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Using Dip Powder With The Gel Method

What is the Dip/Gel Method?

Dip/Gel method is the combination of using both our Dipsy Dip dip powders, and our Dipsy Dip soak off gel base and top coat. When you combine the two of them together and use a UV cure lamp, you can create a strong, structured nail. No dip liquids required.

  • Dipsy Dip Gel Polish Base Coat and No-Wipe Top Coat: These two liquids serve the same purposes as dip base and top coats. Base Coat adheres the dip powder to your nail, while the No-Wipe Top Coat protects your mani and gives it an amazing shine! Activator is not needed for this method.
  • Dipsy Dip Dip Powder: Choose whichever color(s) dip powder you want to use to create the perfect manicure. The powder contains the pigment that will give your finished nail its color.
  • UV or LED Curing Lamp (not pictured): Gel polish manicures are dried or cured under a UV or LED light. Dipsy Dip does not sell these lights, however they are available on Amazon and from a number of other retailers.
  • Cuticle Pusher: A cuticle pusher or orange stick will be used to push your cuticles back and remove any dead skin from the nail bed before applying.
  • Nail File: You'll need a good nail file to help you shape your nails before and during your manicure application.
  • Buffer: A buffer will help you prepare your nail for the Base Coat by smoothing out the natural nail.
  • Rubbing Alcohol: You'll need rubbing alcohol to clean your nail of any dirt, grease or oil.
  • Kabuki Brush: You'll use the kabuki brush to dust off excess powder after curing under the UV or LED light.
  • Primer: Dipsy Dip Primer is perfectly suited for priming your nails before applying gels. This will help remove any left over dirt or oils from your natural nails.
  • Cupcake Liner: We will be using the pour-over method to apply the dip powder. A cupcake liner or something similar will allow you to collect and re-use any excess powder.
  • Cuticle Oil: Moisturizing your cuticles is essential to maintaining good cuticle and nail health.

Preparation

  • Prep nails by pushing back cuticles and shaping your nails to the desired shape. Lightly etch (file/buff) the nail surface taking the shine off the nail plate.
  • Using a kabuki brush, wipe off all excess dust off the nail plate. Avoiding touching the prepped nails with your fingers.
  • Prime all nail beds. If you are prone to oily nail beds, primer two times.

Application

  • Apply one coat of Dipsy Dip Base Coat, keeping it off of the skin.
  • Cure for 1-2 minutes. (Higher wattage lamps require one minute, a lower wattage cure lamp requires two minutes. If you don’t know what wattage yours is, cure for two minutes.)
  • Once first layer of base coat is cured, apply a second layer of base coat, but do not cure.
  • Place the jar of Dipsy Dip dip powder inside the cupcake liner (or on top of whatever you are using to collect the excess powder).
  • Use the tap method or pour over method to cover the nail with dip powder. Cover the entire nail with dip powder (over the uncured Gel Base Coat). Do not dip your nail into the dip powder with gel base coat, just tap or pour. The cupcake liner will catch the excess powder. DO NOT WIPE OFF EXCESS POWDER prior to curing.
  • Cure 1-2 minutes, depending on the wattage of your lamp.
  • Once cured use the kabuki brush to wipe off any excess powder over the liner.
  • Apply another coat of base coat and pour the dip powder over again before curing. Then wipe off any excess powder. Repeat this step until you achieve your desired thickness. (We typically recommend two coats.)
  • File the ends, sides and top of your nail to the desired shape. Use the Not Your Ordinary Buffer to smooth the finish.
  • Use the kabuki brush to remove any excess dust. Wash with dish soap, if desired, and dry completely.
  • Apply Dipsy Dip No-Wipe Top Coat to the entire nail bed, being sure to cap the edges. Cure the top coat under a UV or LED light for one to two minutes.

Curing times may vary depending on the type and wattage of your light.

Removal

  • To remove your gel method manicure, start by using a nail file to file off the top coat shine. Then soak off with 100% acetone.
  • Do not pick at or attempt to pry off your manicure, as this can cause damage to the nail bed.

Aftercare

  • Aftercare of your manicure is an important part of keeping your hands and nails looking healthy and beautiful. Hydrate your nails between manicures with cuticle oil and use cuticle oil on your cuticles regularly while wearing your manicure.

Cautions:

  • Store Dipsy Dip Gel and Dip products in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Ensure good ventilation when working with Dipsy Dip products.

Allergies and Sensitivities:

  • As with any product, you may have or may develop allergies or sensitivities to Dipsy Dip Gel Polish or Dip Powder. If you notice any skin sensitivity/discomfort or experience any respiratory symptoms, remove the product right away and discontinue use. Seek medical care immediately if symptoms are severe. Because most gel polishes and dip powders use similar ingredients, if you have experienced allergic reactions or sensitivities to other brands, we do not recommend using Dipsy Dip products.
  • Some users may experience a warming or burning sensation while the gel is curing. This experience can be caused or worsened by applying the gel polish in thick layers, by attempting to cure more than one layer at a time or by using a curing light that is too strong, which causes the nails to cure too quickly. Over-filing of the nail during prep or removal can also cause the burning sensation to be stronger.
  • If you experience discomfort while curing, remove your hands from under the light for few moments to slow the curing process. If the discomfort continues, you may wish to carefully remove the manicure.