How to do your own Dip Powder Nails at Home 3

I was so tired of waiting in the salon for hours just to get my nails done, and paying $40 a manicure every 3-4 weeks. Recently I started following a budgeting blogger and she posted about how she did her own dip powder nails at home! No more waiting in the salon for hours and spending $40 each visit?! Sign me up!

Everything I’m linking below is what I personally use to do my own dip powder nails. I bought everything on Amazon, and it was about 4 trips to the nail salon. This method will pay for itself!

Products:

• Kiara Sky Starter Kit: this kit comes with all the basics that you need to do your nails. It also comes with some dip powder to start out with.
• Pure Acetone: To remove old nails.
• Nail Kit: Includes files, nail brush, and lint free cloths.
• Nail Buffer & Files: Comes with 6 buffers & 6 nail files. More than enough.
• Electric Nail File: I find this product makes removing the nails and roughing the nails for application easier. It comes with different nail heads to use.
• Dip Powder: I think it’s important to use reputable brands of dip powder. The following brands I have personally used and I like: Kiara Sky, SNS, Revel.
• Nail Soak: I love these little hand trays!
• Top Coat Refill: You won’t need this right off the bat, but later on.

Step 1 – Remove Old Dip Nail

If you have dip nails currently, you’ll want to soak your hand for about 20 minutes. I watch Hulu and set a timer on my phone. After the 20 minutes, just take a cotton ball soaked in acetone and the dip powder should just come right off. If it doesn’t come off easily, just resoak your nails for a few and try again.

Step 2 – Prepare Nails

File your nail down to the desired style and shape. Push back cuticles and using the electric drill or nail file, gently remove the shine from the natural nail. Pay close attention to the edges of the nail and around the cuticle.

Step 3 – Apply Bond

Apply the “Bond” labeled with a 1 in your nail kit.

Step 4 – Applying Natural Powder

Apply the “Base” about 3/4 of your nail (not to the cuticle). The base is labeled with a 2 in your nail kit. Do not brush it on too thick, but make it even.

Dip your nail into the powder labeled “Natural” at a 45 degree angle. Tap off the excess powder with your finger.

Repeat with each nail until all the nails are complete. Using the purple nail brush that came in your kit, gently brush the tops and underside of fingers to get any excess powder off. I like to do this step after I finish each hand.

This natural powder prevents any yellowing from occurring, which is especially important if you chose a light color.

Step 5 – Applying Color

Apply base to your nail again, but this time apply it almost all the way to the cuticle. Dip into the color dip powder, at a 45 degree angle.

After you apply your first layer to all nails, repeat the process and add another layer of color.

This 2nd layer really makes the color pop and makes it brighter.

Step 6 – Applying Clear

Apply another base coat to the entire nail. Dip nail into the clear. Repeat on all fingers.

Some people use the recycling system instead of dipping into the clear so the colored powder doesn’t get into the clear powder. You can do this by scooping up the clear with the little scoop, hold your nail over the recycling container, and sprinkle the powder over your nail. Pour the excess powder that’s left in the recycling container back into the clear powder jar.

This process is to protect the color from filing in the next step.

Step 7 – File & Buff

Liberally apply the seal protect, labeled Step 3. Allow a few minutes for it to dry completely. After it’s dry, use the electric nail file or the handheld nail file and file out any uneven bumps. As your filing, focus on the areas right at your cuticle. I file them at a 45 degree angle to smooth it out. This helps later when your nail grows out for it to be smooth and without bumps and rough edges. Don’t file too much, or you’ll get into your color.

When you’re finished filing, use the buffer and buff each of your nails. You’ll notice where you filed it becomes more smooth.

Step 8 – Wash Hands & Apply Seal Protect

Next you’ll want to wash your hands to get off any dust left behind from filing. Do not use soap, just water.

Liberally apply seal protect. You’ll want it to really soak down into the color.

Wait a few minutes to let it dry and then use a lint free cloth to make sure it’s been absorbed.

Step 9 – Clear Polish & Finishing Up

Next you’ll apply a top coat with quick thin strokes. The Kiara Sky top coat dries VERY quickly. Usually I do one hand then put the lid on for a few minutes and do the next. Then I let the top coat dry for 2 minutes. Sometimes I even put the lid back into the bottle after each finger. It really dries so fast!

The instructions call for a 2nd layer of top coat, but because this one dries so quickly I use a Sally Hanson Clear Top Coat polish for the second layer. It gives a good shine.

I usually put a little Nourishing oil or Cuticle Oil around my cuticles.

Conclusion

I started doing my own dip powder nails in August of 2019 and while at first it was a bit of a learning curve for me, with each time I get better and better. This method saves me time and money! I’m so glad I started this.

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