How to Use Dip Powder on Natural Nails (Safely!)

Dip powder over natural nails is a completely normal application method. In fact, it’s the most popular and frequently used method of application! Unlike acrylics, nail salons and technicians frequently apply dip powder over the natural nail when clients want shorter lengths.

Is it safe to apply dip powder over natural nails?

It is considered safe to apply dip powder over your natural nail. A glue agent, typically called the base coat or bonding coat, is applied to the natural nail, and then dipped into powder to form a thin layer of color, usually taking around 2-3 dips to saturate the nail.

Bonding liquids are typically made from sticky chemicals such as ETHYL CYANOACRYLATE and POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE which are commonly used in nail applications and regarded as safe to apply. You’ll also see these chemicals used in nail extension glues meant to keep your falsies attached.

How do you use dip powder over the natural nail?

The process of using dip powder over your natural nail is the same as if you were applying it over a fake nail. In fact, since the glue used to apply falsies is typically stronger than dip glue, it’s actually LESS damaging to your nail to go ala-natural! But do keep in mind you can’t buff your nail as vigorously when you’re buffing the natural nail because you don’t want to damage the surface.

Here is a quick overview on how to apply dip nail powder over your natural nail.

Step 1. Buff your nails lightly to texture your nails.

Step 2. Apply your base dip liquid.

Step 3. Dip your nail into the dip powder and wait 3-5 seconds.

Step 4. Remove your nail and brush off excess powder with a soft brush.

Step 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have the thickness you want.

Step 6. Apply activator liquid to harden and seal your powder.

Step 7. Buff out any bumps or ridges.

Step 8. Apply your choice of dip top coat.

And that’s it! It’s not very difficult and with a little practice you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

How to minimize damage while applying dip powder on your natural nails.

Most people think that the bonding liquid/glue in a dip nail system is what damages their nails the most. But that’s simply not true! It is unfortunately sometimes the case that salons and technicians over-buff the natural nail, whittling away at the surface. A nail can only be so thick! Over-buffing and the process of removing your nail color with some methods, such as harsh chemicals, damages the nails far more than the actual gluing adhesive itself.

5 Tips on how to protect the natural nail when using dip powder.

1. Buff lightly, only light enough to rough up the surface of your nail.
2. Instead of removing your nails with harsh chemicals, wait a few weeks for the glue to soften or get less effective. During this period it is easier to remove your nail color by ‘popping’ them off the nail.
3. The dip liquid brand you use is important. Some brands use harsher gluing chemicals than others. Make sure to use a 7-FREE or 9-FREE dip liquid bond, like our Fairy Glamor dip liquid system.
4. Let your nails rest a bit between each color. It’s good to wait around a week before applying another dip set to let your nails ‘air out’ and grow, so to speak.
5. It may seem like a silly tip, but make sure to take your vitamins! They’re vitally important for nail growth. I can visually see a difference in how much faster my nails grow when I’m staying healthy.

And that concludes our topic on how to use dip powder on natural nails. To summarize, it’s common to apply nail powder over your bare nails and considered safe. Many girls go all year wearing their dip powder! You just have to take care of your nails and apply the powder correctly.

Do you do anything special to protect your natural nails? Do you wear your color all year round? Let us know in the comments!