5 Things to Know Before You Drop That Hard-Earned Cash on a Dip Powder Manicure

Everything about the cuticle care was normal and routine. My nail technician cut, buffered, filed, and shaped my nails then continued to trim my cuticles. So far, I was neither surprised nor disappointed, and my hands felt like they’d been through a nail salon version of a car wash.

Note that some nail techs will do a dry cleanup, that is to say they trim your cuticles and buffer the nails without water. It might seem strange if you’ve never experienced it, but it’s super common.

Unlike other manicures, this dipping powder works extremely fast! She primed my nails with a clear base coat then dipped each nail into the pigmented powder color of my choice. I picked blue. After each nail was dipped, she brushed off any excess powder. She continued this process three times. Then she topped it off with one more clear coat and I was good to go! There’s no cutting acrylics to fit your current nail shape or leaving your hands in a UV light lamp for paint to dry.

I hate the process of removing gel polish and the damaged look it leaves on my nails afterward. I was hoping that dipping powder would be a loophole, but unfortunately, my cuticles were still left in pretty bad shape. Visit a nail technician when you’re ready to remove the dipping powder, unless you’ve perfected the process at home.

This was something I wish I had known beforehand. By dipping your nail into the powder you’re now more likely to pick up germs. While this is how the manicure got its name, it’s highly unsanitary. If you decide to go through with a dip powder manicure, ask your nail technician to either sprinkle the powder onto your nail, paint it on, or pour some fresh powder into a separate dish. (This is something a good nail tech will do without having to be prompted.)

While I didn’t enjoy having to pay more than what I’m used to, the dip powder manicure lasted a week longer than my gel manicure usually does, and if you’re careful, it can last up to 24 days. This is ideal for those with a busier schedule who can only make it to the nail salon once a month but still want a long-lasting manicure.