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We get it: The process of getting a dip nail powder manicure in-salon doesn't look the most sanitary. Plus, you can rack up a hefty bill if you stay on top of the recommended bi-weekly schedule. However, there's nothing wrong with trying your hand at the process from the comfort of your home, which will likely look just as good, cost half as much as a salon-grade manicure, and last just as long—and all you have to do is add a kit to your cart.
There are plenty of at-home kits for dip nails sold by professional brands–which would be my recommendation,” says LeChat Nails brand educator Anastasia Totty. “They usually contain everything you need to do it yourself.”
Dip powder manicures are longer-lasting than their gel counterparts–they can typically last up to one month and don’t require any UV light to harden. Dip powder manis are also said to be less damaging to your nails in the long term. In the salon, your nail technician would cut, clean, buff, and prime your nails. After your nail is prepped properly, each nail is dipped into a powder color of your choosing (one by one), tapped to dust off any excess powder, and then sealed with a topcoat.
If you want to test-drive the nail trend, we’ve rounded up the best user-friendly dip powder kits that deliver pro-level results from the comfort of your humble abode. Below are the 13 best dip powder kits to add to your cart.
Pros
Four different shades to choose from
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a full kit
Glazed donuts have been on your mind all year, and we're not just talking about Krispy Kreme. Chrome nails are all the rage, especially for minimalists looking for an extra oomph. This kit comes with four different shades, which initially look like the same color but each has its own distinct, iridescent finish.
Included: Chrome pots, buffing brush
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I cannot recommend this stuff enough. The price point is cheap, but the quality is great and works exactly how it should, easy even for a beginner. I have been buying and doing my own gel tips for about three years now, and this is one of the best nail products or accessories I have bought.”
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
Cons
- Nails sold separately
Whether you're in the Halloween spirit early or favor deeper nail shades, this eight-piece dip powder kit takes you from the deepest black to snow white. The easy-to-use kit gives you long wear for up to two weeks.
Included: Prep kit, eight dip powder pots
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Love this color set! Powder is fine and even consistency. Colors are strong and beautiful.”
Pros
- Contains everything in a kit
Cons
- Result doesn't last as long as other options
Pay homage to the King of Funk with this six-piece collection of purple hues. Start with pastel lavender and work your way up to glittery violet with everything you could possibly ever need to perfect your dip mani.
Included: Prep kit, brushes, nail file, dip powder pots
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I did watch a lot of YouTube videos before deciding to buy this product. Once I got it, it was so easy to use the kit come with pretty much anything you'd need, and the colors are just like the picture.”
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Pros
- Dries quickly
Cons
- May not last as long
So you like to match your nails to your mood? This Amazon best-seller comes equipped with muted, deep shades that evoke all the autumn and winter feels. The kit has everything you need to perfect your mani, from brushes to an assortment of powder colors to choose from.
Included: Prep kit, brushes, nail file, dip powder pots
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I still have to refine my skills but the product itself is great. Easy, pretty and strong. Very happy.”
Pros
- Comes with everything included
Cons
- No online reviews available
Looking to mimic all the nail looks you're seeing on TikTok? This kit has everything you need to get started, including cuticle oil and a brush cleaner. The brand boasts its system creates nails with a 'light, natural feel' and a wearability of up to a month.
Included: Base and top coat, finishing powder
LeChat Educator Wendy Valenzuela says: "I receive a lot of e-mails with concern about the simple application of the dip. It's very simple when you practice [with] the product, you can make a successful application. Customers really like this kind of application."
Pros
- Great for beginners with easy to follow instructions
Cons
- Time consuming application process
For a salon experience at home, this Kiss Salon Dip Powder nail kit has you covered. For less than an NYC lunch, you can get everything you need in a dip powder system, including two brushes, a cuticle stick, a sponge, a nail file, and enough nail tips for four manicures. The dip powder results in a smooth finish for a gel-like appearance. Use your perfectly (at-home) manicured nails to make a wish list, and let your salon savings make your shopping dreams come true.
Included:
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: "I've used this before, 2-3 years ago. When I want acrylic nails, I go to a salon because of time and patience, lol. BUT since we have to do this self-quarantine, I have lots of time at home! So thank goodness for Kiss™ and third nail kits my nails will still look good! I chose the nail dip kit because of the simplicity of it. It's for beginners and up. I definitely recommend this to anyone."
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Pros
- Good color options
Cons
- Chips easily
If you’re a glitter kind of gal—and really, who isn’t—then look no further. This dip powder nail kit includes 12 bright and bold glittery hues, a nail file, a buff brush, and a reusable tray for the powders.
Included: Prep kit, brushes, nail file, dusting tray, dip powder pots
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product is amazing. It comes with the basic essentials you will need to do an at home manicure. Easy application and lasts for a while.”
Best Overall
Joya Mia Nail Dipping Powder Starter Kit
Pros
- Encourages nail health
Cons
- Not a wide assortment of shades
This salon-quality set comes with basics like top and base coats, clear powder, three color powders, and a nourishing vitamin oil to keep your nails healthy and strong.
Included: Prep kit, dip powder pots
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This was so worth the money. Easy to work with and goes on the nails without playing with it like the polygel. Paint on the like nail polish and dip ,dries quick without UV. Love this gel system!”
Pros
- Great color assortment
Cons
- Can chip easily
For a kit that screams summer, this set has enough colors to pair with your bright summer swimsuits and neutral-toned winter wardrobe.
Included: Prep kit, brushes, dip powder pots
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I've used this beetles kit for 4 manicures so far and its a great value compared to $40 each manicure done at a salon.”
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Pros
- Salon-quality
Cons
- Pricey
Nail pros will tell you: Kiara Sky is one of the nail world's creme de la creme brands. While it's a bit pricey, invest in this dip kit, knowing it will last you a long time, which saves you money in the long run.
Included: Prep kit, brushes, nail file, oil. tray, dip powder pots
Kiara Sky rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Kiara Sky reviewer says: “The dip powder kit is the best thing ever. Easy to use and great colors. I love it!”
Pros
- Longwear
Cons
- Pricey for just one color
If you're a longtime fan of the viral TikTok OPI Bubble Bath gel polish, meet its dip powder equivalent. Get the same benefits of gel polish—longwear, chip-free, polished finish, etc.—for the same cost as a salon manicure.
Included: Prep kit, dip powder pot
Walmart rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer says: “So easy to do yourself at home. Nails look great, the product came packed very well. I will order again.”
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Pricey
Vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, Nailboo's nail kit has everything you need for a quick and professional-looking mani.
Included: Prep kit, brushes, nail file, dip powder pots
Nailboo rating: 5/5 stars
A Nailboo reviewer says: “This was my first time using the dip kit and, so far, I love it! It was simple to apply and gave me a salon quality look!”
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Best For Maintaining Nail Strength
DipWell Dip Nail Starter Kit - Classic Collection
Pros
- Easy to soak off
Cons
- Doesn't stay on too long
DipWell makes a dip powder kit for every occasion and color combination—including pastels, French tips, classic colors, glitter, and even neon hues. The polish and powder formulas don’t include harsh chemicals, are low in odor, and contain calcium to help fortify and strengthen your nails.
Included: Prep kit, dip powder pots
DipWell rating: 4.4/5 stars
A DipWell reviewer says: “So easy to use and even good for beginners. These two weeks, I don’t see any chipping or scratches on [my] nails. They’re still shiny, like a new set. Definitely will get more colors and keep using DipWell products.”
What are dip nails?
“Dip nails are [a] combination of [a] resin base and color powder, usually applied onto natural nails to strengthen them or used with tips for extensions,” says Totty. “No need to use monomer, gels, or UV lamps, just a few prep products, and your favorite powder. A dip manicure usually lasts 3-4 weeks; anything past that is not really recommended. They cannot be filled, so, unfortunately, you have to remove the product and reapply each time.”
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Is dip healthier than gel?
“I would not say that they are necessarily healthier, but because they strengthen your natural nail, it could help grow them out,” says Totty. “Since you have to remove them each time, you don’t risk getting bacteria stuck underneath and cause damage as long as you don’t over-file and moisturize afterward.”
How do you remove dip nails?
“Dip nails are removed by soaking with acetone-based soak-off remover, just like gel polish or acrylics. You have to buff the top, wrap in foil with [a] cotton ball soaked with remover and wait for 15 minutes,” says Totty. Penrose adds: “The best part is, though this soaking process may seem tedious, once the color is dissolved, it should wipe off easily and cleanly–no scraping required.”
How do you give yourself a dip powder manicure at home?
“This is how the at-home process typically works,” says ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor, Nerisha Penrose. “First, you’ll want to apply a base coat onto clean, freshly buffed nails (this helps to smooth out any ridges so that the powder can coat the nail evenly). Next, you’ll dip your nail into a pot of pigmented powder instead of painting the nail color with a brush, as with a traditional or gel manicure. Then, tap or brush off any excess powder (many kits include a buff brush) and repeat the process to ensure an even coat.
After two go-rounds of dipping, you’ll paint on a clear activator polish. This activator turns the colored powder into a glossy lacquer and essentially bonds it onto the nail itself. Once that’s dry, you’ll apply a clear coat of polish as a topcoat, and voila! Your DIY dip powder manicure is done, and it should last at least a few weeks (or more). Of course, these are general guidelines—always follow the instructions of the specific kit you’re using, as each one may differ slightly.”
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Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is ELLE's Beauty Commerce Editor and a dip-powder manicure expert. Tatjana Freund is ELLE's Beauty Commerce Writer who has embarked on a healthy nail journey.
