Dip powder manicures are the best type of manicures available today. They are easy to apply and can last up to 6 whole weeks without chipping. With tons of fun colors to choose from, you can experiment with a ton of different looks. If you want to take your manicure to the next level, then you can even apply designs to your dip manicure.
You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to apply designs to your Nailboo dip powder manicure. You don’t even need a steady hand for some of these designs like you would with regular polish techniques. Simply mix, sprinkle, and dip your way to a stunning custom manicure in a matter of minutes.
History Of Nail Designs
The practice of applying intricate nail designs has been around for a surprisingly long time. No, it wasn’t invented in the 90s with cute Hawaiian flower pedicures. This trend was started by 15th century Incas, who painted detailed pictures of eagles on their nails. Since then, nail art has evolved to become standard practice for a fierce set of nails.
Types Of Designs And How To Apply Them
There are countless different ways to add a touch of nail art to your dip powder manicure. Today we will cover some of our favorite techniques that can be applied by beginners and pros alike.
For many of these manicures, the basic steps are the same. In case you are unfamiliar with applying a dip powder manicure, here are the basic steps:
- Push Back Your Cuticles- Gently push back your cuticles with your cuticle pusher.
- Base Coat And Build- Start by applying Base 1 from your NailBoo Kit to your nail, and dip that nail into the Build Powder. Tap off the excess powder gently. Repeat the same process on every single nail. Take the brush and remove any remaining loose powder.
- Base Coat And Color Powder- Depending on what kind of look you’re going for, this step will differ.
- Activator Coat- Next, apply the Activator 2 to the nail. Then, you have to wait for two minutes to make sure that the nail dries. This is the step that gives you that durable, sturdy finish.
- File And Buff- After waiting for the last step to dry, buff the top of each nail with your buffer.
- Repeat Steps Three And Four Again- Next, you’ll put on another layer of Activator and wait two more minutes. Then buff one more time.
- Top Coat- Last, apply Top 3 to every nail. Wait for it to dry (it should only take a few minutes), and then apply a second layer. This finishing touch will really tie your whole nail look together, give you that beautiful shine, and protect your nails from sunlight.
Feel free to refer back to these basic steps as needed.
Multicolor Mani
Okay, so this nail art isn’t exactly a design, but it is a stylish way to create the appearance of a highly detailed manicure without all the hassle. This nail art trend is great for beginners because it is quick and easy to apply.
Simply choose a selection of colors to use for your manicure. You can use complementary colors, contrasting colors, or even different shades of the same color. Once you have your color palette picked out, simply apply a different color to each nail. You can use five or ten different colors.
If you want to have an ultra-chic manicure, try creating a color gradient. Apply a light shade of one color to your pinky, then use a slightly darker shade of the same color to each consecutive nail until you end with the darkest color on your thumb. This nail design is easy to apply and looks like an expensive detailed mani when finished.
Glitter
Glitter is a fun and festive addition to any dip powder manicure. Whether you are dressing up for a glam New Year’s Eve party or you just want to glitz things up, glitter is extremely easy to apply to a dip powder manicure. To take a glittery manicure to the next level, apply a complementary solid color to one finger on each hand.
You can apply any of Nailboo’s glittery shades like Fire Feels or Day Glam without a base color for solid glitter nails in just two to three coats. Simply use it like you would any other color powder—no fuss, just sparkles!
Marbling
Another easy dip manicure design is a marbled manicure. This mani is done by combining two powders strategically before dipping your nail. The end result looks as expensive as marble countertops. Prep your nails, then follow these easy steps to create a marbled effect:
- Base Coat And Build- Apply a layer of Base coat and build powder to each nail.
- Mix Your Powders- Next, you will need a plastic spoon to scoop a small amount of build powder out of the jar. Then use the end of your cuticle pusher to scoop a tiny bit of a black shade like Dark Dreams into the plastic spoon. Gently move the dark powder around in the build powder to create a marble effect.
- Dip Your Nail- Quickly press your nail into the marbled color powder.
- Repeat- Add a tiny bit more of the Dark Dreams powder to the build powder and mix before applying to each nail.
- Build Powder- Apply another layer of plain build powder on top of your design.
- Complete Manicure- Complete your dip manicure as usual.
You will be surprised by how easy it is to apply this stylish look. You can even make it your own by using different colors to create your marble streaks. Once you have the basics of this mani down, you can easily make it your own.
French Manicure
French manicures are surprisingly easy to apply using dip powders. All you need to do is create a nice neutral base, then dip just the tip of your nail into a white powder. You can create a perfectly horizontal French tip by dipping your nail straight in or, for a rounded tip, adjust the angle of your finger as you dip.
After prepping your nails, follow these steps for a flawless french mani:
- Base Coat And Build- Apply a layer of base coat and build powder to each nail.
- Apply Desired Base Color Powder- Next, apply two layers of the color powder you want for the base of your French manicure. For a classic French mani, we recommend using Pale Pink.
- Dip The Tip- Next, apply another layer of base coat, but this time only dip your nail’s tip into build powder for a white tip. Adjust your finger to create either a round or flat tip.
- Complete Manicure- Complete your dip manicure as usual.
This soft natural manicure can be updated by using one or more colors as tips for a trendy flair. Nudes and browns make for a really chic French mani tip.
Ombre Nails
Want nails that fade seamlessly from one color to another? Dip powder makes ombre manicures easy. This stylish design can be done with any color combination you desire. You can use cute spring pastel shades or opt for a back and neon green fade for an edgier look.
To apply an ombre mani using dip powders, simply follow these steps:
- Base Coat And Build- Apply a layer of Base coat and build powder to each nail.
- Base Coat And Color Powder- Next, instead of dipping your whole nail in a color powder, use a makeup brush to apply each color. Start one color at the bed of your nail and the other at the tip. Use the brush to gently apply powder and blend the middle until you are happy with the ombre. This may take two layers of base coat.
- Complete Manicure- Complete your dip manicure as usual.
This nail design is easy to apply with dip powder and looks impressive. Experiment with different colors. You can even use two shades of the same color if you want. This manicure looks fabulous and only takes about 10 minutes to apply.
Nail Tips
If you bite your nails or don’t have enough natural length to try some of these designs, then try using Pro-Touch Nail Tips. Simply glue them on, then apply your desired dip polish design over them for a long-lasting mani similar to acrylics but without the expense. These nail tips come in a wide array of shapes to fit any style.
Wrap Up
Creating designs with dip powder might take a little bit of practice at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed by the ease and versatility of these chic designs. So, get creative and start rocking your own custom nail designs!
Sources:
History of Nail Art Design | Refinery 29
Dip Powder Nails Guide and Design Ideas for 2021 | The Trend Spotter
Learn the Basics of Color Theory to Know What Looks Good | Lifehacker
