Though nail polish has been in existence in some form or the other for more than 5000 years, the world is going ga-ga over dipping powder for some time now. Maybe, the supposedly better benefits could have been the reason. Quality products like OPI dip powder enhance the manicure experience. Some of the benefits include good nail health and long-lasting nails.

Other benefits of Dipping Powder
- No harsh materials/chemicals are used in the manufacture of dipping powder. In contrast, acrylic and gel polish contain acids like methacrylic acids for promoting adhesion. They can be harmful to nails.
- The dipping powder procedure does not require procedures like UV curing. UV rays can damage collagen and DNA, leading to premature wrinkles and even skin cancer.
- A fantastic range of colors like OPI nail colors is available to enhance the beauty of your nails.
- The removal procedure is easy compared to gel and acrylic polish. The removal does not cause any damage to the nail bed because it does not involve scraping.
Let us discuss the procedure of removing dip powder in detail.
Generally, women approach a professional manicurist for removing dip powder. However, they can also do it at home, provided they learn how to do it properly.
Incorrect picking and pulling the powder polish can tear off nail layers and result in brittle nails. These tips can help you do an excellent job of removing OPI dip powder.
You will require the following tools ready at your disposal.
- Sterilized nail file
- Acetone
- Cotton balls
- Aluminum foils and a small bowl
The Step-by-step instructions
- File the shiny topcoat
The first task is to buff the shiny topcoat using a sterilized nail file. It allows the acetone to penetrate the nails and do a thorough cleaning job. Do not scrub vigorously, as you could cause chipping of the nails. It is advisable to use a fine emery board in smooth and rhythmic motions until the shiny topcoat becomes dull and covered with white dust. It indicates the complete removal of the top powder layer.
- The Acetone treatment
Apply acetone on the nail layers to remove the polish. Alternatively, soak sterilized cotton balls in acetone and place it on your nails. Cover it with an aluminum foil and secure it properly. Repeat the procedure for each nail. Acetone can take some time to penetrate and remove the dip powder polish. If you do not have aluminum foils, you can soak your nails in a small bowl filled with acetone. Placing a steaming hot towel to cover your nails and the container will hasten the removal process.
- The final touch-up
After soaking your nails for around 15 to 20 minutes, you can peel off the foil to check the extent of nail polish removal. The powder should rub off instantly. If it does not do so, you can repeat the procedure for some more time. One should take care never to remove the polish forcibly.
The OPI procedure uses cyanoacrylate, a unique nail glue that is more sensitive to solvents. Hence, it is comparatively easier to remove. If the powder still lingers, you should approach a professional who is trained to do a perfect job.
Follow-Up Necessary
Should you go for a nail polish job immediately on removing the dip powder? The answer is a careful ‘NO.’ We use the word carefully because it is vital to take care of your nails. It is an excellent idea to take a break from your regular manicures for about a week every three to four months. It gives your nails an excellent breather.
Use this break to strengthen your nails. Use quality enhancing treatments to make your nails healthy. It is a good idea to keep your nails hydrated. The cuticles need therapy at regular intervals. Clients can apply cuticle oil to hydrate the cuticles.
Quality is critical
One should always ensure using quality products like OPI every time. Using inferior products can cause more harm than good.
Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. Hence, using sterilized cotton balls and tools is vital. Cleaning the nail thoroughly before applying dip powder is critical because germs can multiply quickly inside nails and cause painful infections.
Many people do not consider dip powder a safe option because multiple women dip their fingers into the dust. If anyone of them has any infection, it could spread. Therefore, it is better to insist on proper sanitary measures when approaching a salon for the dip powder job. Alternatively, you can do it at home.
Final words
Dip powder is a fantastic invention, as it has brought about an incredible revolution in the way women approach beauty-enhancing products. If you take proper care and use high-quality products, you could have beautiful and healthy nails.