Are Dip Powder Manicures Healthier?

These days, it may be confusing to know which type of manicure to choose, as the options seem endless — acrylics, hard gel, gel polish, dip powder, or traditional polish. Acrylic nails can be damaging and traditional polishes just don’t seem to last. You want a long-last manicure without all the potentially harmful side-effects. These days, dip powder has become a popular choice in nail salons that has the lasting power many are looking for, but you may be wondering, are they healthier? Here we will discuss everything there is to know about dip powders and how they affect the health of your nails. 

What are Dip Powder Nails?

Dip powder manicures involve the application of a fine colored powder onto a strong adhesive base. After a few coats of powder, a sealer and top coat is applied which ultimately hardens and cures the nail into a brilliant shine. Unlike gel or traditional polish, dip powder nails require no UV lights and no drying time. 

How are They Healthier?

The adhesives used in dip powder are gentle yet effective, so it won’t damage the nail beds. Dip powder manicures also don’t require UV light to cure them, which can ultimately have harmful effects on the skin. Dip powders keep nails strong and flexible, which keeps them resistant to chipping and breakage and allows them to grow long and strong. High quality product lines add essential vitamins and nutrients to their bases and sealers which promote healthy nail growth during every application. For example, SNS, who prioritizes healthy nails, include nutrients in the bases, sealers, and powders that actually nourish the nails. They say regular dip powder manicures done professionally and removed safely will actually make your nails stronger and healthier. 

Who Should Get Dip Powder?

Dip powders have the durability of acrylics, the flexibility of gels, and unlike a traditional polish, dip powder can last up to 2+ weeks virtually chip-free. If you want a manicure with the power to last, that’s fast, effective, and beautiful, and it doesn’t damage your nail, then dip powder may be for you.

Other Tips to Keep Your Nails Healthy

If you’re concerned about the health of your nails after regular trips to the nail salon or you want to give dip powder a try, there are tips you can use to ensure your nails stay at their optimal health and are always looking their best.

• When using dip powder, use the pour over method instead of dipping the nail into the jar to reduce contamination and potential risk of infection,
• Refrain from picking or peeling your dip powder manicure as this can weaken your nails. 
• Take biotin supplements to promote nail health. (It’s good for your skin and hair too.)
• Eat a well-balanced diet of foods that promote healthy nail growth.
• Apply moisturizer and cuticle oil daily to maintain hydration and nail health. 

How To Safely Remove Dip Powder

To ensure your nails stay strong and healthy and are always looking their best, it’s crucial that you remove your dip powder manicure properly instead of picking or peeling it off. We know it can be difficult, but forcing dip powder off your nails can actually remove the top layer of your nail, making it weak and brittle. With the right tools, removing dip powder is fast, simple, effective, and it won’t damage your nails. It’s best to get dip powder removed at your next salon visit, but if you really can’t wait, the “baggy method” is the safest and most effective way to remove a dip powder manicure at home, and bonus, you can use this same technique on gel polish too.

Things You’ll Need:

• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Nail Buffer
• Ziploc Bag
• Cotton Wool
• Pure Acetone
• Bowl with warm water
• Cuticle oil (optional, but recommended)

First, if you want your nails shorter, this is the time to do it – use nail clippers to cut off the tips of your nail to your desired length. Then, with a nail file, file off the top layer of dip powder. This will allow the acetone to penetrate faster. Once the top layer has been removed, simply place cotton wool in a ziploc bag and fill it with a good amount of acetone to saturate the cotton wool. Place the bag of cotton wool in a bowl with warm water and put your hands inside for roughly 5-7 minutes, moving your fingers around in the wool to speed up the removal process. Check on your nails periodically to see how it’s going. After 5-7 minutes, remove your hands and check your nails for any residual dip powder. You can wipe off any excess with cotton and a bit of acetone. To finish, file your nails to your desired shape, then lightly buff them and apply a cuticle oil to rehydrate your nail beds and cuticles. 

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a beautiful manicure that’s long-lasting, durable, and won’t damage your nails, dip powder may be the perfect choice. Follow these tips to ensure your nails not only look great, but stay healthy and strong.