Nail designs are frequently combined to create new trends. Ombré chrome nails are a great example that blends the popular gradient method with chrome and metallic polishes. The almond French manicure trend is another popular case. However, overlap isn’t as common when it comes to manicure styles, which is why the gel method with a dip powder manicure is so unique. As the name suggests, gel-dip manicures combine two application techniques, using gel polish and dip powder, to create a long-lasting look.
By now, most people are well acquainted with gel manicures. As a standard service in salons, gel nails are revered for their high gloss and chip-resistant finish. Dip-powder manicures are just as popular for similar reasons. While they don’t deliver the same glass-like shine, the technique creates a scratch-and-chip-free look that lasts for weeks. That said, it’s easy to see how beneficial a hybrid style could be and why it’s becoming more sought-after. Below, we asked the experts everything you need to know the gel method with dip powder.
Featured Experts
- Pattie Yankee is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Pattie Yankee Products
- Nail technicians of Nailboo
What Is the Gel Method With Dip Powder?
If you’re familiar with either gel manicures or dip powder, you know that they both involve several rounds and layers of product. In a gel manicure, the nails are first painted with gel polish before being cured under a UV lamp. Dip powder, on the other hand, requires the nails to be dunked in colored powder a handful of times to build up the layers.
The gel method with dip powder technique combines elements from both manicures. “It involves using a gel polish for the base with traditional dip powder,” says celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee. However, instead of dipping the nails, the powder is poured directly on top of the gel. Once the excess powder has been brushed away from the fingers, the nails are then placed under the UV lamp to cure.
What Are the Benefits of the Gel Method With Dip Powder
Longevity is the most obvious benefit of this manicure, but it’s not the only one. Yankee mentions that combining the two gives you more flexibility with your look. “Using gel as the base gives a bit more workability than the traditional dip powder base, and curing adds strength for a more durable manicure,” she says. The pros at Nailboo also note that the combined process also increases shine and gives a glossier finish than you’d typically get with each process on its own.
How Long Does the Gel-Dip Manicure Last?
It’s no secret that gel and dip powder manicures last longer than traditional polish. Still, the pros at Nailboo say that the longevity of a combined manicure varies. “The application technique and regular maintenance are two factors that can affect how long your nails last,” they say. In general, a gel-dip manicure can last up to a month, but the experts agree that it’s best to tend to your nails every 2-3 weeks to ensure they stay intact and remain healthy.
How To Remove a Gel-Dip Manicure
“The removal process with this method follows the same steps as traditional gel,” says Yankee. She explains that you first need to break the top layer with a coarse file (this is also the case for regular dip manicures) before covering the nails with an acetone-soaked cotton pad wrapped in foil. “Since there are several layers of gel and powder to break down, you may need to repeat this step several times while gently pushing off and filing the softened product in between,” she says.
Of course, gel-dip manicures aren’t for everyone. For those who like to change up their look regularly, the process may be too involved. But if you’re open to trying something new, this combined method offers many benefits, including an intense color payoff and a shiny finish.
