Gel Versus Dip
So, it’s time to get a manicure and you want to try something new. Something besides the basic file and polish and something that’s worth the time and the money spent at the nail salon. You also want your buck to go the distance so you’re considering whether you should get a gel manicure or a dip powder manicure but you’re not sure which one is better for your nail beds and your wallet. Well, we’re not here to sway you either way but we have some things you should know before you make your next nail appointment.
It seems like gel manicures haven’t been on the nail care scene for very long before dip powder manicures came along. The good news is, you can achieve both of these manicures at the nail salon and with the proper tools and prep you can also do these both at home on your own. But, what is the difference between gel polish and dip powder anyways? Which one causes the least damage to your natural nails? Which one looks more natural? Which one lasts longer?
For starters, gel manicures are done by applying a special gel nail polish that is cured under a UV ray light and lasts for about two weeks, maybe three if you’re careful enough. These manicures are very popular for outlasting your standard, basic manicures and the average price point is around $30-$35. To get this look at home is pretty easy; all you need is the proper gel polish kit and a UV light nail dryer and you’re on your way. By drying the polish with a UV light you are hardening the polish and essentially adhering it to your nails so that the manicure will last longer. Now, with every nail process, repeating these manicure styles over time can weaken nail beds leading to split and broken nails so err on the side of caution.
The dip powder manicure is applied by using a polish and then dipping the finger nail into an acrylic like powder repeatedly until the color is fully applied. Dip powder provides a more hardened effect than gel polish which can have your manicure lasting up to an entire month. Also, you can apply fake nail tips and apply the dip powder over the tip to achieve longer looking nails which is something that gel manicures can’t accomplish because the gel polish isn’t as hard and durable as the dip powder. When it comes to removing your dip powder manicure, whether you have fake tips or not, it can be more difficult and potentially damaging if done wrong compared to a gel manicure. The dip powder is thicker and more dense therefore more time consuming to remove.
Although each of these manicure processes can prove to be damaging to your natural nails, you can of course minimize the damage by following the correct removal instructions for each. For gel manicures it’s crucial to soak your tips in acetone rather than peeling the gel off, as tempting and satisfying (and easy) as it may seem, it’s a big no-no. And for removing your dip manicure, it’s advised to soak as much of the acrylic powder from your nails as possible and to gently file and buff the rest off. Keyword here is gently. Basically, each of these techniques has their individual benefits and it just depends on what you’re in the market for manicure wise. So, are you more of a gel manicure or dip powder girl? Let us know which of these styles are your favee!