How To Prevent Dip Powder Nails From Cracking
From gel manicures to UV manicures, dip manicures, and more, there’s one thing that’s for sure – there are plenty of manicure applications out there today.
However, a dip manicure is one of the best.
But have you ever gotten your nails done only for them to start cracking a few days later? It’s so frustrating!
That’s why I’m excited to share some tips on how to prevent dip nails from cracking. If your nails crack days after getting a dip powder manicure, there is a good chance that you may just be missing an important step.
I don’t know what it is, but getting a manicure and having freshly painted nails just makes me feel better.
Sometimes I even let them grow because there is nothing like having long nails. You feel like you can take over the world.
What Are Dip Nails?
Dip nails are different from acrylic nails because with dip, you are using a pre-mixed powder.
Dip liquids come from the pre-mixed powder being dipped into a solution which happens prior to being applied to the surface of the nails. This powder creates a stronger nail which plays a critical role in avoiding chipped or broken nails.
DIY Dip Nails vs Salon Dip Nails
The best part about dip nails is that you can go to the salon, sit back and relax while you get your nails done. Who doesn’t love that?
You can also do a long-lasting manicure at home easily with dip liquid kits!
Depending on the time you have and your personal preference, you can have a great dip nail manicure done either at home or at the salon.
If you are doing them at home, make sure you read the directions to avoid improper application, as that is the most common cause of cracked nails following a dip manicure.
DIY Dip Nails
If you are preparing to do dip nails at home, make sure you are following the proper steps and have the proper tools for the best outcome.
You always want to start by prepping your nail bed with a cuticle pusher.
One of the common mistakes that is made when doing DIY dip nails is stopping at the first coat.
When you are using dip kits at home, be sure you are following steps accurately to ensure chip-free nails!
Pros of DIY Dip Nails:
- Cheaper, you don’t have to tip and pay salon prices.
- You can do them anywhere because you don’t have to go into the salon.
- You can order any color you want and not have to worry that the salon won’t have it.
- You can upkeep them easier as they start to grow out.
Cons of DIY Dip Nails:
- May be a little tough at first to learn how to do it correctly.
- Might be harder to do your dominant hand using your non-dominant hand.
- There are different powder brands, so you may purchase one you don’t like as much.
- You have to purchase all the tools if you want a great manicure.
Pros of Salon Dip Nails:
- Sit back and relax while the nail tech gives you your manicure.
- You can make it a fun girls’ day or alone time to relax.
- If you don’t like how they turn out, they can fix them.
- Having a professional do your nails is always easier and less stressful.
- You can choose to have nail art done on your nails if you go to the salon.
Cons of Salon Dip Nails:
- It is more expensive to get your nails professionally done at a nail salon.
- You have to drive to the nail salon as opposed to doing them at home.
- If they chip, you have to make another appointment to fix them.
Potential Causes of Cracking Dip Nails
- Not having enough dip layers.
- Having a thin layer of dipping powder.
- Using too many dip coats.
- Cold weather can also cause dip nails to crack.
- Not using the activator correctly.
How to Prevent Dip Nails From Cracking
There is no denying the benefits of dip powder nails when it comes to the health of your nail, but how do you prevent them from cracking?
The first step to take to make sure your nails won’t crack is to use the right amount of dip layers. Some professionals even recommend adding a third coat; however, you also don’t want it to be too thick!
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your dip nails from cracking once you leave the salon (or finish doing them at home).
Daily life plays a huge role in dipped nails cracking because, let’s face it, we are constantly cleaning and doing dishes!
Here are some tips to help make your nails last even with everyday life and home chores.
Keep Nails Short
It is recommended to do dip nails on short nails; however, if you have longer nails, you can still get a perfectly good dip manicure! If the tip of the nail has a fake nail on it, you may want to avoid doing dip liquids.
Wear Gloves When Washing Dishes and Cleaning:
A great way to prevent your dipped nails from cracking while cleaning and doing dishes is to wear gloves. Even with the best dip powder nail kits, you can still run into the issue of cracking. Gloves are a great thing to have on hand if you are an avid dipper!
Moisturize Nails
Another thing you can do on a daily basis to help avoid your dipped nails from cracking is to use cuticle oil and other natural oils on your entire nail to help moisturize.
These are both great to throw in your purse and easily to pack for travel.
Avoid Exposure to Acetone
Make sure that if you have dipped nails, you avoid touching acetone.
If you are exposed to acetone, you may take off a chunk of your dip powder nails. So, avoid touching acetone when you have your nails done.
Wear a Base Coat and Top Coat
Make sure that you do a dip base coat as well as a top coat, and don’t skip the activator step!
This set comes with the base coat, top coat, activator, and other items needed for a DIY dip manicure. It even includes a little nail file!
Avoid Excessive Use of Nail Polish
Having too thick of a coat of nail polish is not the answer.
You should normally do about two coats and tap off any excess powder, but if you do too many coats, it will make it too thick and then may chip easier as well.
FAQs
Do dip nails ruin your nails?
If you are worried about ruining your own nails during the dip powder process, don’t worry, it won’t ruin them!
However, the removal process of dip manicures is a different story. Because you need 100% acetone to remove dip coats, it could potentially damage your natural nails.
If you want to avoid using an acetone solution and potentially damaging your nails, the best way to remove the dip nails is by using a mixture of white vinegar and alcohol.
How often should you give your nails a break from dip?
To protect your nails, it is a good idea to give yourself a break every 2-3 months between dip manicures.
The best thing you can do is wait about a month before applying another dip nail color. If you want your nails done within that time period, you can always apply regular nail polish.
However, this is a personal preference depending on the health of your nails. A great way to tell if you need a break for dip powder application is to check if you nails are healthy.
If your nail surface is not brittle and weak, you may not need to take a break from dip powder kits.
Is dip worse for your nails than gel?
The most common reason dip colors may be better for your nails than gel is that you don’t have to keep your fingers under a UV lamp.
Even though you have to use UV light for a gel manicure, neither the gel nor the dip system is actually bad for your nails.
What is the healthiest nail option?
The best way to have your nails done while avoiding harsh chemicals is to use regular nail polish.
However, if you are going to the nail salon, you may want to ask your nail technician that is applying your gel nails to apply a soak-off gel polish. That is a great option to maintain healthy nails and avoid brittle nails in the future.
Press-on nails are also a great option if you don’t want to apply traditional nail polish.
If you have a broken nail and want to use press-on nails but have a specific color that you want to use, your best bet is to get a clear press-on and then apply nail polish to those fake nails.
Conclusion
Whether you are doing your dip manicure at home or going to the salon, make sure that the correct steps are being followed to prevent your beautiful nails from cracking!
If you have a chemical reaction to anything that you use, be sure to seek a medical professional.
Other Posts You Might Like:
