Dip Powder Manicure

Dip powder manicures can be easily applied and removed with less drying acetone than gel manicures; however, they can weaken nails over time and should be taken a break every couple of months to avoid serious brittleness. Experts advise giving nails time off at least every other month in order to maintain good health.

Kandalec recommends opting for manicures at salons that use one powder pot for all the fingers dipping them, which could expose each person to infection risks. Instead, she advises having nail technicians sprinkle powder directly over each nail instead.

How It’s Done

Dip powder nails have recently gained much recognition on social media as they offer stronger, longer-lasting options than gel and acrylic manicures. As part of an hybrid of these techniques, this form involves dipping nails into liquid mixture before sealing with clear topcoat to complete.

One drawback of this type of nail service is having to dip your fingers into a shared container, where germs could potentially collect and lead to nail infections or warts. One way of avoiding this problem is asking your technician not to double-dip. Instead, ask them to use powder to sprinkle across your nails for better hygiene purposes.

Laaouiti and Khan both advise visiting a salon for your first dip powder manicure to ensure it’s done properly; once finished, use professional-grade acetone remover at home to get rid of it.

Preparation

As part of their Dip powder manicure services, nail estheticians first use an acrylic bonder to prevent lifting. Next they push back cuticles for dipping and try not to leave exposed cuticles exposed as this could lead to premature polish lifting. Dermatologist Dana Stern advises using only hand files when performing this step as filing disrupts the natural nail plate which in turn causes brittleness.

Nail techs use rubbing alcohol to disinfect and reduce moisture on nails, which may contribute to early nail polish lifting in warmer environments. Next, they sanitize any brushes used for powder application so as to limit contamination by dust particles.

After filing down the nail to an even thickness, they’ll prep it by filing it to ensure there won’t be a bump when applying new polish. They will then add a base coat followed by two to three layers of powder and finally a clear sealant; depending on the depth of your manicure they may repeat this step up to five times.

Application

Dip powder nails are similar to regular acrylics in that they’re strong and long-term, though more durable. After your nail esthetician shapes your nails and trims any cuticles, she will apply bonder liquid directly onto each fingernail’s surface (a process which Aaron recommends especially if they tend to lift gel polish or enhancements easily).

Once again, an esthetician will apply a base coat and then dip each nail into powder; depending on desired opacity each may need to be dunked two to five times for maximum opacity (this step can become messy; you may experience lifting and smudging issues during this process.).

Mona Gohara of dermatology notes that proper application and sanitation protocols, including avoiding double dipping of other clients’ nails in a powder jar, is key to avoiding nail damage. She suggests using strong cuticle treatments like Allure editor-favorite Olive & June’s Cuticle Serum or L’Occitane Shea Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil (both Best of Beauty winners). Removing nail polish regularly or getting thick manicures on an ongoing basis may weaken natural nails over time, so be patient when doing DIY methods yourself if taking this route.

Removal

Dip powder nails can be difficult to remove at home (pricking at them can damage natural nail beds), so it is often best to seek professional assistance instead. Laaouiti suggests hiring someone equipped with the appropriate tools and process in order to avoid damaging natural nails during removal.

Once your nails have been filed to help break up polish, begin by placing cotton balls soaked with pure acetone directly onto each finger and wrapping each one with foil for 15-20 minutes. Some experts also suggest adding indirect heat such as a hot towel to accelerate this process.

Once your acetone soak has ended, carefully scrape away nails using a metal cuticle pusher or wooden stick. Wipe away any leftover product before applying an expert-recommended nail strengthener to re-strengthen them. Experts also advise avoiding frequent thick manicures which could weaken them over time.