A gel manicure that lasts two weeks is impressive, but one that can hold up for a whole month? Pinch yourself because you're not dreaming. Enter dip powder nails: a long-wear manicure that lasts up to four weeks without using a UV light to set the polish.
However, you are not sure what to dip into this summer. Let us take a step out of your comfort zone and try something new—summer dip nails.
Today, I would like to talk something about dip powder nails and some designs with summer dip nails. Keep on scrolling.
What Are Summer Dip Nails?
The technique behind summer dip nails actually sounds exactly like the name; essentially, your nails are prepped as they would be for any manicure (old polish removal, trimming dead skin from and/or pushing back the cuticle, and clearing the natural nail plate of any oils for proper adhesion) then pigment is applied in layers via a powder that your nails are literally dipped into while brushing on layers of the bond as an adhesive.
Unlike gel, which is applied like polish and cured with a UV light, dip powder is applied directly to the nail via a three-step process—base/primer coat, color coat until desired coverage is achieved, activator/top coat—and air dries so you don't need a UV light.
How Does Summer Dip Nails Polish Work?
Whether you're getting your nails done at the salon or doing them yourself at home, the process of summer dip nails takes special care and attention. Each salon varies slightly in technique, but you can expect the following steps to be true of most nail salons (and at-home dip powder kits):
1. The nails are prepped: "Before starting any manicure you must make sure the nails are prepped by cleaning and freeing the nail plate of any dirt and oils," Aaron says. This is also where you should push your cuticles back and clip any hangnails, and buff the surface of the nail plate.
2. Bonder is applied: Once you've cleaned and prepped your nails, Aaron says you may apply a bonder so that the product can adhere to the nail plate and lessen the chance of lifting.
3. Base and powder are applied: "Brush on the base just as if you were polishing your nails," Aaron instructs, noting to go one nail at a time. Once you've applied the base coat to a single nail, dip the nail in the dipping tray of powder and repeat on each nail, making sure to brush off any excess. Based on your desired opacity and color intensity, you may want to re-dip your nails two to three times.
4. Wait a few minutes, then apply topcoat: "This step is to dry and harden the product," Aaron says. "You should wait two to five minutes before beginning to shape and file nails after applying the activator. After you shape and file your nails to your desired look, apply a topcoat."
If you're getting your dip powder done at a salon, your nail technician shouldn't actually "dip" your nail into the powder pot. While this was the technique when this trend initially launched, hygiene concerns over different clients' nails being dipped into the same pot have put this practice to a stop. Instead, your nail tech should brush the powder directly onto your nail or pour powder from the pot into a Dixie cup for single use (this is wasteful, so most salons use the brush-on method).
Benefits of Getting Summer Dip Nails
Durable
Durability might be the biggest pro of summer dip nails. Dip manicures generally don't chip or display breakage the way more traditional mani methods do. It's a great option for someone who works with their hands a lot or doesn't have the time to dedicate to weekly manicure maintenance.
Of course, exact results will vary based on your daily activities — nothing can disrupt fresh tips quite like dishwashing or weight lifting, as examples.
The application of dip helps grow out your natural nails without the use of acrylic monomers or curing in UV lamps. Dip manicures give strength to the natural nails and a nice, even color application that does not fade.
Odor-free
The materials used are similar to standard products, but the powders are entirely odor free. Whether you do this at home or in a salon, the idea of an odor-free experience may be part of the appeal.
Less Messy
Few of us have hands steady enough to paint our own nails in a flawless way. The dipping process ensures that you won't spend time with swabs and pads trying to tidy up you're less than ideal applications.
Comfort
As one expert said, "Owing to the way the process works, you get less powder on your nails than with an acrylic nails manicure," leaving you with much thinner and far more prominent and uncomfortable nails.
Time
Though it can take longer for some steps, the dip powder nails don't require a lot of time and are often completed in a much shorter time span than traditional acrylics require. The fact that it can be easily learned as a DIY project means less time spent in the car driving to and from the salon.
Designs of Summer Dip Nails
There are no more dreadful sweaters or teddy coats because higher temps call for midi dresses, ankle strap sandals, and ruffle skirts.
Moreover, summer is all about experimentation, so if you're interested in livening up your nail looks, check out these five summer dip nails trends. Trust me, you'll be running to the salon.
Abstract Neons
This trend of summer dip nails spices things up a bit. Rather than employing just one neon shade, it plays with different abstract designs (think fruit, checkerboard squares, and flowers) using multiple bright, eye-catching hues.
Chrome Effects
You'd think that chrome summer dip nails— which feature a metallic and reflective metal polish—wouldn't fit into the excess of bright and flashy-colored summer trends, since it's a bit darker. But this popular, versatile style works wonders. You can apply a summer touch by using iridescent chrome colors, which can add a shimmery, colorful summer touch to the nails.
Fun multicolored mani
Welcome to the rainbow mani family! Yes, summer is for colors. This trendy multi-color summer dip nails are perfect for any of your summer outfits. Don't forget to add some beaded accessories, to achieve a chic summer look!
White Summer dip Nails with a Twist
White summer dip nails have long been a summer staple. But add a colorful chunky glitter and your white summer nails will be next level!
Summer Sunset Ombre
Ombre bright pink, orange, and yellow, and you've got dreamy summer dip nails-sunset ombre!
5 Tips to Keep Your Summer Dip Nails Healthy
Leave your cuticles alone.
When you or your nail technician cuts (or pushes back) your cuticles, this can lead to a serious infection. Ask your nail technician to leave your cuticles alone. This will reduce your risk of developing a nail infection. At first, your nail tech may object. Remain firm. No pushing or cutting your cuticles.
Skip the "double dip."
When you get summer dip nails, you usually place each finger into various containers of powder. The base coat, color, and top coat all come in powder form.
When you dip your nails into a container that other people have dipped their fingers into, you are double dipping. If someone who had a nail infection or wart already dipped their fingers into these containers, you can pick up these germs. This could lead to a serious nail infection or wart.
To protect your health: Before getting summer dip nails, ask your nail technician how the powders will be applied.
To reduce your risk of infection, your nail technician must use one of these methods:
Pour each powder from its original container into a disposable container and then throw away any unused powder.
Sprinkle the powder from the original containers onto your nails.
Get one dip nail your first time.
Some people develop an allergic reaction to dip nail products. Adhesives, which are used to hold the powders in place, are the main culprit.
An allergic reaction may occur hours to days after your manicure. When a summer dip nail causes an allergic reaction, you may develop one or more of the following:
Swelling, itching, or discolored skin around the nail
Fluid-filled bumps on the skin around the nail
Nail lifts up
To protect your health: apply the powders to just one nail at first.
If you go to a nail salon, ask your nail tech to do just one dip nail. You can get regular nail polish on the rest of your nails. Then wait 7 days.
What you do next depends on what happens. Here are the possibilities:
No skin reaction after 7 days: Go ahead, and get a dip powder manicure on the rest of your nails.
Skin reaction within 7 days: Remove the color from your dip powder nail ASAP and give your skin time to heal. You can get another type of manicure after your skin heals but avoid dip nails. If you need to remove the color at home, follow the steps for removing nail polish at home.
Skin reaction lingers for 2 to 4 weeks: Make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
Give your nails time to recover after each dip powder manicure.
It's not dangerous to apply dip powder every month. However, to remove these manicures, you need to put 100% acetone on your nails, which can damage your nails.
The acetone removes more than the nail color. It peels off layers of nails and thins the nails over time. The acetone can also irritate the surrounding skin.
To protect your health: If you like gel or dip powder manicures, after removing the color, wait one month before getting another one of these manicures.
This doesn't mean you have to skip all manicures for a month. If you like nail color, it's okay to wear regular nail polish.
Look at your bare nails between manicures.
If you like having color on your nails most of (or all) the time, that's okay. Just be sure to check your nails for changes each time the color comes off.
To protect your health: Looking closely at your nails after removing the color helps you spot a problem early. That's important. Most nail problems will heal on their own — or are treatable — when caught early.
If you see a nail technician for manicures, pay attention while your technician removes the color.
While your nails are bare, look for the following:
Nail lifting up
The skin around one or more nails looks swollen or discolored
Thickening nail
Discolored nail
Any change to the skin around a nail, to the nail, or the skin under a nail
If you see any change, remove all nail color and leave your nails bare for 2 to 4 weeks. Many nail problems clear up or begin to grow out within this time.
If you still have a nail problem after 4 weeks, see a board-certified dermatologist. Board-certified dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They have the expertise to tell you what's happening to your nail and what can help.
Conclusion
Don't you hate when you get a gel manicure and it chips right away? Or do you use regular nail polish on your nails and it chips and peels off immediately? Or maybe your nails get soft after wearing gel polish too many times, or you worry about sticking your hand in a UV light. Summer dip nails are here to help you solve all those problems. It's stronger than gel, lasts like acrylics, doesn't need a UV light, and won't ruin your nails.
And Whether you're seeking a fresh new shade to dip onto your nails, or you're a beginner or a pro that's looking for your next design, if you want to rock the summer with your nails, just take a step out of your comfort zone and try the new trends of summer dip nails.