A quick browse through your Pinterest boards or Instagram feed will, more often than not, have you itching to book your next appointment at the nail salon.
While there’s obviously no shortage of #nailinspo out there, the real question is: what type of manicure to get.
There are a variety of options available outside your regular nail polish, but dip powder and gel polish are two of the most popular manicure methods. Although they technically belong to the same acyclic-based family, they present their own distinct advantages and produce slightly different results.
Now you’re probably wondering which manicure is right for you. Well, it all depends on what you want to achieve: do you want sophisticated, glossy nails? Or do you prioritize durability and lasting power?
Whether you’re into DIY nails or prefer to have them done by a professional, understanding the key differences between dip powder and gel will help you get the manicure of your dreams.
Before you text your nail tech or splurge on a new set of tools and polish, here’s everything you need to know about dip powder nails vs. gel.
Application process
The primary difference between dip powder and gel is the method of application.
Gel polish contains photo-initiated polymers that “activate” when exposed to light, causing them to harden and adhere to the nails. They come in a bottle with a brush applicator and are applied similarly to traditional nail polish. However, gel nails require UV or LED lights to cure. Otherwise, the polish won’t dry.
Just as the name suggests, dip powder involves dipping the nail into dip powders.
The dip powder system works by layering dip powder polymers with a glue-based resin (aka base or primer coat) that cures in the air.
First, a base coat is brushed onto the nail and dipped into a small pot of clear or colored acrylic powder. This process is repeated until the desired coverage is achieved, which usually takes about two to three rounds of dipping.
Next, an activator polish or top coat is painted over the entire nail to cure the dip powder and base coats.
The dipping method might take some time to get used to, but it takes less precision to get a professional-looking manicure. It’s a great option for those with shaky hands and amateurs.
Durability and lasting power
If you want a durable and long-lasting manicure, you can’t go wrong with either dip powder or gel nails. When properly cared for, they can last up to several weeks.
On average, gel manicures typically last for up to two to three weeks when applied correctly.
Dip powder manicures generally last longer than their gel counterparts and can last for up to five weeks with the proper prep, application, and maintenance.
Design
One important factor you will want to take into consideration before choosing a manicure system is what design you’re going for. You can create a variety of nail art with both gels and dip powders, but the dip method will limit you to simpler designs.
Gel allows you to create more intricate nail art designs because of its application, which is similar to painting with regular polish. However, it’s totally possible to combine dip powders and gels to create a unique set of nails by using dip powders for your base and gel to paint designs over it.
A common issue that people have with dip nails is that it tends to look chunky. This is pretty easy to avoid — all you have to do is to apply thin layers of base coat and brush off any excess powder between layers. This will help keep your nails sleek.
Both dip powder and gel can be applied to short nails and nails with extensions. Read our guide on how to apply dip powder with nail extensions here.
Cost and time
The cost of a professional manicure will depend on several factors, such as the salon’s location, your nail technician’s level of expertise, and the products used.
Dip powder manicures tend to cost slightly more than gel manicures, though not by much. This is likely due to its longer lifespan, which means that you won’t have to get them redone as often.
Both types of manicures generally take about the same amount of time to finish. When done by professional nail technicians, it can take about 45 minutes to an hour. (If your nail tech finishes in less than 30 minutes, consider that a red flag.)
A DIY dip powder or gel manicure generally takes longer than a professional service and will depend on your skills. The advantage of doing it at home is that it is more affordable. A dip powder starter kit can cost you as little as $15, while a gel kit with an LED lamp can cost upwards of $70.
Removal
Unlike regular nail polish, which can be wiped off with nail polish remover in a few minutes, gel and dip powder manicures take more time and effort to remove.
The removal process for both manicures involves filing off the top layer of polish with a coarse nail file. The nails are then soaked in acetone to dissolve the dip powder or gel for about 10 to 20 minutes.
However, the thick, layered, and acrylic-like nature of dip powder nails makes them more difficult to remove than gel.
Potential damage to nails
Unfortunately, no manicure is without its drawbacks. Both gel and powder dip nails have the potential to damage your nail beds, especially during the removal process.
Prolonged exposure to nail polish remover can cause your nails to become brittle and dehydrated. Moreover, using a nail or electronic file during the prepping or removal process runs the risk of over-filing, resulting in thinner and weaker nails.
Pulling off the manicure can also result in nail damage. Needless to say, resist the urge to peel your nails!
Gel and dip manicures can damage your nails, but this can be minimized with correct and patient removal. For DIY removal at home, you’ll have to diligently dissolve the gel or dip manicure with acetone and apply cuticle oil to the surrounding skin to keep your skin and nails hydrated.
To protect your nails, we recommend having a licensed nail technician remove a gel or dip powder manicure for you.
Health risks
One of the biggest concerns with dip powder is sanitation. Multiple persons dipping their fingers into the same container of powder runs the risk of contamination. Not only is it unsanitary, but this also allows bacteria, fungi, and other germs to get easily passed down to the next person and potentially cause a nail infection.
A nail salon with good sanitary practices will typically pour the dipping powder into a separate container where it will be used to dip or sprinkle over your nail. Any leftover powder should be disposed of after the manicure. This is quite wasteful, which is why some nail salons opt to use a communal dipping pot.
If you see a nail technician reusing dip powder, they are putting you at risk of bacterial infection. Consider that a sign to leave — it’s not worth risking your health and safety over!
Of course, practicing good sanitary practices also applies when using dip powders at home. Avoid sharing the pot with others, even if they’re a close friend or relative.
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