💅✨Dip Powder Nail Supply Recommendations & Mini Tutorial✨💅

         Hi ya'll! If you have seen my dip nails tutorial video on my YouTube channel, you probably remember me mentioning Amazon affiliate links and all the products mentioned down below. If you mosied over here, I'm so grateful! I will be walking through the items needed and in what order, as well as providing those affiliate links here, too. Disclaimer (1), this is how I, an untrained, at-home hobbyist, do her nails. Attempt at your own risk and do research before starting! Disclaimer (2), all products linked in this blog post are affiliate links. You can purchase without using the affiliate link as well, but using it helps me tremendously, so thank you! 

    Let's get started!

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    First off to prep your nails, you want to make sure your nails are clean and dry. After cleaning and drying your nails, you will want to push back the cuticle and clean up around the cuticle area, avoiding damaging the lateral nail fold & proximal nail fold (eponychium). This is a very important part of your nail that protects your fingers/hands from infection, so please be very careful handling this if you do decide to remove it against recommendation. 

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    This is my go-to set for cuticle care. It's cute, functional, and affordable! I use this set weekly to care for my cuticles. I highly recommend it. Any set similar to it works, but I personally liked the rainbow look!

    Next, you will want to buff the nail to ensure proper adhesion. 

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    When getting the hang of using this tool, be sure to watch tutorials before utilizing it. Use the lowest speed and apply minimal pressure to avoid injury. You only need to lightly buff the surface to ensure the products' adhesion, so there is no need to go overboard. Just ensure you buff the whole nail. 

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    If you are feeling cautious, using the rough side of the flat file around the nail manually works just as well, but it's a slower process. Similarly, though, because the grit is so harsh, a little goes a long way. Use light pressure and ensure you buff the entire nail surface. You just need to put scratches on the surface of the nails to have the product stick. 

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    At this point, if you want nail extensions, you will want to apply nail tips with a nail glue of your choice to the nail about midway down the nail plate, then cut and shape to your desired length and shape. I usually do square or almond, but shaping the tip now is important and saves a ton of time and grief later. After you apply the tips, you want to try to file off any lifted parts of the tip and gently file until the tip is as flush with the nail as safely possible. Then, you are ready for the next steps!

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    After buffing the nail, you will want to apply a dehydrator. You do not need to use the nail primer for dip or acrylic nails, but it is a good thing to have in your arsenal if you use gel polish at all—more on that another time! If you want the dehydrator only, here is a link for that. You will be applying the dehydrator to the entirety of the natural nail. You do not apply this to the nail tips; it will not help adhesion; it is really only needed for the natural nail to be dehydrated. Apply this to each of the natural nails 2x. Do not apply to the skin, and only use a little on the brush to ensure you are only applying to the nail. ⚠️Avoid contact with skin! Prolonged exposure to the skin can result in contact dermatitis or allergies!⚠️

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    At this point, it's time to rock and roll! I used a kit the first time I did my dip nails until I felt comfortable freestyling with clear dip on its own! I recommend this clear dip and this activator & base if you want to skip the kit or cannot find one you like. Make sure to read the manufacturer's directions very carefully. I personally use the apex method to apply the dip. This includes putting a swipe down the middle of the nail only 2x before applying the dip normally. This is important, especially if you have applied nail tips because you need strength to provide support to the length and weight of the tip.

    I personally have found applying the base, dipping, and then applying one swipe of activator in between layers helps the most. If you are applying on natural nails only, most of the time, one or two coats are ok. If you are doing the apex method on natural nails, do one center swipe layer, then two regular layers, and three total layers. With nail tips, with the first application, I recommend two apex layers, then 3 regular layers. Fills will only need one apex layer and two regular applications after that.  

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   After the dip application, if you are happy with the color dip you used, it's time for a top coat to finish it off. Regular nail polish top coat works, or if you have a gel lamp and prefer it, a gel top coat works as well! If you are ready to paint over that dip, I recommend this set as a good starting set. You will need a gel lamp if you want these to cure. Regular nail polish works on top of the dip as well if you prefer that, but I use gel because it dries as soon as it cures. I will be making a post on my favorite nail colors in the near future, but this set is one of my absolute favorites! ⚠️Avoid contact with skin! Regular nail polish or uncured gel is not safe for the skin! Prolonged exposure to the skin can result in contact dermatitis or allergies!⚠️

    If you have any questions or comments, leave them below! Also, let me know if you have any of the products I recommend and if you like them as well! Thanks for reading!

All products linked in this blog post are affiliate links. You can purchase without using the affiliate link, but using it helps me tremendously, so thank you! 

⚠️Remember you attempt home nails at your own risk, so use your best judgment, and ALWAYS research before you try any home beauty service or treatment! If you think you have an allergy, infection, or injury, immediately contact a healthcare professional.⚠️

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