Dip Powder on Short Natural Nails- Benefits & How to Apply

I have been using Dip Powder for many years now and I absolutely love it for both myself and my clients.

Now one of the reasons why I love Dip Powder is because it can easily work on any length of nail. But I have found that it is especially good and useful for those who have short, weak, and damaged natural nails.

That’s why in this article, I am going to share with you:

How to Apply Dip Powder on Natural Nails.
And the benefits of Dip Powder for those who have short nails.

Now if you want to learn how to use Dip Powder to extend your natural nails, you can click here.

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Benefits of Dip Powder Short Natural Nails

Dip Powder in my opinion is one of the safest and best nail products. This is because Dip Powder:

1- Protects Your Nails

Dip Powder would form a hard protective layer on your nails making them stronger. This will prevent them from breaking or getting further damaged, unlike polishes that just add color and won’t help to protect your nails

This means that Dip Powder will also protect your nails if you are a nail bitter, and thus giving your nails a break from your teeth!

2- Allows Short Natural Nails to Grow Out

And because Dip Powder prevents your natural nails from breaking it allows them to grow out. This is especially important if your natural nails are brittle and constantly breaking.

This is why Dip Powder is amazing as Overlay Nails – click here to learn what are overlay nails.

3- Less Damaging to Nails

Dip Powder is less likely to further damage your nails since it doesn’t use require so many harsh chemicals during the application process which can damage nails & cuticles.

4- Feel More Natural

Dip Powder is lighter and feels more natural especially when compared to acrylic or gel overlays and extensions which tend to be bulkier.

How to Apply Dip Powder on Short Nails

Step 1 – Prep Your Nails

First, wash your fingers and nails with warm water and soap, this will clean them and help to soften up your cuticles. Next, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles.

Once your cuticles have been pushed back use a medium-grit nail file to gently buff away the sheen from your nails. Removing the sheen allows the Dip Powder to adhere better to your nails and prevent lifting.

Finally, wash your nails, let them dry, and then wipe them clean with a cotton pad soaked with acetone or rubbing alcohol.

Step 2 – Apply a Dehydrator

Before applying your dip powder, I recommend applying a dehydrator which works to remove any moisture and some of the oils on your natural nails.

From my experience using a dehydrator with Dip Powder greatly extends the lifespan of your manicure. Some brands like Kiara Sky include it in their kit branded as a Bonder.

But not all dip powder kits have it so you might need to get your own, you can click here to see the price for a dehydrator on Amazon.

3- Apply A Layer of Clear or White Dip Powder

Once your nails have been prepped you should apply a layer of clear dip powder over your nails. This layer helps to prevent your natural nails from getting stained by the dip powder.

First, apply a coat of the base on your nail just like you would apply nail polish.
Then dip your nail into the clear dip powder and let it dry for 20 seconds.
Then gently tap your nail to get rid of excess powder.

You can click here to read why clear dip powder is so important and the best brands to use.

Step 5 – Apply Your Colored Dip Powder

After applying the clear dip powder you will need to apply the colored dip powder.

Apply a coat of the base over your nails.
Then dip your nails into the dip powder and let it dry for 20 seconds.
Now tap or brush your nails to get rid of excess powder
If you need another layer apply the base again and then dip your nails into the powder.
Apply as many layers until you are satisfied.

Most dip powder usually needs at least 2 layers of colored powder but this will vary based on the color and brand. But you can apply as many layers as you see fit.

Just note more layers will mean your nails will be more bulky.

Step 6 – Apply the Activator

Once you are satisfied with the layers of dip powder you need to paint a layer of the activator also known as Seal Protect over the dip powder.

Let the activator dry for 2-3 minutes or so before buffing or applying the top coat.

The activator helps to cure the dip powder. Click here to learn more about Dip Activators and How to Apply it.

Now after you have applied the Activator and if the manicure looks and feels bumpy and uneven you can buff them to smoothen them out. But this is not always needed.

Step 7 – Apply a Top Coat

Finally, I recommend wiping your nails with rubbing alcohol and then applying a top coat over the dip powder.

A top coat will add a glossy effect and help to protect the manicure and prevent it from getting stained and damaged.

By wiping your nails with the rubbing alcohol before applying the top coat will help to make the dip manicure more shiny and glossy

Any type or brand of top coat will work, but a gel top coat will last longer and give you the most protection.

You can also, click here to learn more about the best top coats for dip powder.

Video of How to Apply Dip Powder onto Short Natural Nails

Recommend Dip Powder Kits

I highly recommend the Kiara Sky Dip Powder Kit, it comes with everything you need to apply your dip powder.

They are a bit pricey but they are in my opinion worth it, Click here to see the price for Kiara Sky Dip Powder Kit on Amazon.

Is dip powder better on natural nails or tips?

Dip Powder can effectively work on both natural nails and tips.

But I usually prefer using dip powder on just my natural nails rather than on tips. I usually use on nail products like gel or acrylic for building out tips. This is just my preference, I recommend trying it out and see what you think.

You can click here to see how to use dip powder with nail tips.

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