a type of manicure that uses a resin base coat with colored powders. “You physically dip your nails—hence the name—to create a durable overlay on the nails,” she says.
So, it’s the powder that gives your nails color rather than a traditional polish formula. “Dip uses an activator to accelerate the curing of the base coat, powder, and top coat,” adds Jimenez. However, you may need a few layers of powder in order to achieve the opacity that you desire, which may require multiple rounds of the powder and activator steps. Jimenez points out that unlike acrylic nails, dip nails are applied “as an overlay to the natural nail” and can also be used with a short or medium tip extension.
How are dip nails applied?
Rattanavong lays out the steps to applying dip nails below.
- Prep: Ensure that natural nails are clean, shaped, and buffed.
- Base Coat: Apply the base coat on the nail.
- Powder: While the base coat is wet, the nail will be dipped into the colored powder, or the powder can be sprinkled or brushed onto the nail. “This step will be repeated one nail at a time until the desired opacity is reached,” says Rattanavong.
- Activate: An activator will then be applied to all nails to harden (cure) the nails. Sometimes, a second coat of activator will be applied, which Jimenez recommended in her how-to of an OPI dip manicure.
- Final touches: Any further shaping or filing takes place after activating; this will vary from person to person depending on the desired look.
- Top Coat: Seal everything in with a top coat. Jimenez recommends a second coat of top coat, too.
- TLC: Once nails are dry, go in with cuticle oil to moisturize for optimal nail health.
Is dip powder safe for your nails?
Rattanavong recommends finding a manicurist who is well-trained and cares about the health of your nails. “With dip powder and other nail enhancements, it is safe with proper application and removal,” she says. “You’ll always run the risk of damaging your nails if the product is applied and removed poorly.”
Jimenez notes that OPI Powder Perfection is free of bibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toulene and HEMA when used as a system.
For sanitary reasons, Jimenez recommends asking for the “pour over method,” which as the name implies, consists of pouring the powder over the nail rather than dipping it into the jar.
And remember: honesty is the best policy. After all, you’re paying for this service and should get what you want. “Always communicate with your nail tech to ensure the best results.”
Is dip nails better than gel nails?
Rattanavong says personal preference is at play here, but there are a few reasons why you may want to choose dip nails over gel nails. “Compared to a gel manicure, dip will offer a stronger coating that will protect weak nails, ideal for those who are ‘rough’ on their nails and there is no curing light needed,” explains Jimenez. “In comparison to acrylic, dip powder offers similar strength benefits, but without the odor of the monomer liquid used with traditional acrylic systems.”
Appearance-wise dip nails can appear thicker than gel and acrylics because of the layering process.”Because the product is filed and buffed, you can ask to go a bit thinner during this process,” says Jimenez.
How long do dip powder nails last?
A dip powder manicure will last about three weeks. For people who use their hands a lot, it may be less. But if you are careful with your hands, a dip manicure could last up to a month.
Can you get nail designs on dip nails?
Yes, you get get designs on dip nails. “Dip nails are perfect for getting designs like aura, ombre, encapsulation and embellishments,” says Jimenez.
How do you remove dip nails?
Like most nail products, you’ll need acetone to remove dip nails. First, it’s important to file off the top coat to “break the seal so that the acetone can penetrate it easier,” says Rattanavong. Jimenez offers this pro tip: “File the product as much as possible for a quicker removal.” After filing, “Soak your nails in acetone for about 10 to 15 minutes, and scrape off any softened product with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick,” instructs, Rattanavong. “If you still have product left over, soak for a few more minutes until the rest is able to come off.”
Should you take “breaks” from dip nails?
Both experts agree that as long as you’re taking proper care of your nails, you shouldn’t require a resting break. However, it’s important to do regular upkeep, says Jimenez. “Staying consistent with appointments and avoiding going past 4 weeks with any manicure service is ideal to prevent any issues.” The reason? “Nails grow out and reach dangerous breaking points when left on for too long.” So, even though your nails may not be chipping per se, that doesn’t mean that you should try to push the limits on the life of your manicure. She recommends making sure you keep your appointments to avoid any nail damage.
Can dip nails be filled?
“Because it is a colored powder, you would have to remove it fully and reapply with a different color,” says Rattanavong. Dip nails cannot be filled either because the dip formula was designed to be fully removed between applications for the most hygienic experience. Filling dip nails could lead to “lifting” at the edges or uneven results.
How much does dip nails cost?
Depending on where you live—big cities are likely to charge higher prices—you can expect to pay about $50 as a base price, says Rattanavong.
Can you apply dip powder nails at home?
The short answer: yes. There are plenty of at-home dip powder nail kits. And as Rattanavong says, “As long as you’re being careful and using the products properly you’re able to do them at home.”
The OPI Powder Perfection kit isn’t available for at-home manicure use, but Jimenez says there are plenty of other DIY dip powder kits that will suffice. “As a pro, I recommend making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any issues and to get the best out of you manicure,” she instructs. “Most of all, avoid getting any product on the skin!”
In terms of what to look out for in a kit, Jimenez says it should have a “base coat, activator, top coat and powders and you will need prep tools (cuticle stick, nippers, alcohol, wipes) a file, buffer, and dusting brush.”
The post Dip Nails Are the Long-Lasting Manicure Pros Recommend appeared first on Glamour.
