What you should know before a dip powder manicure (2023)

If you think of your nails as mini works of art or canvases of color, you know that fresh tips can literally add the finishing touch to your beauty or self-care routine.manicure optionsWalk through the range, however, and not all pigment application methods are created equal, especially in the longevity department.

While regularly andgel nail polishCan be prone to chipping and peeling, thanks to its unique durability, dip powder manicures are in a class of their own, even for those who can be hard on their hands. "Powder Dipping Nails is a manicure method that combines pigmented powder with special bases and sealants to create extremely attractive and long-lasting manicures," says Anna Parvatova, Creative Director atSNS prayers. "Dive nails are light and flexible like gel nails, yet durable like acrylic nails."

Meet our experts: Anna Parvatova, Creative Director vonSNS prayers, Juli Russell, DIY nail expert forsally beleza, Syreeta Aaron,LeChat nailsEducator and salon owner

While dip manis aren't exactly new, they've definitely grown in popularity as of late, so some of the details of the technique are still a little elusive. For that reason, we're detailing the dipping process here below to give you all the information you should keep in mind if you decide to try this technique out in a salon or do it yourself at home. Here's everything you need to know about dipping your nails in powder.

What are Nail Dip Powder?

The technique behind dipping your nails in powder actually sounds exactly like the name; Essentially, your nails are prepped as they would beany manicure(Remove old paint, remove dead skin and/or push backCuticle, and to rid the natural nail plate of any oils for good adhesion), then the pigment is layered over a powder that your nails are literally dipped into while layers of Bond are applied like glue.

“Unlike gel, which is applied like a nail polish and cured with ultraviolet light, dip powder is applied directly to the nail in a three-step process – base/primer coat, color coat to desired coverage, activator/top coat — and air dries so you don't need UV light," says Juli Russell, DIY nail expertsally beleza.

To flesh it out even further, Russell says that once the special base or primer coat has been applied to the fingers, each nail — while still wet — is dipped in a small pot of colored acrylic powder (you can sprinkle the powder on top as desired). good). or spoon). the nail, if desired).

"Your manicurist (or you at home) will work in shifts," says Russell. "Once the desired coverage is achieved (two to three rounds of soaking are usually required), an activator glaze is applied as a top coat to harden the formula." great with natural nails and also compatible with extended nails.

What are the advantages of dipping nails in powder?

Durability is perhaps the biggest benefit of dipping your nails in powder. According to Russell, dip manicures generally don't chip or show breakage like more traditional manicure methods. "It's a great option for anyone who works a lot with their hands or doesn't have the time to dedicate to weekly manicure maintenance," says Russell of Dip Powder Nails.

Of course, exact results will vary depending on your daily activities – nothing can stop new tips like washing dishes or lifting weights, for example. To Syreeta Aaron,LeChat nailsEducators and salon owners, how quickly your nails grow also affects the longevity factor here, but that natural nail growth is also a potential benefit of soaking. "Immersion helps grow your natural nails without using acrylic monomers or curing in UV lamps," says Aaron. "Immersion manicures add strength to natural nails and a nice, even application of color that won't fade."

Russell says that since UV light is not needed to cure, applying dipping powder is much faster than gel and in some ways may also be safer, as exposure to UV rays always carries a potential risk of breast cancer. skin. Referring to how "healthy" dipping nails can be, Russell says that many of the powders contain nutritious calcium and vitamins to help strengthen your nails, which is another added benefit of dipping.

Most experts agree that dip nails are a safer alternative to acrylic, as inhaling monomers is also not a dip application risk. That said, you want to make sure you're getting your manicure from a safe, reputable salon that values ​​cleanliness. "Hygienic manicures require the use of a disposable cup for soaking," says Parvatova. “All leftover powder must be disposed of to avoid cross-contamination of germs from customers. Also, make sure that any nail products you use, whether dipping powder or otherwise, are free of potentially harmful chemicals such as toluene, camphor, xylene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) and resin.

Of course, proper dip manicure removal is also key to maintaining nail health, but more on that below.

How long do nail powders last?

According to Russell, nail powder typically lasts four to six weeks. Parvatova agrees, citing that "it's not uncommon for well-applied, high-quality manicures to stay perfect for up to four or five weeks." then renew, which in turn is likely due to new growth. "Just as you do soaking gel polish on your natural nails, you should do the same thing with soaking powder," she says.

One thing to keep in mind is that you will be paying a certain premium for a mani dip. "Powder nails tend to be more expensive than in-salon gel manicures, but it's worth it if you like longevity," says Russell. "At home, diving is usually a better bang for your buck." She recommends theNailboo Starter-Dip-KitEBeauty Secrets Dipping Powderif you want to try DIY diving like Aaron suggestsLeChat Perfect Match French Dive Kit.

How are powder nails different from gel manicures?

"Compared to gel manicures, powder manicures are popular for their staying power, vibrancy, lack of irritating fumes, and lack of UV exposure in the curing process," says Parvatova. Consider trying dipping powder if you work with your hands a lot or just need some extra longevity from your manicure, say, for a busy time of year or even to make it easier during your next trip. You might find that you'll love the results—and all the glossy shine and rich pigments—but want to alternate with gels or a regular manicure for budget reasons.

One last thing to note: while Dip Powder does offer some opportunities for color creativity (ombré, glitter, color blocking), if you're really into intricate nail art, you'll probably need to use gel for the best results.