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DIY Dip Powder Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide

DIY Dip Powder Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Your love affair with gel manicures is coming to an end. In case you haven't heard, dip powder manicures are on the rise and with year, they're becoming increasingly popular. So why do people love them so much?

A dip powder manicure is an alternative to a gel manicure. Why? Dip powder is odorless. Best of all, it does not require a UV/LED lamp, yet you get the same, long-lasting results that you do with a gel manicure. Not to mention, it applies in half the time of acrylics. Still not convinced?

Eager to find out more about dip powder treatments, we tested the manicure out for ourselves. To our surprise, the process is so easy you can do it yourself...in the comfort of your own home!

In this tutorial, we used Revel Nail Dip Powders.  Their formulas are cruelty-free, vegan, and 7-free (does not contain the toxins Formaldehyde, Toulene, DBP, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, and Xylene). Revel Nail offers over 250 colors of dipping powder. For this tutorial we want to find the perfect french manicure blush by choosing Scarlet Flawless Pink. 

We'll be using Revel here, but be sure to check out the other dip powders available!

 

SHOP ALL DIP POWDER


SHOP ALL DIP ESSENTIALS


WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

STEP 1.

Dip Powder Nails

Create a smooth surface. Prep your nails by using a manicure block or a nail drill to create an even surface for the powder to be applied to. Push back and trim your cuticles but avoid using cuticle oils - this will prevent the powder from applying.

STEP 2.

Dip Powder Nails

Used Above: Revel Nail Base Coat

Apply your first coat on your first nail. Apply one thin, even coat of #1 Base Coat. Stop short of the cuticle. This is what the powder will adhere to, so make sure you get full coverage on your nail while keeping the coat as thin as possible. This will allow for an even, smooth powder application.

STEP 3.

Powder Nail Dip Manicure

Used Above: Revel Nail Dip Powder - Scarlet Flawless Pink

Time to dip your first nail! Cover the first nail in dipping powder by dipping your nail at an angle. Make sure you're entire nail is emerged for even coverage. Remove and gently tap the side of your finger to remove any excess powder. 

Repeat step 2 and 3 as you continue this process across both hands, one nail at a time. For full coverage, apply a second thin, even base coat to each nail again. Repeat the process one more time for a second coat and brush of the excess powder. We used a loose brush to wipe away excess powder from our nails and hands. 

Dip Powder Nails Manicure


STEP 4. 

Activate the powder by applying a generous coat of #2 Revel Nail Activator  on each nail. You'll see the dipping powder color darken and become more opaque. Allow to completely dry. Be sure to cover the edges and cap off the tips of the nails.

Dipping Powder Nails Manicure Activator

Once your nails are dry, use an emery board nail file to shape your nails. We prefer the Best Nail Shape for 2019, almond shaped nails, but this time we went for a more classic squoval. Check our Guide To Finding The Best Nail Shape to find the best nail shape that will flatter your fingers. 

After you finish shaping your nails, be sure to apply another coat of Activator to each nail. Allow to dry for at least two minutes. 

Manicure Powder Nail Dipping Powder Tutorial


STEP 5.

Top it off by applying #3 Revel Nail Finish Gel. Wait 15 seconds and then apply a second coat of #3 Finish Gel. After the nails have completely dried (about 1-2 minutes), apply cuticle oil to treat and moisturize your nails. 

Dipping Powder Dip Powder Nail Tutorial

 Used Above: Revel Nail Finish Gel

STEP 6. THE FINAL #NAILFIE

So easy! Let us know how this tutorial works out for you. Show us your dip powder manicure by tagging us in your photos. Find us on Instagram @beyondpolish and #GoBeyondTheBottle.

For more, watch this video from Revel Nail for a complete, step-by-step process.


 Video by Revel Nail via YouTube

 

Start dipping! Visit our collection of OPI, Revel Nail, Kiara Sky, DNDSNS, and NuRevolution powder nail dipping powders. Click to shop the entire collection.



Want to learn how to remove your dip nails?

 

 

34 comments

Foil glue can be used. After dipping use light uv to dry then activator.

Liz

I’ve been dipping my for a few months. I started with the KISS system, which is a really good brand to use. I have run out of the base coat that came with the KISS system. Is there a substitute that I can use for the base coat?

Stephanie

What happens if you don’t have activator? Does it still work And can u use a regular plain nail polish as a base and/or top coat??
I just bought some stuff and had to wait forever, I have nail tips, nail glue and crazy glue, dipping powder, and a nail bonding liquid, and regular nail polish

Nancy

Chrissy- use very thin layers, and only do this : prep, base, dip, base, dip, top coat, wait 3 min, top coat.

L

I used all the brands of dip and it says to base dip base dip activate base file activate top coat of coarse brush excess after dips and every brand top coat dulls and leaves white patches once in a great while it will coat right but so aggravating when I’m a nail tech and people paying for this it did this at school too and instructors knew nothing? Why does this happen? I’ve had to top coat with a gel top coat and cure in light and that’s defeating h the purpose of not using the light for dips.. help please

Chrissy
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