How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Having to Visit a Salon
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These days, getting your nails done involves making many decisions far beyond what color and shape you want. While the term “manicure” may still refer to regular polish applied to natural nails, there are now many far more durable options. Over the years, styles such as acrylics, gel manicures, and most recently, dip powder nails have emerged as longer-lasting and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives to normal nail polish.
But what does a dip powder manicure involve? And, once you've gotten one, what's the best way to remove dip powder nails at home? We have you covered — consider this your deep dive into the world of dip powder nails.
What Is a Dip Powder Manicure?
According to Women’s Health, dip powder manicures are more durable than regular nail polish, but gentler on your hands than acrylics. Many dip powders even contain nourishing ingredients and vitamins to keep your nails healthy, and they don't require a harmful UV light to set, unlike gel manis. This manicure style can be done in a salon or at home with a dip powder nail kit.
To start the application process at home, prep your nails first — you should remove old polish and trim or push back the cuticles. Then, apply the powdery-colored pigment to your nails. It sticks using a multistep adhesive process. Once the top coat dries, it will keep for up to 6 weeks.
The Best Way to Remove Dip Powder Nail Polish
When it comes to removing dip powder nail polish, know that it's a little more involved than using nail polish remover and cotton rounds. While you don't have to go to a salon to have it done, knowing how to properly remove dip powder nail polish is important for keeping your claws healthy.
We spoke to Myranda Lynch, owner of Diamond Studio nail salon in Glen Falls, NY, for her expert tips on the best way to remove a dip powder manicure at home.
1. Start filing it down
Begin by taking a grit file directly to the dip powder on your nail.
“File down the product as much as possible without hitting the natural nail before removal using 120/180 grit file,” Lynch says.
2. Dissolve with acetone
After you’ve removed as much of the dip powder as you can with a file, the rest can be dissolved.
“Wrap a small piece of cotton soaked in pure acetone with foil onto each nail. Only use 100% pure acetone,” she says. “Using a hot towel around the hands will help speed up the process of the acetone breaking down the product.”
3. Use a cuticle pusher
After letting your nails sit, you can use a cuticle pusher to scrape off the rest of the product.
“Wait 10 to 15 minutes, remove foil and cotton, and scrape away the product with a cuticle pusher,” Lynch advises. “If the product doesn’t all come off, resoak the cotton and wait a few more minutes. Repeat those steps until the product completely comes off.”
4. Never pick off the product yourself
Even though you may be tempted to pick off the last remnants of the product, try to resist for the sake of your nails.
“This will cause peeling of the nail plate which in turn causes weak brittle nails,” she explains.
5. Aftercare is key
Although dip powder manis aren’t as intrusive as other types of manicures, taking steps to maintain nail health is essential, Lynch says.
“After removal, buff the nail smooth and apply a cuticle oil that has keratin (CND Rescue RXX is my favorite) to help strengthen and protect the nail,” she explains.
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