You Can Remove Dip Powder Nails At Home If You Follow These Steps

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If you’re looking to score a stunning manicure that lasts up to four weeks without fading or chipping, dip powder nails—also dubbed SNS nails—have you covered. As the name suggests, dip powder nails are achieved by actually dipping your nails into a concoction of finely-milled pigmented powder.

Meet the experts: Pattie Yankee is a celebrity nail expert. Rianna Basurto is a nail expert and Bellacures specialist.

“Dip powder has a similar effect to what it is like to get acrylic nail enhancements, but with a different application process,” explains nail expert Rianna Basurto. “The dip powder application process begins by applying a base coat to the natural nail bed, followed by dipping your nails into an acrylic-colored powder resin which acts as your nail polish color; then you apply a sealant to lock in the powder and provide a glossy finish.”

Naturally, your dip powder nails will eventually grow out and need to be removed—and how you do so is super important because when done incorrectly, the process can end up potentially damaging the health of your nails. So how can you DIY at home, sans harming your digits? We tapped some nail experts to find out.

Are dip powder nails safe?

According to Basurto, dip powder nails are extremely safe. The removal process, however, is where some people get tripped up and end up damaging their natural nails, either by picking at them or trying to pry them off. “Never try to peel them off,” says celebrity nail expert Pattie Yankee. “This will remove layers of your nail plate and cause damage to the nail unit.”

Basurto stresses the importance of following the correct removal steps and being patient during the process to maintain the integrity of your natural nails.

Can you remove dip powder nails at home?

Yes, absolutely—according to both pros—but if you don’t feel confident, you can always hit up your local salon to have them professionally removed for you. If you don’t feel like shelling out the money though, removing dip powder nails can be successfully DIY-ed so long as you follow the correct steps and don’t rush the process.

Of course, you’ll need the proper tools in order to successfully remove your dip powder nails at home. Per Yankee, you'll need:

• a 180 grit file

• a 400 grit or higher nail buffer

• pure acetone

• cotton

• aluminum foil cut into squares

• a plastic bag

• towels

Can you remove dip powder nails without acetone?

The short answer: no. “Acetone is the only substance that will break down and dissolve the dip product,” says Yankee.

Basurto doesn’t recommend it, either. “For the most effective results, we do not typically opt for other methods without acetone in our salons,” she says.

What are the pros and cons of dip powder nails?

While there are several great benefits to dip powder nails, it's worth noting there are a few drawbacks. We’ll cover the positives first. “Dip powder is a strong and rigid product that allows your nails to be protected so they can grow longer,” says Yankee. “So for those who need extra strength and are hard on their nails, this is a good service choice.” Additionally, like with gel nails, the dip powder process allows you to leave the salon immediately with completely dry nails—plus no UV light is needed in order to cure or set them. “Dip powder also doesn't chip easily so your manicure will look great for weeks,” adds Yankee.

As for the downsides, Yankee says that dip powder “creates an impermeable layer that doesn't allow the nail plate to release or receive moisture.” For this reason, she doesn’t recommend dip powder nails for those with dry and brittle nails because it can make them even more parched and fragile. Basurto weighs in, adding that dip manicures tend to be on the slightly more expensive side since they last longer—that, and the application process is more time-consuming and extensive.

Finally, they can damage your natural nails if removed incorrectly. “They can even stain the nail bed depending on the product and color choice,” says Basurto. With this being the case, it’s crucial that you either see a professional or are very cautious about following the right removal steps at home.

How to remove dip powder nails at home

Okay, it’s time to take notes. (Or you know, just screenshot this for when the time comes.) Basurto has an easy five-step method she swears by, and it goes as follows:

Step 1: Trim your nails

“Dip powder typically helps to grow out the natural length of your nail bed, so I would first recommend using some nail clippers to trim down the nail close to your desired length,” says Basurto. “This step is especially important if you dip powder with tips, and helps to speed up the removal process.”

Step 2: File the nails

“Next using a nail file or buffer, I would file off the glossy top layer of your dipping powder that helps to seal in your color and gives the nails a glossy finish,” says Basurto. “This will help the removal process immensely.” Yankee explains that this helps by gently breaking down the “seal” aspect of the product so that the acetone can really work its magic.

Step 3: Soak and wrap the nails

“For this step, first soak your cotton ball in acetone and place this on top of the nail bed,” says Basurto. “Since we removed the glossy topcoat, this will allow the acetone to seal into the acrylic resin for an easy removal process.” Then you want to wrap your nails in small pieces of aluminum foil to hold the cotton ball in place for proper soaking.

Step 4: Swipe off the dip powder

“After letting your nails soak for about 10 minutes, take an aluminum foil off one of your nails and swipe it across the soaked nail bed,” explains Basurto. “The dipping powder should come off fairly easy with this method, and if not, I would allow your nails to soak for an extra 10 minutes and try using a cuticle pushback tool to assist you with taking off the powder.”

Remember: Being patient and gentle during the process is key to maintaining your nail health.

Step 5: Nourish your natural nails

“Once this process is complete, be sure to rehydrate the nail bed as acetone is very drying to the nails,” says Basurto. “A few drops of cuticle oil should do the trick.”

Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner

Apricot Nail and Cuticle Oil

Shea Nail And Cuticle Oil

The bottom line?

Dip powder nails are safe and super-effective if you want a long-lasting mani that looks natural and amazing—however, those with dry and brittle nails should be wary as the method can be drying to your natural nails. Additionally, while removing dip powder nails can definitely be done at home, you should always be cautious and follow all of the above steps carefully in order to keep your nails strong, healthy, and stain-free. Finally, after removing your dip powder nails, you should always be sure to condition your natural nails to ensure they don’t get dry or damaged.

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