Is dip powder bad for your nails?

According to Totty, as long as dip manicures are applied and removed correctly, they are completely safe and not bad for your nails. “It’s extremely important to practice the application and follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” she says. “Patience while removing dip nails will give you the best results and healthy nails afterward.”

How do you remove dip powder nails?

When it comes to removing dip powder nails , do not pick at them or pull them off. (We know, it can be tempting, especially if they’re beginning to lift.) Instead, Totty recommends purchasing a soak-off solution designed specifically for dip powder. “The best and safest way to remove dip nails is to individually wrap them with the solution and wait for 10 to 15 minutes,” she says. “Any residue left on the nail can be easily buffed off.”

Can you fill dip powder nails?

It's possible to fill dip nails, though Totty says that opting for a fresh application is a much better option. “It’s possible to fill dip nails only if you use a clear or clear pink for a natural nail overlay,” she says. “However, that will not give you the best-lasting manicure because, over time, the resin base used with dip manicures will lose its integrity and lifting might occur. A fresh application will ensure you have a long-lasting result every time.”

How long do dip powder nails last?

According to Totty, the standard wear for a dip manicure is between 21 and 25 days, but how long yours will last depends solely on your nail growth speed and how rough you are on them. “For example, a bartender is lucky to get three weeks of wear, when an executive assistant who has less contact with water and other liquids daily will get a full four weeks before the nails completely grow out," she says.

The 8 Best Dip Powder Nail Kits of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Commerce Photo Composite — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Nails have really upgraded over the last few years. From traditional polish to gel manicures to out-of-this-world nail art, expressing yourself through the tips of your fingers almost feels necessary now. These days, we're hardly the only ones obsessing over dip powder manicures. The name comes from its unique application—an adhesive base is applied onto a clean, dried nail, then dipped into a powder color, made of a highly pigmented polymer, of your choice. Several coats can be “dipped” and then coated with a glossy sealant.

The best part: It lasts much longer than a gel manicure, feels stronger, and requires no curing time under LED or UV lights. When applied correctly, a dip powder manicure can last for three to four weeks and can even add strength to your natural nails, says manicurist and salon owner Anastasia Totty, a LeChat Nails Educator. Lucky for us, achieving this nail look is easy, thanks to at-home kits that are simple-to-use and affordable.

Below, find our favorite dip powder nail kits for use at home.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nailboo Essentials Dip Kit at Nailboo.com

This kit includes everything you need for an at-home dip mani.

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Red Carpet Manicure Dip Color Kit at Amazon

Get long-lasting color that lasts for up to 21 days.

Best Long-Lasting:

Le Chat Professional French Dip Kit at Lechatnails.com

This kit may be pricy, but worth it given the four weeks of wear and incredible strength.

Best Red Colors:

Honey Joy Dipping Powder Kits at Amazon

With a plethora of red shades to choose from, you're sure to find your match.

Best Splurge:

Kiara Sky Dipping Powder Starter Kit at Amazon

This quick-dip system makes easy work of dip manicures.

Best Budget:

Kiss Dip Color System Kit at Ulta

Just starting out? This wallet-friendly kit is great for learning dip nail technique.

Best for French Tips:

Dipwell Acrylic Dip System Starter Kit at Amazon

French tips are now a breeze to pull of, thanks to this easy-to-use kit.

Best for Beginners:

Revel Dip Powder Starter Kit at Revelnail.com

This kit contains all the items you need to create DIY dip nails, and it dries instantly.

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

View On Nailboo.com

What We Like

Personal color selection
High-quality
Complete kit with all tools and products

What We Don't Like

Extra steps involved

This one-stop-shop comes with everything you need, even including helpful clips for removal. It does require a few extra steps, but that makes for an extremely impressive mani (or pedi, since this also works on toes). Plus, not only do you get four colors, you can choose exactly which colors those are, a major win in our book.

Shades: 4 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry 2 minutes

red carpet manicure color dip starter kit

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Affordable
Easy to use with minimal steps

What We Don't Like

Only one shade included

Affordable and easy to use, this simple kit gives you long-lasting, shiny color that lasts for up to 21 days. (Indeed, reviewers rave about the lack of chipping.) The kit comes with a classic red color included, though there are plenty of other colors that you can purchase separately.

Shades: 1 included with kit | Dry Time: 30 seconds

View On Lechatnails.com

What We Like

Pro-grade product
Includes a clear shade
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Expensive

This professional-grade powder touts a whopping four weeks of wear, all while also imparting the length and strength you get from acrylics (just without any of the damage effects afterward). It also feels very lightweight and natural on the nails and comes off easily, always a win.

Shades: 4 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry 2 minutes

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Includes glitter shades

What We Don't Like

Small containers; hard to dip nails

Anyone who loves to rock red will appreciate that this kit comes with eight shades in a nice variety of red tones, from a classic, fire-engine red to a deep berry. (Three of them are also glittery, should you prefer a little extra shimmer.) It also comes off in just 10 minutes, and the application is super easy.

Shades: 8 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry up to 2 minutes

View On Amazon View On EBay

What We Like

High-quality
Nice range of colors
Comes with nourishing oil for cuticles

What We Don't like

No tools are included

Yes, this is on the pricier side, but it does come from one of the better-known, professional, dip powder brands. It’s an Amazon fan favorite, with reviewers raving about how easy it is to use and how incredible the results are. You get five colors plus all the accompanying products, including a bonder, base coat, protectant, topcoat, nourishing oil, and even a brush cleaner.

Shades: 5 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry up to 2 minutes

View On Ulta View On Kissusa.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Extremely user-friendly

What We Don't Like

Not as high-quality as other options

“This affordable option is great for someone who wants to try out dip powder without investing,” says nail artist Syreeta Aaron, a LeChat Nails Educator. (However, she does note that the results may not be quite up to par with what you’d get with other products.) Still, if you’re just looking to test the dip powder waters or aren’t concerned about the results lasting a super long time, this is a good option. You get one color included with the kit, a nude pink, though other colors are available.

Shades: 1 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry 5 to 10 minutes

View On Amazon View On Dipwell.co View On Walmart

What We Like

Nice French mani colors
Clear powder preserves color vibrancy
Tools included

What We Don't Like

Expensive

In case you missed the memo, French manis are back—in a big way. This kit makes it easy to achieve French tips, with both a beautiful sheer pink that works great as a base and a crisp white for the tips (though FYI, the white also looks nice worn on its own). What’s most noteworthy about this option is the addition of a clear powder that gets applied in between the two colors, helping to protect the clarity and vibrancy of both colors. AKA, there’s no need to worry about yellowing.

Shades: 2 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry up to 2 minutes

View On Revelnail.com

What We Like

Personal color selection
Complete kit with all tools and products

What We Don't Like

Only one color included

Aaron says this is a good option for dip powder newbies, and while it’s not professional-grade, it is “good quality for a DIY option.” While it only comes with one shade of dipping powder, we like that you get the option to choose which shade that is. (And there are over 200 dip colors to choose from.) Plus, per the point of newbies, this comes with every possible tool and accessory you could need to master the dipping process, even cotton balls included.

Shades: 1 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry 2 minutes

Final Verdict

The Nailboo Essentials Dip Kit (view at Nailboo) is our pick for the best dip powder nail kit overall, a high-quality formula that comes with four colors that you can pick. DIY dip novices will appreciate that the Revel Dip Powder Starter Kit (view at Revel Nail) comes with every tool and accessory you could need to master the dipping process. The Dipwell Dip Nail Starter Kit-French Set (view at Dipwell) is great if you love French tips, but if you prefer a bold red mani, check out the Honey Joy Dipping Powder Kits (view at Amazon), which also boasts a very non-damaging formula.

What to Look for in a Dip Powder Nail Kit

A Bonder

Also known as a non-acid primer, you’ll definitely want a kit containing one of these as it’s an essential prep step that will ensure a good application, says Totty.

Activator

Similarly, you’ll also want to make sure your kit comes with an activator, a chemical that’s used to dry the dip base and greatly speeds up the process, Totty says.

A Variety of Colors

Totty suggests choosing a kit that comes with a variety of colored powders. Not only does this give you more options to play and experiment with, but it’s also a good way to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

FAQ

Is dip powder bad for your nails?

According to Totty, as long as dip manicures are applied and removed correctly, they are completely safe and not bad for your nails. “It’s extremely important to practice the application and follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” she says. “Patience while removing dip nails will give you the best results and healthy nails afterward.”
How do you remove dip powder nails?

When it comes to removing dip powder nails, do not pick at them or pull them off. (We know, it can be tempting, especially if they’re beginning to lift.) Instead, Totty recommends purchasing a soak-off solution designed specifically for dip powder. “The best and safest way to remove dip nails is to individually wrap them with the solution and wait for 10 to 15 minutes,” she says. “Any residue left on the nail can be easily buffed off.”
Can you fill dip powder nails?

It's possible to fill dip nails, though Totty says that opting for a fresh application is a much better option. “It’s possible to fill dip nails only if you use a clear or clear pink for a natural nail overlay,” she says. “However, that will not give you the best-lasting manicure because, over time, the resin base used with dip manicures will lose its integrity and lifting might occur. A fresh application will ensure you have a long-lasting result every time.”
How long do dip powder nails last?

According to Totty, the standard wear for a dip manicure is between 21 and 25 days, but how long yours will last depends solely on your nail growth speed and how rough you are on them. “For example, a bartender is lucky to get three weeks of wear, when an executive assistant who has less contact with water and other liquids daily will get a full four weeks before the nails completely grow out," she says.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A manicure devotee, she admittedly prefers the professional route over the DIY options, so she relied on expert intel and tons of reviews and consumer input when researching this article.

Meet the Expert

Anastasia Totty is a manicurist and a LeChat Nails Educator. She is the salon owner of Artistique Nails in Saint Johns, Florida.

Nail artist Syreeta Aaron is a LeChat Nails Educator and brand ambassador.

No More Flimsy Nails: These Are the 14 Best Nail Strengtheners