Forget the Salon—These At-Home Dip Powder Nail Kits Will Save You So Much Money

If you haven’t already heard, dip powder manicures are creating quite the buzz in the beauty world. For the uninitiated, a dip powder manicure involves using pigmented powder to coat nails in a glossy color (you might recognize the technique from the many mesmerizing videos of the delicate dipping process on social media).

While the method has actually been around since the 1980s, it only recently began dominating Instagram feeds and making its way onto the menus of nail salons everywhere. And while it’s just recently skyrocketed in popularity, the allure of this trendy nail treatment has always been the same: Unlike traditional manicures, a dip powder nail treatment lasts as long as three to four weeks. It’s also gentler on the skin than gel manicures that use UV light to seal in the polish, or acrylic options that often emit strong chemical smells.

Image courtesy of Amazon.

Because the manicure style is so in-demand—and requires more time and tools than a basic mani—it can cost a pretty penny to have one professionally done. We did the math: One visit to the salon for a dip powder manicure costs around $30 on average, and if you return for regular treatments each month, that adds up to about $360 a year (not including the price of tipping your technician for each service).

Related: Almond-Shaped Nails Are the Trend You Should Ask Your Manicurist About

Enter: the dip powder nail kit, an affordable way to DIY a trendy manicure for yourself right at home. It’s sure to last longer than your usual polish and topcoat routine, and some cost as little as $12—and will see you through countless at-home manicures—saving you some serious cash in the long run.

Keep scrolling to shop the nine best dip powder nail kits to try at home. Trust us, your nails (and your wallet) will thank you.

Best for Pros: DipWell Dipping Nail Starter Kit

This dipping nail starter kit has everything you need for a perfect dip mani at home. The vegan-friendly purchase is free of any harsh chemicals and uses a strong adhesive for a manicure that lasts up to six weeks without chipping—plus, it can be removed in just 15 minutes. Along with a bond, base, activator, sealer, and brush softener, it even offers a few different choices in dipping powders: You’ll get a base powder, a finish powder, a French white dipping powder, and a sheer pink dipping powder. Fun additions to make your nails look even more professional include a file, buffer, and cuticle pusher. If you have some experience doing your own nails at home, this kit is for you, as some shoppers noted that it takes a few tries to get the hang of it.

Buy It: DipWell Dipping Nail Starter Kit, $40 (originally $50), Amazon

Best for Classic Colors: Color Club Serendipity Dip Powder Classic Starter Kit

If you like to stick with the classics, consider giving this kit a try. It includes a bonding gloss, activator, brush cleaner, buffer, and three timeless dip powder nails colors—light pink, bold red, and deep plum—dubbed New-Tral, Regatta Red, and Feverish. The easy-to-apply powders are created with a gentle formula that keeps your nails looking their best, and many reviewers agreed that the kit really is simple to use. They also noted that the $20 price point was impressive based on the long-lasting results they experienced.

Buy It: Color Club Serendipity Dip Powder Classic Starter Kit, $20, Walmart

Best for Glitter: Nicole Diary Dipping Nail Powder Kit

This dipping nail powder kit is perfect for glitter enthusiasts. Although it doesn’t come with the top coat, base, or activator you need to create the perfect dip powder mani, it includes six glittery hues for the final touch. Just be sure you’re stocked up on the basics before going for this kit. “Love the colors and how easy the system is to use,” one shopper wrote. So if your nails don’t feel complete without an extra layer of glitz and glam, you’ll want to add this kit to your collection of manicure essentials.

Buy It: Nicole Diary Dipping Nail Powder Kit, $14, Amazon

Best for Healthy Nails: MEFA Dip Powder Nail Kit

While many dip powder nail kits boast healthy, natural ingredients, this one might just be the best. The dipping powder is made with a nail protection formula containing Vitamin E and calcium to help keep nails strong, healthy, and resilient, resulting in nail growth over time. It’s also free of strong chemical smells, unlike some other acrylic gels. With a base coat, top gel, activator, and brush saver, the kit has everything you need to create a stunning nail look that appears thin and natural. “This powder is soo light and smooth...The liquids are nice and thin, but not too much that it pools at the sides and cuticles,” according to one Amazon reviewer.

Buy It: MEFA Dip Powder Nail Kit, $32, Amazon

Best Bargain: KISS Salon Dip Professional Dipping System

At just $12, you can’t beat the price on this dip powder manicure kit from KISS Salon. It comes with a brush-on gel, activator, dip powder, dip tray, sponge, nail file, manicure stick, and 20 white tips to help you create a high-quality nail look at home. Reviewers noted that with the help of online tutorials, using the kit was easy and left them with great results.

Buy It: KISS Salon Dip Professional Dipping System, $12, Walmart

Best for Beginners: Red Carpet Manicure Color Dip Starter Kit

If you’re new to the whole dip powder manicure fad, start slow with this basic kit from Red Carpet Manicure. The easy-to-use package comes with a base coat, activator, top coat, brush restorer, and a classic red powder. All it takes is a steady hand with the base coat and a quick dip into the powder with each nail. Repeat this process until you’re satisfied with the look, then brush on the activator and base coat to seal in the color.

Buy It: Red Carpet Manicure Color Dip Starter Kit, $35, Ulta

Best for Just the Powders: Modelones Dip Power Set for Nail Art

This bold powder set is just the thing you need to grow your existing collection of dip powder nail art products. If you already have a base coat, top coat, and activator, but want to upgrade your color library, consider this kit that’s filled with six high-quality, long-lasting hues. Designed to stay put without chipping for up to three weeks, it includes a variety of shades from classic red to trendy green. Amazon shoppers said the colors are exactly as pictured and are well worth the cost if you do your own nails regularly.

Buy It: Modelones Dip Power Set for Nail Art, $28, Amazon

Best for French Tips: Lavender Violets Dip Powder Nail Kit

For fans of the classic French manicure, this is the dip powder nail kit for you. It comes with four powder shades, including Clear, White, Barely Pink, and Cradle Pink, along with a base gel, gel activator, top gel, and brush saver. Not only does it include everything you need to create a long-lasting French tip mani at home, but it’s also non-toxic, odor-free, and environmentally-friendly. According to Amazon reviews, the powder really lasts, and the kit is relatively easy to use.

Buy It: Lavender Violets Dip Powder Nail Kit, $33, Amazon

Best Vegan Formula: Azure Beauty Nail Dipping Powder Starter Kit

When it comes to finding the perfect dip powder kit, turn to this vegan, cruelty-free set from Azure Beauty. Its natural formula looks and feels lightweight, but it’s still strong enough to last for over two weeks without signs of chipping. Packed with four colorful powders, five gels, a nail file, polish, brush, cuticle oil, and a wooden stick, it has everything you need for a stylish at-home manicure. “Wow! I am amazed at how easy this product is to use! It’s as simple as a light coat of polish and a slow dip into the powder and your nails are transformed as if you spent an hour in the salon,” one shopper wrote.

Buy It: Azure Beauty Nail Dipping Powder Starter Kit, $50, Amazon