I use dip powder for my nails. I originally started with a full kit off Amazon but I now buy everything individually. My fave base/top coat and activator are from Wakanya. If they are not available I will buy the Gelish base coat. My fave dip powders are from DIPD, it is an Australian brand. They are fantastic quality however I am not sure if they ship overseas. I do have a sizeable collection of Amazon powders as well.

I do my nails differently to how they are supposed to be done. Sometimes the base coat is also used as a top coat. After you put on the activator the base/top coat goes on top and will harden. I don’t like this method. After the activator I let it dry and use a gel polish instead. I use the Gelpolish base and top coat, another version of this is Vishine. I prefer the finish of this combination.

The activator tends to last longer than the base/top coat, I always seem to run out of the base/top coat first. The base/top coat bottles should be stored upright, and the lid can get glued shut where it is impossible to open. For this I place the bottle in a mug and pour boiling water over. I let it sit for a minute and then the lid should unscrew. I let it cool before using it.

I also have a large collection of regular gel polishes. I use them on my toes or over my dip if I want a colour that I don’t have in the dip powder.

I choose dip powder as its like acrylic and is thick on the nail. It is stronger than just gel polish. I have a circulatory issues in my hands that affect the strength of my nails. They have always been weak however since doing my nails myself and not over-filing them they have actually become significantly stronger, that I now could just use gel polish on its own. However I still do the dip for extra protection against accidentally hitting my hand/nail on something.

For gel polish you will need a UV lamp to cure it. I currently used the mini as its small and uses a usb plug. However I do prefer the large UV lamp, I find you only need 60 seconds and the gel is cured. With the mini I have to do a couple 60 second sessions.

I sometimes also use a nail drill. I have a battery operated one and it does the job well. The electric wall plug ones are far more powerful but are fantastic too.

I use acetone to remove the dip.

For proper application I would suggest going to YouTube and searching dip nail tutorial and you’ll find a range of videos to help you through the steps.

Dip Powder Steps - (my version, whether its right or not is another question)

1. Soak nails, push back cuticles and trim

2. File nails into desired shape

3. Buff nails

4. Do a coat of base coat and then dip nail into powder. Tap off excess

5. Repeat step 4 anywhere from 3-5 times depending on how thick you want your dip

6. Apply activator

7. Nails will be rough and chunky. Its time to file them smooth and into shape

8. Wash hands and apply activator again

9. Apply gel polish base coat and cure in UV lamp

10. Apply gel polish top coat and cure in UV lamp

11. Moisturise nails

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