Painting your nails is a great way to express yourself. However, regular nail polish has its limits. If you want to take things to the next level, acrylic and dip powders offer a wider range of options. While similar, these materials have important differences, so it's crucial to do your research before visiting the salon.

Breaking Down the Differences

Is dip powder acrylic? Both dip and acrylic nails start as resin-based powders but aren't the same thing. Their differing formulas require different activators and applications. Some countries allow customers to purchase these powders directly, but applying them requires knowledge and technical skills.

Formula

How does acrylic powder become the hard, colored nails you see on Instagram? Nail technicians use a brush dipped in an activator to wet the powder, which then becomes soft and moldable.

Dip powder needs a bonder in addition to an activator. The bonder ensures the powder adheres to the nail. Without it, the faux nail may peel off once it's dry. Dip powder also tends to be finer than acrylic.

Application

The biggest difference between dip and acrylic nails is the application. As you may have guessed, dip nails traditionally involve dipping the nail into powder. This method is relatively quick:

1. Apply bonder to the natural nail.

2. Immediately dip the nail into a container of powder.

3. Brush off excess powder.

4. Repeat steps two and three until you reach your desired opacity.

5. Apply the activator.

The final step is to apply a top coat, which provides additional protection to your manicure. Note that each layer of dip powder should be thin to avoid clumping. You can build up a decent opacity in two or three dips.

While dipping is the traditional method, most salons either apply the powder with a brush or pour it over the prepared nail. These techniques are more hygienic and eliminate the risk of contaminated powder touching multiple guests.

For acrylic nails, technicians glue plastic false nails down before applying the acrylic in "beads." These beads are thick and deftly shaped with a brush to achieve a thick, even coating. This process can take more than 30 minutes but offers a broader range of artistic options, including textured looks.

The Similarities in Powders To Create the Look

Both acrylic and dip nails air dry. In contrast, gel nails require the application of an ultraviolet lamp in a process called "curing." Since UV rays can cause cellular damage that may result in premature aging and even cancer, some people prefer to avoid it in the salon.

Despite the lack of curing, dip and acrylic nails are highly durable. Their thick exterior can protect the natural nails, making them attractive for individuals who experience frequent nail breaks.

Of course, their durability also makes them difficult to remove. The best way to safely remove these faux nails is to visit a salon, where a technician will sand down the top layer and allow the nails to soak in acetone.

Both dip and acrylic nails look fantastic, so if you love fashion nails, consider giving one or both a try. There's always a new trend making waves, ensuring you never get bored.