What is Dip Powder?

Dip powder is geared for nail techs that want to save time or beginner nail techs.  It's an easier, faster way to get those gorgeous nails you often see on instagram.  Dip powder is used to create a natural, lightweight, and strong nail enhancement and can be used on both your natural nails or an artificial tip to create an extension.  The Dip Powders at iGel Beauty are manufactured in-house - this means we have full control of the quality of the products.  They're perfect for achieving a smooth, even application.  

Better yet? They also work wonders for Acrylic application.  Why is this so great? This versatility allows nail techs to customize what they wish for their clients - perhaps their clients may get dip flu so they need Acrylic application.  On the contrary, it's also good for beginner nail techs who want to start off by learning the Dip Method, however later in their nail journey, people tend to eventually learn Acrylic application as well.  

With the Dip Powders at iGel Beauty coming at a whopping 2 oz jar which is double the industry standard, this is sure to be a future-proof investment. We at iGel Beauty are also often coming out with hundreds of different colors - providing you the exact shade you wish for.  Dip Powder is formulated without harsh chemicals and has added vitamins and calcium to strengthen the nails without damaging the nail bed. If you are interested in learning more about Dip Powder, feel free to read our blogs or join our community Facebook page.  

What's the difference between Dip Powder & Acrylic?

Dip powder is activated with glazes, so it has no need for monomer, is odorless, and has a much faster application.  It's perfect for those who want a more natural alternative or are too hesitant to try the Acrylic application.  Dip powder is also much thinner than Acrylic application, however it still has the same structure and just as much strength as Acrylic.   

Can your Dip Powder be used for both Dip & Acrylic?

Yes it can! Our powders are specialized to be used for both Dip and Acrylic application. This versatility allows nail techs to customize what they wish for their clients - perhaps their clients may get dip flu so they need Acrylic application. On the contrary, it's also good for beginner nail techs who want to start off by learning the Dip Method, however later in their nail journey, people tend to eventually learn Acrylic application as well. With the Dip Powders at iGel Beauty coming at a whopping 2 oz jar which is double the industry standard, this is sure to be a future-proof investment.

Note: The products that have "RECOMMENDED FOR DIP" in the titles are not recommended for dip method only.  While it can be used for Acrylic application, it may be more difficult to do so due to the formula used for these specific colors.  

What does "Recommended for Dip" mean?

If you see the term "RECOMMENDED FOR DIP" in the product title, this means that this specific color is recommended for the Dip Method only.  While it can still be used for Acrylic application, it may be a bit difficult due to the formula this color is made of - it may result in slight marbling.  

How do I apply Dip Powder?

Dip Powder in your choice of color

6-Step System: (1) Bond (2) Base (3) Activator (4) Top Coat (5) Nourish Oil (6) Brush Saver

Manicure Buffer

Nail File / E-File

Dust Brush

Step 1: Complete your nail prep by using a manicure block or nail drill to create an even surface for the powder to be applied to. Push back and trim your cuticles and sanitize thoroughly. 

Step 2: Apply a coat of (1) Bond to all fingers on one hand. This is the primer. Make sure not to use too much - you want to keep it on your nail and away from the cuticle.

Step 3: Apply your (2) Base to one nail and dip the nail in the powder at a 45-degree angle. Cover the finger completely with powder and remove immediately. Tap your finger to remove the excess and wait at least 30 seconds before brushing off the excess powder with a nail brush. Repeat this step on the same nail until you get the color and thickness you desire. Then, repeat on the rest of one hand. The base acts as an adhesive for the powder application.

Step 4: Apply activator to all fingers on one hand and wait at least 30 seconds. You want to make sure the dip is properly cured and very hard. You can test this by tapping. If it doesn't make a clicky noise, apply more activator. The activator preserves the adhesion.

Step 5: Wipe each nail with a lint-free wipe to remove any excess activator and prevent it from contaminating your liquids. Activator will turn your base and top coat gummy and harden your brush if you don't do this properly. Alternatively, you can rinse your hands (no soap) and dry them very well.

Step 6: File your nail to the desired length and shape. Also, buff them to remove any unevenness.

Step 7: Apply one last layer of base coat to each nail and allow it to dry for at least 60 seconds. Then, apply the activator again. This step is optional however I find it really helps your nails last. The last layer of base coat helps to seal all the layers of dip and even out any minor surface imperfections that may be left.

Step 8: Give your nails one final wipe with a lint free wipe or paper towel. Then, apply one thin layer of (4) top coat. Allow this to dry for 30 seconds but not more than 90 seconds.

Step 9: Apply the second and final layer of top coat. This layer can be slightly thicker, but don’t overdo it. Make sure you are covering all areas of your nail surface and capping the free edge of your nail. Allow this to dry for at least 2 minutes.

Step 10: (Optional) Apply (5) Nourish Oil to protect your cuticles! Now you're done! See how easy it was to have salon-quality nails right in your own home?

 

How do I apply Acrylic?

STEP 1: Buy the required products

Below is a list of everything you’ll need to get started. While purchasing your products, remember to look for monomers containing EMA (ethyl methacrylate) instead of MMA (methyl methacrylate). For more information about EMA vs MMA – refer to our article here: Make sure you get the following products:

- Cuticle Pusher

- Semi-Coarse Nail File or Buffer

- Base & Top Coat

- Acrylic Nail Tips & Nail Glue

- Acrylic Brush & Dish/Bowl (for mixing)

- Monomer

- Dip & Dap Powders 

STEP 2: Prep Your Nails

Prepping your nails is an important step.It ensures that the acrylic is applied correctly. Start by removing your old nail polish (if any) by using an acetone polish remover. You can soak your nails in acetone if you have gels or dip nails.

Now, push your cuticles back gently. Soak your nails in warm water and use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back.Clip your nails if necessary. Then file or buff the surface and the edges of your nails.

Buffing makes your nails rougher hence the acrylics stick easily. For the removal of remaining oil and dirt, apply an acid-free nail primer. Primer is necessary for adhesion.

STEP 3: Apply The Tips

Choose the tips that fit your nails. The kit mostly contains several tips with varying sizes. So, choose the acrylic tips that fit you the best. If you can’t find any perfect ones, file down the width to get the desired size.

After choosing the right acrylic tips, apply them one nail at a time using acrylic nail glue. Apply the glue to the acrylic tip and place the bottom edge of the tip so that it’s centered about one-third of the way down your nail. Press and hold the acrylic tip for 10 seconds until it sticks. 

Cut the acrylic tips to your desired length and file the tips. To clean the dust and oil off the tip, apply a nail dehydrator, followed by an acid-free nail primer. 

STEP 4: Coat Nails With The Acrylic Mixture

Next, you have to get the materials ready. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area as the fumes of acrylic are very strong. Pour the powder into one acrylic bowl or dish. Take another acrylic dish and pour the monomer into it.

Now, take the acrylic brush and dip it into the monomer. Push the brush down to get the air bubbles out. To get the excess liquid off, tap or swipe the brush on the edge of the acrylic bowl/dish. After that, dip the brush into the acrylic powder. Gently tap the brush into the powder, and you’ll get a bead of acrylic (like a tiny ball). Remember that the bead should not be too dry or too wet.

Start by applying the acrylic near the cuticle then bring the mixture down to the tip of the nail. Take another bead(if needed) and smooth it out evenly to get the desired coverage. Smooth out the edges and be sure to wipe the brush between every stroke. 

Repeat the same process on each nail. 

STEP 5: Paint Your Nails

Once the acrylic mixture dries off completely, file your nails to smooth out the surface and the edges. For painting your nails, you can either use a colored acrylic powder or a nail polish. Choose any color you like and paint your nails. If you wish to use colored acrylic powder, repeat the same procedure as Step 4.

Finish it off with a shiny topcoat to seal in the acrylic. You can either choose to air dry your acrylics or use a UV lamp to dry them. It’s up to you. And there you go! Your acrylic nails are ready.  

How do I remove Dip/Acrylic Nails?

What you’ll need: 

100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Cotton balls.

Metal pusher or orangewood stick.

Aluminum foil.

A small bowl.

Buffer block or nail file.

Make sure to cover the table or any surface you’re using then follow these four steps:

  1. File Down the Shiny Top Coat

Take a buffer or a nail file to remove the shiny top-coat. Keep filing or buffing the top-coat until the top layer of your nails is covered with white dust. Keep in mind to buff off the topcoat gently – don’t file it down to your nail bed!

Once the shiny top coat is removed, the acetone will penetrate more easily.

  1. Use Acetone To Remove The Dip

You don’t have to rub your nails raw with an acetone-soaked cotton ball. Here are two ways to use acetone for removing the dip powder manicure:

  • Wrap Your Nails In Foil

Take a cotton ball and thoroughly soak it in acetone remover. Place the soaked cotton ball on top of your nail and tightly wrap your nail in an aluminum foil. Repeat the same process on each nail. Leave the foil for 10 to 15 minutes.

The acetone will sink into the strong layers of resin and powder, and the manicure will come off easily and gently. Remember that you should work on one nail at a time. While removing the foil, gently rub the cotton ball along with the foil on your nails.

  • Soak Your Nails In Acetone

If you don’t have a foil, here’s another method. Take a small bowl and pour acetone remover into it. Soak your nails in acetone for 15 to 20 minutes. If you want to speed up the process, place a towel over the bowl.

After 15 to 20 minutes, the dip will loosen and flake off. There will be no need to scrape of the dip. If the dip doesn’t flake off easily, soak your nails for an additional five minutes.

Pro tip: Before applying the acetone, rub petroleum jelly around your cuticle and fingertips. It will keep the skin around your nails from drying out.

  1. Remove The Remaining Dip

After step 2, the manicure will flake off gently. You can use a metal pusher or an orangewood stick to remove the remaining bits off your nails. The dip will come off easily. There will be no need to apply pressure on your nail bed to remove the remaining dip.

  1. Buff, Shape, and Nourish

After removing the dip powder manicure, buff the surface of your nails to even out the top layer. You can use a nail file or buffer to buff the nails gently. Then shape your nails with a nail file and create your desired shape.Don’t forget to nourish your nails. Acetone strips the moisture off your nails and dehydrates them. To moisturize your nails, apply cuticle oil and gently massage it into your nail beds. 

How long does Dip / Acrylic last?

When applied correctly, a dip or acrylic set can last anywhere from 3-4 weeks without chipping or lifting!

Can I apply Gel Polish on top of Dip Powder?

Yes you can! You can even use the foundations as well; however please note that the original intended use for the foundations are for each specific application and are not tested to be optimized.  We have heard a lot of feedback from our community that they love doing this 'gel-method' though!

My dip powder top coat doesn't look shiny - how do I apply it properly?

Prior to applying the top coat, make sure you clean your nail thoroughly with a lint-free wipe.  If you are having a cloudy or matte finish this means that the Top Coat may be activating too fast, or the surface is not cleaned well enough.  If you don't clean your nail well enough this may also cause your Top Coat brush to harden since it came in contact with the Activator.  If this happens, please replace your brush and do not place the hardened brush in your bottle or else it will contaminate the foundation.

I can't open my Dip Base and Top Coat - how can I open it and how can I prevent this from happening?

To open your bottles you may soak your bottles in warm water to loosen up the liquids for 10-15 minutes.  If you are unable to open your bottles please do not force them open as our bottles are made out of glass and can cause serious injuries if broken.While this is a totally common occurrence from any brand, there are 2 ways you can prevent this from happening:

  1. Make sure you clean your bottles well with acetone or alcohol after each use.  This will help prevent product buildup drying around the lid, which will cause the issue you are having.
  1. Take your Nourish Oil and apply it to the neck and rim of your Dip Base and Top Coat to make them easier to open for your next use!

My Dip Base and Top Coat looks very thick, gummy, or stringy, is there something wrong with it? 

There are 2 reasons that this may happen:

  1. Your storage temperature. This normally occurs during the colder seasons and is completely normal.  To resolve this you may heat up a cup of water and leave the bottle in the warm water to loosen the liquid inside the bottle until your desired consistency. You may also roll it in your hands - do not shake it as it may cause you to have bubbles in your manicure.  Make sure your base/top coat is completely shut when not in use as well, otherwise the product will be compromised.
  1. You may have accidentally contaminated your Base/Top Coat.  If your brushes had come into contact with Activator that was not thoroughly cleaned off, it will active the Top/Base brush and cause your brush to harden.  If this happens and you return the brush to the bottle, it will contaminate the rest of your liquids and make it gummy/stringy.  To avoid this make sure you are cleaning your nail thoroughly with a lint-free wipe before you apply your top coat.  This is a common occurrence and is also why most nail techs have replacement brushes on hand.

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