Tired of your usual nail routine? We've found a new choice for gel nails that may cause less harm.
The internet is going wild over dip powder nails – so much so that the hashtag has gathered 43.7K posts on TikTok, and the feed is filled with visually pleasing step-by-step guides to this nail polish hack.
Metro.co.uk spoke to Yana Gushchina, founder of Browfique, about all things dip powder nails related, from what to ask for at the salon to the cost.
What are dip powder nails?
Dip powder nails are nail colors that are applied using an adhesive polish. Then, as the name suggests, the nail is repeatedly ‘dipped’ in colored powder.
So, how do nail technicians create this look?
‘First of all, prep the nail to remove any excess polish and oils to prime it for application. Then if your technician is building extensions they will glue a tip to the nail,’ Yana outlines.
‘Instead of applying acrylic over the top to build the nail, the nail is dipped into a clear, fine powder. This is the same process when just using the natural length of the nail too.
‘This is set with a protective top coat, and the steps are repeated until the nail is fully coated and hardened.’
What is the difference between dip powder nails, acrylics and gels?
Acrylics (which are formed from a gummy paste to extend and reshape nails) are notorious for being quite damaging. Meanwhile, polish-based gels are usually cured under a UV light, which comes with a health warning in itself.
So is the dip powder look better for your overall nail health? The answer is: potentially.
‘Some people have allergies to acrylic, so SNS (dip powder) offers an alternative to acrylic nail extensions. It can also be used similarly to acrylic as an overlay to strengthen the natural nail and help it to grow out,’ Yana says.
Dip powder nails do not typically require a UV lamp.
‘It’s really down to preference though – the product isn’t what damages nails, it’s about improper preparation and removal technique,’ adds Yana.
‘Overfiling, removing improperly etc will lead to damaged nails, which is why it’s important to always go to a reputable salon.’
How much do dip powder nails cost?
Dip powder nails do come with a price tag, unfortunately.
As Yana tells us, they’re typically more expensive as they’re more time-consuming and they can’t be refilled.
Because it needs to be taken off and applied each time (unlike acrylic, which can be infilled), it can end up costing more over time.
How can I achieve dip powder nails at home?
Despite the fact that dip powder nails typically cost more, it’s not recommended to try and recreate them at home.
‘We would recommend against using professional nail processes like acrylic or dip-powder at home, as the harsh chemicals in these products can easily become a health hazard if used without professional training,’ Yana explains.
'You may end up harming your real nails underneath, making them break or split, which is not only painful but can also cause infections.'
'It’s much safer to visit a respected salon instead of attempting dip powder nails at home, as the technicians are trained to understand which chemicals are safe to use together and how to properly apply products without harming the nail or the skin.'
See you at the nail salon!
Do you have a story to share?
