Yahoo LifestyleThese Dip-Powder Manicure Kits Can Save You Time and Money
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These Dip-Powder Manicure Kits Can Save You Time and Money
These days, nothing is exclusively a salon-only treatment if you put your mind to it. The professional-level technique of the dipped-nail manicure is now totally doable at home by using a dip-powder nail kit. These inexpensive nail kits are the best DIY investment for saving some cash on expensive nail salon visits, plus they come in a plethora of shades to choose from — endless manicure creations? We'll sign up for that!
The Best Dip-Powder Nail Kits
Benefits and Limitations
So, what exactly are dip-powder nails? “They’re another method that is used to harden your natural nails or to add length just as you can with gel or acrylic,” says Syreeta Aaron, a manicurist and LeChat Nails educator. Dip-powder nails are typically done with a basic three- to five-step process — this, of course, does not include prep and polish. In our FAQ section below, we explain how to use and remove these dip-powder nail kits.
Dip-Powder Versus Gel Nails
The difference between gel polishes and dip-powder nails is their durability. “With gel polish, you may still experience some breakage on your natural nails versus with dip-powder. The durability is much better, saying that the product is much thicker, causing less breakage,” explains Aaron. However, she adds that gel builder and dip-powder are very similar. “The amount of product you use with the gel builder will depend on the thickness and strength of the nail.”
Dip-Powder Versus Press-On Nails
Press-on nails are a temporary nail enhancement that may last for just 2 to 3 days if not done properly or last up to a week if done correctly, meaning you clean off the nail plate of any dead skin and remove the oils. “One has to be very careful with press-ons because if there are any air pockets where the glue did not get onto the nail plate, fungus can easily occur,” says Aaron. “However, with dip-powder nails, you are sure to get full coverage eliminating the possibilities for fungus, and they last much longer.”
Ready to give it a go? Read on to discover the best dip-powder nail kits and essential accessories to kick-start your at-home nail salon! Each item was researched by our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, who considered the overall value of the kits, including the price, the number of powder shades available, accessories included in each set, reviewer feedback, texture, and more.
Stocksy - 2/10
Dip-Powder Nail Starter Kit
DipWell
amazon.com
$54.97
Key Specs
- Rating: 4.1-star average from nearly 1,370 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 8
Given its glowing online reviews, fair price, and the fact that it's available in various colors like light pink and red, this was our clear winner as the best overall dip-nail kit. DipWell's clean and chic starter kit provides three shades of powder dip and five polishes so you can easily switch up your mani.
It's also fortified with calcium, which helps battle daily wear and tear better than traditional nail lacquer, gel polish, and traditional acrylic systems.
Online reviewers adore this dip-powder nail kit because it delivers on its promise of providing a salon-quality manicure from the comfort and safety of your home. "This product is literally worth every dollar! I am just so excited for how my nails turned out," declares one 5-star review. "With only the tools it came with, and 45 minutes of patience, I gave myself a mani that looks better than some salon-quality dip sets."
amazon.com - 3/10
Nail Dip-Powder Starter Kit
Azure Beauty
amazon.com
$35.99
Key Specs
- Rating: 4.7-star average rating from nearly 4,870 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 27
A one-stop-shop for a dip-powder manicure, Azure Beauty's starter kit includes the usual essentials, as well as a dust brush, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. This is a great dip-powder nail kit if your current arsenal of nail tools isn't fully stocked.
We love that there are a total of 10 dip-powder nail kits available, ranging from rich tones like Earth Brown and C-Sunset to vibrant colors like Mermaid Series.
Beyond the quality of the dip-powders and their long-lasting wear, one licensed manicurist gave this nail kit 5-stars because of the company's very detailed (and super helpful) instructions on how to use everything.
According to reviewers, even beginners can use this kit without additional assistance. One Amazon reviewer even says that it’s easy to achieve professional results using this kit. “I’m pretty critical of the final product whether I get my nails done in a salon or do them myself — and I’m not exaggerating when I say that they came out absolutely perfect with this kit,” says their 5-star review. Plus, they say it only takes 30 minutes to achieve the perfect DIY dip-powder manicure.amazon.com - 4/10
Perfect Match Professional French Dip Kit
LeChat
amazon.com
$89.99
Key Specs
- Rating: N/A
- # of items included: 5
If a classic manicure is more your thing, this dip-powder nail kit will give you plenty of options for your desired look. It comes with five products, including a base coat, top coat, dip-powder, and accessories like a nail file.
"This dip-powder nail kit is for someone who wants to consistently do their nails at home and is looking for a quality, professional-grade product. I love the versatile colors, too," says Aaron. "As a professional nail technician, I will say that they are very effective in that they last, and the product is amazing."
With the correct application, your manicure can last up to three weeks!
amazon.com - 5/10
Color Dip Starter Kit
RC Red Carpet Manicure
amazon.com
$34.99
Key Specs
- Rating: 3.9-star average rating from nearly 330 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 9
This starter kit has everything — seriously, everything — you need to create a salon-approved look in the comfort of your own home. The kit includes a sultry red dip-powder, an activator, base, top coats, and plenty more for an even, mess-free, runway-ready look without any UV/LED light curing.
Several Amazon reviewers say the dip-powder products have a Goldilocks-like consistency — not too thick and not too hard. They are also in agreement that the nail kit is incredibly simple to use, and the directions are clear and easy to follow, making it an excellent option for dip-powder newbies.
amazon.com - 6/10
Dipping Powders Essential Kit
Kiara Sky
amazon.com
$94.99
Key Specs
- Rating: 4.4-star average from nearly 1,350 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 11
Kiara Sky's dip-powder starter kit provides a range of pink, white, and glitter powders for a dreamy-looking manicure. These easy-to-use dip-powders are formulated with complex bonds so they won't chip, lift, or fade. Amazon reviewers say this dip-powder nail kit can last up to four weeks, so consider using this kit ahead of a longer trip like an international vacation or your honeymoon.
Plus, this brand claims their dip-powders won’t damage the nail bed and offer a healthier alternative to other harsher nail enhancements. Amazon reviewers also agree that they haven’t had any nail health issues while using these products. To quote one 5-star review, “My nails have grown so much and are still very healthy.”
amazon.com - 7/10
Glitter Color Dip-Powder Nail Kit
Aikker
amazon.com
$25.39
Key Specs
- Rating: 4.2-star average from 5,150 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 27
Are you all about the bling? Then you're going to want to get your hands on this glitter-filled nail kit. It comes with 20 shimmery dip-powder shades to mix and match. And best of all, no LED light or UV curing is required — making this kit stand out from the rest for sheer convenience alone. It also contains everything you need to perfect your nail art, including a recycling tray, dust brush, and nail file.
Thousands of Amazon reviewers love this dip-powder nail kit because it's a great bang for your buck, the colors are stunning, everything is easy to use, and the polish comes with a buffer to remove any leftover grit from the glitter.
The only thing to keep in mind is that each jar of dip-powder is smaller than average — reviewers say each jar holds enough powder to do their manicure three times. But when you're paying around $23 for 20 powders, you can't really complain about the size.
amazon.com - 8/10
Dip-Powder 4-Color Starter Kit
Revel Nail
amazon.com
$32.99
Key Specs
- Rating: 4.1-star average rating from nearly 330 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 8
Can't decide which color fits your mood today? No worries! This nail kit may come with four colors of your choosing initially, but Revel has a variety of dip-powder colors for you to choose from — 69 of them, to be exact. If you're thinking about dabbling in more intricate dip-powder concoctions, then this brand should definitely be on your radar.
One Amazon reviewer admits to being hesitant to purchase this dip-powder nail kit but was thoroughly satisfied after using the kit for the first time. To quote their 5-star review: “I’ve used it once and LOVE it! I’m not a pro by any means, but I can give a fairly good manicure. If you follow the directions, it really is so simple.”
amazon.com - 9/10
Ooh La La Serendipity Starter Kit
Color Club
amazon.com
$21.58
Key Specs
- Rating: 4-star average rating from more than 530 Amazon reviews
- # of items included: 7
“I think this set will last for at least eight or nine manicures, so I can’t believe anyone would spend the money on salon acrylics when these came out so perfectly,” declares one 5-star Amazon review.
And TBH, we agree that this kit is a great value: It has everything you need for a dip-powder manicure for less than $30. This 21-day nail color dip system requires no UV/LED light to cure and includes three dip-color shades.
The neutral powders aren't just pretty — they're also practical. One reviewer broke their thin nail close to the nail bed and used this kit in a pinch to help preserve their nails. They fell in love with the kit so much that the next time they DIYed a French manicure and loved the results.
amazon.com - 10/10
Salon Dip Starter Kit
Kiss
amazon.com
$10.23
If you're already familiar with dip-powder polishes, you know how messy the application can be.
But now Kiss is here to make the process a little bit neater, thanks to the handy dip tray that allows you to apply with ease. Just apply per usual, and then pour whatever's on the tray back into your dip-powder container — simple, right?
And according to several Amazon reviewers, this dip-powder nail kit is legit. “Hands down, the best nail kit for at home! If you’re on the fence about this kit, just buy it — you won’t be disappointed,” says one 5-star review. “I do a sink full of dishes a day, and not one nail product has ever stayed on my nails longer than 24 hours, but the KISS Salon Dip does,” adds another review.
amazon.com
