Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (2025)

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (1)

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

If you're like me and don't consider yourself an expert at home manicures by any means, let me recommend one of the more foolproof options on the market: dip powder. If you've ever gotten dip powder done at the salon, you'll know that the process can be a lot faster and easier than getting acrylics, gel X extensions, or even builder gel done. While I do still prefer builder gel myself, dip powder is better than options like regular gel nail polish because its polymers are stronger, making it last longer. Even celebrity nail artists love it. Iram Shelton (nail artist to the likes of Heidi Klum, Priyanka Chopra, and Cara Delevingne) is a fan. "I love how easy it is to apply, and it lasts way longer than regular polish," she says.

While you will need a few extra tools to tackle a manicure like this at home, fear not. I'm breaking down everything you need to know about dip powder, tips for trying it out at home, and the most highly rated kits to get your hands on. Keep reading below.

What Is Dip Powder?

Dip powder is a pigmented powder that's applied to the nails after applying a glue-like base coat. Unlike regular gel manicures, dip powder doesn't require a UV light to cure. If you've gotten this done at the salon, you've probably seen your nail tech dip your nails into the powder several times to coat each of them fully before painting on a sealant topcoat. Dip powder is considered stronger and more chip resistant than regular gel nail polish. However, it can be harder to remove due to its thick, multilayered makeup.

Dip Powder vs. Acrylics and Gel X Extensions

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (2)

(Image credit: @thatsaleaf)

Gel X extensions and acrylics differ from dip powder because they're preformed gel nail covers that are already made and fitted to the nail. Dip powder, on the other hand, is applied by dipping the natural nail into a pigmented powder. While options like gel X extensions and acrylics are a bit more durable than dip powder, dip powder is a bit easier to apply yourself and would suit those looking to do an at-home manicure better. Dip powder is also easier to remove than gel X extensions and acrylic nails.

Tips for Doing Dip Powder at Home

For an at-home dip powder manicure, it doesn't hurt to have a few things handy, including a home manicure kit to push back your cuticles and buff your nails beforehand. Shelton elaborated a bit on this. "Always ensure you have prepped your nails. If you’re wanting a longer-lasting manicure, it always start with prep. Push back your cuticles, trim your nails, and shape them to perfection. Apply your base coat and dip your finger into the powder and repeat until you're happy with the result. Then apply your activator, fully sealing the nail, and wait until the powder hardens. Reshape the nail and buff until you’re happy, and then apply your topcoat."

In addition to Shelton's tips, I've also found that buffing the nails and wiping them with an alcohol wipe beforehand helps the dip powder adhere better to the natural nail, creating longer-lasting results.

The Best Dip Nail Powder Kits

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (3)

OPI

Dipping Powder Perfection

Pros: Dries quickly, odor-free, provides a gel-like shine

Cons: Color is slightly different than OPI's original nail polish color

Shelton's dip powder of choice is OPI's for a long-lasting manicure at home. "I use the OPI dip powder—it dries fast and is very durable," she says. "If you're someone who does a lot with your hands, I would highly recommend trying this."

Customer Review: "Good quality, nice color."

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (4)

AZUREBEAUTY

Dip Powder Nail Kit

Pros: Comes with everything you'll need for a DIY manicure, easy to use, variety of colors

Cons: Need to do quite a few layers for strength and durability

This comprehensive dip powder nail kit from Amazon has everything you'll need to for a durable at-home manicure. It comes with a variety of pink shades, a base coat, topcoat, and activator.

Customer Review: "I've been paying $90 for dip nails every three weeks for the past few months. I impulse bought this kit on a Saturday night to do on a Sunday because I don’t have time to go get my nails done and could go into labor any day. Well I’m so glad I did! It took maybe 30 minutes and it was super easy to use. The directions are laid out perfectly. I will definitely be purchasing more colors. I’ve never attempted dip by myself and my nails look a little rough but honestly not too bad."

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (5)

KIARA SKY

Long Lasting Nail Dip Powder Nude Tones

Pros: Lightweight, natural-looking, comes in a variety of colors

Cons: Slight learning curve to get it right

While there are plenty of dip powder kits on the market that come in a variety of colors, I think it's a good idea to stick to a more neutral-colored base for your dip powder and add your own nail polish on top. Due to the nature of the powder, the color may not come out exactly how you want it to solely using the powder. This highly rated option from Kiara Sky is a favorite among professionals.

Customer Review: "Great quality and perfect natural pink color. Kiara sky powders really are the best and so smooth."

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (6)

DipWell

Nail Dip Powder

Pros: Can last three to six weeks, free of harsh chemicals, easy removal

Cons: None

According to the brand, DipWell's acrylic nail powder can last anywhere from three to six weeks without chipping. It doesn't require a UV/LED lamp to cure and is also free of any harsh chemicals.

Customer Review: "I bought the sheer pink and the white and tried my own French manicure for the first time after watching a YouTube video. I also bought a dipping tray on Amazon that has a rest for your finger - I highly recommend it. There’s room for improvement on my technique, but I’m very pleased with the product!"

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (7)

Revel Nail

Nail Dip Powder

Pros: Wide range of colors, infused with calcium and vitamin E, can last anywhere from three to five weeks, crack- and chip-resistant

Cons: Colors are slightly different than they appear online

Another highly rated option is Revel's dip powder. This one is also infused with calcium and vitamin E to nourish the nails and provide maximum shine. The formula is also crack- and chip-resistant and can last up to five weeks if you do a few extra coats.

Customer Review: "I've been dipping my nails for 4 years now and this is the first pink that I have found that I consider to be PERFECT! It's not too neon, not too bright, not too dark, just right. so happy to have found this."

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (8)

LeChat

Perfect Match Color Powder

Pros: Easy to use, combines the durability of gel polish with the strength of acrylic nails, strengthens the nails, comes in over 200 shades

Cons: Doesn't come with a base coat, topcoat, or activator

LeChat's dip powder kit combines the durability of a gel polish with the strength of acrylics. It's easy to use, strengthens the nails, and comes in over 200 shades that range from cream to frost and glitter colors.

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (9)

Beetles Gel Polish

Dip Powder Nail Starter Kit

Pros: Chip-resistant, comes with everything you'll need for a DIY manicure, seven dip powder colors

Cons: Takes a little longer to dry

Another great starter kit from Beetles. This one comes with seven colors of dip powder, a base coat, topcoat, activator, and brush saver.

Customer Review: "I’m hooked! I like the durability of dip nails as I’m an active person and a painter....This was super fast and easy for me as I watched my nail tech carefully and knew the process. *And* had lots of practice doing my own nails every few days."

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (10)

Modelones

Dip Powder Clear Color

Pros: Affordable, odor-free, can last anywhere from three to six weeks

Cons: Doesn't come with a topcoat, base coat, or activator

This dip powder is lightweight and adds extra shine to the nails. It can also last anywhere from three to six weeks and helps strengthen the nails.

Customer Review: "Great for if you don't want colored nails. And helps with nail growth with less breakage. Just remember to cure it with a top coat."

Explore More:

Nails

Nail Artists Say This Type of Manicure Lasts Longer—Here's How to Do It at Home (2025)

FAQs

How to do a long lasting manicure at-home? ›

Here's a look at some of the best ways to extend the life of your at-home manicure.
  1. Remove Your Nail Polish Properly. ...
  2. Prepare Your Nails. ...
  3. Apply a Base Coat. ...
  4. Apply and Reapply Top Coats. ...
  5. Stick to the Nail. ...
  6. Protect Your Nails and Nailbeds. ...
  7. Avoid Biting or Chipping the Nail. ...
  8. Follow the Shape of Your Nail.
Dec 5, 2021

How do you give yourself the best manicure at-home? ›

Happy shopping!
  1. Step 1: Clean your nails with polish remover. ...
  2. Step 2: Clip, file, and buff. ...
  3. Step 3: Push back your cuticles. ...
  4. Step 4: Exfoliate your hands. ...
  5. Step 5: Moisturize your hands and cuticles. ...
  6. Step 6: Apply a base coat. ...
  7. Step 7: Apply your first coat of color. ...
  8. Step 8: Apply your second coat of color.
Feb 10, 2022

What is the manicure that makes your nails longer? ›

Gel extension is a process that involves hard gel built on a natural nail and cured with UV light. Like acrylics, gel extensions require an overlay to lengthen your nail.

What is the best longest lasting manicure? ›

For the longest-lasting manicure, choose a gel or acrylic style. Gel nail polish is less likely to chip, and acrylic is even stronger than gel.

What do nail salons use to make polish stay on longer? ›

There's a reason nail salons often add a drop of acetone to a bottle of nail polish: it makes polish easier to apply and (counter-intuitively) helps manicures to last longer. That's because the thinner consistency is less likely to clump up and lift off of the nail.

How can I make my nails longer at home? ›

Here's How You Can Grow Stronger, Longer Nails
  1. Use A Cuticle Oil Daily. ...
  2. Consider Biotin. ...
  3. Invest In A 'Soft' Nail File. ...
  4. Nourish Your Nail Beds. ...
  5. Upgrade Your Nail Polish Remover. ...
  6. Give BIAB A Go. ...
  7. Eat A Nail-Friendly Diet. ...
  8. Never Pick Your Nails.
Mar 20, 2024

What stays on your nails the longest? ›

Our top picks for best long-lasting nail polish of 2024:
  • Best Overall Long-Lasting Nail Polish. Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Matter Of Fiction. ...
  • Best Long-Lasting Nail Polish System. Dazzle Dry Mini Kit 4 Step System in Broadway Beige. ...
  • Best Long-Lasting Nail Polish for DIY Manis.
Aug 6, 2024

Why do my nails come off so easily? ›

Peeling nails can be the result of too little or too much moisture. The former can be caused by repeatedly getting the nails wet and then drying them. With the latter, sheer soaking in water while performing things like household chores makes the nails soft and possibly causes peeling or sloughing of the nail.

What is the easiest manicure to maintain? ›

Gel polish is more durable than its traditional counterpart, making it low maintenance and easy to care for. The debate between gel nails vs. acrylic nails is a common one within the beauty industry. While both styles have their benefits, the gel option is healthier for your natural nails.

What is the best home remedy for manicures? ›

Gently massage a small amount of coconut oil onto your nails and cuticles before bedtime. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can help brighten and whiten nails. Mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil, and soak your nails in the solution for a few minutes. This also helps to strengthen nails.

How can I make my nails prettiest? ›

  1. Don't cut or manipulate cuticles. ...
  2. Use nail hardeners sparingly -- or not at all. ...
  3. Moisturize the nail bed and the cuticle. ...
  4. Take biotin supplements. ...
  5. Limit professional manicures. ...
  6. Avoid acetone-based polish removers. ...
  7. Avoid rough emery boards. ...
  8. Don't overdo hand washing and limit contact with cleaning chemicals.
Dec 15, 2006

What is the new nail technique better than gel? ›

Polygel is a new hybrid formula getting buzz in nail salons for being less bulky than acrylic and less damaging than gel, yet just as long-lasting as both. Wondering how to apply polygel nails or how to remove polygel nails that you already have?

What is the healthiest manicure option? ›

Dip Powder: A Durable and Healthier Alternative

Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice.

How to get a long lasting manicure at home? ›

10 Tips to Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer
  1. Clean and Prep Your Nails. ...
  2. Carefully Apply Your Base Coat. ...
  3. Use Thin and Even Coats of Polish. ...
  4. Don't Forget the Edge of Your Nail. ...
  5. Maintain Cuticle Hydration. ...
  6. Seal the Edges. ...
  7. Don't Skimp on Drying Time. ...
  8. Apply a Top Coat.
Nov 7, 2023

How can I make my nails longer for a manicure? ›

How to get your nails to grow long and strong:
  1. Curb your picking or biting habit if you have one. ...
  2. Treat your hands and nails to regular manicures. ...
  3. Keep your nails and hands hydrated. ...
  4. Invest in topical treatments. ...
  5. Use a UV-cured polish.
Jul 10, 2024

What manicure lasts 6 weeks? ›

All gel manicures utilize the European Manicure technique, which is guaranteed to last for up to 6 weeks.

How can I extend my manicure life? ›

Still, regularly applying cuticle oil to your cuticles and nails every other day can help extend the life of your manicure. That's especially true if you use your hands a lot for things like washing dishes, laundry, or even simply typing.

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