In the beauty world, we always want something new or something better. It’s a constant search for what would be better—and in the case of manicures, the past years had been all about how to make those gorgeous nails last. We know the evolution of trend from regular nail polishes to gel and acrylic manicures, and just recently, a new trend has started dominating the manicure world: Dip Powder Manicures.
The “new” trend is a resurfacing manicure style that was popular in the 80s. And what about it has captured nail-lovers of today? Well, we think the only thing you should know is that it last for a month. Yup, that’s right, a whole freaking month. That’s enough reason to convince you to try it right? Let’s go ahead and get to know more about the Dip Powder Manicures or in Instagram terms, the “dip mani”.
The process
Like any other kind of manicure, the Dip Manicure starts with a clean canvas. All traces of previous nail polish would be removed from your nails and a buffing machine will smoothen the surface of your nails until it’s ready for the cutting and shaping. After you’re pleased with how your nails look shape-wise, it’s ready to get down on the dip-powder action.
The nail technician would brush on a primer on all your nails and then put on some clear polish on them. It’s now time to dip each finger onto your choice of powder color. Only a few brand manufacture these types of nail color made from ultra-fine powder. All the excess powder would be brushed off, and a protective polish will be used to set the powder. This process can be repeated until the nails are fully coated. Afterwards, the gel top coat will be applied and dried off with a fan dryer.
Dip powder vs gel manicure
We love the gel manicure because it lasts a long time. Yet the dip powder manicure dethrones the gel manicure from that seat—because unlike the usual 2-3 weeks of the gel manicure, the dip powder can actually last an entire month. So basically, dip mani offers almost twice as much longevity as your usual gel nails.
When it comes to price, the dip powder mani comes with a higher price tag. The lowest price for the dip powder nails is around $30, which can go up to $50, if your nails have extensions or if you want a nail design. The gel manicure costs just around $25, yet we’re pretty sure people are willing to pay a few more bucks to prolong their gorgeous manicures a bit longer.
“But which one if healthier than the other?” you might ask. Well, since both of them cover your nails with layers of products, they both add an extra layer that protects your natural nails. However, if it concerns you that your fingertips need to be under the UV/LED light every time you get your nails done, then dip mani could be your savior from that worry. Although that doesn’t mean that dip powder manicures don’t bring in a nail stumbling block: dehydration. But before you panic—we want to highlight this: it’s all temporary.
Additional Tips
Okay, you might be convinced by now that dip powder manicure is the way to go. But before you head on out to find a salon that offers it, here are just a few tips we want you to remember.
Don’t try doing it on your own
Two words: chemicals and professionals. These two words should be together to achieve success in doing dip powder manicure. So unless you’re a professional, we suggest to veer away from doing a DIY on this one…or else, your nails might suffer the consequences.
Ensure that your chosen salon provides high-quality sanitary service
For dip mani, where your fingers are dipped into the product, the issue of sanitation could easily come up when that product is used over and over again for different customers. Nail infections are easily passed onto someone with that, so you better be sure your salon is high on the sanitation ranks.
Prepare for weaker and more fragile nails after
As we’ve said, dip power manicures can dehydrate your nails, and that can lead to weaker and fragile nails. So what you have to do is ensure that when you get them removed, you get a proper process. Like the manicure itself, don’t try removing it on your own.
Give ample attention to the after-care
Because chemicals will be used in your nails with the dip power manicure, and you’ve been warned of the possibility of weakening your nail plates, you have to step up your after-care. In doing anything that will involve chemicals, it’s safe to use rubber gloves to protect your nails. Don’t forget to use high-quality cuticle oils and moisturizers to restore your nails into their usual healthy state.
Here are some of the best products to help you nurse your nails back to their best health:
- Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil – Nail Cuticle Treatment ($20)
- Bee Naturals Cuticle & Nail Oil ($18.77)
- Clinique Deep Comfort Hand And Cuticle Cream ($24)
- Londontown Kur Nourishing Cuticle Oil ($18)
- Butter London QuickFix Moisturizing Cuticle Balm ($18)
- L’Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Oil ($20)
- Julep Fast-Absorbing Cuticle Crème ($20)
- Eve Lom Cuticle Cream ($24)
Image credits: Simple Most, Inquisitr, Beautyheaven, Style Home, Hession Hairdressing, Mommy Curls.
