I’ve been curious about dip manicures for awhile now and a couple of months ago I got my first one. I normally get no chip manicures but they never last longer than 2 weeks. So when I heard about dip manicures and how they were supposed to last 3-4 weeks I was super excited to try them.
What’s the difference between dip and no chip?
Basically a pigmented powder is applied to your nail rather than a polish and there’s no UV light.
What is the dip process?
At the salon I went to, they followed the normal manicure steps and then applied a bonding solution to my nail and applied the powder to the nail. When you get a dip you need to realize that there’s a lot of shaping and filing AFTER the powder is applied. I almost flipped out my first time because my nails looked like a hot lumpy mess after the powder was applied but the technician used a nail file to smooth everything out. Another keep thing to keep in mind is that the last step is to apply a polish that gives you the shiny, glossy nail. Prior to that the color looks dull so wait til the very end before you start critiquing the technician’s work! 🙂
How long did it last?
I was able to get a good three weeks out of my manicure but I also do a lot of housework and dishes with two little kids so I think my manicures wear a little faster.
What is the removal process?
You are supposed to do the same as you would for gel manicure – apply acetone soaked cotton balls and wrap in tin foil. I picked mine off, as I do gel manicures, and it was a bit tougher to get off. I don’t recommend.
What’s the verdict?
I really liked the way my nails looked with it on, I do suggest asking the technician to apply the dip on the thinner side. My first technician did this without me asking but the second time a different technician applied it on the thicker side and I definitely felt it. Depending on your nails, I noticed that mine were a lot weaker after taking it off, but that also could have been because I didn’t remove it properly. Overall I think I will get it again.
Have you gotten a dip manicure?