Dip powder nails are incredibly long-lasting. This is just one of their many perks, with them also being easy to fix without having to go for an appointment. The dip kit contains a resin-type of glue that hardens to seal in the color, making it one of the strongest false nail materials out there.
I started to use dip powder nails because of the ease it afforded me and the cheapness of the whole process. I found the kit simple enough and the instructions easy to follow, with little chance of messing up somewhere during the process.
Honestly, if one were to mess up their nails using the dip powder manicure kit, it’ll most probably be because of stuff like the weather or another person’s interference than the person’s skill.
In this article, I’ll be giving detailed instructions on how to use a dip powder nail kit from the comfort of your home.
How to Fix Dip Powder Nails
Now, for the record, I’m not a nail technician so you don’t think “Oh, it’s easy for her to say fixing nails by oneself is straightforward when she’s a professional.”
I’m just a lover of all things beauty and I fully delved into the world of home DIYs during the lockdown, nails being one of those things I tried.
Now, the first thing you’ll want to do is to prepare your workspace. You can place an old towel over a tabletop to catch whatever may spill.
If you still have your old manicure on, you can remove it, or gently remove the top layer so you can apply it on top.
Whatever you decide to do, it should be to prepare your nails for this new installation. File, buff, and trim your nails to your desired shape, then wash your hands.
In the dipping powder kit, different containers have primer, a base coat, the powdered color, and the top coat or activator.
First, apply the primer. It’s like using primer for your facial makeup to make it last longer. The primer bonds the base coat and dipping powder to your nail.
Then, apply the base coat. Now, it’s time to use the powdered color. This is where it can go from 100 to zero in seconds.
I usually do three layers, but you can do less or more, depending on how thick you want your nails to be and how concentrated you want the color.
Apply the first layer on ⅔ of the nail, leaving the ⅓ from the cuticle so you can have a nice curve.
Dip your finger into the powder at a 45-degree angle, then tap it on the side of the container after you bring it out to get rid of any excess.
Apply a second layer about ⅚ of the way. Let this one be thick enough to soak the bottom layer and have enough left over to bond the next layer of powder.
Dip and tap again. Apply the third layer to the full nail and dip. You’ll see a nice, gentle curve from the cuticles to the tip instead of having flat nails or an extremely thick cuticle.
After this, apply the top coat or activator to the nail and let it dry. You need to use enough to completely drench the nail.
The purpose of the activator is to completely lock in and protect the dip powder. Let this first layer dry, then file and buff the nails to your preferred shape.
Once you’ve gotten your desired results, apply a thin layer of activator to seal in your nails. After it dries, apply a second layer to give it some more shine.
If you want to add any designs, now is the time to do so. You can make your designs and additions before you apply the last layer of the activator.
When using the base coat and powder color, allow the nail to dry before applying the next layer. You may air-dry or use a UV nail dryer.
You can use this dip powder kit over your natural nails or fix a false nail before you apply the powder dip. Either way, you’ll have a jealousy-invoking result in the end.
How to Keep Dip Nails From Lifting
Lifting nails is a common issue to experience with dip nails, but it is easy to avoid with these tips and tricks.
Make sure your nails are well prepared before application. Clean excess oil, dirt, and debris.
File the surface of your nails to provide a rough surface for the dip powder or false nails to attach to.
Push back your cuticles so they don’t get in the way of the powder attaching to your nails. This is one major reason why nails lift.
Use products from one good brand instead of mixing products from different brands.
Look after your dip nails properly after they have been fixed and you will enjoy them for a long time.
If your dip nails are coming off, you can fix it by applying some base or top coat to refix. However, this is only a temporary solution and it will start to come out again.
Your best option is to remove it and start afresh with a new nail. This way, you can make sure you follow all the steps precisely.
Safety Tips to Observe When Using Dip Powder
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using dip powder for nails:
- Always use a well-ventilated area when applying dip powder nails to avoid inhaling the powder.
- Wear gloves to protect your skin from the powder and any chemicals used in the process.
- Avoid getting the powder in your eyes or mouth. If contact occurs, flush the affected area with water and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Keep the dip powder and any other nail products out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not apply dip powder over damaged nails, as it can cause further damage.
- Use only high-quality, professional products and make sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging carefully.
- Always be careful when filing or buffing the nails, as the dust from the nails can be harmful if inhaled.
- Don’t forget to remove dip powder nails properly, to avoid damage or injury.
FAQs on How to Fix Dip Powder Nails at Home
Can you touch up dip nails?
Yes, you can. All you need to do is apply a base coat and some dipping powder to the area of your nail with new growth, then file.
How do you remove dip powder without damage?
Soak your nails with acetone for about ten minutes before gently scraping off as much as you can. Acetone is harmful to the skin, so apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles before soaking.