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Is dipping powder as strong as acrylic?

February 01 2021 – Nadia Stamp

Is dipping powder as strong as acrylic? - DIPD NAILS
Is dipping powder as strong as acrylic? - DIPD NAILS

Your questions about dipping powder answered

When it’s time to choose your nail colours it’s not always about the look. You want something reliable and long-lasting. The best looking shade of yellow nail polish is useless if it starts chipping straight away. The same can be said for a chic French Manicure. You’ve spent a good amount of your time getting your nails professionally done at a nail salon. It’s only fair to assume you get some longevity out of them.

There are several options out there when it comes to getting your nails done. Two of the most common types are dipping powder nails and acrylic nails. Many nail enthusiasts like to compare the two by weighing up the benefits. One of the main benefits of dipping powder nails is the ability to do them yourself at home.

A dipping powder nail colour is designed to be simple and easy to apply. On the other hand, acrylic nails require lots of equipment such as an LED or UV light to attach them correctly. One advantage of acrylic is that you can add more length. You can’t do the same with dipping powder nails.


How does dip powder nail colour stick to my nails?

Dipping powder and acrylics both have bonding agents that help them stick to your nails. But that’s where their similarities end. Dip powder nail colour needs a resin-based agent similar to super glue. Acrylics need a monomer to help form your new acrylic nails.

Monomer is a chemical used to hold your acrylic nails together. It leaves behind a strong chemical smell that’s hard to ignore. It’s the same smell you’ll notice when you first walk into a nail salon. Without the use of a monomer, you simply wouldn’t be able to form a strong bond for your acrylics.


Which one takes longer to apply?

Acrylic nails can be a lot more time consuming to apply compared to your favourite dip powder nail colour options. Your acrylic nails have to go through the process of being sized, positioned on your nail bed, and glued. After that, you’ll need to get your acrylics filled in with a liquid mix, buffed, and then painted with a top coat.

The process for a dip powder nail colour needs far fewer steps. All that’s required is a few dips of your nail into a dipping powder. After dipping, your nails need to get sealed with a top coat. Then you’re done! You’re free to add embellishments or simply enjoy your new nail colour as is.


Where can I get my nails done?

Both dipping powder and acrylic nails can be done at a salon. If you have a local salon you trust then why not take the time out from your busy day to get them done? The problem is that not everyone has this luxury. Many women just don’t have the time to visit a local salon to get their nails done these days.

If life has become more hectic and you don’t have the time to visit a salon, there are other nail options available to you. Thanks to its simple application method, it’s never been easier to apply dipping powder nail colour at home. Dipping powder is so simple to apply you could do it from the comfort of your couch while you’re watching tv. It’s really that simple.


Which nail option is safer for me?

Some nail experts may argue that applying dip powder nail colour can be unsafe. These concerns come from the idea that salons are making you dip your nails into the same pot as previous clients. Experts argue that there is a risk of cross-contamination. The risk of contamination is relatively small and that’s assuming the salon hasn’t provided a pot just for you. Some salons may purposely create a small pot that only gets used by one person.

If you’re applying dip powder at home then there’s no need to worry about contamination because you’re most likely the only one using the pot. On the other hand, acrylic nails do contain toluene. It’s a toxic chemical commonly found in nail glue. This chemical has been associated with causing dizziness, headaches, irritated skin and even respiratory issues.


So is dip powder nail colour stronger than acrylic nail colour?

According to many nail experts, the answer is a resounding YES! To begin with, dipping powder nails are designed to last for over two weeks. Thanks to the ingredients used in dip powders you can achieve a durable and strong layer of colour on your nails. They are designed to form a protective overlay on your natural nails that’s reinforced with a top coat.

When your dip powder nail colour sets, it creates a hardened surface that’s incredibly durable. You can go about your daily routine without having to worry about chipping or scratching paint off your nails.


Achieve longer-lasting results with DIPD

Dipping powder nail systems are finally getting the hype they deserve. While dip powder nail colour is a fairly new product, it’s safe to say they’ll remain a popular choice among nail enthusiasts for decades to come.

Did we manage to answer all your questions? If not, we’ve got loads more answers for you right here in our Frequently Asked Questions page. Want to learn more about our range of nail dipping powders? Check out more blog articles in The Memo for dip nail colour ideas.