If I gathered a room full of beauty lovers and asked who likes to have their nails done but doesn’t love going to the salon, I’m certain the response would be overwhelming. From the beauty independence we learned during the pandemic to increasing salon costs, time constraints and more, there are tons of reasons people opt to do their nails at home. And the options for creating salon-quality manicures from home are now more expansive than ever.
Dip powder manicures are one of the biggest nail technology innovations of the last few years, with endless nail lovers now switching to powder-based gel manicures instead of the classic soft and hard gel options. Known for their long wear, dip powder nails are the nail industry’s next big thing, and their popularity is far from waning. If you’re interested in hopping on the dip powder nail trend but don’t want to stop your DIY manicure routine, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, the best expert tips for doing your dip powder nails at home.
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How do you do dip powder at home? What tools are needed?
Before we get into how to do dip powder nails successfully at home, it helps to understand what exactly dip powder is. “Dip powder nails involve applying a bonding liquid to the nail, then dipping the nail into colored powder and sealing it with a topcoat,” Hanna explains. “The powder and liquid combine to form a hardened layer that adds strength and lasts around two to four weeks.” Nguyen adds that after nail prep and applying your base coat, users will need to dip their nails into the powder and pat off excess as many times as necessary until the desired thickness and color are achieved. Then, apply the activator, file and shape the nails and apply a top coat for shine.
In terms of tools, there are quite a few moving parts needed to create dip powder nails at home safely and effectively. “To do dip powder nails at home, you’ll need a dip powder kit, which typically includes a base coat, activator, top coat and colored powders,” Nguyen says. “You’ll also need a nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher and lint-free wipes,” she adds, as prepping the nails before going in with the dip powder is key. Hanna also recommends investing in a fan brush to help remove excess powder during application.
How do you remove dip powder nails at home?
When it comes to nail health after a gel manicure, removing the gel properly is key to maintaining strong, vibrant nails. Luckily, dip powder nails can be soaked off at home and don’t require a drill for removal like gel manicures. Nguyen urges people experimenting with dip powder nails at home to prioritize proper soak-off removal in acetone to ensure the nails stay healthy from beginning to end. “Unlike regular gel, dip powder often needs 30 minutes or more to soak off in acetone, and if you force it off too early, it can seriously weaken your natural nails,” Hanna adds.
Is it safe to do dip powder nails at home?
Anytime you’re trying your hand at professional beauty techniques at home, the question always arises: “Is this safe?” When it comes to dip powder, Nguyen says the process is safe to do at home as long as you follow the necessary protocol. “Dip powder can be safe when done properly at home, but sanitation is key,” she begins. “Cross-contamination—like dipping multiple fingers into the same jar—can lead to bacterial growth, so it’s important to be cautious. I recommend using the pour-over technique instead of dipping.”
Erring on the side of caution, Hanna doesn’t recommend doing dip powder nails at home without professional training but does agree that if you want to try the technique yourself, following instructions, sanitizing properly and ensuring you’re using high-quality products is key. “Some dip powders contain harsher ingredients than others, so knowing what you’re working with is important,” Hanna says. “If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave dip powder to a trained nail professional.”
