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Manicure
How to Do a Dip Powder Manicure Download Article Co-authored by Laura Martin
Last Updated: October 13, 2025 References
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Grooming Your Nails
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Coating Your Nails with Powder
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Curing and Finishing the Nails
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Video
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Laura Martin. Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 317,933 times.
Dip manicures are like a hybrid between a manicure and fake nails, and can last three to four weeks.[1]XResearch source Compared to typical gel or acrylic nails, dip manicures are thinner, and require less filing and special tools. They have a more natural look, are less likely to lift, and are easier to apply. Furthermore, no odorous liquid monomer or UV light is needed.[2]XResearch source You can seal up broken or split nails with this lightweight overlay of powder and resin.[3]XResearch source
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Grooming Your Nails
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1 Use polish remover as well as a cuticle pusher. If you have polish on your nails, remove it with non-acetone nail polish remover on a lint-free pad. Use a cuticle pusher to gently nudge your cuticles slightly back. Gently remove any excess cuticle sticking up with a cuticle trimmer or scraper.[4]XResearch source
This will allow new nail growth to show so that your manicure will last longer before needing a fill.
Expert Answer Q
A wikiHow reader asked: "How do you get powder nail polish off?"
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. EXPERT ADVICE Answer from Laura Martin:
Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, replies: "Dip powder is a type of acrylic so it is more difficult to remove than regular polish. Soak your nails in acetone and then gently pry the acrylic away from the nail with an orangewood stick."
2 Buff the top surfaces of the nails. Whether natural, acrylic or gel, smooth the surfaces of your nail manually with a nail file. Use a 180 grit file or block, or a natural nail stone. Brush away the grit from filing with a nail brush or makeup powder brush.[5]XResearch source
Pay extra attention to buffing the grooves and the cuticle area.
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3 File away any problematic areas. Examine the sides of your nails for any loose or damaged edges. Also look for any lifting if you have a previous dip manicure you’re filling. Use a coarse nail file (100 or 180 grit) on any such areas.[6]XResearch source
If you don’t already have tips on and you want to add them to lengthen your nails, trim your natural nails down to short length. Use the nail file to smooth the edges.
4 Sanitize your nails with alcohol. Dampen a paper towel or lint-free pad with alcohol or nail sanitizer. You can use an antiseptic spray, or a sanitizer in a pourable container. Rub the moistened towel over your nails, and your fingers – from the closest knuckle to your cuticles, down towards your nails.[7]XResearch source
This cleans and dehydrates the surface of your nails to prepare them for a dip manicure. You don’t want to seal in any bacteria or grime.
5 Find the right-sized tips. If you want to extend the length of your nails, find a tip for each nail that covers no greater than a third of your nail bed. Each tip should reach across the whole width of your nail, from nail groove to nail groove, without overlapping onto your skin.[8]XResearch source Coat the wells of the tips with tip resin. Hold each one gently but firmly to the tip of the nail at a 45 degree angle for twenty seconds.[9]XResearch source
If you can’t find a nail tip that is the right size, you can use a nail file to make slight adjustments so that it will fit securely.
Pinch the sides of the tips for a few seconds to adhere the tips to curvature of your nail edges. Try not to get resin on your fingers.
6 Trim and file the tips. File the edges of the tips all the way across. Buff the top surfaces of the tips to remove their shine. Then buff the nails all over.
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Coating Your Nails with Powder
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1 Paint on the bonder. Follow the steps in this method for each nail, one at a time. Apply it in small strokes, starting about 1/16” away from your cuticles. Spread it out so that it doesn’t well up near the cuticle area.[10]XResearch source Let it sit for one minute.[11]XResearch source
2 Brush resin onto your nails. Move slowly, and apply it evenly.[12]XResearch source Resin should be dotted on with the belly of the brush applicator, rather than applied in strokes like nail polish.[13]XResearch source
Try to apply the resin as evenly and neatly as possible. Focus on creating a clean edge just above the cuticle, since this will be what your powder adheres to.
If you’re only doing a fill, and it has been two weeks since your last dip manicure, apply resin to your desired thickness – for instance, three to four coats. No follow-up with powder is necessary.[14]XResearch source
If you’re doing a manicure to your natural nails or it has been three or more weeks since your last dip manicure, apply one coat of resin only at this point.
3 Dip your finger into the container of clear nail powder. Shake the closed container of powder well first. Open the container, then use a nail stick or pusher to mix the powder. Push your finger forward within the container and roll your finger gently. Keep your finger in the powder for five seconds. Remove your finger and tap the edge of the pot.[15]XResearch source Then, with your other hand, tap the finger you just dipped, to shake excess powder off your finger and back into the container.[16]XResearch source
Once the nail is dry, use a nail brush to remove the rest of the extra powder over a paper towel.[17]XResearch source
Do not use a colored powder at this point. If you want to add a color, that will come after applying more resin.
4 Apply more resin and powder. Apply a layer of resin over the full nail, including the tips. Paint it on slowly and evenly. If you want to use colored powder, now’s the time to do it! Dip your finger into nail powder again, then remove any excess powder. Add a third and final application of resin.[18]XResearch source
You can repeat this step once more to achieve a slightly thicker and stronger manicure.
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Curing and Finishing the Nails
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1 Brush on activator. Apply it in strokes as you would regular nail polish. Allow it to sit for five seconds on the nails. Apply a second coat, and allow that to sit for five seconds as well.[19]XResearch source
2 File the nail edges to dull and shape them. Use a soft-grid file on the exposed edges and sides of the nails.[20]XResearch source
3 Finish with a top coat. Make sure it is a top coat meant for acrylic nails. Keep your fingers sedentary and allow your nails to air-dry for two minutes. Gently rub cuticle oil into the skin surrounding your fingernails.[21]XResearch source
Apply the top coat as you would normal nail polish.
4 Wash your hands. Make sure that your nails are completely dry first. Use warm water, hand soap and a nail brush. Make sure to get around and underneath the tips of your nails. Pat your nails dry with a towel.
5 Maintain your manicure. Follow tips to prolong the life of your manicure. Your manicure can last three to four weeks before needing a fill. However, you may notice new nail growth near the cuticle area and wish to do the fill as early as two weeks after your dip manicure.[22]XResearch source
If you apply colored polish on top of your manicure, don’t get it on your cuticles. This can cause chipping and lifting of the polish. Also, mix the polish by rolling it between your hands instead of shaking it, so that air bubbles don’t promote chipping.
If you use a fan to dry your nails, opt for cool air instead of warm air. Use a blow dryer on the cool setting.
Reapply a clear top coat every few days to deter chipping. Massage cuticle oil onto your nails every day, if possible.
Use mild soap to wash your hands instead of applying hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is strong and dehydrating, and can eat away at your protective top coat.
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Expert Q&A
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Question Is the dip powder acrylic? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Yes, dip powder is a type of acrylic. If your skin is sensitive to acrylic or if you have fragile nails it may not be a good choice. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Question What are ANC powder nails? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer ANC is a brand of dip powder. ANC powder nails are ones that have been treated with a dip powder application. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
Question What is a dip manicure? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer A dip manicure is one that uses acrylic powder and the dip method described above. It creates a thinner, more natural look than a traditional acrylic application. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
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Tips
When applying nail products, always stay one-sixteenth of an inch away from your cuticles and the sidewalls of your nails.[23]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You can remove dip manicures by soaking your nails in acetone for ten minutes, or in a product made specifically for false nail removal. Add a few drops of oil as a moisturizer, if desired. Use a manicure stick to scrape the layering gently off your nails.[24]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Spread a few paper towels over your work surface for easy clean-up. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Acrylics that contain methyl methacrylate (MMA) or ethyl methacrylate (EMA) may lead to nail deformities and damage.[25]X Trustworthy Source Consumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid using electric nail drills whenever possible. Some doctors and consumer reports indicate that excessive drilling leads to infections and nerve damage.[26]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
An acrylic dip manicure is still a nail enhancement rather than natural nails. It isn’t any less damaging than other nail enhancements such as gel or full acrylic sets.[27]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need
Nail polish remover
Cuticle pusher
Cuticle trimmer or scraper
100 or 180 grit nail file
Tip resin
Liquid bonder
Acrylic or gel powder
Activator
Top coat
Nail brush or cosmetic brush
Paper towels
Lint-free pads
False nail tips
Nail trimmer
Alcohol or nail sanitizer
Tap water
Hand soap
Cloth hand towel
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Co-authored by: Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist This article was co-authored by Laura Martin. Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. This article has been viewed 317,933 times. 62 votes - 83% Co-authors: 11Updated: October 13, 2025 Views: 317,933 Categories: ManicureArticle SummaryX
To do a dip powder manicure, first remove any existing nail polish with a polish remover and file the tips of your nails. Next, sanitize your nails with an alcohol cleanser, like an antiseptic spray. Once your nails are clean, apply polish to them in strokes with your brush, starting about 1/16 inch from your cuticle. Before you apply the powder, shake the closed container and mix it with a nail stick. After it's mixed, hold your finger in the powder for 5 seconds, then apply another coat of resin followed by a second coat of powder. Follow this with a third coat of resin before applying an activator using brush strokes. Repeat these steps for each of your nails, then gently file down the edges of each nail to shape them. For tips from our Cosmetology co-author on how to cure your nails, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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How to Do Gel Nails at Home: Tips for the Perfect Manicure 
How toRemove Nail Glue from Nails 
How toDo Acrylic Nails 
How toDo Gel Nails with Tips 
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Co-authored by: Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist This article was co-authored by Laura Martin. Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. This article has been viewed 317,933 times. 62 votes - 83% Co-authors: 11 Updated: October 13, 2025 Views: 317,933 Categories: Manicure Article SummaryX
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1 Use polish remover as well as a cuticle pusher. If you have polish on your nails, remove it with non-acetone nail polish remover on a lint-free pad. Use a cuticle pusher to gently nudge your cuticles slightly back. Gently remove any excess cuticle sticking up with a cuticle trimmer or scraper.[4] 
6 Trim and file the tips. File the edges of the tips all the way across. Buff the top surfaces of the tips to remove their shine. Then buff the nails all over. Advertisement 
1 Brush on activator. Apply it in strokes as you would regular nail polish. Allow it to sit for five seconds on the nails. Apply a second coat, and allow that to sit for five seconds as well.[19] 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. 
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