If you’ve been looking up recent nail trends in a bid to stay current with the happenings in the manicure industry, I’m sure you’ve come across dip powder and solar nails.
For a long time, gel, press-on, and acrylics have been the most popular and preferred methods of getting your nails done, but these two trends have presented a better alternative.
Easily done at home, they have their advantages and disadvantages. Walk with me as I take you down this lane, learning what solar and dip nails are.
What are Solar Nails?
Solar nails are a type of acrylic. They look better and last longer than regular acrylics and are low maintenance, making them a much better option.
They are applied over the natural nail and are made of a durable, flexible, and breathable material, protecting your natural nails and allowing them to grow with no obstructions.
They can be filed into any shape and style, making them more popular among people who want to enhance their natural nails without worrying about breakage.
Solar nails come in an easy-to-use kit, so you don’t have to go to the salon to get your nails done. They come in the colors pink and white, so the finished product resembles a french manicure.
Advantages of Solar Nails
- Solar nails are sort of a mix between acrylics and gel, so they are more durable than regular artificial nails. They last for a long time even under conditions of regular moisture.
Whether you’re doing the dishes or swimming, solar nails are tough and will not chip or break.
- Solar nails are easier to remove than dip powder nails. With a little patience, some acetone, and cotton wool, those nails will come right off.
- Solar nails air dry, so you don’t need to spend money on UV light or risk exposing your skin to such harmful light.
- If you’re very observant, you would have noticed that regular nail polish and some other kinds of manicures like acrylics usually color the natural nails yellow.
Solar nails will not color your nails, so you don’t have to worry about being left with yellow nails no matter how many times you use them.
- Solar nails provide a very natural look and are less likely to cause damage to your nail bed.
Disadvantages of Solar Nails
- Some of the chemicals used in making solar nails can cause allergic reactions and the acetone used in removing them can dehydrate the skin and nails.
- Once your natural nails start to grow out, there will be a clear demarcation that doesn’t look appealing. You can avoid this by getting a fill-in every two to three weeks.
- Solar nails can be a little heavy on natural nails, making them uncomfortable for those who are not used to having something attached to their hands.
What are Dip Nails?
Dip powder nails is a system of manicures that uses a liquid glaze and dipping powder. It can be used on both the natural nail and an attached extension.
The powder is milled so smoothly to allow an even application and it comes in a variety of colors, giving you a wide sea of design possibilities.
It also contains some vitamins and minerals that help the nails grow and strengthen the nail bed, making dip nails a healthier option than solar nails.
Dip powder nail is applied through a series of glaze and dip, then sealed in with an activator. Up to five layers can be done to achieve the desired color.
Advantages of Dip Powder Nails
- The materials used for dip powder nails are odor free, so there is no risk of getting an allergic reaction or attack due to strong fumes.
- The dipping process is straightforward for people like me that don’t have steady hands for applying nail polish. You won’t have to waste time cleaning up any messy polish.
- Dip powder nails can be completed within a short time. Between 30 to 40 minutes, you’re done with your full set.
- Unlike how thick solar nails can be, dip powder nails are very thin, making them more flexible and less prone to breakage.
- There is no need to use a UV light to dry dip nails, so you can avoid the extra cost and the possible skin problems that come with using it.
Disadvantages of Dip Nails
- The removal process for dip powder nails can be tough and lengthy because you are going to be breaking apart the many layers that created the manicure, and if you rush through it or force the nail off, you may damage your natural nail.
- Another big concern if dip powder nails are that it is not very sanitary. In most salons, more than one person will dip their fingers into the powder, allowing bacteria to spread.
- The cost of getting a dip powder manicure done at the salon is slightly on the higher side.
What’s the Verdict?
After going through this article, you can decide which manicure option is healthier for you or suits your needs at the moment. You could also try them both and see which one you love more.
FAQs on Solar Nails Vs Dip
Are solar nails better than dip?
Both of these options are healthy, so it’s hard to make a choice. Solar nails do not require extensions and air dry, so less damage is caused compared to other manicures.
Dip powder, on the other hand, contains some vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth of natural nails.
How long do dip powder and solar nails last?
Both dip powder and solar nails can last anywhere between three to six weeks, so you don’t have to worry about lifting or chipping. Your manicure will stay on until you’re ready to take it off.