Within the past few years, acrylic and gel nails found a contender in the form of dip powder manicures. While acrylic and gel nails offer their perks, dip powder manicures provide a finish that potentially lasts the longest of the three options. So just how long can you keep dip nails on? We researched this, so you know when to make your next nail appointment.
Dip powder nails last 2-3 weeks, depending on how quickly your nails grow.
Keep reading for all the details about how long dip powder nails last.
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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 to expect a once per month visit to the nail salon to remove and apply the powder. If your nails grow more quickly than the average person, you may need to go to the salon every two weeks.
Why Are My Dip Powder Nails Cracking?
The most likely answer to why your nail cracked lies in the quality of your manicure. According to nail technicians, cracking happens when too much powder is applied in each layer. If you find a crack in one of your nails within a week of getting a manicure, return to the salon for it to be 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 an eighteen-month window of freshness. Be sure to choose a salon that regularly replaces their powders and never recycles their powder from 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 that they are using a powder that touches other customers’ hands, which spreads germs easily.
Can You Remove Dip Powder Nails Yourself?
Yes! You can remove dip nails yourself with a few essential supplies. This perk makes the new trend much more appealing if you choose not to 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 some money, you may choose to remove them yourself at home.
Removing Dip Powder Nails With Pure Acetone
Check out this helpful tutorial to remove dip powder from your nails in 5 minutes using pure acetone.
This video walks you through a simple process. To begin, you need dry rice, a microwave-safe bowl, a ziplock sandwich bag, a dryer sheet, 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 in 30-second increments. Make sure the rice is not scalding! Put a dryer sheet in a ziplock bag with just enough acetone to soak the nails of one hand. Optionally file your nails beforehand and rub vaseline on your fingers to protect them from drying out.
Dip your nails into the bag and zip. 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. The dip powder should be completely removed within 5 minutes. Optionally finish with cuticle oil.
Get this 100% pure acetone on Amazon.
Find these nail files on Amazon.
We recommend this cocoa butter vaseline on Amazon.
Order this milk and honey revitalizing cuticle oil on Amazon.
Removing Dip Powder Nails Without Pure Acetone
To bypass pure acetone, opt for regular nail polish with a much lower concentration of acetone, such as 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 with a nail cap or a piece of aluminum foil.
Find this portable electric nail drill on Amazon.
Order remover cap clips from Amazon.
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 your nail health is to soak your nails in olive oil. Most people already have olive oil on hand in their pantries, so it makes for 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.
Order this argan oil on Amazon.
Vitamin E oil promotes stronger cuticles and nails.
Order this Vitamin E oil on Amazon.
Organic argan oil is fast-absorbing and great for sensitive skin.
Order this argan oil on Amazon.
Strengthen your nails through your diet and your supplements, as well. Biotin supplements boast benefits not only for strengthening your nails but also for your hair. A diet rich in protein and calcium can help boost your nail health, according to dermatologists. Above all, staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day helps keep your nails from drying out.
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:
Order the CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion on Amazon.
Order the Aveeno lavender-scented hand lotion on Amazon.
Final Thoughts on Dip Powder Nails
If you desire fewer trips to the salon, dip powder provides a long-lasting manicure. With a quality dip powder manicure, plan to visit the salon every three weeks. Save some money and time in the salon by removing the powder at home. Be sure to maintain the health of your nails every 3-4 months by taking a break from manicures and utilizing beneficial oils.
