14 Best At Home Dip Powder Nail Kits for Beginners in 2022

2022-05-29 02:47:09 By : Ms. Lynn Lin

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We’re taking our nail appointments to our bedrooms.

If you are (a) looking to save some serious moola, or (b) wanting to hop on the whole at-home mani trend (hi, same), lemme introduce you to the dip powder manicure. In case you don’t already know, dip powder manis are a long-lasting type of manicure that doesn't use UV lights to harden the nail. So you still get the same results as you would with a gel or acrylic manicure in a salon, but without the UV lights or the fake tips. This means dip powder nails also end up being less damaging to your nails in the long run, and they last longer. Yup—that's why we're obsessed. And it doesn't hurt that dip powder nails are all over the 'gram rn.

We gotchu! This type of mani (sometimes called SNS nails) uses a really pigmented powder that's brushed onto the nails on top of a base coat and then "locked" into place with a sealant and top coat. The process is good for natural or artificial nails; It's not a new process, but salons don't always do them, and at-home kits are much better than they used to be, which is why they're having a moment.

It's easier than you think. First, prep your nails (clean and sanitize, push your cuticle back, shape the nails, and gently buff 'em). Next, depending on the kit, you may apply a bonder, then a base coat. Then you quickly ~dip~ each nail into the powder at a 45-degree angle, stop to tap the excess off, then dip again. You dip as many times as you need to get the pigment you want (usually at least twice but no more than three). Then, after a few mins wait, you add a top layer and activator/sealant—again, this depends on the kit, which should give you step-by-step instructions. Voila. Nails!! To remove, file the powder off, then soak your nails in acetone for 15 mins.

As long as you're doing it right, nope! As with any treatment, make sure you're going mani-less for a lil bit to give your nail beds time to recover and strengthen. Also, you can dip your whole finger into the powder with an at-home kit, but your technician shouldn't do that in the salon because of the potential for bacteria from other clients. Make sure the brand and formula you're using are safe and legit—otherwise, there might be nasty chemicals in there. (And if you're sensitive to chemicals, check the ingredients before you try, and go slow to monitor for reactions.) Finally, make sure you understand the removal process before starting it, or there can be a residue that's tough to get off.

It depends on what you want, but if you want something more long-term, dip powder manis last three or more weeks. On average, gels last about two, so dip powder gives ~results~. Dip powder manis have a slightly grainier texture and are a little bulkier than regular polish; They can also be a bit more expensive in the salon but are usually a faster process. Acrylics are, ICYMI, best for those extra long nails but need regular upkeep if you wanna keep 'em looking nice. So if you're looking for at-home manis that look great and last long, this is a great option.

Even though, yes, you're going to get the best dip powder manicures at a salon, you can still cash in on the trend at home with a DIY dip powder nail kit. So if you’re trying to avoid haggard-looking nails, these kits were practically made for you. Ahead, the 14 best at-home dip powder kits that'll help you nail your next mani.

ICYMI, sheer nail polish is trending rn. This dip powder nail kit offers several shades that leave a light translucent hue on your nails. So if you're in the market for a highly pigmented solid color, this one might not be for you. But if you like just a ~hint~ of color, get your nails ready for this one.

IMO, a manicure is only as good as the time it lasts. And while that kiiinda depends on how fast your nails grow, this kit boasts an impressive three weeks before you need to remove the product.

Acrylics can kinda wreak havoc on your nails—thankfully, this at-home dip powder kit does just the opposite. It doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, it's formulated with calcium to help strengthen your nails, and when it needs to be removed, it just soaks right off.

When it's time to take off your dip powder mani, don't bother struggling with wrapping aluminum foil around your nails. Instead, try this at-home dip powder nail remover kit that uses clips to hold your acetone-soaked cotton balls in place and remove your nails with barely any effort or mess.

NGL, when it comes to the finish, dip powder manicures lean more matte than super shiny. If that's not your vibe anyways, you'll love this at-home dip powder kit. The top coat formula leaves behind an extra-shiny finish, just like the manis you get at the salon.

With this at-home dip powder kit, you'll get nails so shiny, you can basically see your reflection in them. Not only will the formula leave you with a mirror-like shine, but it also feels really lightweight on your nails, and it's surprisingly chip-resistant (unlike a regular mani).

TBH, some of the professional-looking at-home dip powder kits can get real complicated real fast if you don't know what you're doing. So, if you're a newb to dip powder, you might want to try out this beginner kit. It's super easy to use—like, if you can paint your own nails with basic polish, then you can easily figure out this kit.

The French mani is back and better than ever, y'all. If you're trying to hop on this trend while at home, you definitely need this at-home dip powder nail kit. It comes with everything you need to DIY your French tips, including four different color options, in case you want to switch things up.

This at-home dip powder kit lets you get a dope mani without completely blowing your budget. It includes three dip powders, a bonding gloss, an activator, a brush cleaner, and a buffer...all for under 20 bucks.

If you're like me and love to have super-loud nails, opt for this at-home dip powder kit for neon nails. It comes with eight lightweight dipping powders—way more than your standard kit—so it's super easy to switch up the color of your nails at home.

Idk about you, but I loooove glitter nails—they're an instant mood booster. I mean, you just can't help but smile when you see them. This at-home dip powder kit comes with eight super-pigmented glitter shades that won't flake off after a few days. In fact, they'll last you at least two weeks.

So this technically isn't a full-blown dip powder kit, but you could always pair it with the simple starter kit, like the one from Kiss. Once you've cured your base coat and added a coat of nail polish, pat the powder onto your nails. You literally won't be able to stop staring at the cool holographic color.

Some say nude nails are basic, I say they're a classic. This at-home dip powder kit comes with five different neutral powders that will never clash with your look (can't say the same about neon green nail polish). Plus, it'll leave your nails shiny and smooth for up to two weeks.

You don't have to compromise your morals for a bomb DIY mani. Not only is this at-home dip powder kit cruelty-free, it's also odor free (so you don't have to deal with any harsh smells) and it's three-free, meaning  it's made without toxic formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP.