Dip Powder Manicures Are Officially the Buzziest Nail Salon Trend (2024)

FAQs

Dip Powder Manicures Are Officially the Buzziest Nail Salon Trend? ›

SNS nails — otherwise known as a “dip powder manicure” — are made with a powder and glue, and the combo creates a long-lasting bond on your nails. SNS is actually a brand of dip powder, the same way OPI and Essie are brands of nail polish, which is how the method got its name.

Dip powder manicures tend to be sturdier and more durable than other types, so they can be a good option, especially if you're someone who works with your hands a lot.

Dip powder nails and gel nails are both types of artificial nails that can be used to enhance the appearance of natural nails. They are both applied over the natural nail and require a curing process to harden and set.

Dip powder isn't necessarily “good” for your nails (because no nail technique—other than having bare nails—truly is), but they shouldn't create any long-term damage either, so long as your technician is taking safety measures into account (more on this below...).

Nail's health. Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.

If you're unsure how often you should take breaks from dip nails, following a set schedule can be helpful. Dr. Lipner from AAD recommend taking a break every 3-4 weeks if you're using dip powder regularly. This allows your natural nails to grow out and replenish any nutrients that may have been depleted.

Can bacteria grow in dip powder? In order to have bacteria grow, water must be present in the powder. This is why OPI highly recommends that salons use separate medicine cups to apply a dip service rather than dipping straight into the jar as mentioned above.

Because you're creating several coats over your natural nail, dip nails tend to look a bit thicker compared to a simple gel manicure or even acrylics. That said, a skilled nail tech can create a natural-looking, smooth appearance that's not overly thick.

The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.

What is the healthiest nail option? ›

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

Parvatova agrees, citing that “it's not uncommon for well-applied, high-quality dip manicures to stay pristine for up to four or five weeks.” Aaron has a little more of a conservative estimate, recommending that dip powder nails be redone roughly every 21 days, or three weeks, again likely due to new growth.

Dip powder contains chemicals such as cyanoacrylate, which forms a strong bond with your natural nail when activated by an adhesive or activator liquid. This reaction can cause temporary irritation and sensitivity in your nails, leading to that strange sensation you may be feeling.

What is "Dip Flu?" "Dip Flu" is a reaction to the contents of Step 1 and Step 3 in a dip system liquid set. From our experience and observations, far less than 1% of our customers have experienced a "Dip Flu" reaction, so there is a very strong chance you will not be affected at all.

1. Cost-Effective: Filling dip powder nails is a cost-effective option as it extends the life of your manicure, reducing the frequency of complete removal and reapplication.

They Last Longer Than Gel And Acrylic

Dip powder nails last from four to six weeks without trips to the salon, touch-ups, or further treatments. In contrast, gel only lasts up to two weeks, and acrylics last up to six weeks. However, acrylics require visits to the salon for nail maintenance every two weeks.

Nail pitting is when small round depressions or notches appear in the nails. It's common in people who have skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Nail pitting also may be related to alopecia areata — an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.

To sum it all up, dip powder is healthier, longer lasting, and easier to apply and remove than acrylics.