Craving Salon-Quality Results At Home? Then Try Dip Powder Nails

Haven’t you heard? Dip powder nails are sweeping through TikTok to become one of the biggest manicure trends of 2024. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Dip Powder Nails?

‘Dip powder nails are a type of manicure that is achieved by using acrylic dipping powder, a basecoat, an activator and a topcoat,’ explains Mamps Thaliwal, a beauty expert at Nail Polish Direct. ‘What makes them popular is how easy they are to DIY at home, as all you have to do is apply a basecoat and dip your nails in the jar of powder.’

It’s practical characteristics like this that make this manicure a burgeoning staple in salons. ‘They’re also a more durable alternative to traditional manicures, such as press-on nails or acrylics,’ adds Mamps. ‘Dip powder nails help you create a glossy, pigmented and chip-free manicure which lasts for up to three weeks. So, if you want a DIY manicure that won’t budge, this is the manicure  for you.’

How To Ask For Dip Powder Nails At The Salon

Just like gels or polish, you should just be able to request a dip powder manicure at the salon. ‘If you want to try out the trend, but prefer getting your nails done at the salon, the easiest way to go about it is to call the salon first and request dip powder when booking an appointment,’ recommends Mamps. ‘As dip powder can be applied directly to natural nails or to nail tips, being specific about what you want can help your nail technician understand what the look you’re going for is.’

If you have a specific nail design in mind too, then do your research before your appointment to round up some references for your nail tech. ‘When it comes to prep, all you have to do beforehand is to browse through different nail inspiration and decide how you want your nails to look.’

@goldree1 🤗 #dippowdertutorial #tutorial #nailtutorial #fyp #revelnail #dipnails #howto #nailhowto #dippowder #springnails #purplenails #rhinestonenails #mani ♬ At My Worst (feat. Kehlani) – Pink Sweat$

What Happens?

‘Dip powder nails are time efficient, so you should be in and out of the salon within 45 minutes to one hour,’ says Mamps. For those unsure of what to expect, she has outlined what you can expect below:

1. First, your nail tech will push back your cuticles and remove any excess.
2. Then, they will shape your natural nails and gently buff the surface shine off with a nail buffer to improve the adhesion between the dip basecoat and nail plate.
3. After removing any oils and dust with a nail cleanser, they will apply a thin layer of dip powder basecoat, avoiding flooding the cuticle line.
4. Dipping your finger into the dip powder at a 45-degree angle, the nail technician will coat your nail bed with your chosen dip powder colour.
5. For a more opaque coverage, they will repeat the previous two steps.
6. Your nail technician will follow with a dip powder activator, which will react with the powder, hardening it and activating the pigments.
7. To finish off your manicure and give your nails a glossy layer of protection, they will apply one or two thin coats of dip powder topcoat and cure each layer in a UV or LED lamp.
8. A drop or two of cuticle oil, and you’re set.

How Much Are Dip Powder Nails?

The price of a dip powder service will largely depend on the salon and the area you live in. Although Mamps estimates that, ‘on average, a new set of dip nails costs between £30 and £35.’

Can You Get Dip Extensions?

Broken nail? Not a problem. ‘Dip powders can be used on natural nails or on top of nail tips,’ says Mamps. ‘The strengthening dip powder formula will offer you a long wearing manicure either way.’

Do All Salons Offer Dip Powder?

The reason Mamps recommends you call ahead of an appointment is because some salons don’t offer this service just yet. ‘Most salons will offer dip powder, but if unsure, you can always give them a quick call to double-check ahead of your appointment,’ she says.

Is It Healthier Than A Gel Manicure?

‘Neither dip powder nor gel manicures are inherently “healthier,” but they each have pros and cons depending on your priorities,’ says Mamops. ‘If UV exposure is a concern, dip powder might be better for you. If you prioritise a natural look and feel, gels might the right choice. Proper application and removal are crucial to minimizing damage with either option. And regular breaks between manicures can help maintain healthy nails regardless of the method you choose.’

@borablueprint this is my go-to base for any nail look I do if I’m not using a full cover gel tip #dippowdernailsathome #dippowdersystem #dippowderextension ♬ Caution – KAYTRANADA

What Are The Pros & Cons?

Pros

• Durability: Dip powder nails tend to be very durable and can last up to three weeks or more without chipping.
• No UV Light: Opposed to gel manicures which require each layer to be cured under UV light, only the dip powder topcoat needs to be cured under a nail lamp. This reduces the risk of harm caused by exposure to UV lights.
• Strength: They provide a thicker, less flexible layer that can help protect the natural nails and prevent breakage.
• Less Odour: Dip powder systems typically have less of a chemical smell compared to acrylics and some gels.

Cons

• Application Process: The application can be messy, as it involves dipping the nails into powder, which can be difficult to control.
• Thickness: They can sometimes feel bulkier than gel or BIAB nails.
• Removal: The removal process requires soaking in acetone, which can be drying and damaging to the nails if done frequently.
• Allergies: Some people may develop allergies to the chemicals used in dip powders, particularly the bonding agents.

Can Dip Powder Strengthen Nails?

‘Dip powder has a strengthening formula which can create a layer of protection on your natural nails,’ highlights Mamps. ‘Dipping powder can help keep your nails strong when you are trying to grow them out too.’

Can It Ruin Your Nails?

While it might help keep your nails healthy, the caveat is that dip powder can also damage them if not handled properly. ‘As with any other artificial nail system, dip powder can damage your nails if it is not applied and removed correctly,’ Mamps tells us. ‘When applying the powder, you can damage your natural nails by over-filing them during nail prep. Alternatively, when removing, your nails can be damaged if you are not careful when scrapping the soaked powder off.’

How To Do Dip Powder Nails At Home

This trend has been gaining speed thanks to a slew of TikTok-famous nail kits, which make the process of getting a dip manicure all the easier. ‘To make your life easier, you might want to choose a dip powder starter kit which includes all of the essentials you need,’ says Mamps. ‘Follow the simple step-by-step outlined above and you can DIY an amazing dip powder manicure from the comfort of your home. ‘

These are some of the kits on our wish list right now:

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