If you're like me and don't consider yourself an expert at home manicures by any means, let me recommend one of the more foolproof options on the market: dip powder. If you've ever gotten dip powder done at the salon, you'll know that the process can be a lot faster and easier than getting acrylics, gel X extensions, or even builder gel done. While I do still prefer builder gel myself, dip powder is better than options like regular gel nail polish because its polymers are stronger, making it last longer. Even celebrity nail artists love it. Iram Shelton (nail artist to the likes of Heidi Klum, Priyanka Chopra, and Cara Delevingne) is a fan. "I love how easy it is to apply, and it lasts way longer than regular polish," she says.
While you will need a few extra tools to tackle a manicure like this at home, fear not. I'm breaking down everything you need to know about dip powder, tips for trying it out at home, and the most highly rated kits to get your hands on. Keep reading below.
What Is Dip Powder?
Dip powder is a pigmented powder that's applied to the nails after applying a glue-like base coat. Unlike regular gel manicures, dip powder doesn't require a UV light to cure. If you've gotten this done at the salon, you've probably seen your nail tech dip your nails into the powder several times to coat each of them fully before painting on a sealant topcoat. Dip powder is considered stronger and more chip resistant than regular gel nail polish. However, it can be harder to remove due to its thick, multilayered makeup.
Dip Powder vs. Acrylics and Gel X Extensions
Gel X extensions and acrylics differ from dip powder because they're preformed gel nail covers that are already made and fitted to the nail. Dip powder, on the other hand, is applied by dipping the natural nail into a pigmented powder. While options like gel X extensions and acrylics are a bit more durable than dip powder, dip powder is a bit easier to apply yourself and would suit those looking to do an at-home manicure better. Dip powder is also easier to remove than gel X extensions and acrylic nails.
Tips for Doing Dip Powder at Home
For an at-home dip powder manicure, it doesn't hurt to have a few things handy, including a home manicure kit to push back your cuticles and buff your nails beforehand. Shelton elaborated a bit on this. "Always ensure you have prepped your nails. If you’re wanting a longer-lasting manicure, it always start with prep. Push back your cuticles, trim your nails, and shape them to perfection. Apply your base coat and dip your finger into the powder and repeat until you're happy with the result. Then apply your activator, fully sealing the nail, and wait until the powder hardens. Reshape the nail and buff until you’re happy, and then apply your topcoat."
In addition to Shelton's tips, I've also found that buffing the nails and wiping them with an alcohol wipe beforehand helps the dip powder adhere better to the natural nail, creating longer-lasting results.
The Best Dip Nail Powder Kits
Pros: Dries quickly, odor-free, provides a gel-like shine
Cons: Color is slightly different than OPI's original nail polish color
Shelton's dip powder of choice is OPI's for a long-lasting manicure at home. "I use the OPI dip powder—it dries fast and is very durable," she says. "If you're someone who does a lot with your hands, I would highly recommend trying this."
Customer Review: "Good quality, nice color."
Pros: Comes with everything you'll need for a DIY manicure, easy to use, variety of colors
Cons: Need to do quite a few layers for strength and durability
This comprehensive dip powder nail kit from Amazon has everything you'll need to for a durable at-home manicure. It comes with a variety of pink shades, a base coat, topcoat, and activator.
Customer Review: "I've been paying $90 for dip nails every three weeks for the past few months. I impulse bought this kit on a Saturday night to do on a Sunday because I don’t have time to go get my nails done and could go into labor any day. Well I’m so glad I did! It took maybe 30 minutes and it was super easy to use. The directions are laid out perfectly. I will definitely be purchasing more colors. I’ve never attempted dip by myself and my nails look a little rough but honestly not too bad."
Pros: Lightweight, natural-looking, comes in a variety of colors
Cons: Slight learning curve to get it right
While there are plenty of dip powder kits on the market that come in a variety of colors, I think it's a good idea to stick to a more neutral-colored base for your dip powder and add your own nail polish on top. Due to the nature of the powder, the color may not come out exactly how you want it to solely using the powder. This highly rated option from Kiara Sky is a favorite among professionals.
Customer Review: "Great quality and perfect natural pink color. Kiara sky powders really are the best and so smooth."
Pros: Can last three to six weeks, free of harsh chemicals, easy removal
Cons: None
According to the brand, DipWell's acrylic nail powder can last anywhere from three to six weeks without chipping. It doesn't require a UV/LED lamp to cure and is also free of any harsh chemicals.
Customer Review: "I bought the sheer pink and the white and tried my own French manicure for the first time after watching a YouTube video. I also bought a dipping tray on Amazon that has a rest for your finger - I highly recommend it. There’s room for improvement on my technique, but I’m very pleased with the product!"
Pros: Wide range of colors, infused with calcium and vitamin E, can last anywhere from three to five weeks, crack- and chip-resistant
Cons: Colors are slightly different than they appear online
Another highly rated option is Revel's dip powder. This one is also infused with calcium and vitamin E to nourish the nails and provide maximum shine. The formula is also crack- and chip-resistant and can last up to five weeks if you do a few extra coats.
Customer Review: "I've been dipping my nails for 4 years now and this is the first pink that I have found that I consider to be PERFECT! It's not too neon, not too bright, not too dark, just right. so happy to have found this."
Pros: Easy to use, combines the durability of gel polish with the strength of acrylic nails, strengthens the nails, comes in over 200 shades
Cons: Doesn't come with a base coat, topcoat, or activator
LeChat's dip powder kit combines the durability of a gel polish with the strength of acrylics. It's easy to use, strengthens the nails, and comes in over 200 shades that range from cream to frost and glitter colors.
Pros: Chip-resistant, comes with everything you'll need for a DIY manicure, seven dip powder colors
Cons: Takes a little longer to dry
Another great starter kit from Beetles. This one comes with seven colors of dip powder, a base coat, topcoat, activator, and brush saver.
Customer Review: "I’m hooked! I like the durability of dip nails as I’m an active person and a painter....This was super fast and easy for me as I watched my nail tech carefully and knew the process. *And* had lots of practice doing my own nails every few days."
Pros: Affordable, odor-free, can last anywhere from three to six weeks
Cons: Doesn't come with a topcoat, base coat, or activator
This dip powder is lightweight and adds extra shine to the nails. It can also last anywhere from three to six weeks and helps strengthen the nails.
Customer Review: "Great for if you don't want colored nails. And helps with nail growth with less breakage. Just remember to cure it with a top coat."
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