Dip nails vs acrylic

Dip, acrylic, or gel? Which is best? Here's how they compare using 4 real-world factors...

Gel and dip powder nails are both extremely popular even among our editors, so we asked two of them to argue why their preferred manicure is the best.

Acrylic • Gel • Dip • More ...

Hi All! I recently tried out 'Dip Powder' nails after hearing much talk about them. Prior to trying Dip Nails, I had been getting Gel Polish manicures for the past 5 or so years every 2 weeks. After having the dip nails for a month I thought it would be a good time to give my thoughts on both. Gel Polish // Pros: * Fast to get done- takes around 30 minutes from start to finish including removal of previous gel * Lasts for about 2 weeks- my appointments for the past 5 years have always been 2…

While dip powder manicures are long-lasting and avoid using UV lighting, they can be more unsanitary because of how they’re applied and may even weaken your nail base.

Dip powder nails and gel manicures are two of the most popular types of nail treatments, both belong in the acrylic-based family, though they differ in a few important ways — each have their time and place. Here, three nail experts break down the pros and cons of each type of manicure.

Wondering if you can use acrylic powder as dip powder? This guide provides a clear, friendly overview of the differences between acrylic and dip powder manicures. Both options can give you beautiful nails, but they vary in application and durability. Learn how to choose the best product for your needs, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or hitting up the salon