The Truth About Dip Powder Nails – Pros and Cons

Dip Powder Nails – What Is It?

Gel and acrylic manicures have long been the most preferred way of getting your nails in good condition, yet the dip powder nails trend is positioned to take its place, or at least become a preferred option for those who need more durable manicures. Wildly popular on sites like Instagram and Pinterest, it is actually an option that has been around for years but is only now emerging as an alternative for everyone. Easily done at home, they are also available via professionals, and there are many pros and cons to consider.

Before we compare them, though, let’s just consider what it involves, or more accurately, how are dip powder nails done?

How to Apply Dip Powder

To begin with, it is important to note that you can enjoy this treatment on natural nails or nails with tips – it works effectively for both. The process involves you applying a base bonding solution to properly groomed nails (i.e. polished and trimmed with cuticles tidied up and surfaces smoothed). Each finger is then dipped into clear nail powder, and then the bonding resin and powder process is repeated, but with color added if desired.

Up to five coats can be applied before the curing and finishing steps are done; depending on whether or not there are tips used or the natural nail is used for treatment. A sealer is brushed on and the nails sealed, buffed and even given another coat of sealer if the manufacturer allows.

A basic list of supplies needed for the dip powder nail treatment would include:

• Nail file and buffer
• Tips and nail glue (if using)
• Dip powder color, base coat and other kit components
• Cotton pads
• Acetone

There are popular dip powder kits, and several major brands are considered ideal for those who want to do this at home. Kiara Sky Nails, but so too are SNS and Revel. In fact, in some circles the SNS brand is so popular that it has become a way of talking about dip powder nails in general.

What are the Benefits?

Naturally, one of the biggest benefits to the dip powder nails is the simple fact that it is a remarkably durable treatment. As Glamour has said, “Dip powder nails are somewhere between a regular mani and a fake nail,” with one of the key “pros” being that it is a way to get a manicure that lasts for two full weeks – or more.

More Benefits Include:

• Odor free – The materials used are similar to standard products, but the powders are entirely odor free. Whether you do this at home or in a salon, the idea of an odor free experience may be part of the appeal.
• Less messy – Few of us have hands steady enough to paint our own nails in a flawless way. The dipping process ensure that you won’t spend time with swabs and pads trying to tidy up your less than ideal applications.
• Comfort – As one expert said, “Owing to the way the process works, you get less powder on your nails than with an acrylic nails manicure,” leaving you with much thinner and far more prominent and uncomfortable nails.
• Time – Though it can take longer for some steps, the dip powder nails don’t require a lot of time and are often completed in a much shorter time span than traditional acrylics require. The fact that it can be easily learned as a DIY project means less time spent in the car driving to and from the salon.

• No UV – It is understood that any exposure to UV rays can leave the body open to cellular malfunctions that can cause skin cancer. The gel and acrylic options require that UV exposure, so it is better to use dip powder nails if you have concerns about this matter.
• Vibrant – The grains of the powders are incredibly fine, and because of this the dip powder colors are a lot more vibrant and dynamic than traditional gels and acrylic nails.
• Creativity – As an emerging trend, you will find more and more videos and tutorials that show you how to use this treatment creatively. New products are emerging all of the time, too, making it easier than ever to get dazzling results from a DIY treatment.

Essentially, it would seem that there are no reasons to avoid the use of the dip powder kits or treatments. Yet, as you are well aware, with any beauty product, there are always going to be a few cons or negatives to consider.

Related: Acrylics vs. Natural and Gel Polish vs. Regular Polish

What are the Cons?

If you ask experts about the use of the dip powder nails over more familiar gels and acrylics, most say that they do come with a few negatives to consider. While all seem in perfect agreement that this type of manicure is a good option, most also give out such advice with a few caveats. These include:

• Bonding agents – Though you might see dip powder nails marketed or touted as more natural and even organic, the simple truth of the matter is that the bonding resin or coat is often full of the main ingredient used in Krazy Glue and other similar products. While this is the same for gel and acrylic polishes, too, it is something to remain aware of if you are opting for it because it is described as natural.
• Removal – One of the biggest issues you’ll hear and read experts discuss is the process needed to remove the dip powder coatings. While we will itemize it a bit later in this article, you should consider what one scientist said of it: “the removal process should be considered for any type of nail polish.” The process for this treatment is lengthy and cannot be rushed, and though it should not harm the nails, there is a potential for damage if you do skip steps, take shortcuts or do anything to rush the process.

• Sanitary? – Another of the big concerns with this treatment is that it can be very unsanitary. If you are having them done at a salon, you must first find out if it is an actual powder dip or if the manicurist is going to brush on the powders. Why would this matter? If person after person is dipping their fingertips into the same pots of color, the risk for bacteria is huge. Instead, work only with a salon that pours small amounts of your powder into disposable or single-use dishes. This ensures that no bacteria are transferred.
• Cost – It is true that professional dip powder manicures come in at a slightly higher cost, but there are a few things to note about that. The first is that the pricing differences are likely to be temporary because the treatment is only now emerging and becoming popular. As more experts learn how to do it and more people master it at home, prices for materials or treatments will decline. Also consider that you can get four weeks out of a well-done dip powder treatment.

Well What’s the Verdict?

The cons don’t really outweigh the pros, and even if they are about even, most professionals will say that this option seems to be one that will remain for years to come. Because the process is so simple and straightforward, and capable of being done well by experts and novices alike, it is important that we focus I on that one negative – the removal process. This is to ensure that it is done properly, safely and without harming the nails.

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails

It is almost a shame that the dip powder nail treatments go on so easily. After all, this is one of the reasons that they are so popular. However easy and quick the application, their removal can be tricky. The key is to remember one very important adage: Don’t rush or force the process!

If you try to take shortcuts, you might find yourself with a mess or a problem. Instead, just gather the materials needed and give yourself the amount of time suggested for the best outcome.

The Materials You’ll Need Include:

• Acetone (100%)
• Aluminum foil – Cut into 10 small squares large enough to fit around your finger
• Cotton balls
• Nail file and buffer

NOTE: If you are having this process done in a salon, your technician may use a drill to file everything off – if so, avoid them! This damages the nail, is actually painful and is a way for them to save time rather than do the job right. Below is the only way that experts should remove the treatment.

1. Begin by gently filing the uppermost layer of the nail and stop once the shine has been eliminated. This breaks the seal at the top surface and ensures the coating is easier to remove
2. In a bowl, soak ten cotton balls in the acetone, making sure they are saturated
3. Put a cotton ball on a nail and wrap the upper portion of the finger in a piece of the aluminum foil. Essentially, you are “soaking” the nail in the acetone.
4. Repeat for each finger
5. Allow the nails to soak in the acetone for at least 10-15 minutes
6. Remove the foil and cotton, pressing down on the nail as you do so as this helps to remove many layers of dip powder coating
7. Soak more cotton balls in acetone and use them to gently rub (in a circular motion) any areas of the nails that have product remaining.
8. Do NOT pick, scratch, scrape or otherwise force the coating from the nail as it harms or damages the natural nail
9. Wash the hands gently with soap and water to remove any remaining product

What If You Are Worried About Acetone?

You can shop around to find if a product line allows you to remove the treatment with regular nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol or even distilled vinegar (though this can take a much longer soaking time). Alternately, you may find that using a slow drying nail polish can allow you to soften the coating and then rub away most of the treatment.

Do keep in mind that the longer you have worn a single treatment, the longer the soak required to remove it. As one expert said, “The longer you leave on the polish…the more difficult it will be take off. It may be 15 minutes if you take them off the same day, but if you wait two weeks or four weeks, it could take 30 minutes.”

The Health of Dip Powder Nails

Now, before we close out this article, it is probably a good idea to weigh in on the debate about whether or not it is a healthier option than gels or acrylics. The simple truth is that it is no less healthy, and no healthier. The pros and the cons explain just why this is the case. As another expert has said, “it won’t hurt your nails any less than the other options out there, and it does last longer than traditional polish and gels.”

Yet, it could be that this is a choice that you keep for the special events or occasions, or times when you need good looking nails but also much stronger and more resilient coatings. The treatments give you harder nails, but there can be a few downsides if they are removed improperly. So, if you want to give them a try, find an expert who knows how to apply AND remove them safely, or just head out and get yourself one of the trendy kits and practice applying and removing your own dip powder nails. There are scores of tutorials to give inspiration, advice and guidance in this fun and unique beauty treatment.

Related: Check Out the All In One Glass Nail File

More Great Dip Powder Nails Resources:

Dip Powder Nails: All About the Manicure That Lasts Longer Than Gels

The Dip-Powder Manicure Trend You’ve Been Seeing On Instagram Isn’t New

The Pros and Cons of a Dip Powder Manicure