Each month, like clockwork, I march into the salon of my go-to nail technician, prepared for us to create magic. I’ve been loyal to Aprés Gel-X (smooth gel nail extensions) for about three years now, however that doesn’t imply my thoughts gained’t often wander. As somebody who is never ever seen and not using a vibrant gel manicure or intricate artwork on medium-coffin Gel-X nails, I’m at all times in search of cool, creative methods to spruce up my claws. In keeping with a fellow co-worker, dip powder nails deserved my consideration.
I used to be riddled with questions, primarily, “Is it secure for my nails?” which have been, at that time, in critical restoration mode. A fast Google search led me to among the best salons in New York Metropolis, which affords the process Snow Fairy Nail Spa. I went to see what all of the hype was about.
To begin, Anna, one of many nail technicians within the salon, eliminated all of the nail polish from my nail utilizing acetone. Subsequent, she pulled out her electrical buffing machine to easy out any rugged areas on my nail and create a clear canvas for the powder to stay to. After chopping and shaping my nail—I opted for an oval form—and pushing again my cuticles, it was time for the enjoyable to start. Anna brushed on a primer, then swiped on a transparent polish. Whereas there have been an array of powder colours to select from, I saved it easy with nude.
My dip powder nails after one week.
To my shock, the dip powder manicure course of was pretty easy: Anna dipped every finger into the clear, finely-milled powder, disregarded the surplus powder, set it with a transparent protecting polish, and repeated these steps till my nail was absolutely coated and hardened. After making use of OPI’s Freedom of Peach, Anna sealed every nail with a gel high coat and positioned my arms below a fan dryer. The method took about an hour and a half in complete, and for $51, the manicure was nonetheless in tip-top form after every week of fumbling by my purse for my keys, typing on my laptop computer, and washing my arms across the clock.
“However is it more healthy than gel manicures?” you’re in all probability questioning.
“They’re comparable in that each present an additional layer of safety to pure nails,” says licensed nail technician Harli G. “Dip nails don’t require UV/LED gentle and are sometimes a a lot faster course of to use from begin to end. Nevertheless, gel nails are likely to look a bit extra pure on the nails than dip powder.” Are you prepared to modify to dip? Right here are some things to contemplate.
Are you able to DIY dip nails?
Whereas nail dip powder appears innocent, they nonetheless comprise harsh chemical substances that pose a well being danger. “I’d by no means advocate doing both of those therapies as a DIY at house as a result of, for each therapies, there are chemical merchandise that may hurt pores and skin or the nail plate if not correctly utilized. Even professional-grade merchandise and merchandise marketed for at-home use comprise dangerous chemical substances, so it’s simply safer to go to knowledgeable for each gel and dip therapies,” Harli advises. When unsure, err on the facet of security.
How lengthy do dip manicures final?
Consequently, nail dip manicures could be value and time efficient. “For busier purchasers, dip powder is a superb choice as they final three weeks or longer, relying on the extent of at-home care after the manicure,” Lily, a nail technician at @zilythenailbar, tells us. That is virtually twice the longevity of your normal gel manicure.
Do all salons supply dip powder?
Test your salon earlier than you make an appointment. “An enormous danger for dip nail manicures is sanitation. It’s extremely unsanitary for a number of purchasers to dip their fingers in the identical container of powder. Even pouring the product over a number of purchasers’ nails and permitting the product powder to fall again into the container is a straightforward approach for nail infections to be handed between purchasers. In the event you discover techs making use of the dip powder in both of these methods, depart and go to a unique salon,” warns Lily.
Are you able to get dip extensions?
For years, individuals have gravitated in direction of acrylics to attain lengthy nails. Dip powder nonetheless permits nail techs to increase the nail’s size. The truth is, “dip powder is extra light-weight than acrylic, which permits it to put on and tear higher and last more,” Lily shares. As soon as the nail tech provides pretend nail ideas, they are going to file the nail right down to the requested form, after which use the “dip” method to use a skinny layer of coloured powder to the nail.
How do you take away dip manicures?
Dip manicures could be harsh in your nails—to attenuate the impression, don’t attempt to take away your manicure your self. “With all nail enhancements, there’s a danger of your nail plates changing into dehydrated and brittle. The removing course of is essential. In my expertise, most points with poor pure nail well being consequence from nail enhancements, significantly dip nails, and stem from makes an attempt to DIY removing at house. It’s at all times most secure to return to the salon and have a licensed skilled take away any product for you,” Harli emphasizes. We all know choosing at a manicure is tempting, but it surely’s simply not well worth the well being penalties, plain and easy.
How do you have to maintain your dip manicure?
Exterior of your manicure, being considerate and mild in direction of your arms goes a good distance. “Extra publicity to chemical substances similar to these present in family cleaners can result in weakened enhancements or brittle pure nails. I at all times advocate sporting protecting gloves to guard the enhancement, your pure nails, and the encompassing pores and skin from weakening, which might result in painful breakage. Restoring hydration after the remedy and through the put on time will show you how to keep away from any mishaps from dip powder enhancements. Attempt to apply cuticle oils and high-quality moisturizers a number of occasions a day,” Harli suggests. Everyone knows how vital moisturizing is, so guarantee your arms get the identical remedy. Fortunately, we’ve executed the analysis for you. Behold, the very best nails serums in the marketplace:
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