Dip Powder Nails: Your Guide to the Popular Manicure – L’Oréal Paris

The Drawbacks of Dip Powder Nails

While there are several benefits to choosing dip powder nails, there are also cons of dip powder nails.

1. Dip Powder Can Be Unsanitary 

The biggest con around dip powder nails is that they can become very unsanitary depending on how your salon applies it. If your nail technician is dipping each finger into the pot of dip powder, that’s a red flag. It’s extremely unsanitary and means the dip powder contains the germs and bacteria from every person who picked that color before you.

Unlike gel and traditional nail polish where the chemical composition makes it hard for bacteria to grow inside the bottles,  dip powder is a completely different story. Ideally, your nail technician should pour enough powder for your nails into a single-use container to dip your nails in or the powder should be brushed on.

2. Dip Powder Can Still Damage Your Nails

If you’re removing your dip powder nails incorrectly or pulling them off your nails, they’re definitely going to cause damage. The only way you should be removing your dip powder nails is with acetone and soaking them off.

3. Dip Powder Can Discolor and Stain Your Nails 

If the dip powder that’s applied to your nails is old or expired, your nails may turn yellow or discolor. This can also happen with some sunscreens and self-tanning products that get on top of your dip powder nails or under the nails. If this is a consistent problem with your dip powder nails, try a different brand of dip powder because it’s likely the formulation.

Are Dip Powder Nails Safe?

When everything is kept sanitary, dip powder nails are perfectly safe. Since they don’t require a UV light or harsh chemicals like acrylic, you could even argue that they’re safer than other common nail services.

How Much Do Dip Powder Nails Cost?

Prices will vary based on the salon you go to, but dip nails can cost anywhere between $30 and $60 for a standard manicure. Of course, this cost can increase depending on where you live and how popular the service is there.

How Long Do Dip Powder Nails Last?

On average, dip powder nails can last anywhere from two weeks to a month. Technique is going to make all the difference if you’re looking to go a month with your manicure. The nice thing about dip nails is that since they’re less prone to chipping, once your manicure has grown out, it will still look polished and clean.

How Do You Remove Dip Powder Nails?

Removing dip powder nails at home is very similar to removing acrylic nails or gel extensions. First, file down the dip powder to break the surface, then soak your nails with acetone, cotton and foil. Let the acetone sit on your nails for fifteen minutes and the powder will dissolve into a jelly-like substance that you can easily scrape off your nails.

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Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: iStock