Dip manicure is a trend that’s been taking over Instagram for the past few months.

It’s essentially a powder-based alternative to gel Polish, but there are some key differences that set it apart. Unlike gel, dip powder doesn’t require any light to cure. It also doesn’t damage your nails or weaken them, according to some of the biggest names in the nail industry (we’re looking at you, Essie.)

A manicure with dip powder can last anywhere from two to three weeks and somehow makes your nails look even shinier than gel. If you’re looking to switch up your regular mani routine, this might just be the easiest and quickest way to do it.

The process is pretty straightforward: Your technician will start with a base coat, dip your nails into a colored powder of your choosing and repeat. After several layers of color are applied, she will seal everything with a top coat and voilà—an ultra-glossy manicure that’s surprisingly durable.

OMBRE, FRENCH MANICURE, HALF-MOON MANICURES, THE LIST GOES ON…

The dip manicure is the newest trend in nails.

Just as it sounds, dip powder nails are literally dipped into a powder and then “baked” under a UV light. Dip powder nails offer long-lasting color and shine without the use of a gel or acrylic liquid. This technique is perfect for women who don’t like to wear fake nails because they tend to look more natural than acrylics.

You can find dip powders in your favorite nail polish shades. You can even mix them together to create fun new colors!

WHAT YOU NEED

1. Nail polish remover

2. Bowl of water

3. Toothpicks

4. Nail polish of your choice

5. Top coat to seal the look

A dip manicure is an exciting new method to get the long-lasting wear and the rich, gorgeous colors you love from your nail polish. The process involves dipping each nail into a powder, starting with a base coat, then your color choice (or choices!), and then a topcoat. You can choose between powder or liquid polish for each step of the process. It helps to use an activator in between coats to help your nails cure faster, although it isn’t a necessary step.

Dip manicures are typically done at professional salons. If you’re doing this at home, be sure to read all the steps carefully prior to beginning the process. It’s also helpful to have a friend assist you with this process the first time you do it on your own so you can get comfortable with each step and make sure you don’t miss anything important!

The dip manicure method is a nail care technique that uses a base coat, a powder, and an adhesive agent to strengthen nails. The method is applied without the use of UV lights. The dip manicure has been described as an “innovative hybrid” between gel and acrylic nails.

Dip manicures have been compared to traditional acrylic nails because they are both applied directly to the nail bed. The difference is that in dip manicures, powdered color is used instead of monomer liquid. This provides more flexibility and feels lighter on the nail than traditional acrylics. The technique has also been described as a “long-lasting alternative” to gel nails.

Nail salons typically offer dip manicures in addition to gel or acrylic nail treatments, but not as replacements for them. Dip manicures have also been described as being less damaging than other methods because they do not require buffing of the natural nail surface.

Preparation

Make sure your nails are clean and dry before you begin. You will also want to apply lotion to your hands and forearms to prevent dry skin. The two most common supplies used to give a manicure are cotton and aluminum foil. You may also want to be sure you have scissors, a nail file and nail polish remover close at hand. If you do not have any of these items, they can be purchased at any drug store or beauty supply store.

1. Remove old polish

If your nails already have polish on them, use polish remover and a cotton ball to remove the old color. You may also want to file your nails with a nail file so that they are all the same length. Remember that it is best if your nails are shorter than the tips of your fingers. This will help keep them from breaking as easily.

2. Shape your nails

Use an emery board or crystal nail file to shape the tips of your nails into the desired shape (round, oval, square). Emery boards are better for natural nails because they do not cause as many breaks in the nail; however, they do wear out quickly. Crystal files last longer but should only be used on artificial nails because they can wear