Kayla Young
You just got SNS-style dip nails, and they’ve cracked a few days later. What exactly causes cracking in dip nails? How can it be repaired? Cracking is a common problem with dip nails.
While the experience can be frustrating and inconvenient, you can fix it easily at home!
In this article, we’ll go over the solutions to dip nails cracking, and get your nails looking great once again!
Contents
Why Do Dip Nails Crack?
While there are numerous causes of cracking dip nails, the most common are related to application methods. Here are the most common reasons why your dip nails are cracking too soon and how to fix them.
1. You are not using the activator correctly.
The activator on dip nails is still new to many. Many people often ignore or unknowingly skip this step.
The activator is used to activate a chemical reaction to seal, cure and harden the powder for easy buffing and filing.
If you don’t apply the activator or use it in small amounts, the dip nails will remain soft, causing them to crack easily. If your dip nails are cracking too soon, use sufficient amounts of activator on your nails to see if it aids with the cracking.
Note that there are dip nail activator substitutes that you can use, if you find you’re reacting badly to dip activators.
2. Your dip coats are not drying well
Before applying your dip nail colors, you should wait for your dip coats to dry completely. Applying dip colors before the previous dip coat dries will result in instability, leading to quick cracking. On most occasions, you must apply three layers of dip coats before applying the dip color.
Applying dip colors before the previous dip coat dries will result in instability, leading to quick cracking.
Some dip powders dry quickly. If you are using a fast-drying dip coat brand, you need to wait five seconds before applying another layer (follow your particular instructions).
3. You are over-drilling and over-buffing your dip powder
Buffing helps even out and smooth lumpy areas on your dip nails. However, over-buffing can create weak points, causing your dip nails to crack later suddenly.
To avoid drilling or buffing too much, always ensure you apply the dip evenly.
4. Uneven layers
Uneven layers on your dip nails occur when the dip base stays long before dipping into the powder. A dry dip base won’t attack the dip powder well, creating bumps that lead to cracking. You should dip your nails in the powder immediately after applying the dip nails and dust off excess powder to prevent bumping.
A clumpy powder can also result in uneven layers and thick dip nails. Smooth the powder by shaking it well before you dip your nails in it.
Store your dip nails tightly closed and in a cool environment to prevent them from drying out or thickening.
Store your dip nails tightly closed and in a cool environment to prevent them from drying out or thickening.
5. You are letting the Dip Powder get on the skin near your nails
Dip powder cracks when in contact with the skin. If you apply the powder such that it gets on the skin near the nails, the cracking on the skin will obviously extend to your nails. Be very careful when applying dip nails at home to make sure that you’re not getting anything on your skin. If you screw up, remove any that might have gotten to the skin around your nails.
Be very careful when applying dip nails at home to make sure that you’re not getting anything on your skin. If you screw up, remove any that might have gotten to the skin around your nails.
6. You are using Low-Quality dip powders
If you’ve tried all the above tips without success, consider trying other dip liquid brands. Dip nails are made by different companies, meaning they give varying consistencies. Some companies can also trick you into buying acrylic instead of dip powder.
If you dip your nails multiple times to color them, you could be using acrylic powder. Acrylic powders crack faster than dip powders because they don’t work well with activators during the curing process.
While you can mix dip kits from different brands, you may get undesired results, including cracking.
This is because each brand formulates dip liquid kits according to their powder brands. Some dip nail kits are of higher quality than others.
Dip liquids that come in glass bottles are of higher quality than those in plastic bottles (and are long-lasting).
What Is the Difference Between a Crack and A Break?
There is a distinction between cracking and breaking in regard to dip nails. A crack is a tiny line across your dip powder nails, whereas a break occurs when a chunk of your dip powder nails comes off.
How Can I Fix My Cracked Nail Parts?
The best way to fix a crack on your dip nails is to get your nail freshly done. However, you can quickly fix your nails without having to redo them again.
Here is some small adjustment you can make on your cracked dip nails to serve you longer.
1. Buffing and filing
Most nail technicians use the buffing and filing method to hide cracks beneath the dip coat. To successfully fix the cracks using this method, the following procedure will be of great help.
- To get to the cracked part, remove the top layer with a nail file or drill.
- Apply a base coat to the crack before applying the dip powder.
- Allow the activator to dry after application.
- After buffing and smoothing the surface, apply a thin layer of top coat.
- Tada! Your crack has been repaired.
2. Apply nail polish
This method works well if you don’t have the original dip color. If you have any nail polish that matches your dip nail color, you can apply it over your cracked nail. This will mask the crack.
Gel polishes work well in hiding the cracks because they are thicker and stick properly on the nails.
Gel polishes work well in hiding the cracks because they are thicker and stick properly on the nails.
3. Decorate your dip nails
You can also fix your cracked dip nails by applying some creativity. You can decorate the top surface to hide the crack. Rhinestones and nail decals are excellent ways to decorate your cracked dip nails.
Not only do they hide the cracks, but they also make your nails appealing.
Conclusion
Long-lasting dip nails are economical and time-saving for manicure enthusiasts, and much easier than acrylics. This is why anyone would want to avoid damages like cracking on their dip nails.
To prevent your dip nails from cracking, ensure you prepare them well and use the correct application. Follow those instructions!
As long as you’re careful and use high quality materials, you should be able to keep the cracks away.
