It’s been a while since I’ve given any updates on my DIY dip powder nail process. Although I’ve gotten into a good groove with doing my nails at home, I’m still always trying to improve and learn something new! If you’re just starting out with doing your own nails, I recommend checking out my step by step guides using Rossi’s Dip Powder System or Bioseaweed Gel’s Dip Powder System. These give an overview on how to use dip powder and what products are needed. In this post, I am sharing what I’ve been using to create gel designs over the dip powder to achieve a salon quality manicure.
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Products Used
To begin, I go through the dip powder process like I usually would with powder from Rossi or Bioseaweed Gel. I buff and shape my nails using these buffing blocks and this nail drill. I make sure to activate very well, then I work on the design before the top coat. I’m absolutely loving these gels from Amazon because of the extremely fine brush. It makes it so easy to create various designs! I have the rainbow set and the unicorn set for an assortment of both vibrant and pastel colors. They are all gorgeous and very pigmented! For the designs I’ve done so far, it only requires 1 layer of gel. I then cure the design using this lamp from Amazon for about 90 seconds. Finally, I now finish with a gel top coat and then cure again for about 60 seconds.
Tips and Tricks
The main thing I quickly learned about creating gel designs is not to make the gel too thick! I made this mistake a few times before learning that you only need a small amount of gel. If you use too much, it will be clunky and not cure properly. This also seemed to be the case when I tried doing designs with dip, so I prefer this method much more. One of the questions I always get asked is how I do the designs with my non dominant hand. It’s definitely a bit challenging but it gets easier with practice! The best tip I can give is to find a comfortable position where you can keep your hand steady. I also recommend using small, quick strokes of the brush. Another tip is to always finish up your nails with cuticle oil! This keeps your cuticles nourished which makes your manicure last longer.
When I first started doing my nails from home over 2 years ago, I never imagined I would get to the point of being confident doing designs. My process continues to evolve and improve each time I do my nails. Based on what I have learned so far, I’m currently loving gel designs on top of dip powder for the perfect at home manicure!
