How To Do Dip Nails That Look As Good As The Salon

learn how to do your own dip nails that will look so cute and save you money!

Dip nails are an affordable alternative to getting acrylic nails done in the salon. Not only is it healthier for your nails but doing it at home will cost a fraction of the price.

Dip nails are a cross between gel nail polish and acrylic, making them super durable. This makes for a great at home manicure that can last up to 5 weeks!

Doing at home nails is affordable, healthier for your nail, and more sanitary in in a salon, making this method the best option for cute at home nails.

Doing dip nails yourself takes practice. You won’t get them to look the same as they do in the salon the first time you try, but if you follow all these steps and keep practicing, they will look professional in no time.

This post is all about how to do dip nails at home

How To Do Dip Nails That Look As Good As The Salon

This post will explain EXACTLY how get dip nails that look as good as in the salon.

Supplies:

Dip Powder

Pick your favorite color. The brand Nailboo on Amazon has different colors to choose from and has great quality for the price.

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Gelish Dip BASE COAT

The base coat is the layer of polish provides a smooth base on the nail that the powder sticks to.

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Gelish Dip ACTIVATOR

The activator activated the powder and makes it harden and stick to the nail.

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Gelish Dip TOP COAT

The topcoat gives the nail a glossy finish and prevents the nail from chipping.

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Electric nail file

shape the nail and file the nail to preferred length.

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Lint free wipes (optional)

Wipes are used to remove and clean any particles on the nail before applying the top coat.

Brush (optional)

Use a brush to wipe away access powder from the nail.

Cuticle oil (optional)

Applying oil around cuticles will help soften the skin around the nail so applying polish is easier.

Nail clippers or cuticle tool (optional)

To shape nail and remove extra skin around the nail and cuticle.

STEP 1: NAIL PREP

Start by washing hands to remove any dirt around your nails. Use nail clippers or cuticle tool to push and remove extra skin around the nail. Trim nail. Optional step to add fake tip at this time using fake nail tips and nail glue. Shape using file.

STEP 2: APPLY BASE COAT

Apply base coat polish from base of nail up to free edge. In this step it is extremely important to be careful not to get polish on skin around nail. Apply thin strokes, not to get too much liquid built up on nail (this makes nail lumpy). If any polish is brushed on skin, it can be wiped away using acetone on a small brush. The neater and more precise you are, the neater your nails will turn out.

STEP 3: DIP NAIL IN POWDER

Fully submerge nail in powder, making sure entire nail is covered. Tap your finger to remove any excess powder from nail, followed by brush to make sure all extra powder is removed.

Apply a second coat to the nail by repeating steps 2 and 3. I recommend doing this for three coats, so it is easier to shape and file nail.

STEP 4: APPLY ACTIVATOR

Apply activator polish over dipped nail. The activator makes the powder harden and prepares them to be filed and shaped, so it is important that the entire nail is covered. Let the nail sit for 1 minutes after activator is applied.

STEP 5: FILE AND SHAPE NAIL

Using the electric filer, file back and forth across nail until surface is smooth. If using an electric file is complicate, use a manual file to smooth surface and remove bumps. Take extra care at the base of nail to remove any dip touching skin or cuticle around nail. File around base of nail until dip is almost thin with the skin meeting the nail. Filing is the most important step (and one that takes the most time) and what makes nails look professionally done.

Wash hands with water only, rinsing off nails gently.

STEP 6: REAPPLY ACTIVIATOR

Applying the activator to the nail one more time after shaping nails will ensure the nail is completely hardened. Let this sit for 2 minutes. Wipe nail with lint free wipe to remove any left behind particles.

STEP 7: APPLY TOP COAT

Apply top coat polish carefully on nail from base to free edge. This will protect the nail and add shine. Apply two coats, letting the first coat sit for one minute before applying second coat.

Let nails dry for at least 2 minutes to ensure top coat is completely dry. This top coat does not require UV light (which can be confusing as some companies call their top coat “finish gel”.

Optional: Some salons do opt to use a real UV gel top coat with UV light for extra protection and shine. This can be done in place of regular top coat by using gel top coat and UV light but is not required for nails.

STEP 8: CUTICLE OIL

Rub cuticle oil to the base of nails and your nails are all set!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Dip nails have the durability of acrylic nails, but can be done at home, are healthier for your nail, and won’t cost you time and money at the salon.

Doing dip nails are home is completely safe. I recommend NailBoo or Kiara Sky on Amazon, which are both professional grade products that are used at nail salons. These are high quality nail powders and solutions that are completely safe on nails.

By practicing proper sanitation practices and using the right materials, it is not difficult to get nails that look like they were professionally done, at home!

If I can learn to do this at home with no experience, you can to!