We all know how much our nails go through with every manicure. From the change of their shape to the change of their color and the occasional simple and sometimes extravagant design. However, these changes can put a lot of stress onto your nails, leaving them feeling frail, cracked, and brittle. But one of the biggest roadblocks when going into the nail salon is deciding what type of manicure to get for what works best for you and your nails.
What I found was that the short answer of whether gel or dip manicures are better depends on your preferences for final look, sanitation, longevity, and price. The long answer is that while dip powder manicures do offer multiple benefits, they are not outwardly healthier for your nails than gel even though dip does not utilize the same UV/LED light as gel. But, to help you come to a decision yourself, I’ll provide more insight into my experience with dip powder manicures.
As someone who is devoted to the look and confidence that a nail set can provide, I usually opt for an acrylic and gel manicure to take advantage of both the length and longevity that they can provide. However, getting acrylic and gel nails every two to four weeks has proven that my nails are not as strong as I once thought. With both the advice of my nail tech and the millions of posts on social media about the ever-trending dip powder manicure, I figured it was time to see what all the hype was about.
With trying a new manicure, especially after becoming so accustomed to gel acrylics, I wanted to make sure I had all the information needed to potentially transition into using dip powder over gel. I had so many questions about whether it was safe for my nails, if I would still achieve length without acrylics and if the longevity would be comparable to gel? But my biggest question after countless opinions and my own experience thus far was, “Gel or dip? Which is better and how do I choose?” So, to begin my journey into the world of dip powder manicures I searched for the best nail salon near me that offered dip manicures and scheduled an appointment.
What I found was that the short answer of whether gel or dip manicures are better depends on your preferences for final look, sanitation, longevity, and price. The long answer is that while dip powder manicures do offer multiple benefits, they are not outwardly healthier for your nails than gel even though dip does not utilize the same UV/LED light as gel. But, to help you come to a decision yourself, I’ll provide more insight into my experience with dip powder manicures.
The Process
When I went to the nail salon, the technician first removed any and all nail polish from my nails using an acetone nail polish remover. She then buffed and smoothed out my nail and began the cutting and shaping process. Following the cuticle removal and cleaning process, my technician began with a primer and clear base coat. Dip powder offers a large variety of colors, but I opted for a periwinkle shade which is not only Pantone’s color of the year but one of the must have nails for the upcoming summer season which you can learn more about by checking out our article about the hottest nail trends for 2022.
For the actual process of the dip, the technician began with a clear powder where she dipped my finger, brushed off the excess and topped with a clear coat. She repeated this process until my nail was completely coated and hardened with the clear coat. She then dipped my nail into the periwinkle-colored powder and followed the steps of brushing the excess and sealed it with a clear coat. In total, the process took around an hour and a half but that could vary depending on your nail salon.
Here’s a video demonstrating the dip powder nails process:
Переглянути цей допис в Instagram
Final Look
Both gel and dip powder manicures can provide a gorgeous result. They each offer a wide variety of colors and you can get creative with designs using either option. As for length, dip manicures do offer the option of nail extensions so you will not have to sacrifice length or shape to utilize dip powder. This process involves the nail technician adding a fake nail tip which they file to the requested shape and continue the nail dip process as usual. Because of the fake nail extension, it requires less upkeep and results in less damage to the nail than acrylics. The only drawback for the final look of dip powder manicures is that they can result in a bulkier look and feel than gel polish because of the amount of powder used. This can be avoided if done correctly so be sure to go to a trusted salon and it may be best to avoid completing the process yourself.
Sanitation
The biggest question with dip powder manicures is whether or not it is safe. This can be a loaded question when comparing gel and dip powder manicures because they each offer their own risks. One of the benefits of dip powder is that you avoid the UV/LED exposure that comes with gel manicures. However, with dip manicures there is a larger risk of unsanitary conditions throughout the dip process. Having multiple clients dip their nail into the same powder or have dip residue fall into a container from being sprinkled onto the nail can be an easy way for bacteria and potential infection to be transferred. The safest way to get a dip manicure is for the technician to create a smaller, personal, and one time use container of the dip powder being used that will be discarded after its use. Another safe method for dip manicures is to have the technician sprinkle the powder above the nail and let the remaining powder fall onto a sheet beneath the hand and discard any powder which falls. In this case you do NOT want to see the powder fall back into the container or be poured back into the container to be used on other clients.
Longevity (and cost)
The largest perk of dip powder manicures is the longevity they offer. Dip manicures can last three weeks or more depending on the level of post-manicure care. This can make it extremely cost effective as you will not be returning to the salon as frequently as you would with a gel manicure. Dip manicures can be about $5 to $10 more than gel but their longevity makes up for it.
Dip Nails Removal
This is where the question of whether dip is healthier than gel really comes to light. Because both gel and dip utilize a removal process that involves soaking off the polish with acetone, each process can be harsh to the nails. The use of any acetone or harsh chemical to remove the polish is what can leave the nail feeling weak or brittle. Getting the polish removed by your technician versus doing so at home can help to remedy the impact the manicure and removal process can have on your nails.
It never hurts to do your research before deciding between gel and dip powder manicures. My biggest advice would be to not only evaluate the pros and cons but to conduct thorough research into the salon providing the service as to avoid any risk of infection or poor-quality service.
Why Dip Powder Nails Are Better Than Gel
-
Nails Near Me
- Powder Dip Nails
- Polygel Nails
- Nail Salon Near Me
- Nail Places Near Me
- Dipping Powder Nails