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While dip powders are done by dipping your nail into a powder and sealing it with an activator, gel manicures are applied by brushing like a varnish. Both ways are nail trends that bring beautiful, strong and durable nails.
Both gel and dip manicures give comparable results and require around the same time. Their primary distinction is in how they are used. There are little variations in longevity, cost, and removal simplicity.
I’ll explain the critical distinctions between gel and dip powders in this article, perhaps guiding you toward the choice that will work best for you and your nails. You can be confident that both options will result in stunning nails no matter which one you choose. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
What is a gel manicure?
Like ordinary nail polish, a gel manicure is applied. The only distinction is that the gel needs to be cured using a UV or LED bulb after applying polish. You can go to the salon or we have a tutorial on how to do gel manicure at home.
Gel manicures are comprised of photo-initiated polymers. This polish hardens and dries when held under a UV light for 45 seconds. The cure time will be longer if you use an LED light.
A gel manicure is strong enough to endure daily wear and tear and can last up to three weeks.
Soft gel vs. gel nails
Soft gel nails are soft gel nail extensions built up on the nail to enhance the length and are manufactured from the same material as gel nail polish.
Hard gel vs. gel nails
Like acrylics, hard gel nails lengthen and strengthen short nails and you can do short designer nails. Hard nails are not a soak-off product; they are a nail enhancer. However, you can complete your intricate gel extensions with a gel or shellac manicure. Let’s learn about the difference between gel manicure and acrylics nail with Maby.
What is dip powder?
Dip powder manicures are created by layering acrylic powders and finishing with a sealer.
SNS nails are another name for dip nails. These nails require brushing on the powder (thus the name) or dipping the nail into it. A sealant polish is applied with a brush between each powder application.
Compared to gel manicures, a dip powder manicure requires more layers to get the same effect, but the result lasts up to a month. Both natural nails and nail extensions like acrylic and Gel-X tips can be painted using dip powder.
Differences between gel manicures and dip powder nails
Here are the key differences to remember when choosing between gel and dip powder nails.
Application
The most significant distinction between gel and dip nails is their application.
Like a varnish, gel nails are applied to the pin with a brush. The gel must be cured under a UV or LED lamp between coats of polish. UV light takes approximately 45 seconds to dry, whereas LED light takes about two minutes.
To create a dip nail, dip the staple into acrylic powder or brush the powder on. You seal it with an activator polish in between each coat of powder. This polish dries by air to an intricate and durable finish.
Longevity
Both gel and dip nails have great lasting power.
If correctly done, a gel manicure can last for up to two weeks without chipping. Gel manicures may only last for a short time if you have an oily nail bed or frequently soak your fingernails in water.
Up to a month can pass between dip nails. The ingredients in the activator polish contribute to its longevity. The same substance that makes up Super Glue was employed as the activator in dip nails! Its name is cyanoacrylate, and it is mighty. As a result, dip nails can air dry like glue while having the toughness of resin.
Removal
Removing gel and dip nails can be accessed without the correct procedure. The nail bed will be damaged by improper removal.
A Gel manicure is far simpler to take off the two. You should first file the top layer of polish-off gel. The polish can then be loosened using cotton balls dipped in acetone.
Dip nails are harder to remove since they are thicker. You can remove the top layer once again. Then, soak the nails directly in acetone to soften the dip manicure.
As you can see, improper removal can damage your nail bed which can take months to grow out.
The learn more, read our article on How to Take Off a Home Gel Manicure.
Price and duration of the manicure
Prices for dips and gel are comparable. Dip nails are marginally more expensive (5 to 10 dollars more).
Of course, just the gel or dip itself is considered in this. This will increase the cost if you get nail art or add extensions.
The finishing time for gel and dip nails is comparable. In all situations, the entire manicure will take you roughly 45 minutes to complete. If you are using nail art or extensions, this period can last longer.
Hygiene
Of the two, gel polish is more sanitary.
The issue with dip powder is that the pot you are dipping your finger into can become contaminated. The clean way to perform this manicure is to use a small pool for each client and to throw any remaining powder away.
Since this leads to wasted materials, some salons will attempt to skip this step by using a communal pot instead. Any bacteria lingering in a communal pool can lead to an infection with a dip manicure.
As with any manicure, ensure that the tools come from sealed bags.
Safety
Both gel and dip nails are safe to apply and remove with the correct techniques.
The main reasons for nail damage with either gel or powder manicures are rarely because of the system, but a result of:
- Strong chemicals are used to prime your nails.
- Overfilling, as with an E-file during nail prep.
- Damaging the nail plate during removal by filing or scraping with a metal cuticle tool to remove the gel or dip.
- Picking the gel polish and ripping it off instead of using acetone to soak it off.
With gel manicures, there is some speculation that frequent exposure to UV light may increase your chance of cancer. But this has never been proven. Picking at your gel polish to remove it may cause some damage to the nail bed. So what you should know before getting a gel manicure.
With both treatments, the frequent use of acetone and treatments may dry your cuticles. Remember to rest your nails from time to time and keep your cuticles hydrated with quality cuticle oil.