Dip powder manicures are a popular alternative to acrylic and gel nails, known for their durability and long-lasting finish. But how long can you really wear dip nails before needing a touch-up? We've researched thoroughly to provide you with the answers.
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Continue reading to discover just how long dip powder nails can last and when you might need to schedule your next nail appointment.
What to Consider While Maintaining Your Dip Powder Nails
After receiving a dip-powder manicure, you must consider a few different factors to maintain them.
How Often Should You Get Dip Powder Nails?
This process takes longer than gel nails and about the same amount of time as acrylic nails. Once you choose your shade (we recommend any of these gorgeous pink shades), the nail technician removes any old polish from your nails.
After that, they smooth your natural nail with a buffer to prepare for the powder layering process.
To understand the durability of this method, you need to count the layers of powder required to coat a single nail. A nail technician dips each nail 2 or 3 times and goes over each layer with a clear setting polish.
Then, they take an electric buffer and smooth out the layers to form a smooth surface. Finally, they end the process with a topcoat, which can sometimes be a gel polish.
Most find that dip powder lasts longer than two weeks, averaging about three weeks. This means you should expect a once-per-month visit to the nail salon to remove and apply the powder.
If your nails grow faster than the average person's, you may need to visit the salon every two weeks.
Why Are My Dip Powder Nails Cracking?
The most likely reason your nail cracked is the quality of your manicure. According to nail technicians, cracking happens when too much powder is applied to each layer.
If you find a crack in one of your nails within a week of getting a manicure, return to the salon to have it corrected. Barring incorrect application of the powder, dip powder should never crack.
Does Dip Powder Expire?
Like most beauty products, dip powder has a shelf life. This nail specialist advises that most quality powders possess a one- to eighteen-month window of freshness. Be sure to choose a salon that regularly replaces its powders and never recycles powder for other uses.
Make sure that your technician shakes off the powder onto the counter and not back into the container. If you ever see this happen, go to another salon. This means they are using a powder that touches other customers’ hands, spreading germs easily.
For those wondering about other nail enhancements, check out our article "Can You Put Regular Nail Polish Over Gel, Polygel, Or Dip Powder?" to explore additional options for your nails.
Can You Remove Dip Powder Nails Yourself?
Yes! With a few essential supplies, you can remove dip nails yourself. This perk makes the new trend much more appealing if you don't visit the salon monthly.
How Do You Remove Dip Powder Nails?
Of course, salons exist to help with the professional removal of dip powder. However, if you want to save money, you may remove them yourself at home.
Removing Dip Powder Nails With Pure Acetone
Check out this helpful tutorial to remove dip powder from your nails using pure acetone in 10 to 15 minutes.
This video walks you through a simple process. To begin, you need dry rice, a microwave-safe bowl, a ziplock sandwich bag, and pure acetone. You may also grab some optional supplies, such as a nail file, vaseline, and cuticle oil.
Heat the dry rice in the microwave-safe bowl for one minute. Make sure the rice does not scald! Put enough acetone in a ziplock bag. Optionally, file your nails beforehand and rub Vaseline on your fingers to protect them from drying out.
Dip your nails into the bag. Then submerge your fingers into the bowl of warm rice (make sure it’s not too hot) and rub your nails against the dryer sheet. Optionally finish with cuticle oil.
Removing Dip Powder Nails Without Pure Acetone
To bypass pure acetone, opt for regular nail polish with a much lower concentration of acetone, as shown in the video below.
Without the pure acetone, you must file your nails aggressively. Use a portable electric nail drill to file off the shine of your nails thoroughly.
Then, place cotton balls soaked in nail polish remover on each nail and cover them with a nail cap or a piece of aluminum foil.
The purest method of removal requires white vinegar. Vinegar allows for a chemical-free removal process, but it hardly compares to the ease of pure acetone. Just be prepared for a much more arduous process of filing and soaking your nails in vinegar for up to 30 minutes.
How Do You Strengthen Nails After Dip Powder?
Dip powder may potentially leave your nails brittle. If you find that dip powder fails to meet your standards, we recommend using these nail polishes at home instead.
If you enjoy the dip powder method, make sure you regularly take breaks from the salon between manicures to strengthen your nails.
One easy and affordable way to boost nail health is to soak them in olive oil. Most people already have olive oil in their pantries, making it an accessible remedy.
If you prefer a different oil, you can try argan, jojoba, or vitamin E. Apply using a cotton pad or a dropper. We recommend these oils to strengthen your nails throughout the year.
The Argan Oil pictured below comes with a dropper so that it perfectly portions out the oil with each use. Organic argan oil is fast-absorbing and great for sensitive skin.
Vitamin E oil promotes stronger cuticles and nails.
Strengthen your nails through your diet and supplements. Biotin supplements boast benefits not only for strengthening your nails but also for your hair.
According to dermatologists, a diet rich in protein and calcium can help boost nail health. Above all, staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day helps prevent dry nails.
Finally, incorporating a routine of clipping, filing, and moisturizing your nails (and your hands) ensures ongoing optimal nail care. Moisturizer or lotion should be applied daily, especially after washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
Here are two of our recommendations for hand lotion:
Final Thoughts on Dip Powder Nails
Dip powder nails can last up to three weeks, which is perfect for reducing salon visits. Consider removing the powder at home to save on salon costs. Take a break every few months and use nourishing oils for healthy nails.
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