Exploring The Difference Between Gel and Dip Powder Manicures

Are you searching for a mani that doesn’t crack after few days and lasts up to four weeks? Dip powders are the option for a longer-lasting manicure, but there are a few things you should consider first.

Gel, acrylics, dip powder, and extensions. When it comes to manicure, you can choose what suits your beauty needs. But each one of these has its pros and cons.

Dip Powder manicures took over Pinterest in 2019 with a lasting power longer than the other procedures. But even if the idea of saving a trip to the mani during a whole month sounds appealing, there are some things you should know before coating your nails with dip powders.

Application

The main difference between gel and dip powder mani is the application process. The gel is applied like the regular nail polish and cure with UV light after each coat.

Dip mani use colored powder acrylic mixed with a resin glue-type that cures in the air. First, a primer is applied to the nails. Then, each nail is dipped into acrylic powder. After two or three rounds of the process, the nails are coated with an activator polish.

Duration

In general, a gel manicure can last from two to three weeks. But that will depend on many factors like oily nail beds or nail chipping.

Dip powder manicures generally last longer than gel manis, up to five weeks. Dip powders are literally glued on the nails with a resin-like type of glue, called cyanoacrylate.

Risks and Damages

Dip powders can cause bacterial infection, according to dermatologists. The cyanoacrylate used to bond the nail with the powder are allergens and can cause redness, swelling, and blistering around the nails.

Removal Process

Powder dips require a harsher removal process. Due to the glue applied to the nails, it’s a process that can only be done at the salon.

To remove dip powders, the nails should be soaked in acetone. Dermatologists say that soaking nails in acetone makes them thinner, weaker, and prone to breaking. Even though gel manis need to be soaked in acetone too, dip powder will take longer.