Which is the best choice, Dip Powder or Gel Nails?

Are you looking to up your manicure game for yourself or your clients? When it's time to go shopping for new nail supplies, what are you going to pick up? There are so many options that can give you awesome results!

Two of the most popular options are dip powder nails and gel nails, but when it comes to dip powder vs gel nails, which is the best choice?

Let's talk about it. Keep reading to learn all about these methods of making awesome manicures so you can pick the one that's right for you. 

What Is Dip Powder?

Dip powder nails are similar to classic acrylic nails, but they're a bit easier to apply and have more flexibility as far as what you can do with them. They're durable and long-lasting. While many think that dip powder nails are a "new thing," they've been used for decades!

You start with a base coat (just as you would with any other manicure). Many technicians also choose to put a bonder underneath to protect the nail and extend the longevity of the manicure.

After this, you dip the nail into a coloured powder as many times as you need to get a bright and opaque result. If you're seeing multiple clients, you can brush the powder on instead. There are many impressive nail powders and the look of a holographic powder nail isn't replicable with other nail art methods. 

After this, you put a top coat on to set the powder in place and smooth the nail. 

Pros and Cons

Dip powder nails are quick and easy, and you don't have to cure them with UV light. The colors are intense and buildable, and the results can last for a month before you start to see chipping.

That said, powder nails are harder to remove than gel and the powder might make the nail look bulky if you have multiple coats. 

What Is Gel? 

Gel nails are also popular. They're durable, like acrylic, but they're not layering anything "over" your natural nail (aside from colour). 

You apply gel polish as you would any other type of polish. It may seem like an extra expense for the same results that you could get with cheap polishes, but this isn't true.

The gel doesn't "set" until you put it under UV light. This gives you plenty of time to work on designs and ensures that the result is neat.

Pros and Cons

Gel nails look more "natural" which may be good or bad depending on your client's wishes. Gel nails are easier to remove but might be damaging if you don't prep the nail ahead of time.

Because the process is so similar to "normal" nail painting, many people like the process of gel nails as it feels familiar. Because of the UV light, the manicures last longer than normal nail polish.

That said, they don't last as long as dip powder nails. 

Which Is Right for You? 

When it comes to powder vs gel nails, the only real issue is preference. Both manicures will give bold, awesome, and long-lasting results. 

For more unique looks and colours, the powder may be the better option. Sparkle and duo-chrome colours tend to look better in powder form. For someone who wants a basic manicure with good longevity, though, the gel is a great choice. Are you looking for high-quality wholesale nail supplies? We have everything you need in our one-stop-shop for manicure lovers everywhere. Check out our supply today!