How to apply dip powders: details and tips for fab results
🖐️ What You'll Need
Dip powder (color of your choice)
4 dip liquids: Base Coat, Activator, Top Coat, Brush Cleaner
Nail file/buffer
Cuticle pusher & cuticle nipper (if needed)
Lint-free wipes or brush
Small tray (optional)
Nail dehydrator or isopropyl alcohol (optional but recommended)
💅 STEP-BY-STEP DIP POWDER APPLICATION
Step 1: Nail Prep
Push back cuticles using a cuticle pusher. Trim excess skin if needed.
Shape and file nails to your desired length and shape.
Gently buff the surface of each nail to remove shine. This helps product adhere better.
Wipe nails with a lint-free wipe and nail dehydrator or isopropyl alcohol to remove oil and dust.
💡 Tip: Prepping properly is key to long-lasting wear—don't skip it!
Step 2: First Layer – Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of Base Coat to 2/3 of your nail only (avoid cuticle and sidewalls).
Immediately dip into clear powder or your base color at a 45-degree angle.
Tap off excess powder.
Use a fluffy brush to gently dust off any remaining powder.
💡 Tip: Starting at 2/3 of the nail builds a smoother apex and avoids cuticle buildup.
Step 3: Second Layer – Full Base Coat + Color Dip
Apply a Base Coat to the entire nail, getting close to—but not touching—the cuticle or sidewalls.
Dip into color powder, again at a 45-degree angle.
Tap off excess and brush off remaining powder.
💡 Tip: Use an orange stick or small brush to clean around the cuticle area immediately after each dip to prevent bulkiness or lifting.
Step 4: Repeat for Desired Opacity
Repeat the Base Coat + Dip process 1–2 more times until you get full color opacity (usually 2–3 total dips).
Always apply thin layers and dust off powder between dips.
💡 Hint: If your powder is too thick, it may be clumpy. Try gently shaking or stirring it before use.
Step 5: Activator
Generously apply Activator to all nails.
Let it dry for 2 minutes.
File and shape nails as desired.
Buff surface gently if needed, especially around cuticle area for a smooth finish.
Wipe away dust.
💡 Pro Tip: Apply a second coat of Activator after filing to ensure everything hardens fully.
Step 6: Top Coat
Apply a quick, thin layer of Top Coat to each nail. Let it dry for 1 minute.
Follow with a second coat, more slowly and evenly for high shine.
💡 Hint: Don’t go over the same spot multiple times on the second coat—this can cause streaks or dullness.
Step 7: Finish
Wash your hands after the Top Coat has fully dried.
Apply cuticle oil and hand cream for hydration.
🌟 BONUS TIPS
Work on one hand at a time to prevent liquids from drying too quickly.
Use Brush Cleaner regularly if your Base or Top Coat brushes become stiff or cloudy.
If you get bubbles or graininess, your Activator may not have dried long enough before Top Coat.
To avoid lifting, make sure no powder touches your skin or cuticles.