Kayla Young
There is nothing more satisfying than having your nails professionally done. While gel polish and acrylics have long dominated the nail industry, nail dipping has recently gained popularity.
Many people are unaware of the differences between a dip top coat and other top coats, such as gel or matte top coats.
Can you use any top coat with dip powder nails?
Yes, most top coats work well with dip nails, though there are a few things you need to be aware of. This article will teach you about top coats, their distinct features, application methods, and how they work with dip nails.
Contents
What Are Dip Nail Top Coats?
Top coats provide a hard, protective, often glossy finish to the nail. Unlike base coats, which are designed to encourage everything to stick, a top coat is designed to keep the nails looking beautiful.
It can be difficult to distinguish between a dip top coat and a regular top coat. The only way to tell the difference is to check their contents and chemical composition.
All top coats are made by combining different glues for a sticky and long-lasting effect.
The glue combinations are similar to those found in nail glues.
The combination creates a thick and vicious glue, allowing your powder to adhere properly to your nails.
Dip top nails are usually reinforced with a UV reactive liquid to speed up the hardening process of nail polish.
Can You Use Any Top Coat With Dip Powder Nails?
Yes! Most top coats blend perfectly with dip nails. However, it depends on the top coat you’re using, as different top coats react differently.
For instance, gel polish must react well with the activator to produce a desirable effect on dip nails.
On the other hand, the result may not be satisfactory with matte top coats over dip top coats.
It’s generally best to avoid using an activator along with a regular top coat on dip nails. The only drawback to skipping the activator is that your nails may wear out faster.
The only drawback to skipping the activator is that your nails may wear out faster.
How Do Dip Nails Work?
Dip powder nails, also commonly referred to as SNS nails, are nail polishes that combine the benefits of gel and acrylic nails. They are the most long-lasting nail polish options available, and you can do some cool nail art with them.
The application method entails dipping the nail into colored powder, brushing the dip powder onto the nails (or even toenails), and then sealing the top with a clear sealant.
The application method entails dipping the nail into colored powder, brushing the dip powder onto the nails (or even toenails), and then sealing the top with a clear sealant.
The effects typically last about a month before your next nail appointment. Just be aware that the dip nail removal process is a bit more of a pain than many other nail systems.
Preparing the Nails
The dip nail process necessitates special care and attention, regardless of whether you go to a salon or do DIY dip nails with a kit. While each salon has its application techniques, the steps below are common to most nail salons:
Your nails must be clean before beginning any manicure. Remove any polish residue, file and shape them, scrub the surface, wash them to remove dirt and oils, push your cuticles back, and clip any hangnails.
Apply a Bonder
Once your nails are clean and well-shaped, use a bonder to reduce the likelihood of lifting.
Apply Base and Powder
Brush the base coat onto your nail and dip it into a dip powder tray. Repeat the process on each nail, brushing away any excess. Depending on the capacity and color intensity, you can re-dip as many times as you want.
Apply Top Coat
After the dip nail has dried, apply an activator, file and shape your nails to achieve the desired look, and finish with a top coat.
Because of hygiene concerns, you should not have your nails dipped into the powder pot when getting your dip powder done at the salon. Instead, have your nail technician apply the powder directly to your nails.
Advantages of a Top Coat
1. Lasting Power
Nail technicians prefer to use dip top coats for manicures because their stickiness complements dip nails. Top coat surfaces, as opposed to gel polishes, hardens your nail polish, preventing it from scratching and peeling.
They are also waterproof. When your nail polish is overly exposed to water, it can accelerate peeling and make your nails look unappealing.
However, you should wear gloves when doing laundry or dishes to protect your nail polish from damage from soap and water.
2. Block UV rays
Most top coats are made up of UV rays-proof components. The chemicals in the components prevent UV rays from changing the color of your nail polish. Nail polish that has faded appears dull and unappealing.
3. Make Your Nail Polish Glossy
Top coats are shiny in nature, giving your nail polish a glossy appearance. The glossy appearance keeps your nails looking fresh and attractive for several days giving an illusion of freshly done nails.
4. Keeps Your Nail Polish From Staining
Some expensive top coats contain stain-resistant chemicals. These chemicals smooth and strengthen the nail polish layer, making stains adhering to your nails more difficult.
Top coats are ideal if you work with colored dyes daily, like when cooking or cleaning.
5. Dries Nail Polish Faster
Quick top coats help nail polishes dry faster, reducing the risk of damage while the polish is still wet.
Can You Use a Gel Top Coat Over Dip Nails?
Absolutely. Dip nails look stunning when used with gel top coats.
Gel top coats are popular because they provide a glossier appearance than dip nails. Use caution when selecting gel top coats because their smooth surfaces peel off easily.
Use caution when selecting gel top coats because their smooth surfaces peel off easily.
You must also properly prepare your nails when using gel polish. The following are tried-and-true methods for properly preparing your nails.
For glittery nail powders, make sure to seal the glitters with a clear dip powder to keep the glitters intact. Smooth out the surface as well.
Polish your clear powder surface to make it slightly rough by polishing it. Gel easily peels off, especially when the surface is smooth.
Apply a small amount of a base liquid to the surface of your clear powder, then apply your gel top coat.
Conclusion
Dip top coats are undeniably becoming more popular for manicures. This is due to their quick hardening effect on dip nails, which prevents scratching and peeling, resulting in longer-lasting polished nails.
Different top coat brands work differently for each individual. Find one that works well for you.
Always read the label of your top coat to avoid chemicals that can react with your nails and skin.
