Dip vs. Acrylic Nails: Which Option Is Best for You?

Dip Powder Overview 

Dip powder is a nail enhancement technique that’s newly in the limelight, even though it has been around for decades. It’s as simple as brushing on a layer of adhesive, and then dipping the nails into a tub of powder. The powder sticks to the nail, and with a final sealant on top, it transforms into a strong layer that’s thicker than nail polish but thinner than acrylic extensions. This final outcome is very long-wearing. 

Dip nails can be done at home with a kit or they can be applied by a manicurist in a salon. The process can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t require much more skill than the average nail polish application (although a skilled artist can create beautiful nail art). It’s not surprising that dip nails are only growing in popularity! 

Acrylic Nails Overview

Acrylic nails are three-dimensional nail extensions sculpted directly on top of the natural nail. 

To create acrylic nails, nail artists combine an acrylic polymer powder with a liquid monomer, which transforms the powder into a paste. The paste is then applied and shaped over the nail. As it dries, it bonds to the nail and becomes a hard acrylic that the nail artist can decorate and buff as desired. It’s a fairly complicated manicure technique that’s generally best carried out by a professional in a salon. 

Key Differences Between Dip Powder and Acrylic Nails

Application Method

The process of creating dip nails is much simpler than applying a set of acrylic nails. It involves applying a layer of adhesive bonder to your natural nail (or to a nail tip), dipping it in a colorful acrylic powder, and finally applying a special top coat that seals it in and creates a high-shine finish. It’s easy to do with one hand, which makes it a great DIY manicure option, although the entire process usually takes a minimum of an hour and a half, if not longer. 

Meanwhile, applying acrylic nails is essentially a sculpting process, as the nail artist must apply the paste-like acrylic mix directly to the nail, and then sculpt it into the desired shape. Creating great-looking, healthy, and long-lasting acrylics requires skill, practice, and artistry. Learning the correct ratios of powder to liquid is often a big hurdle, as well. 

While both techniques benefit from practice, the learning curve and skill needed for acrylic nails is much greater. It’s also a more time-consuming process. Even with skill, self-applications are very difficult if you’re not ambidextrous. 

Aesthetics and Versatility

There is room for artistry and creativity with both dip and acrylic nails. A talented artist can come up with endless nail art creations no matter which technique they choose. Both dip and acrylic nails can be decorated with applique or polish-based nail art to create any manicure style. 

The only major aesthetic difference is that acrylic nails allow for versatility when it comes to the shape and length of the nails. From slightly longer nails to extreme almond or stiletto, there are no limits. With dip nails, you’re limited by the length and shape of your natural nails. That said, it’s possible to apply dip nails over nail tips or even press-on nails, in which case you can enjoy a different shape.  

Cost and Maintenance

Acrylic nails and dip powder nails are comparable in price if done professionally, especially if you come in for regular manicures. 

At the salon, an acrylic manicure will cost you anywhere from $50 to $80 depending on the length of the nails and complexity of the nail art. An infill touch-up, which is commonly needed every 3 to 4 weeks, will usually cost between $30 and $50. A salon dip powder manicure normally costs between $50 and $60, but without the option for refills, you’ll have to pay this every month to maintain your nails.

At-home dip nail kits can vary in price depending on the number of accessories and different powder options. Smaller kits with just 1-3 powders can cost under $20, while larger kits with many color options can cost $50-$80. Because this is a one-time rather than ongoing cost, doing your dip nails at home can be very cost-effective. However, keep in mind that it is a significant time commitment. 

Durability and Longevity

Both acrylic and dip nails have excellent durability. With a flawless application and careful handling, they often last for 3-4 weeks before needing a refill. The main hindrance to their longevity isn’t chipping or breaking, but the natural nails growing out. Unfortunately, this also means that removing either dip nails or acrylics can be very difficult and time-consuming. 

Health and Safety Considerations

Dip powder is generally considered gentler on natural nails compared to acrylic nails. Because of their weight, acrylic nails can put some pressure and stress on the natural nail, and removing them can also take a significant toll as they must be soaked in acetone and then buffed away. 

Dip nails are more similar to a gel manicure, and some wearers even find that they help protect their natural nails. That said, removing them can still be a challenge, and this is also the time when you’re most likely to damage your nails. 

What to Consider Before Making a Choice

Ultimately, both dip nails and acrylic nails are massively popular for a reason — they’re versatile, long-lasting, and they look great. Unfortunately, both options can be costly if done at the salon, or time-consuming if done at home. If you’re still trying to make up your mind between dip vs acrylic nails, these are the main questions to ask yourself: 

1. Are you looking to celebrate your natural length or are you looking for an extension? 
2. Are you interested in a salon treatment, or are you willing to spend time on a DIY option? 
3. How much money are you willing to spend?

Press-On Nails: Your Simple Home Alternative