What is the difference between acrylic and dip nails?

Getting your nails done can be an exciting thing to look forward to. Whether you get them done frequently or for special occasion, sometimes you can feel lost with what service will work best with your life style. With so many services it’s hard to tell exactly what’s different about each one.

Acrylic nails

Acrylic nails are applied with a brush, monomer (liquid), and powder. This service can be bothersome to some people who are sensitive to smells, the monomer is what gives nail salons that pungent “ nail” smell.  The brush is dipped into the liquid and then into the powder to create a moldable substance called a “ bead” of acrylic. That bead is then placed on the nail bed to form perfectly to the nail. The nail tech has to be very skilled to get the proper liquid to powder ratio. Too much liquid and you have a runny blob of acrylic that leaks into the cuticle, while not enough and you have a dry bead that doesn’t adhere properly to the nail bed.

Dip Nails

Dip nails don’t require any monomer ( so you don’t have to worry about that smell for this service ).  They are applied with a light layer of liquid on the nail bed followed by dipping the nails into the powder. This process happens 2-3 times until desired thickness is acquired.  There is less room for error here so you don’t have to be too worried about where you go to get it done.

Whats the difference?

The acrylic powder and the dip nails powder is very similar. You end up with a very similar result just with a different application method. Acrylic nails can extend the length of your natural nails with tips or forms, while the only way you can get your nails extended with dip nails is with tips. Acrylic gives the  nail tech a lot of creative freedom while dip nails are more limited. If you’re a French or solid color girl, dip nails could be for you. If you love crazy nails, finding a technician who is skilled using acrylic opens endless possibilities of creative, unique art at your fingertips.

Are dip nails better than gel?

Dip nails are much thicker than gel polish (which is different than hard gel, hard gel is comparable to acrylic but the application process is different) They are more durable than gel polish and a lot of people love them. If you are very particular about your nails, you may not like them. I find them to be too think around the cuticle for my liking. They are very similar to the thickness of acrylic nails. They are also an easier option for at home application. If you’re horrible at painting your nails, getting a dip nail system for home use could save you a pretty penny at the salon and there is less room for error than painting.

Are dip nails as strong as acrylic?

I find that dip nails are about the same when it comes to strength. This also will greatly depend on the nail tech you go to and your personal preference on thickness. Obviously if they are thicker, they will be a little more durable. So it depends on your life style and how hard you are on your hands.

How much do dip nails cost?

This will depend on where you go. If you go to the typical nail salon that’s found at every corner, you’re probably looking at 20-30$. Higher end salons charge about 40$ for this service. Prices at nail salons are determined by the salon atmosphere and the skill set of the technician.  Going to a high end salon also has a greater likelihood that they are going to sanitize properly. So all around, it makes paying a little bit more worth it in the end.

Written by a licensed nail technician.