buuk.top / David Hattan
Nails have really upgraded over the last few years. From traditional polish to gel manicures to out-of-this-world nail art, expressing yourself through the tips of your fingers almost feels necessary now. Its why were not the only ones obsessing over dip powder manicures. The name comes from its unique application—an adhesive base is applied onto a clean, dried nail, then dipped into a powder color made of a highly pigmented polymer of your choice. Several coats can be “dipped” and then coated with a glossy sealant.
The best part: It lasts much longer than a gel manicure, feels stronger, and requires no curing time under LED or UV lights. When applied correctly, a dip powder manicure can last for three to four weeks and can even add strength to your natural nails says manicurist and salon owner Anastasia Totty. Lucky for us, achieving this nail look is easy, thanks to at-home kits that are simple to use and affordable.
To find the best dip powder nail kits on the market,we conducted hours of research—looking through hundreds of customer reviews and considering dozens of formulas. We even scoped out a top pick for the glitter fanatics. Along with evaluating estimateddry time, color range, and nail-strengthening ingredients,we also considered the application and removal tools that enhance each kit and help make at-home dip powder manicures a seamless experience. Afterconsulting with two nail artists, we landed on these top-rated kits for a mint manicure.
Nailboo Customizable Dip Powder Kit at Nailboo.com
Red Carpet Manicure Dip Color Kit at Amazon
Kiss Dip Color System Kit at Amazon
Honey Joy Dipping Powder Kits at Amazon
Kiara Sky Dipping Powder Starter Kit at Amazon
Dipwell Acrylic Dip System Starter Kit at Amazon
Saviland Dip Powder Nail Kit at Amazon
Gelish Xpress Dip Color Kit at Amazon
Azure Beauty Nude Dip Powder Kit at Amazon
wakaniya Dipping Powder at Amazon
In This Article
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Best Overall
Nailboo Customizable Dip Powder Kit
Amazon
Personal color selection
High-quality
Complete kit with all tools and products
Lasts up to six weeks
Vegan
Lots of pieces to this kit—not for the simplistic buyer
This one-stop shop comes with everything you need—and we really mean that. You get tochoose between one, four, and six powders (there are tons of color options) to ensure your delivery is perfectly suited for you.
The kit also provides all the tools needed for asalon-grade experience at home: a Pro Soak Removal Tray and Acetone, an Essential Dip Liquids, a Dip Powder Mini Tray (which isolates any mess), a Build Powder, and a Pro Powder Brush.If youre really particular and love to pay close attention to detail, youll especially appreciate the includedFour-Way File, Cuticle Milk Nail Serum, and Cuticle Tool.
Weve already listed so much, but the icings on the cake are theDream Hands and Dream Feet rejuvenating masksincluded in your buy—now thats an elevated experience all from your vanity.
Who It’s For
We love this kit for anyone who wants to bring the whole salon home, as it really provides all the ingredients for anelevated DIY dip mani or pedi.
Shades: 1, 4, or 6, depending on the kit | Dry Time: N/A| Cruelty-Free:Yes
Best for Fragile Nails
Red Carpet Manicure Dip Color Kit
Ulta
View On Ulta
Affordable
Easy to use with minimal steps
Lasts 21 days
Only one shade included
Affordable and easy to use, this simple kit gives you long-lasting, shiny colorthat lasts for up to 21 days. (Indeed, reviewers rave about thelack of chipping.) The kit comes with a classic red color included, though there are plenty of other colors that you can purchase separately.
Pro tip: To achieve a smooth final look, have the patience to let the top coat fully dry and settle. Also, note that this kit doesn’t come with powder trays, so make sure your mani station is ready for the project.
Who It’s For
For those who prefer a thin-coated manicure, the base coat, powder activator, and top coat conceal the nail bed in fine layers. Reviewers with fragile nails, in particular, have noticed their nails didn’t bendafter testing this dip powder kit out.
Shades: 1 included with kit | Dry Time: 30 seconds | Cruelty-Free:No
Best Budget
Kiss Salon Dip Color System Kit
Walmart
View On Walmart
View On Beallsflorida.com
Affordable
Extremely user-friendly
Dries quickly
Not as high-quality as other options
“This affordable option is great for someone who wants to try out dip color without investing,”says nail artist Syreeta Aaron, a LeChat Nails Educator. (However, she does note that the results may not be quite up to par with what you’d get with other products.) Still, if you’re just looking to test the dip powder waters or aren’t concerned about the results lasting a super long time, this is a good option. You getone color included with the kit, a nude pink,though other colors are available.
Who It’s For
For the first-time dip powder userwho isn’t sure if they’re ready for the switch, this kit’s neutral tone is what to start with. Every brush stroke of the base coat determines what the powder will grip onto (be careful of applying the base coat anywhere else but the nailbed.) And since this powder has a light hue,working with your less dominant hand isn’t as intimidating.
Shades: 1 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry 5 to 10 minutes | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Red Colors
Honey Joy Dipping Powder Kits
Amazon
Affordable
Includes glitter shades
Small containers; hard to dip nails
Anyone who loves to rock red will appreciate that this kit comes with eight shades in a nice variety of red tones, from a classic, fire-engine red to a deep berry (youll notice pink and purple in the mix, too). Three shades are also glittery, should you prefer a little extra shimmer.
To achieve the full opacity of this kits red tones, reviewers note you’ll have to dip your nails in the finely milled powder several times (with a layer of base liquid applied every time in between). But removal is super easy, as it comes off in just 10 minutes.
Who It’s For
During the holiday season,this kit’s glitter powders will coat your nails with high-impact iridescence.Reviewers note that the color can fade easily, and the powder pots are especially small, so we best recommend this kit to those who haveshort or medium-length nails.
Shades: 8 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry up to 2 minutes | Cruelty-Free: N/A
Best Splurge
Kiara Sky Dipping Powder Starter Kit
Amazon
High-quality
Nice range of colors
Comes with nourishing oil for cuticles
No tools are included
Yes, this is on the pricier side, but it does come from one of the better-known professional dip powder brands. It’s an Amazon fan favorite, with reviewers raving about how easy it is to use and how incredible the results are. You getfive colorsplus all the accompanying products, including a bonder, base coat, protectant, topcoat, nourishing oil, and even a brush cleaner. Just remember that because it’s a system that has a couple of application steps to it, be confident and move quickly so that the powders apply smoothly.
Who It’s For
Looking for long wear? Since this kit comes with nourishing oil, you canextend your manicure’s lifespan without the visible signs of dry and overgrown cuticles. The brand prioritizes offering formulas that aren’t damaging to the natural nail, which helps your manicure last without any chips or cracks in the long run.
Shades: 5 included with kit | Dry Time:Air-dry up to 2 minutes |Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for French Tips
Dipwell Easy Acrylic Dip System Starter Kit
Amazon
View On Dipwell.co
Nice French mani colors
Clear powder preserves color vibrancy
Tools included
Reviewers note it can be difficult to use for beginners
In case you missed the memo, French manis are back—in a big way. This kit makes it easy to achieve French tips, with both abeautiful sheer pink that works great as a base and a crisp white for the tips(though, FYI, the white also looks nice worn on its own). What’s most noteworthy about this option is the addition of aclear powderthat gets applied in between the two colors, helping to protect the clarity and vibrancy of both colors. AKA, there’sno need to worry about yellowing. As a bonus, this is a great all-in-one kit that includes all the tools youll need for a DIY manicure.
Who It’s For
Finessing the white French tipat home can be especially tedious, BUT we’re always up for the challenge. The bonding liquid included within this kit will help your mani last and is the first step you take before applying the base coat. You’re doing the hard part of shaping the French detail, which is why the seal enhancer works to complement the base polish and ensure your nails are completely clean of surface oil.
Shades:2 included with kit |Dry Time: Air-dry up to 2 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Variety
Saviland Dip Powder Nail Kit
Amazon
Multiple bright colors to choose from in this palette
Multiple color palettes to pick from, too
Easy to use
Powder can get clumpy
If youre a one-and-done kind of person (when it comes to your nail kits, at least), youll love this pick from Saviland. Not only does each kit come with20 colors to choose from, but there are also multiple palettes—so youre able to pick which fits your style the most. Reviewers loved how vibrant the shades were and that the polishes didnt chip (even after multiple weeks).
Who It’s For
This kit is a playground of color thats perfect for rainbow nails, supremely glossy finishes, or even matte nails. The application process consists ofa base coat, activator, and top coat,and this kit even comes withadditional brushesso your liquids dont harden on you over time. One reviewer did say a jar of powder is only worth two to three manicures, which speaks to why there areso many colors to choose from and at such a budget-friendly price.
Shades: 20 included with kit | Dry Time:Air-dry 2 minutes |Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Strengthening
Gelish Xpress Dip Color Kit
Amazon
Improves nail health
Easy to use
Long-lasting
Not many shades to choose from
You dont have to say goodbye to the perfect manicure if you have brittle or damaged nails with this kit.The color powders included are infused with biotin and calcium to strengthen the nails, all while adding color and shine. We love that it comes with everything you need—including a base coat, activator, and top coat—and its simple to follow for beginners.
Who It’s For
Since the dip powders in this kit have an activator built into the formula (an activator is what cures the nails post-dip and helps the powdery layers dry down faster), you’ll getdouble the durability with every layer of activator liquid applied on top. As the ingredients within the color powders work to strengthen the nails, thebrush restorer that comes with this kit cleans your base, activator, and top coat brushes’ so they last just as long.
Shades:3 included with kit |Dry Time: Air-dry 5 minutes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Neutral Colors
Azure Beauty Nude Dip Powder Kit
Amazon
Beginner-friendly
Good value
Great color selection
Strong odor
A great nude look can be hard to nail, but this kit makes it easy. In eight trendy shades, including glossy solids and glitters, AZUREBEAUTYs Nude set includes everything you need to create neutral nails,including a bonder, activator, replacement brush, and nail file.
Reviewers note that the productsapply smoothly and evenly, and the products are generously sized for good value. Some users note using the products consists of trial and error, but overall, the process was fairly easy once they got the hang of it.
Who It’s For
Neutral nail colors will never lose their popularity, especially because there’s such a wide variety of tones to choose from within the neutral palette. This kit, though, specificallyfeatures neutrals of cool, warm, and pink undertones. There’s calcium within these powder formulas as well to help strengthen your nails.
Shades: 8 included with kit | Dry Time:Air-dry 1 minute |Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Glitter and Shine
wakaniya Dipping Powder
Amazon
Great value
Many colors included
Dries quickly
Packaging could be improved
When your goal is bright, shiny nails that garner compliments, reach for this inexpensive kit.The shine is unbeatable, and the glitter shades are bold and bright. With 12 shadesto choose from, including a clear/white glitter, youll be set for a number of looks. The kit contains everything youll need, includingactivator and brushes with replacement tips.
Who It’s For
This dip powder kit is a great buy to create glittered accent nails. Withsilver and purple full-coverage glitter powders, you can coordinate the rest of the muted, electric, and neutral hues offered interchangeably. We do recommend this kit to someone who already has the dip powder liquids necessary to create an SNS manicure at home stashed away because reviewers note that the base and activator liquid that comes with this kit isnt as high quality as the powder itself.
Shades: 12 included with kit | Dry Time: Air-dry 30 seconds | Cruelty-Free: N/A
Best Natural Finish
OPI Nail Dipping Powder Perfection Combo
Walmart
Natural finish
Large powder jar
Doesn’t come with buffing or filing tools
Only has one powder per kit
OPI basically shouts salon manicure, making this kit one you can trust to deliver striking results thatwill last up to two weeks. It definitely requires you to choose a nail color that you’ll want to sport time and time again, given it only comes bundled with one powder per pick. What’s more, the size of the powder jar is huge compared to other at-home kits out there.You’ll get months worth of powder manicures that are high shine, full coverage, and simple to master.
Who It’s For
This kits base coat liquid has amedium consistency, so it generously picks up powder at a full coveragescale.If your natural nails tend to feel thin or brittle, your end result will feel fortified without the look of a thickly coated manicure. Whether you DIY your powder manicure just for fun or are a freelance nail tech working from home, consider this an investment system you can rely on.
Shades: 1 | Dry Time: Air-dry 2 minutes | Cruelty-Free:
No
Best Dramatic Nails
Modelones 32 Pcs Dip Powder Nail Kit
Amazon
View On Modelones.com
Has shine, matte, and glitter color options
Comes with cuticle oil
Takes longer to air dry
Activator liquid has a strong odor
Try your hand at amatte or glossy powder manicure with the moody, soft, and even mauve hues this kit offers. There areover five glitter powder options to pick from and every nail prep, dusting, and filing tool you could needfrom start to finish of your manicure session. Cuticle oil also comes included in this system. However, because the powder jars are fairly small, build the color up while keeping in mind the amount of product you have to work with.
Who It’s For
You’ll have the opportunity to grow out your natural nails comfortably while your powder manicure does the hard work of resisting any chips or cracks for up to three weeks, notes one reviewer. Modelones does mention the powders are formulated with Vitamin D,so if durability and maintaining the health of your natural nails is just as important as color payoff, know that you’ll haveshade variety and quality ingredients in tow.
Shades: 20 shades | Dry Time: Air dry 3 minutes | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Easiest Removal
NAGAIA Dip Kit
NAGAIA
Customizable shades
Powder manicure removal wraps included
Doesn’t come with replacement brushes
Browse through TikTok, and you’ll see a bevy of manicure trends finessed with this at-home dip powder nail kit by NAGAIA. We like that you can choose between entirelyopulent glitter powders or shimmery nail colorsthat reflect only subtle sparkle. Can’t decide? You can add both to your kit. Along withthree nail files, a buffer block, four application liquids(with primer and base coat included), anda fluffy dusting powder brush, you’ll have a say in every tone you pick.
Who It’s For
The pack of remover wraps included in this kit substitutes the use of liquid acetone, making the dip powder removal process easy, fun, and user-friendly. Saturating your nails in acetone solution can sometimes dry out your nail cuticle and hands, which is why we like the idea of having individually packed removal wipes at our disposal. What is most alluring about this dip powder system is its sheer, shimmery, and completely glittered nail shade variety.
Shades: 5 | Dry Time: Air-dry 3 minutes | Cruelty-Free:
Yes
Where We Stand
Our overall pick for the best dip powder nail kit is the Nailboo Customizable Dip Powder Kit, a high-quality formula that comes with one to six colors (depending on the amount you want to spend) that you can personally choose. And if you’re new to the at-home dip powder manicure scene, check out theKiss Salon Dip Color System Kit to experiment on a budget.
How We Researched
To compile this list,our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market,evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customersand other trusted sources.We also consulted expertsfor their opinions. We then used this research to choose the best picks to inform this article.
Attributes we evaluated each dip powder nail kit on:
Amount of tools per kitColor offerings and strengthPriceUsabilityIngredientsWear time
What to Look for in a Dip Powder Nail Kit
Bonder: Also known as a non-acid primer, you’ll definitely want a kit containing one of these as it’s an essential prep step that will ensure a good application, says Totty. For one, the NAGAIA Dip Kit features primer and a base coat liquid, which work together to help bond the powder to the nail.Activator: Similarly, you’ll also want to make sure your kit comes with an activator, a chemical that’s used to dry the dip base and greatly speeds up the process, Totty says. Look for a comprehensive kit that includes the bonder and activator to be sure youll have everything you need.Tools: Youll need a variety of tools to accomplish dip nails at home, including a nail file for buffing and a brush to apply the product. Many kits on this list, including the AZUREBEAUTY Dip Powder Kit and the wakaniya Dipping Powder, contain replacement brushes as well.A variety of colors: Totty suggests choosing a kit that comes with a variety of colored powders. Not only does this give you more options to play and experiment with different ideas, but it’s also a good way to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
According to Totty, as long as dip manicures are applied and removed correctly, they are completely safe and not bad for your nails. “It’s extremely important to practice the application and follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” she says. “Patience while removing dip nails will give you the best results and healthy nails afterward.”
When it comes to removing dip powder nails, do not pick at them or pull them off. (We know, it can be tempting, especially if they’re beginning to lift.) Instead, Totty recommends purchasing a soak-off solution designed specifically for dip powder. “The best and safest way to remove dip nails is to individually wrap them with the solution and wait for 10 to 15 minutes,” she says. “Any residue left on the nail can be easily buffed off.”
Its possible to fill dip nails, though Totty says that opting for a fresh application is a much better option. “It’s possible to fill dip nails only if you use a clear or clear pink for a natural nail overlay,” she says. “However, that will not give you the best-lasting manicure because, over time, the resin base used with dip manicures will lose its integrity, and lifting might occur. A fresh application will ensure you have a long-lasting result every time.”
According to Totty, the standard wear for a dip manicure is between 21 and 25 days, but how long yours will last depends solely on your nail growth speed and how rough you are on them. “For example, a bartender is lucky to get three weeks of wear, when an executive assistant who has less contact with water and other liquids daily will get a full four weeks before the nails completely grow out," she says.
People tend to like dip powder nails because they typically last longer than regular nail polish and give a salon-quality look. At-home dip nails are especially convenient and inexpensive compared to getting your nails done in the salon. Other longer-lasting at-home options include gel or Polygel nail kits.
Why Trust buuk.top
buuk.top contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A manicure devotee, she admittedly prefers the professional route over the DIY options, so she relied on expert intel and tons of reviews and consumer input when researching this article.
Writer Chelsea Avila first took note of how long-lasting powder manicures can be by word of all the women in her family. So when it came time to update this article, she made sure to do a deep dive into the user experience with each at-home kit and helped outline what makes them a worthy competitor to the salon.
Team buuk.top consulted two manicure experts to help choose the best at-home dip powder kits:
Syreeta Aaron, a nail artist, and LeChat Nails educator.
Anastasia Totty, a manicurist, salon owner, and a LeChat Nails educator and ambassador.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any dip powder nail kits from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@buuk.top.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
Shannon Stubbs
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