Dip Powder vs Acrylic Nails: Differences & Which is Better

Dip Powder vs Acrylic Which One is Better For You

Dip Powder is gaining popularity in the nail industry. This is because they allow you to easily and quickly have amazing manicures that are extremely durable and long-lasting.

On the other hand, Acrylic Application is one of the most common forms of manicures available they have been around for ages.

Now, in this article, we are gonna be comparing these two manicure systems; Dip Powder and Acrylic Nails. We will compare both the pros and cons of each to help you to decide which one is the best for you.

Table Of Content show

Difference Between Dip and Acrylic

Dip Powder and acrylic are not the same, they are applied differently and are used for different purposes.

Purpose:

Acrylic application is used primarily to extend or lengthen your nails. Whilst Dip Powder is usually used as an alternative to nail polish or gel polish and is applied either on your natural nails or on your nail extension.

Application:

Acrylic Application uses a liquid monomer as the curing and bonding agent for its powder. Whilst Dip Powder uses a resin to hold the powder in place and a sealant to cure and harden the powder.

Is Dip Powder the same as Acrylic Powder

The powder used by the Dip Powder System is similar to the one used in the Acrylic System.

Except the Dip Powder is much finer and is specially milled and designed to work with the resin used by The Dip Powder System.

Dip Powder vs Acrylic

	Dip Powder	Acrylic Nails
Safety	Dip Powder tends to be safer since it is easier to remove and uses fewer harsh chemicals	Some nail techs use harsh chemicals like acid primers & MMA monomers during the application of acrylic nails.
Durability	Dip Powder would give you 3-4 weeks of wear.	Acrylic nails are more durable and long-lasting. Capable of going 6-8 weeks with infills.
Ease of Application & Removal	Dip Powder is easier to apply and remove.	Acrylic nails require more skill to apply & more work to remove.
Appearance	Dip Powder is best for overlay nails.	Acrylic Nails are best for nail extensions.
Feels more Natural	Dip Powder tends to be lighter and feel more natural	Acrylic nails can sometimes feel more bulky and unnatural.
Cost	Dip Powder will cost a bit more.	Acrylic nails are cheaper and widely available.

1- Which is Safer for Your Nails – Dip Powder or Acrylic

Dip Powder is the clear winner here this is because Dip Powder doesn’t use so many harsh chemicals like acrylic application instead it uses a mild resin to bond and holds the powder.

And some brands of Dip Powder even go the extra mile by adding vitamins and calcium into their powder to help promote stronger and healthier nails.

Acrylic application, on the other hand, uses a lot of intense and harsh chemicals such as acid primers, and MMA monomers which can over time damage your natural nails and can even pose health risks.

The chemicals used for Acrylic Applications are also very pungent and can pose health risks which is why your nail tech usually wears a mask during the application process. Whilst Dip Powder is odorless.

Now I have been doing Acrylic Nails for years now and I can attest once proper procedures and products are used acrylic can be safe for your nails and health. You can check out the article below to learn more.

Dangers & Effects of Acrylic Nails- Can it Cause Cancer

Is Dip Powder Good for Nails- Side Effects, Pros & Cons

How Acrylic Ruin Your Nails & Tips to Prevent Damages

2- Which one is Easier to Remove – Dip Powder or Acrylic

Dip Powder also tends to be easier and quicker to remove in comparison to acrylic, and since it is easier to remove it puts less stress and strain on your nails.

You see acrylic nails can be very hard to remove requiring a lot of filing and acetone which can weaken and dry your natural nails.

3- Which One Lasts Longer – Dip Powder Or Acrylic

Acrylic Nails tend to be more durable and long-lasting in comparison to Dip Powder.

But this will vary with the brand and system that you are comparing.

How Long Do Dip Nails Last & Tips to Make them Last Longer

How Long Acrylic Nails Last & 11 Tips to Make Last Longer

How to Fill Dip Nails at Home- Easy DIY Methods (W/Video)

4- Which One is Easier & Faster to Apply – Dip Powder or Acrylic

Dip Powder is by far faster and easier to apply which allows you to easily and comfortably DIY it at home or shorten the amount of time that you have to spend at a salon.

The main reason why Dip Powder is easier and quicker to apply is that it requires less skill since the application process is very straightforward.

Acrylic Application on the other hand requires some degree of skill and practice especially getting the liquid-to-powder ratio correctly.

You can click here to read How to Apply Dip Powder on Short Nails at Home

And you can click here to read 3 Ways How to Apply Acrylic Nails at Home.

You can see how to apply Dip Powder in the Video Below.

5- Which One looks Better – Dip Powder or Acrylic

I think both acrylic nails and dip powder nails can look great once you use a good brand and they are applied correctly. There isn’t a clear winner here.

6- Which One Feels More Comfortable Dip Powder or Acrylic

Once you use a good brand and it’s applied correctly Dip Powder feels lighter and more natural than acrylic nails.

A good brand like Kiara Sky usually requires one coat of powder to achieve full opacity.

7- Which one is More Affordable – Dip Powder or Acrylic

Acrylic nails tend to be a bit cheaper to get in a salon but not by much. The average price for a standard Dip Powder manicure is around $35-$65. Citation.

Whilst the average price for acrylic nails will vary greatly depending on if you want extensions or just an acrylic overlay.

Now, of course, the price will vary based on the location and on the design that you chose.

8- Which One is More Widely Available – Dip Powder or Acrylic

Acrylic is more available and commonplace but because of all of the advantages that Dip Powder has it is catching on.

9- Which one is Better For Nail Extensions – Dip Powder or Acrylic

Acrylic is better when making nail extensions since it can be used with both nail tips and nail forms which gives you a lot of flexibility when building out.

Dipping Powder can be used for nail extension but only when used with nail tips. Click here to read the 3 Ways to Do Dip Powder Nail Extensions.

Recommended Dip Powder

I highly recommend the Kiara Sky Dip Powder set, it’s one of the best home Dip Powder Sets on the market.

Now it is a bit expensive but it’s a premium brand of Dip Powder that goes on smoothly allowing your nails to feel natural and light. Plus it is completely odorless and the powder has vitamins and calcium to promote stronger nails.

You can click here to see the price for Kiara Sky Combo Set on Amazon, it has everything you need to apply Dip Powder at home.

Common Dip Powder Questions Answered & Mistakes to Avoid

What is a Dip Base Coat- Best Brands & Substitutes