Can You Do Dip Nails at Home Like a Pro?
If you want to have professional-looking nails without going to a salon, doing dip nails at home is a great option. When nail salons closed during the Coronavirus lockdown, many people had to find ways to take care of their nails at home.
It’s not that surprising because, you know, doing your nails at home has always been a thing.
Think about those times at sleepovers or chill nights when you just wanted to be creative with your nails.
Dip nails have become popular because they last a long time, are easy to work with, and give your nails a beautiful finish.
Now, let’s look at how you can do dip nails at home.
What is a Dip Nail?
Dip nail is an enhancement technique that provides both color and durability to your nails.
The process involves applying a base coat that has a consistency similar to super glue. After applying the base, your nails are dipped into a finely milled colored powder.
This dipping process is repeated with several layers to build up the desired color intensity and thickness.
Once the layers are in place, an activator is used to harden and set the manicure.
The activator plays an important role in transforming the layers of powder and base into a solid, resilient shell on your nails.
How to Do Dip Nails at Home
Creating a powder dip manicure at home can be a fun and affordable way to achieve a salon-quality look.
Here’s how to go about it:
1. Prep Your Supplies
To do a powder dip manicure at home, start by getting your supplies ready. The first mistake is thinking everything you need is already in the kit or at home.
You might have clippers, files, and polish remover, but according to Tricia Atkinson, a nail technician in Richmond, VA, you need to prep your nails well before applying a gel nail set.
“For materials, you’ll need the basics: nail clipper, nail file, buffer, and of course your dip system of choice,” she says.
“Begin with a clean and well-lit workspace. Wash your hands, trim and file your natural nails, and push back your cuticles.”
2. Remove the Old Dip Powder Nails
When it’s time to remove your old dip powder nails, Use a nail drill or file to take off as much of the old powder as you can. No need to go all the way down to your nail; just remove what seems reasonable.
Cut foil into squares, soak cotton balls in acetone, place them on your nails, and wrap each nail with foil.
After 5-10 minutes, unwrap one nail at a time, rub it with the cotton ball, and re-soak if necessary.
Find a ceramic bowl and put folded paper towels at the bottom, covering them with acetone. You can add a bit of water.
Scratch the back of your nails on the paper towel until all the old powder is gone. A kitchen sponge might also help in this situation. Be patient and take your time to avoid any damage to your nails.
2. Finish Preparing Your Nails
After getting most of the old powder off, use a small drill or rotary tool to sand and smooth any remaining nail color powder.
Be careful not to go too deep or stay in one spot too long to avoid damage. Always sand with the rotation parallel to your finger to prevent gouges.
Once you’re done with the rotary tool, grab a 180-grit sanding block. Use circular motions to remove major imperfections left by the rotary tool.
This is also useful for getting close to the cuticle. Follow up with a 320-grit block to ensure your nail is nice and smooth.
Trim your nails to the desired shape. Ensure that you wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
4. Prime and Apply Dipping Powder Color
To apply the dipping powder color, start with the primer, followed by the base coat. Applying the color dipping powder involves three coats:
Begin with the first coat, covering 2/3 of the nail towards the tip, creating a smooth transition to the cuticle. Dip the nail at a 30-45 degree angle, and tap to remove excess powder.
For the second coat, apply halfway back to the cuticle with finesse. If too much powder, dip at 45 degrees and tap to redistribute.
Finish with the third coat, applying the applicator to the full nail and dipping. Don’t worry about imperfections; they can be sanded off later.
5. Smooth Out Your Nail Dipping Powder
After applying the dipping powder, smooth out the surface using a drum sander.
Sand perpendicular to the finger, rolling it back and forth to avoid low spots.
Use 180-grit sanding blocks in a circular motion to eliminate voids, then switch to 320-grit for a smoother finish.
Shape the nail, though it won’t be the final shaping. Apply a thin layer of applicator to flatten any dust left from sanding, allowing it to dry for 10 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches for Your Nails
Take your brush and quickly add two coats of the top layer to each of your nails. Work fast before it starts to harden. Start with one layer on each finger, then go back for a second round.
After applying the top coat, resist the urge to touch anything for the next 10-15 minutes. Let your nails dry completely.
Once your nails are dry, it’s time for the final shaping. Use a nail board to smooth out any rough edges or uneven bits.
This step gives your nails that polished and professional look.
Are Dip Powder Nail Kits a DIY or Not?
Wondering if it’s a do-it-yourself thing or not? If you’re used to regular nail polish and find acrylics or gel manicures a bit daunting, dip powder might catch your eye.
Achieving perfection with a DIY dip powder nail set might not be an instant success. It’s doable but may require some practice to get it right.
The key is preparation, and while mistakes won’t necessarily ruin your manicure, having the right tools to fix them is essential.
Despite the attraction of doing dip powder manicures at home, the reality is that it might be more challenging than expected.
Many find it tempting, but some prefer leaving this technique to skilled professionals. The appeal lies in the look of gel nails, quick drying time, and the fun dipping process.
However, the process of removing dip powder can be less appealing when you’re ready for a change.
So, while DIY dip powder manicures sound tempting, some opt to reserve this technique for the hands of expert professionals.
When the time comes to visit a salon again, many consider giving gel or powder polish another try, this time under the care of experienced hands.
How to Address Growing Out Powder Dip Manicure
When dealing with the growth of your powder dip manicure, it’s important to consider the long-term health of your nails, especially if you plan to continue with dip nail sets.
According to Atkinson, a common mistake is neglecting to soak off the nails before applying a new set.
Filling in bare growth with more powder as a quick fix is discouraged, as it may trap moisture between your nail and the powder, posing a risk of mold and fungus.
To maintain the health of your nails during the growing-out phase, avoid picking, plucking, or prying at the gel if it starts to lift.
Such actions can lead to damage underneath the gel. Instead, opt for a gentle approach by soaking off the chipping polish and starting fresh.
Also, consider investing in cuticle oil as part of your nail care routine. Contrary to popular belief, cuticle oil works by locking in moisture rather than providing moisture itself.
Atkinson recommends applying cuticle oil after moisturizing your hands. This step not only helps keep your nail beds hydrated but also contributes to overall nail health, making them stronger.
For optimal results, use both cuticle oil and hand lotion regularly, especially during the fall and winter seasons.
Following these steps will help keep your nails healthy as your powder dip manicure grows out.
Pros and Cons of DIY Powder Dip Manicure
Here are some of the pros and cons of dip nails at home:
Pros
The benefits of DIY dip manicure include:
1. Durability
The gel used in powder dip manicures tends to be bright and highly durable.
It withstands daily activities, providing a long-lasting finish that is less prone to chipping or lifting compared to standard polish.
2. Reduced Delicacy
Unlike traditional polish, the strength of the top coat coverage in powder dip manicures allows for less delicate handling of the nails.
Users can engage in daily activities with less fear of damage to their manicures.
3. Ultra-Fast Drying Time
One of the standout features is the ultra-fast drying time.
Unlike gel manicures that require UV light for curing, powder dip manicures are set quickly without the need for additional equipment.
4. Variety of Colors and Finishes
Dip powders come in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for creativity and personalization.
You can choose from glossy, matte, or glittery finishes, and the color options are extensive.
5. UV-Free Option
Powder dip manicures offer a UV-free alternative to gel manicures, eliminating the need for exposure to potentially harmful UV rays.
This is particularly appealing to individuals who want to avoid UV light altogether.
6. Low Maintenance
Dip powder nails often require less maintenance than traditional acrylic nails.
They can be easily filled in, and you may not need to visit the salon as frequently for touch-ups.
Cons
The disadvantages include:
1. Difficult Clean-Up
Cleaning around the edges of the nail can be challenging once the powder is set.
The adhesive used in dip powder manicures can make cuticle clean-up tricky, requiring precision tools such as an electric file or a strong hand file.
2. Growth Maintenance
As the dip powder manicure grows out, maintaining it requires proper soaking off before applying a new set.
Filling in bare growth with more powder is discouraged, as it may trap moisture between the nail and the powder, potentially leading to issues like mold and fungus.
3. Risk of Damage
Picking, plucking, or prying at the gel when it lifts is not recommended, as it can cause damage to the natural nails.
Soaking off the chipping polish is advised to avoid compromising the health of the nails underneath.
4. Learning Curve
Achieving the perfect dip manicure may involve a learning curve, especially for individuals new to the process.
Mastering techniques such as application, shaping, and maintenance can take time and practice.
With the rise of DIY beauty trends, mastering the art of dip nails at home not only saves you a trip to the salon but also allows you to express your creativity with endless color options and styles.
So, sit back, admire your freshly dipped nails, and revel in the satisfaction of achieving a professional-looking manicure on your terms.
