Dip Powder Vs. Gel Nails: What’s the Real Difference—And Which One’s Worth It?

Today, there are so many sorts of manicures to select from. However, dip powder and gel proceed to be two of the hottest choices. Both may help you obtain a shocking, chip-resistant end, however is one higher (or safer) than the different? Ahead, three manicurists break down every little thing it is advisable learn about the variations between dip powder and gel polish manicures.

What Is Dip Powder?

Dip powders are basically acrylic powders, based on celeb nail artist, Natalie Minerva. The polymers in dip powder give it its sturdiness, serving to it to final for as much as 4 or 5 weeks. “Dip is best for someone looking for a long-lasting manicure that adds strength to the natural nail,” Nailing Hollywood’s, Elizabeth Hanna, provides.

Here’s the way it works:

• First, a bonding liquid and base coat are utilized to the nails.
• Then, every nail is dipped into the coloured powder. This step is repeated one or two extra instances, relying on the desired look.
• Afterward, the nails are buffed and filed. A liquid sealant is then utilized to harden and seal the powder.
• The final step? Swiping on a prime coat to make sure the nails are shiny. Alternatively, some nail artists will use a transparent gel prime coat and treatment it with a UV or LED gentle to make sure the nails dry sooner.

On common, you may count on to spend $35 to $50 on dip powder nails. The precise price will range relying on the metropolis you are in and the way skilled your nail artist is.

Is Dip Powder Safe?

With dip powder manicures at salons, there’s the hotly debated sanitary subject. If a number of folks’s fingernails are dipped right into a single powder jar, they will probably turn into contaminated and unfold micro organism if scrapes or cuts are current. “If unclean hands are dipped directly into the dip powder pot, there is a risk of contamination or infection,” Hanna provides. However, you may keep away from this by asking your manicurist to sprinkle the powder onto your nails.

“I’ve heard some people mention experiencing symptoms like runny noses, coughs, or sore throats, often referred to as ‘the dip flu,'” says creator and DIY manicurist, Rachael. “If this happens, you can take precautions to avoid it, such as using a fan to circulate the air, opening a window, or wearing a mask.”

What Is Gel Polish?

Gel nail polish is utilized utilizing the similar methodology as conventional nail polish (i.e., base coat, coloration, and topcoat), however every layer should be cured underneath a UV or LED gentle (most salons use the latter at the moment) for 30 to 60 seconds.

“Gel polish is a resin-like liquid,” Minerva says. “There are catalysts in the gel that react to LED and UV light, causing it to dry and harden instantly. Most nail artists who do gel nails today use LED lights, which have less UV exposure and require far less time under the light than old-school UV lights.”

While providing some power and construction, Rachael provides that gel polish is extra versatile and should not final as lengthy, probably peeling over time. “But gel polish allows for creativity with nail art, whereas dip powder is more limited,” she says.

Hanna says gel polish is interesting as a result of it’s extra sturdy than conventional polish, lasting two to a few weeks with out chipping. The price of a gel manicure varies, relying on the nail salon’s location and the nail technician’s expertise degree. However, you may count on to pay wherever between $30 to $50.

Is Gel Polish Safe?

With gel polish, it is advisable be additional cautious, says Rachael. “Overexposure to [the polish] on your skin over time can lead to a contact reaction, causing itchiness where the gel polish touches the skin and can spread. It can also result in little red bumps or blisters that irritate your skin.” To stop this, she suggests at all times making certain the product does not contact your pores and skin. “If it does, remove it before curing.”

Rachael mentions being aware of UV publicity from curing lights. “I’ve had skin cancer and have spoken to my dermatologist about this concern, as I love doing my nails, which requires using UV and LED curing lights,” she explains. She suggests carrying UV-protective gloves to cowl the palms whereas curing. “I also keep sunscreen in my nail area to apply before starting. These are just extra precautions you can take to reduce UV exposure.”

Dip Powder vs. Gel Polish: What’s the Difference?

• Application: With dip manicures, there isn’t any have to harden the powder with a UV or LED lamp like with gel polish. Instead, dip powder air dries between every coat. With gel manicures, the UV or LED lamp dries every layer of polish inside 30 to 60 seconds.
• Appearance: The major distinction between gel polish and dip powder is that dip powder incorporates polymers, giving them a special appear and feel, based on Minerva. “Dip nails are typically [thicker]and the application process is different because it includes the addition of the polymer.”
• Versatility: Generally, there’s a wider number of gel nail polish colours and finishes (from sheer to matte). Plus, you may create extra intricate nail artwork utilizing gel nail polish since it is a liquid. On the different hand, dip powders are normally obtainable in a choose vary of opaque or glitter shades—and there is much less flexibility to create designs utilizing powder.
• Removal: Both dip powder and gel polish should be eliminated utilizing acetone. Minerva says the course of includes submitting down the prime layer of powder or gel polish, making use of an acetone-soaked cotton ball onto the nails, and wrapping it in foil. However, Hanna says it’s price noting that dip powder is extra sturdy than gel. “This means it is more difficult to remove and can lead to nail damage if it is not applied and removed properly,” she notes.

The Final Takeaway

There’s no proper or fallacious selection when deciding between a dip powder or gel polish manicure. One manicure is not higher on your nails than the different, and selecting between the two comes down to non-public choice. Both choices will give you a long-lasting, shiny manicure. Ultimately, you’ll want to take into account the present state of your nails, your price range, and the way lengthy you need the manicure to final.

Hanna says dip powder could also be the best choice for those who favor a manicure that doesn’t require the use of UV or LED lights. On the different hand, for those who wish to put on intricate nail artwork, take into account a gel polish mani. “Make sure you see a knowledgeable nail artist who can advise what product is best for you and your nails,” Hanna says.

Rachael says each strategies are thought-about protected, however something, when misused, may cause harm or hurt. “Dip powder and gel polish are perfectly safe when used correctly and with the proper safety measures and products,” she says.