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Wait, how are they different from gels and acrylics?!

Well, turns out I was today years old when I discovered there's a manicure trend that actually lasts longer than gels. Yep, whether you get them safely at a salon or DIY them yourself, dip powder manicures are the easiest way to get super-pigmented color that lasts for three+ weeks. And if you aren't sure why you've been sleeping on dip powder for so long (hi, same), you've come to the right place.

Ahead, I rounded up every single thing you need to know about dip powder manis, including the application process (spoiler: it's a little intense), the cost, and bc we're obviously all thinking it, the actual benefits of choosing powder > gels or acrylics. Like, I'm not a psychic or anything, but I have a pretty good feeling you'll be booking an appointment (or snagging an at-home kit) by the end of this sentence.

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The biggest selling point of dip powder manicures is that—unlike gels—they don't need to be cured or sealed with a UV lamp. Instead, your nails are treated with a pigmented and durable powder that can last for three-ish weeks (which, yep, is a lot longer than the standard two weeks with gels and acrylics). The technique varies a little from salon to salon, but here’s what you can generally expect:

There’s a good chance you’ve seen a spike in dip powder manicures on your Insta feed in recent months (I mean...they’re really satisfying to watch if you’re into ASMR), but the technique has actually been around for years. So why hasn’t it exploded in popularity? Because not every salon offers dip powder (more on that later), although luckily, it’s a technique you can recreate at home.

Well, that depends entirely on the end result you’re looking for. If you want longer nails—and are willing to deal with regular upkeep—acrylics are probably your best route. If you’re deciding between gel and dip powder, though, the main difference you’ll see is in application (UV light versus powder pigment), texture (gels are a little smoother than powder), and durability (gels will last a solid two weeks, but powders can last three or more weeks).

Yup, you totally can. Just keep in mind that at-home dip powder kits require some serious patience and time (just scope the tutorial above for proof). If you’re a little hesitant, go to a salon for your first dip powder manicure—that way you can get a feel for the process and end result before you get all DIY with it.

Of course, if you’re willing to pay attention to every direction and detail and are prepared to take your time with it, definitely take a stab at an at-home dip powder manicure. Below, four top-rated dip powder kits—all of which include the proper base coats, top coat, and more—to get you started:

You can expect your appointment to cost around the same as a gel manicure, ranging from $30 to $50 depending on your salon. At-home dip powder kits also range in price point—you can find basic options for about $20, while bigger kits with more color variations can come in at around $60. It really depends what you're looking for.

Pros are kinda torn on whether dip powder is good for your nails. One of the biggest mistakes your nail technician can make while applying dip powder? Literally dipping your nails into the jar of powder (the technique you probs see in videos and on your feed)—unless you’re the only customer using the jar, it’s gonna be loaded with bacteria. The safe route is to have the powder dusted on your nails with a brush.

You shouldn’t expect any long-term damage from dip powder, so long as your technician is using a safe formula. Be on the lookout for off-brand dip powders, which are sometimes spiked with harmful chemicals—as with any beauty treatment, don’t be afraid to ask your technician tons of questions before you get started (“What brand and formula is your dip powder?” is a great place to start).

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Heads up that the removal process is often a concern for some salons—and is even the reason some of ’em don’t offer dip powder manis—since it typically involves soaking your nails in an acetone solution, which can definitely leave your nails weak or brittle with continued use. That’s why it’s always best to do a little homework and ask about your salon’s removal process before you book your appointment.

Remember when I said you can totally try at-home dip powder manicures? One important thing to keep in mind is that they aren't the easiest to remove if you aren't a seasoned pro. There are a few options, but the most popular—and, tbh, the most effective—involves filing off the top coat and wrapping an acetone-soaked cotton ball on your nails with aluminum foil. Need a visual? This YouTube tutorial is a quick entryway for beginners.

One more thing: Whether you're getting your dip powder manicure at a salon or at home, you'll still want to invest in a little TLC to make sure your nails look and feel their best during (and after!) the entire duration of your mani. Make sure you’re loading up on cuticle oil and hand cream regularly, like one of these bbs below.

As long as you’re going to a salon that uses safe formulas and practices a gentle removal process, there’s no harm in experimenting with a few manicure techniques, especially dip powder nails—’cause you definitely won’t know what’s best for your nails until you try it.