Dip Nails Vs. Gel? What is the Difference Between Powder Dip Nails and Gel?

A lot of you may not know this, but dip nails are not new. They have been a beauty hack for almost three decades now.

Dip powder nails have recently taken the beauty industry by storm. Their cousin, gel nails, are still popular, but they are given stiff competition from dip powder in terms of popularity. So, what is the difference between powder dip nails and gel nails? This is a question we will attempt to answer.

To discern their differences, we will focus on their application, the effect on your nails, and the removal process. So, let’s get going!

Application Techniques for Gel and Dip Powder Nails

If you are a manicure gal, you need to know the difference between how gel and dip nails are applied to your nails. For gel nails, you have to apply a base coat, let it dry, then use the colour of your choice. During this time, you dip the brush into a liquid, and plaster it onto the nail. This colour dries under a UV lamp. The process ends with a topcoat that also dries under the lamp.

Dip powder nails, on the other hand, use a liquid coat, but a solid colour powder. The particles are finely ground to the point where they are smoother than traditional acrylics.

For the application for dip powder nails, you apply a fast-drying bonder, then a base coat. While the base is still wet, dip your nail into the powder and wait for a few seconds as the base absorbs the colour. You often repeat the process twice or thrice to get a well-pigmented finish.

An activator and topcoat finish off the process for a shiny, new mani look. Throughout the application process, you do not interact with a UV lamp.

Difference Between the Effect of Gel and Dip Powder On Your Nails

A well-applied manicure lasts for about three weeks. However, there is a slight difference between how gel works on your nail plate compared to how to dip powder works.

For instance, since the dip powder lasts longer, you might end up with spotting. On the other hand, the gel tends to harm your nails more since the removal process is harsh.

Due to the finely ground powder, the dip nails are smooth and do not chip easily. Since the powder formula is advanced, the powder strengthens your nail.

The Difference in Polish Removal

Whenever you are removing nail polish, the first and most important part is removing the topcoat. You do so by using an emery board, or a nail file. Now, the difference between gel and dip powder comes in how the colour gets off your nails.

While you dip your nails in acetone for the dip nails, a simple soak-off will work with gel polish. However, when removing gel, you have to scrape it off your nail plate, an activity that weakens and damages your nail.

Both gel and dip nail polish last quite a long time, but due to the nail’s hardening using an activator, the dip nails tend to last a bit longer than gel nails.