We have long been wise to the damaging effect of UV rays from the sun, diligently applying SPF come rain or shine.
We’ve even wised up to the impact of Blue Light from our devices, and yet, while we slot our hands under UV or LED lamps every other week at the nail salon, it took many of us by surprise to consider that this could be harmful to the skin on our hands.
According to Cancer Council, the ultraviolet (UV) radiation lamps that are used in nail salons around the world to set gel manicures “emit UV radiation, predominantly UVA rays which have been linked to increased risk of skin cancer”.
Fingerless gloves and broad-spectrum sun creams are essential if, like us, treating yourself to a mani is one of the few luxuries you consider non-negotiable. But there is another option.
We’re not saying you need to sacrifice the lasting power of gel and return to classic polish. You can still have a mani that lasts two to three weeks by switching out your typical OPI or Gel Bottle with a dip powder alternative. What’s more, you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
What is dipping powder for nails?
Lynn Mason, Nail Expert at Mavala explains, “Essentially, dipping powder involves applying thin layers of acrylic powder onto the nail. Beforehand, a primer is necessary to dehydrate the nail plate. Then, acrylic liquid is applied, followed by dipping the nails into the powder. This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved”.
How do you use dip powder for nails?
- As with all at-home and in-salon manis, the key to a successful polish with staying power is in the preparation. Before you even get to the colour of your choosing, start with clean, buffed and primed nails.
- Next up, base coat. Then dip your nails into an even pot of pigment in powdered form, brush away the excess and repeat for all 10 digits. Apply the magical applicator formulation and file for a smooth finish.
- To finish it off, seal with a topcoat and leave to air dry.
- It does take a few tries to get it right – practice makes perfect but once you do, you may just find it’s far quicker and lasts longer than your gel manis – with no UV light necessary.
What should you look for in a dipping powder nail kit?
When you’re just starting out, you want a set that has a few shades of colourful milled powder included so you can get creative as well as the necessary polishes listed above. Whether you’re staunchly red-nails-only, love a French or have a penchant for glitter, there are pigments to suit.
A file and brush are welcomed additions too.
How to remove dip powder nails?
Mason reveals that “Dipping powder is only removed by using acetone and filing”. She cautions “However, this is not very healthy for the nails – acetone can be very dehydrating and potentially damaging for the nail – especially if over filing occurs on the nail bed. It's always a treatment to really think about”. To protect your nails, be diligent with nail strengtheners and cuticle oils between applications.
Are nail dip powders safe?
“Always use a branded company that complies with all the regulations here in the UK”, advises Mason. “Double check the origin of the product as some can cause nasty reactions!”.
Shop the best nail dip powders below
Wakaniya Dipping Powder Nail Kit 12 Colour
This all-encompassing kit comes with 10 different hues so you can get mix up your mani. Switch it up from the classic red to the glitzy tones of silver and pink or throwback to childhood days layering up Tip-Ex with the white shade.
Designed for beginners, the hues are complete with everything you need to ace the dip powder nail trend. With the included nail file and buffer, you can prep your nails before applying the base coat. Use the brush to swipe away excess powder and apply the activator. Once dry, double down on the topcoat. To add to the longevity of your application, there is also a Brush Saver to protect your nails and make the shade more vibrant.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Sample Beauty Nail Dipping Powder
To add to an existing collection or for those who want to simply dip their toe into the dip powdered nail trend, Sample Beauty is offering individual pots. You can’t go wrong with Class and Sass, a daring and eye-catching red that is timeless and vibrant. There are also shades of blue, white, yellow and lilac. The finely milled texture minimises the likelihood of snapping or bending.
Buy now £6.00, Beauty Bay
Cuccio Pro Powder Polish - Nail Colour Dip System Set - Heatwave Collection
Cuccio is a brand revered by expert nail artists and this collection of eight shades was designed to be added to a professional kit. It doesn’t contain the necessary additional coats, simply the powders in hues of yellow, teal, three variations of pink (from fuchsia to pastel), two tones of purple and an orange-red. The brand has formulated these products to counteract breakage and give longevity to your mani.
Buy now £9.95, Nail Polish Direct
Kiara Sky Professional Nails Dip Powder Dip System - Color Kit
This is another professional label but Kiara has channelled its know-how into a set for beginners. In the kit, there are five colourways as well as everything you need to perfect the polish alternative on the nails. This includes the bond, base, seal and topcoat as well as a nourishing oil and brush saver. There is no need to purchase anything else – especially no UV lamp. Just air dry for three weeks of nail perfection.
Buy now, Nail Polish Direct
Lofuanna Dip Powder Nail Kit
Loufuanna is a bestseller on Amazon for a reason. The brand makes it easy to achieve a pro-level dip powder nail. The label has scaled it back to just three steps – base, activator and topcoat. There are buffing products included within the set and four colours. The hues are muted in tone for a timeless look, ranging from snow white to shimmer pink.
Buy now £13.69, Amazon
Aikker Acrylic Dip Powder Starter Kit
Starring the surprisingly wearable and unmissable purple shade, this kit is a testament to Aikker’s prowess. The brand is offering a dip powder bumper pack, packaged up in an adorable polka dot box. Not only will you be treated to eight tonal hues with two glitzy included, but there’s a dipping tray and the core three prep polishes too. There is also the brush shaver formula to offer lasting power.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
Saviland Dip Powder Nail Kit
When your bi-weekly gel polish is weakening your nails and causing breakage, but you don’t feel like yourself without a playful shade, look to Saviland’s acrylic powder. The brand packs 10 shades into its kit with a finely milled texture that ensures its durability and ease of application. Once you have taken the necessary steps with the base, topcoat and activator, simply leave to air dry. It’s that easy.
Buy now £18.69, Amazon
Lavender Violets 14g x 6 Colors Dip Powder
When you’re looking to add more colours to your ever-growing dip powder collection, Lavender Violets has a rainbow array to choose from. These six-strong selections are tonal in their inspiration, ranging in palettes from muted black, grey and beige hues to the eye-popping neons of yellow, green and turquoise. No matter your shade preference, you have a finely milled texture that will dry in less than a minute.
Buy now £11.04, Amazon
