Many of us would like to have perfectly manicured nails but may not always have the time, patience, or budget to get regular manicures done at the salon. The good news is, you no longer need to go to the nail salon to achieve salon-worthy nails. Now some nail product lines are creating at-home products, making the process for getting beautiful nails at home simple and affordable.
With the SNS Dip Powder Kit, you can get flawless, beautiful nails that look like they were done by a professional. The at-home dip powder kit comes with literally everything you’ll need to create salon-worthy nails right from home. If you’re unsure how to do a dip powder mani, no worries because SNS has shared their expert tips for creating the ultimate DIY dip powder mani that can last 2+ weeks.
Prep Your Nails
Before starting any type of manicure, prepping your nails is essential. Your natural nail is the canvas of your mani whether you’re using traditional polish, gel polish, or dip powder. Prepping your nails will create a smooth base for the product to adhere to, creating an even application and a long-lasting mani.
Start by removing any previous products from your nails. Then, using a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles to clean the surface of your nail and give the illusion of a longer nail bed. It’s recommended to never cut your cuticles as this can put you at risk of infection, and they tend to grow back hard and jagged when cut. According to Dr. Dana Stern, a dermatologist specializing in nail health, “Cutting cuticles can lead to infections and other complications. It’s best to push them back gently.”
Next, you want to file each nail creating your desired shape. Using a nail file, gently file each tip in one direction starting from the outer corner to the center. Using this filing technique instead of a back and forth motion will prevent splits or tears. Once you’ve achieved the shape you want, gently file each nail, buffing out any lines or ridges to a smooth and even finish. Using acetone or alcohol, wipe each nail clean to remove any dust or oils. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that proper nail preparation significantly increases the longevity of nail products.
Dip Powder Application
After you’ve finished prepping your nails, it’s time to apply the dip powder. According to nail technician Sarah Jenkins from “Nail Artistry Magazine,” “Ensuring your nails are properly prepped before applying dip powder is crucial for achieving a long-lasting and flawless finish.”
Base Coat
- Apply a thin layer of the dip powder base coat to 3/4 of your nail, then immediately dip your nail into the foundation powder.
- Remove your nail from the pot and gently tap your finger to remove any excess powder. Repeat steps on all nails.
- Once all nails have been dipped into the powder, you can use a dust brush to remove any excess powder from around your nails.
- Add a second layer of the base coat up to your cuticle line, then immediately dip your nail into the foundation powder, tapping finger to remove any excess. “Applying a second layer of base coat ensures a more even and durable finish,” says nail expert Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder of Olive & June. “This step is crucial for achieving a salon-quality manicure at home.”
Colored Dip Powder
- Apply another thin layer of base coat up to your cuticle line, then immediately dip your nail into your chosen colored dip powder.
- Once all nails have been dipped into the colored powder, use a dust brush to remove any excess powder from around the nail.
- Apply a second layer of the base coat and colored dip powder in the steps detailed above.
Dip Activator
- Apply the dip activator to each nail, then wait roughly 4 minutes for it to dry completely. It’s recommended to wipe the brush after every nail on a lint-free paper towel to prevent powder from entering the activator. According to nail technician and beauty expert Sarah Blake from Glamour Nails, “Ensuring the brush is clean after each use is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your dip activator, as any contamination can affect the application and longevity of your manicure.”
- Once your nails have dried to a hard finish, use a nail file to gently buff out any ridges or imperfections. Use a brush to remove dust from your nails afterwards.
- Using water only, rinse and dry your hands. Do not use soap.
- Apply a second layer of the dip activator, waiting 3 to 4 minutes for it to dry and harden completely.
Top Coat
- Apply a thin layer of the dip powder top coat to each nail, sealing the edges.
- Wait 3 minutes for the top coat to dry, followed by a second layer of top coat.
- While not completely necessary, once the final top coat has dried, it’s recommended to apply cuticle oil and/or hand cream to keep your hands and nails looking healthy and beautiful. A study in the *International Journal of Cosmetic Science* found that regular use of cuticle oil significantly improves nail health and appearance.
