Benefits of Opting For Dip vs Gel Nails

Gel manicure polishes contain photo-initiated polymers, which are activated when exposed to light. The polymers absorb [light] rays that causes them to “harden or cure so that the polish adheres to nails.” Most often this is done with a UV light, as it works a bit quicker than LED — usually in under 45 seconds. Simply speaking, gel polish is cured onto the nail using light (without the UV or LED light, it will remain wet).

Dip manicures, on the other hand, use colored powder acrylic mixed with a glue-type resin that cures in the air. The application process is exactly what it sounds like. First, a base or primer coat is painted on, then each nail (while still wet) is dipped into a small pot of colored acrylic powder. Your manicurist (or you, at home) will work in layers. Once the desired level of coverage is reached (usually two to three rounds of dipping is required), an activator polish is brushed on as a top coat to cure the formula — no UV light required.

Bottom line: Gel polishes are painted on, similarly to regular nail polish, and require UV or LED light to harden. Dip powder involves dipping each finger into an acrylic colored powder, then painting on an activator polish as a top-coat that cures in the air.

2. Lasting power

When applied correctly, a good gel manicure can last, on average, for two to three weeks. For those who tend to have oilier nail beds or are just prone to nail chipping, though, gel polish may not last for even two weeks.

Dip powder manicures generally last longer than their gel counterparts. To give you a sense of just how strong the hardened dip powder formula dip powders are bonded using a glue called cyanoacrylate, which is also the main ingredient in Krazy Glue. To get more specific, cyanoacrylates are “a family of strong acting adhesives. Simply put, dip powder polymers are stronger than those found in gel polish, and, therefore, dip manicures will generally last longer — up to five weeks, if properly cared for.

Bottom line: Gel manicures typically last between two to three weeks, while dip powder manicures can last for up to five (with proper prep, application, and maintenance).

Personally, we prefer dip due to the longevity.