Dipping Powder Manicure: Natural Nails vs. Fake Tips - Which Works Best?
When it comes to achieving the perfect manicure, there's been a lot of buzz around the dipping powder method. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether this manicure is suitable for natural nails, fake tips, or both. Let's dive in.
Natural Nails vs. Fake Tips
Before we talk about the difference between both of them, let's watch the below video:
So many people ask me to do a tutorial on how to apply dip powder on my own nails and if I can only do dip powder manicures on fake nails. Today, I'm going to give you these videos to show how I apply the powder and liquid on my own natural nails.
The video includes the full process of applying the essential liquid and color for your nail dipping design, as well as the tips and must-do to make sure you have safely achieved your nail goals.
Today, I specifically picked a manicure I've done before but on fake nails. This way, you can see the difference between original and fake nails. In this tutorial, I'm teaching how to apply sheer color, glitter color, clear powder, and even how to achieve an ombre effect with a chunky glitter shade.
As well as you still can learn the most common method to apply sheer color, when and how to use clear ( someone calls build powder) powder, and even use chunky glitter to make an ombre effect with minimal skills.
The most crutial parts to having beautiful and flawless dipping nails at home are very simple and straight - apply the thin and even dip liquid and powder.
It doesn't matter what brand you use and how much you've spent on your dip powder kit, the main formulas are almost the same but all details matter:
- Powder Quality: Is it ultra-fine or coarse?
- Liquid Consistency: Too thick or watery?
- Brush Control: Can you maneuver the liquid brush with ease?
- Activator Drying Time: Too quick or sluggish?
- Top Coat Challenges: Ever faced a hardened brush?
And there is another hack: how to apply the ombre effect with chunky glitters:
Hold your fluffy makeup brush horizontally to pick up the chunky glitter from the container. At a 45-degree angle or completely horizontally, flick your brush to drop the glitter onto your nails. Moving your brush from the free edge to the cuticle area will create a natural ombre effect.
Remember, this method fits all shades including sheer color, shimmer and even glitter, but only pick up material for once every single move for shaking the ombre effect, This will deliver you the most natural ombre effect.
I've noticed some people discussing the method of applying the liquid on your nails. There are various methods, but the one I'm showing is the one I use most frequently. It's designed to apply the liquid smoothly and evenly, making it extremely beginner-friendly. Its self-leveling feature will help you achieve your nail goals.
Here are the most popular dipping nail application methods:
- Gel Polish Method (The most common and most frequently used)
- APEX Method (Build a perfect APEX curve)
- TikTok Popular Method (Similar to APEX but simpler)
- Overlapping Method (Easy to start instead of Gel Polish Method)
Another frequent question is about the number of layers of powder I apply to my nails. As you've probably seen, I continuously dip twice even before it's completely dried. This is because the super fine powder, a hallmark of this beginner-friendly kit, allows multiple dips to absorb as much liquid as possible without resulting in clumpy or bulky nails.
You might doubt why a fine powder matters:
- Super Fine Powder Also Have Good Fluidity
- Have Better Absorbation When Dipped In
- Get Fully In Touch With Liquid Build Stronger Structure
- Easy to be wiped or removed as excess or loose powder without damaging your nail surface.
Okay Let's dive into the fake gel tips application, I do the same design and color but only shift to gel tips:
To be honest, the reason I'm here applying powder to my fake nails is to showcase the palette and to show how beautiful the color is. The techniques and skills are the same. It doesn't matter if you apply them on tips or on your naturals; the only difference is in the thickness or width when you apply them to fake nail tips.
But still, someone will comment that the colors are perfect, but the nails are way too big for her. Then I started to explain my nails are instantly applied on by some gel tabs (for press-on nails), not any glue or gel because I need to shift to new designs very frequently.
I always emphasize the importance of carefully cleaning up any loose or excess powder using a fluffy brush or a wooden stick after every step. By cleaning up powder on the sidewall, you ensure there's no accumulation of powder mixed with liquid. This habit will save you a ton of effort during the filing and buffing process.
This step or suggestion is for any kind of powder, be it sheer color, shimmer, or glitter. Once you apply the second layer to achieve a more vibrant ombre color of the glitters, don't forget to press down the glitters or adjust them using your wooden stick. And always remember to apply the clear powder to protect the shine of the glitters.
- Here is a tip and trick how to make full use of the clear powder:
You've probably seen there are both build powder and clear powder. They are essentially the same, but it's crucial to note there are slight differences in their formulas compared with color powder. This means the clear powder might dry at a different rate than the colored ones.
It could be applied both before the color application or after the color mainly the glitter or the shimmer to seal and protect the shine from damage when filling and buffing. Or it could be an option if you want to build some APEX shape for glitter designs.
Nothing special, the clear powder (or build powder) is purer to have a perfect reaction with your essential liquid and much easier to have a thin and even layer, that will be used to enhance the strength of your dipping nails.
Don't forget to dip your finger into the clear powder before it completely dries. This way, the powder will absorb the liquid and seal and protect the glitter's shine even during filing and buffing. You can also press down on any misplaced glitters to ensure they lie flat and smooth.
2 Small Hacks For Your Success Dipping Manicure At Home
- Wooded Stick
Perfectly for timely cleaning up the accumulated liquid mixed with powder from the sidewall, as well as your cuticle area, even a hack for moving your glitter to a proper position, or stirring your powder before you start a dipping process. And even many other instant methods to make your dip nails at home smoother.
- Fluffy Dust Brush
The No. 1 must-have for dipping powder manicure no matter at home or a salon, the soft and fluffy brush help you wipe out all necessary loos or excess powder without any damage on the nails.
I highly recommend keeping your dust brush and wooden stick close at hand to quickly clear away any loose or excess powder and any accumulated powder mixed with liquid. This is immensely helpful and will save you time during the buffing and filing stages. Once your color process is completed, apply the activator liquid. But remember, after the activator is on, the only alterations you can make are minor ones using a file or buffer.
When you finished the color and design application, here comes one of the most frequently asked questions from my TikTok Video:
The first layer of activator liquid takes about 60 to 120 seconds to dry. Always double-check before you begin filing, and make sure to protect your powder containers from any dust that might settle in and affect the quality.
Another question: why you don't fill your nails? Because you use gel tips?
Most of the filing and buffing process is concentrated around the cuticle area and the sidewalls. If you heed my advice about cleaning up excess powder, you'll find that this process is much quicker and easier.
Once you're satisfied with your filing and buffing, it's time for the final layer of activator before the top coat. Typically, there are two layers of activator: one before the top coat and one after filing and buffing. Give it about two or three minutes before applying the top coat. This prevents the brush from hardening upon contact with the activator. No UV curing is required, as the activator quickly cures your manicure. And that's it! No chipping, no cracking, and it lasts for up to four weeks. You deserve it!
The Truth Behind Using Fake Nail Tips:
The Truth Behind Using Fake Nail Tips:
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The Practicality for Nail Enthusiasts
Working in the realm of nail art, my nails undergo frequent design changes. Imagine the wear and tear my natural nails would experience if I were to apply, remove, and then reapply different products daily. It's simply not sustainable. Hence, fake nail tips come to the rescue. They offer a canvas that's easy to switch up, without compromising the health of my natural nails.
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Endless Flexibility with Shape and Length:
With fake nail tips, I possess the liberty to experiment. Want coffin-shaped nails one day and stilettos the next? Easily done. Fancy short, chic nails for a corporate event but long, dramatic claws for a night out? Consider it sorted. The flexibility to change the length and shape to align with my ever-evolving nail goals is unmatched when I use fake tips.
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The Allure of Reinvention:
Above all, fake nail tips are symbolic of the transformative power of nail art. They allow me to reinvent, adapt, and evolve my nails to mirror my mood, occasion, or inspiration. It's about expression, creativity, and the sheer joy of seeing a nail vision come to life.
The Benefits of Applying Diping Manicure On Your Own Nails:
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Natural Look and Feel:
Dipping powder manicures provide a finish that mimics the natural look and feel of your nails. Unlike some other nail enhancement methods, dipping powders don't feel heavy, making them comfortable for daily wear.
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Durability:
One of the most significant advantages of dipping powders is their longevity. Properly applied dip manicures can last up to 3-4 weeks without chipping, outlasting traditional polish and even rivaling the wear time of gels.
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Strengthens Nails:
Dipping powders add a layer of protection to your natural nails. This can help prevent breakage, splits, or chips, especially if you have naturally weak or brittle nails.
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Versatility in Designs:
From glitter to ombre and everything in between, the range of designs achievable with dipping powders is vast. Whether you want a simple, understated look or something bold and beautiful, dipping powders have got you covered.
Last but not the least, directly apply on your own nails, It definitely delivers you a salon-level dipping powder manicure but of course, requires certain skills.
