Dip manicures are the hottest nail trend to hit the beauty scene and it’s not hard to see why. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it makes your mani last 2-3 times longer than your typical polish. I mean, what’s not to love? And while this buzzy new beauty secret is not actually that new (it’s actually been around since the 90s and is just now making a comeback), it’s the latest craze that is most definitely on the top of our must-try list.
What is a dip manicure?
Unlike gels, dip manicures do not cure and seal your color with a UV lamp. Instead, they use hyper-pigmented powder, a base coat, and a sealant to give you a look that’ll last for weeks. Just like an acrylic manicure, there are two crucial parts to a dip manicure: the liquid hardening agent and the powder. The liquid is made with a base of cyanoacrylates, which is an adhesive, while the powder is made of colored pigments and acrylic polymers. Both agents react with one another to create a super-strong, long-lasting base.
How is it different from gels or acrylics?
Dip powder nails lie somewhere between a gel manicure and acrylics. Acrylics tend to last a bit longer, but are more damaging to your nails and more difficult to remove, while gels are a bit easier to remove but aren’t as durable. Also, dip powder nails try super-fast (we’re talking like 5 minutes fast) so you won’t be posted up for 20 minutes waiting for your nails to dry after you’re done.
How do dip powder manicures work?
Typically, it starts with a nail technician removing excess oils from your nail base and filing them down, followed by a base coat, a layer of pigmented powder, and then a few layers of topcoat, clear powder, topcoat. The result is a flawless finish that is super shiny, super smooth, and super durable.
The bottom line?
Should you try a dip powder manicure? My personal opinion, why the heck not? Just make sure that you check with your salon to make sure that they’re not double-dipping nails into the powders (a huge no-no for sanitary reasons), and that they’re using safe formulas and gentle removal processes. When applied correctly, a good dip powder manicure can keep your nails looking fresh for up to 3 weeks, and who wouldn’t want to take a crack at that?
