Are Dip Powder Manicures Worth the Hype?

When it comes to manicures, there seems to be an endless amount of options to choose from – acrylics, hard gel, dip powder, gel polish, or traditional nail polish. However, one type of nail care that’s become a cult favourite as of late is dip nails. While dip powder has been around for over 30 years, it’s recently made a major comeback, but is it worth the hype? In short, yes, we seem to think so and your nail technician may too. If you’re a newbie to the dip powder nail world and curious to try it, here’s everything you need to know about dip manicures and why it might be time to convert.

What is Dip Powder?

Before we dive into all the benefits, it may help to familiarize yourself with what dip powder nails actually are. Dipped powder involves the application of a fine-coloured powder onto a gentle, yet strong adhesive base. This process is repeated until the desired colour is achieved. Then an activator is applied which cures the powder and is finished off with a thin layer of a clear top coat, hardening the nail to a hard, brilliant shine. The entire process takes roughly 45-55 minutes.

Long Lasting

One of the major benefits of dip powder is how long it lasts. Compared to other types of manicure types, dipping powder’s durability and lasting power reigns supreme. When applied correctly and well maintained, a dip powder manicure will last over two weeks with some dip users reporting it can even last over a month without any chips or wear.  

Facilitates Healthy Nail Growth

Because of the resin-like finish and incredible durability, a dipping powder manicure provides a protective layer over your natural nail without damaging it, preventing it from breaking and helping your natural nails grow long and strong. While many products on the market contain toxic ingredients that can weaken your nails over time, high-quality products like SNS dip powder are formulated with healthy ingredients that nourish your nails and promote healthy growth with each and every application. 

Safer Alternative to Acrylic

Those who usually opt for acrylics may find dip powder to be a much safer alternative. Dip powder provides the durability of acrylic with the flexibility of gel, and is gentle, yet super effective. Many acrylics contain harmful and toxic chemicals that can irritate your eyes and skin, or even cause an allergic reaction, especially with long-term use. So it’s no wonder that beauty experts are beginning to take notice.

Acrylic nails are also more likely to damage the nail bed causing it to become weak and brittle due to the extreme filing of your natural nail during both the application and removal process. Dip powder involves a more gentle application that won’t damage your nail beds as long as you don’t pick at your dip manicure and get it removed correctly each time. 

There is Zero Drying Time with Dip Powder Manicures

There’s nothing worse than getting your nails done, only to have to reach into your purse at the end of the service to get your purse while your nails are still wet or smudging on your drive home. The great thing about dip powder manicures is that they require zero drying time, allowing you to carry on with your day immediately after the service. The activator, along with the clear top coat used in the dip powder application cures the nail to a hard, brilliant finish.

Superior Colour and Finish

Compared to other manicure types, dip powder outshines the others when it comes to colour and shine. Dip powders come in a wide range of colours and shades that provide deep, pigmented colours and a hard glossy, long-lasting finish. Speak to your local nail salon today about if you should switch.

How do you remove dip powder nails at home?

If you soak your fingers for at least 15-20 minutes in acetone the dip powder will loosen and eventually flake off easily. If you are having problems, you can file the top layer off to enable easier penetration.