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How Long Do Dip Nails Last

How Long Do Dip Nails Last? [On Average]

Jemma Almond Nails
Written By: Jemma Wilson
Published Date:

Dip nails, or dip powder nails, have been rising in the ranks of popularity thanks to their ability to stay on for far longer than their acrylic, shellac, and gel cousins. If you have been considering jumping onto the dip nail trend, you are probably wondering how long they actually do last.

So, how long do dip nails last? Dip nails typically last anywhere from 2-4 weeks, on average. Although they can last under a week or even several months depending on how well they were applied, the quality of the product used, and how they are taken care of.

If you’ve been considering this wonder manicure, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how long dip nails last and how you can make your dip last longer.

How Long Should You Keep Dip Nails On?

On average, dip nails should be kept on for about 14 days. However, once you have applied your dip nails, and if you care for them properly, they can last 3 or 4 weeks, making them longer lasting than some acrylic or gel nail applications. 

As with all artificial nails, the brand you use and the level of activity you experience (especially where your hands are concerned) can alter how long your dip powder nails will last. 

Premium brands will always last far longer than budget brands. 

This is because premium brands tend to use higher-quality ingredients in their nail dip powders.

So, don’t be tempted by a bargain dip nail treatment. Make sure your technician uses a good quality brand, or if you are applying them yourself, source popular, reliable brands that have lots of reviews.

However, even if you can keep your dip nails on for longer than a month, it may not be the best idea. 

The longer you keep artificial nails on, the higher the risk of causing damage to your natural nails. 

You can introduce fungal nail infections, weaken your nail bed, and make your nails weaker by keeping on artificial nails, like dip powder nails, for too long and neglecting to keep up with healthy nail care habits.

Tips To Make Your Dip Nails Last Longer

Even though your dip nails will usually last at least 14 days, there are a few things you can do to keep your dip powder nails looking bright and healthy for a lot longer.

Let’s have a look at some tips and tricks to make your dip nails last longer.

Prep Your Nails

Preparation is key. This step is probably one of the most important steps when it comes to long-lasting dip nails. 

Creating a perfectly smooth and healthy base for your dip powder will stretch out the lifespan of your dip nails, preventing them from lifting or cracking too soon. 

Washing your hands with warm soapy water can help to remove any oils or dry, flaky skin from your nails that could stop the dip powder from boding with your nails properly. 

You’ll want to use a cuticle tool to push your cuticles back.

This provides more clean space for your dip powder to firmly adhere to your natural nails.

However, don’t cut your cuticles as this can leave areas of your skin open to infection. 

If your cuticles are particularly sensitive, you can use a cuticle softening serum such as the cuticle serum softener from DipWell to make this part of your prep easier.

Using a nail file to light file the surface of your nails helps to remove any harder to remove oils from your nails and also creates a slightly rougher texture, which means your dip powder will be able to bond with your nails far easier. 

If you do decide to file your nails, make sure you wash your hands with soapy water again and wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any lingering dirt or oil. 

Use A Nail Primer

Using a nail primer can help to rough up your natural nail base.

This helps your dip powder to adhere more firmly to your natural nail, making it last far longer. 

You could also use a dehydrator, more commonly used when prepping nails for acrylic nail application, as it helps to remove even more oil and debris, but it isn’t 100% necessary.

Correct Application

How you apply your dip powder will have a massive effect on how long your dip nails last. 

Most dip powders come with instructions, and it’s important to follow them. 

Follow each step of your dip nail instruction, and don’t skimp on layers.

The different layers of dip powder will give your dip nails the extra strength and staying power they need to last.

Invest In A Quality Brand

Unlike many other beauty products, sticking to good quality and probably a slightly more expensive brand is a solid way of extending the life of your dip nails. 

Premium brands tend to use higher quality ingredients that will be more water-resistant and durable. This can reduce the risk of your dip nails lifting away or cracking too early. 

The Dip Nail Starter Kit from DipWell is a perfect place to start. 

It comes with all the products you need for long-lasting nails and means you don’t have to purchase multiple different products.

It’s what you simply need to get if you want to do dip nails at home and save on expensive nail salon visits!

Read more: Dipwell Review [My Experiences From My Recent Order]

Use A Top Coat

Applying a top coat to your dip powder nails acts like a barrier between your nails and the environment they come into contact with. 

This extra coat of protection can help to extend the life of your dip nails and can be used regularly over the weeks to keep them from chipping or cracking.

It does this by making your nails more water-resistant and also stops them from being as easily scratched or damaged.

If you have a UV or LED lamp, you can use a gel top coat to give some super strength protection, but, in a pinch, any clear topcoat from a good brand with do the job almost as well.

Wear Gloves

How hard you work your hands during your days will affect how long your dip nails will last.

If you have your hands in water regularly or come into contact with harsh or abrasive chemicals, I’d recommend investing in a really good pair of gloves.

By wearing gloves, you are protecting your nails from the elements and from coming into contact with any chemicals that may cause them to chip, crack, or lift prematurely.

When Should You Replace Dip Nails?

If you’re lucky enough to have dip nails that last longer than four weeks, this is when I would recommend removing your old nails, letting your natural nail breathe, and then reapplying a new set. 

However, mishaps are common, and if you notice your nails cracking, lifting, or have any damage that affects their reliability, this is a massive sign that it’s time to replace your dip nails. 

Don’t be tempted to use nail glue to stick them down for longer or paint over any decently sized cracks of chips. 

The foundation of your dip nails has probably already been compromised.

So, take it from me, once your nails aren’t doing what they are supposed to, the best thing you can do is to remove them all and replace them.

Your nail health will thank you.

How Do You Remove Dip Nails?

Removing your dip nails can be a bit of a fussy endeavor. You will need to soak your nails in an acetone solution to soften your dip nails and make them easier to remove. Before you even do this, you will need to trim off any excess nail extensions and buff the shiny topcoat from your dip nails. 

Now that you’ve buffed and trimmed your nails, you will need to soak them in an acetone solution.

If you decide to go ahead and just soak your fingers in a bowl of acetone solution, you’ll need to coat your fingers and cuticles with petroleum jelly (avoid your nail bed, though), as this will stop the acetone from drying out your skin.

Another option is to soak cotton buds in your acetone solution, place them on your nails and wrap your fingers with tin foil.

This can reduce how much of your skin comes into contact with the acetone. 

Once you’ve let them soak for a while, you should be able to gently push your dip nails off.

The acetone is nothing to be trifled with, as this solution can weaken your natural nails. 

This is why I recommend allowing your nails a couple of weeks to heal and strengthen up again before applying a brand new set of dip powder nails.

Final Note

Dip nails are becoming more popular thanks to their higher staying power, but without the right care and prepping techniques, they probably won’t last much longer than your acrylics or gel nails. 

Once you’ve got a good dip nail system in place, the application will become almost second nature, and you can spend more of the year with beautiful nails that you are proud to be seen wearing. 

FAQs

Can dip nails last a month?

Dip nails can last a month if nails are prepared properly before, a good quality product is used and application is done correctly.

Does Dip Ruin Your Nails

Dip should not ruin your nails so long as you follow proper techniques. That being said, using acetone to remove dip can cause damage to your natural nails if done too often or too harsh a product is used.

Here are some of my other guides you may be interested in: