Dip powder nails are an alternative to gel or acrylic nails. They’re made out of a powder that’s applied over your natural nail-like nail polish, but the process is more durable and longer lasting than traditional nail polish. The main difference between dip powder nails, gel nails, and acrylics is that they’re healthy for your hands and feet while also being long-lasting and cheap.
Generally, you can get away with having your dip powder manicure last up to two weeks without any major damage to the natural nail bed underneath or around it. However, there are some pros and cons associated with this type of treatment which we’ll discuss further down in this guide so keep reading.
What are Dip Powder Nails?
Dip powder nails are a type of nail art that is applied with a powder and then sealed with a liquid. Dip powder nails have their own unique terminology: they’re also known as SNS nails (for SnS).
In addition to the dip powder, you need special nail tips, which are made from metal or plastic. For many people, applying these tips can be difficult, but it’s worth it for the time you save by not having to use glue every time you want to change your look.
The Pros of Dip Powder Nails
1. They are easy to apply at home
The main benefit of dip powder nails, as you can see from the name, is that they’re easy to apply at home. This is a huge plus for busy people who don’t have time to go to the salon or pay someone else to do it for them.
You can also choose from hundreds of designs and colors, which means that you’ll never get bored with your manicure.
2. Dip powder nails are long-lasting
Dip powder nails are long-lasting because of the strength and durability of the product. Unlike acrylic nails, dip powder nails are not glued to your natural nail and can be removed with ease. This means they will not chip or break as easily as traditional nail polish or gel manicures, which is a great benefit if you are looking for a long-lasting option that won’t leave your fingers feeling weak and brittle after just one day.
3. Dip powder nails are affordable
One of the biggest benefits of dip powder nails is that they’re much more affordable than acrylic and gel nails.
If you’re looking to get a quality manicure, you’ll want to consider your options carefully. Acrylic and gel nails are both expensive procedures, you can expect to pay upwards of $100 for a full set of acrylics or gels on your hands, feet, or both.
A salon that offers dip powder manicures will charge less than half this amount for the same service. This makes dip powder nail services an excellent option for people who don’t have time or money to spend getting their nails done professionally as often as they’d like to.
4. Dip powder nails are natural looking
If you want to be able to wear your nails every day, then dip powder nails are the best option for you. The color of the dip powder will match your skin tone and it will look like you have spent time on your nails. Dip powder nails also look like they are not fake, so you don’t have to worry about people asking if they are real or not.
5. Dip powder nails do not damage nails
When you get a dip powder manicure, your nails should not be damaged or weakened. That’s the whole point of the product, to give you gorgeous color and shine without damaging your natural nails.
Dip powder nails do not damage the nail bed. They don’t push back the cuticle or peel off layers of dead skin around your nail bed like acrylics can do. Dip powders also don’t chip as easily as acrylics do.
6. Dip powder nails are durable
Dip powder nails are durable. They don’t break easily and can last for weeks. This is because the powder nail is created by dipping a nail into the powder, which forms an almost unbreakable seal around it.
You can usually remove your dip powder nails at home with little difficulty as long as you have some acetone on hand. However, if removing your dip powder nails in this way causes too much damage to your natural nails, you may want to consider visiting a nail salon for removal services instead.
The Cons of Dip Powder Nails
1. Dip powder nails are not suitable for all people
While many people are able to get great results with dip powder nails, they’re not suitable for everyone. If you have thinner or weak nail beds, you may want to avoid this type of application altogether. Dip powder nails take longer than gel and acrylic manicures and your nails will be vulnerable in between coats of color. The powder also has the potential to chip if you’re not careful when washing your hands or doing other tasks around the house.
2. Dip powder nails can be unsanitary
Dip powder nails can be unsanitary. Dip powder nails need to be cleaned regularly, but this can be difficult and time-consuming. If you have an infection or cut on your hands or fingers, dip powder nails can make it easier for bacteria to enter the wound. The ingredients in dip powder nail kits cause people with sensitive skin to break out in rashes or eczema.
3. The bonding agents in dip powder nails can be damaging
Though bonding agents are used to bond the powder to the nail, they can be damaging. The bonding agent is essentially a glue that adheres the powder to your natural nail. While this allows you to maintain your manicure for longer than regular polish, it can also cause damage over time.
The main concern with using dip powder nails is that these products use chemicals and harsh ingredients in order to adhere the product to your nails. Some of these chemicals may irritate or damage sensitive skin, so if you have sensitive skin, we recommend avoiding this alternative altogether.
4. Removing dip powder nails can damage your nails
Acetone, which you need to soak your hands in to remove the powder manicure, is a known nail-damaging chemical. You must soak for a long time, longer than usual and this can damage the powder nails as well.
How to Apply Dip Powder Nails
Here’s how to apply dip powder nails:
- Clean your nails and make sure they are completely dry.
- Apply a base coat to your nails, if desired.
- Apply the dip powder to your nails in thin layers until you achieve the desired coverage. Let each layer dry before applying another layer of dip powder or top coat. You can use as few as two layers or as many as possible depending on how thick you want your final coverage to be, but three layers are usually best for most people.
- Apply a top coat over the dried surface of the dip powder and allow it to dry completely before adding any other nail polish colors.
Is Dip Powder Good for Your Nails?
Yes, Dip powder nails are good for your natural nails then gel nails are because they’re less damaging to your natural nail plate. Unlike gel polish, which hardens your entire nail and presses down the cuticle surface of your nail plate, dip powder dries just on the exposed part of your nail bed.
This means that it doesn’t damage or dry out the overall health of your natural nail plate. If you are looking for something stronger than traditional polish, a dip powder manicure may be right up your street. The flexibility of a dip powder manicure also means that it won’t chip as quickly as gel polish does.
Does Dip Powder Damage Your Nails?
No, dip powder does not damage nails. Some people are concerned that dip powder nails will damage their natural nails. While this is possible and can happen, it’s not very likely. If your nails are weak or thin, or if you have brittle nails, dip powder may not be the best option for you.
If you’re concerned about damage to your natural nail when using dip powder, apply a protective base coat before dipping your fingers into the powder. This will help protect against any potential breakage in the future.
Is Dip Nails or Gel Nails Better?
Dip nails are better than gel nails. Dip powder nails are easier to remove than gel nails. As a result, they don’t damage your natural nails as much as gel does. This means you can have your dip powders for longer than you would have your gels. They also cost less than acrylic nails and last just as long, if not longer. Overall, dip powder nails are definitely better than gel.
How often do you fill dip nails?
How often you will need to fill your dip nails depends on how fast your nails grow. If you have a slower nail growth rate, you may only need a fill every 2-3 weeks. On the other hand, if your nails grow quickly, you may need fills every week.
Can You Let Dip Powder Nails Grow Out?
Yes, you can let your dip powder nails grow out. However, as with any type of nail extension, there are pros and cons to doing so. The biggest con is that the natural shape of your nails may not be maintained during the growth process. You may find yourself with a lot of breakage at the tips or uneven length from side to side and this can lead to an overall unkempt appearance if not addressed early on.
Conclusion
Dip powder nails are a great choice for many people, but there are also some drawbacks to using them. If you have sensitive nails or want something more natural looking than gel nails, then dip powder might be right for you. The best way to decide if these products are right for your manicure or pedicure is by trying them out first.
