Each month, like clockwork, I march into the salon of my go-to nail technician, prepared for us to create magic. I’ve been loyal to Aprés Gel-X (gentle gel nail extensions) for about three years now, however that doesn’t imply my thoughts received’t sometimes wander. As somebody who isn’t ever seen and not using a vibrant gel manicure or intricate artwork on medium-coffin Gel-X nails, I’m at all times in search of cool, ingenious methods to spruce up my claws. In line with a fellow co-worker, dip powder nails deserved my consideration.
I used to be riddled with questions, primarily, “Is it protected for my nails?” which had been, at that time, in critical restoration mode. A fast Google search led me to top-of-the-line salons in New York Metropolis, which provides the process Snow Fairy Nail Spa. I went to see what all of the hype was about.
To begin, Anna, one of many nail technicians within the salon, eliminated all of the nail polish from my nail utilizing acetone. Subsequent, she pulled out her electrical buffing machine to easy out any rugged areas on my nail and create a clear canvas for the powder to stay to. After chopping and shaping my nail—I opted for an oval form—and pushing again my cuticles, it was time for the enjoyable to start. Anna brushed on a primer, then swiped on a transparent polish. Whereas there have been an array of powder colours to select from, I stored it easy with nude.
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My dip powder nails after one week.
To my shock, the dip powder manicure course of was pretty easy: Anna dipped every finger into the clear, finely-milled powder, disregarded the surplus powder, set it with a transparent protecting polish, and repeated these steps till my nail was totally coated and hardened. After making use of OPI’s Freedom of Peach, Anna sealed every nail with a gel high coat and positioned my palms below a fan dryer. The method took about an hour and a half in whole, and for $51, the manicure was nonetheless in tip-top form after every week of fumbling via my purse for my keys, typing on my laptop computer, and washing my palms across the clock.
“However is it more healthy than gel manicures?” you’re most likely questioning.
“They’re comparable in that each present an additional layer of safety to pure nails,” says licensed nail technician Harli G. “Dip nails don’t require UV/LED mild and are sometimes a a lot faster course of to use from begin to end. Nevertheless, gel nails are inclined to look a bit extra pure on the nails than dip powder.” Are you prepared to modify to dip? Right here are some things to contemplate.
Are you able to DIY dip nails?
Whereas nail dip powder appears innocent, they nonetheless include harsh chemical compounds that pose a well being threat. “I’d by no means advocate doing both of those therapies as a DIY at dwelling as a result of, for each therapies, there are chemical merchandise that may hurt pores and skin or the nail plate if not correctly utilized. Even professional-grade merchandise and merchandise marketed for at-home use include dangerous chemical compounds, so it’s simply safer to go to an expert for each gel and dip therapies,” Harli advises. When doubtful, err on the facet of security.
How lengthy do dip manicures final?
Consequently, nail dip manicures might be price and time efficient. “For busier shoppers, dip powder is a good possibility as they final three weeks or longer, relying on the extent of at-home care after the manicure,” Lily, a nail technician at @zilythenailbar, tells us. That is virtually twice the longevity of your customary gel manicure.
Do all salons supply dip powder?
Examine your salon earlier than you make an appointment. “An enormous threat for dip nail manicures is sanitation. It’s extremely unsanitary for a number of shoppers to dip their fingers in the identical container of powder. Even pouring the product over a number of shoppers’ nails and permitting the product powder to fall again into the container is a simple means for nail infections to be handed between shoppers. In the event you discover techs making use of the dip powder in both of these methods, go away and go to a unique salon,” warns Lily.
Are you able to get dip extensions?
For years, individuals have gravitated in the direction of acrylics to attain lengthy nails. Dip powder nonetheless permits nail techs to increase the nail’s size. In reality, “dip powder is extra light-weight than acrylic, which permits it to put on and tear higher and last more,” Lily shares. As soon as the nail tech provides pretend nail suggestions, they’ll file the nail all the way down to the requested form, after which use the “dip” method to use a skinny layer of coloured powder to the nail.
How do you take away dip manicures?
Dip manicures might be harsh in your nails—to reduce the impression, don’t attempt to take away your manicure your self. “With all nail enhancements, there’s a threat of your nail plates changing into dehydrated and brittle. The removing course of is essential. In my expertise, most points with poor pure nail well being consequence from nail enhancements, significantly dip nails, and stem from makes an attempt to DIY removing at dwelling. It’s at all times most secure to return to the salon and have a licensed skilled take away any product for you,” Harli emphasizes. We all know choosing at a manicure is tempting, however it’s simply not well worth the well being penalties, plain and easy.
How must you care for your dip manicure?
Outdoors of your manicure, being considerate and delicate in the direction of your palms goes a good distance. “Extra publicity to chemical compounds reminiscent of these present in family cleaners can result in weakened enhancements or brittle pure nails. I at all times advocate carrying protecting gloves to guard the enhancement, your pure nails, and the encompassing pores and skin from weakening, which may result in painful breakage. Restoring hydration after the therapy and throughout the put on time will allow you to keep away from any mishaps from dip powder enhancements. Attempt to apply cuticle oils and high-quality moisturizers a number of instances a day,” Harli suggests. Everyone knows how necessary moisturizing is, so guarantee your palms get the identical therapy. Fortunately, we’ve executed the analysis for you. Behold, one of the best nails serums in the marketplace:
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Magnificence Commerce Editor
Nerisha is the sweetness commerce editor at ELLE.com, protecting all issues magnificence (and trend and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends means an excessive amount of time re-watching 90s sitcoms.