Dip Powder Manicure

Dip powder manicure is a long-lasting nail treatment that has quickly gained in popularity among nail enthusiasts. This technique is considered less damaging to natural nails than conventional acrylic or gel solutions.

Contrary to other nail services, this technique doesn’t require the use of a curing lamp and can last up to 3-4 weeks without damaging natural nails. But multiple dip services at once could damage them over time.

How It Works

Dip powder nail color has quickly become one of the newest trends. After applying a base coat, nails are then dipped in colored acrylic powder (similar to gel but without needing UV light to dry), creating an eye-catching nail look.

Once the color has been applied, a topcoat (also known as an activator) should be applied and shaken off to remove any excess. Depending on desired opacity and intensity of color this step may need to be repeated multiple times for best results.

Though dip powder manicures last longer than gel ones, improper removal can still be damaging to natural nails. Furthermore, an allergic reaction could occur from using monomers such as those found in nail polish remover that may irritate both fingernails and skin surrounding them.

Preparation

Dip powder manicures differ from their gel counterparts in that they dry and cure naturally, without needing UV light treatments to set. Furthermore, one manicurist claims they last up to five weeks longer.

Before applying any polish to natural nails, a base coat should first be applied as this helps reduce lifting and protects cuticles.

Pro base should then be painted onto each nail to minimize any potential for clumpy looks.

Once applied, use a brush with just a pinch of powder to dust over each nail, dipping each finger at least twice (depending on desired color intensity) into it before lightly brushing off excess powder with your nailbrush.

Given that back-to-back services can weaken natural nails, some professionals advise scheduling services once weekly in order to preserve strength. Furthermore, if your nails experience oily build-up or lifting issues regularly, consider using Protein Bonder liquid prior to receiving nail enhancements.

Application

Dip powder nail sets offer an alternative to gel nails that does not require UV light curing; their application does not require an air dryer and will last approximately three weeks. They look more natural while being less damaging to your nails than acrylics.

Nail technicians apply a base coat, before dunking your nails in colored acrylic powder (or scattering some onto them). Any excess is then shaken off before an activating topcoat is added to secure its polish.

As powder is poured directly onto nails instead of being dipped directly, there’s an increased risk of cross-contamination between clients – potentially leading to infection – so when visiting a salon that employs this method for manicures, make sure your nail technician uses fresh powder each time so as to minimize chances of spreading nail fungus.

Removal

Dip powder nails offer an appealing alternative to gel and acrylic nail polish, offering stronger coverage that lasts up to one month, being quicker to apply, and not needing UV lights for application. However, like any service it can be hard on natural nails; particularly if done back-to-back without giving your nails enough rest in between services.

Cyanoacrylate, found in Krazy Glue, is used as the main component in nail powder bonders to apply nail powder. Unfortunately, this chemical reacts more readily with acetone than polymers found in gel polish, making removal more challenging.

To remove a dip-powder manicure, soak a cotton ball or patch of foil in pure acetone and wrap each nail in it before submerging each finger in a bowl of pure acetone for 10-20 minutes. Finally, use either a wooden cuticle pusher or metal nail tool to scrape away dried nail polish from each fingertip.