If you're booking your first nail service at The Nail Collective, you might wonder if dip powder is bad for your nails. In this article, we'll address this question and explain why dip powder is a cause for concern.
Dip Is Not Organic
First things first. There is a common myth in the world of nails that dip powder is an organic or healthier alternative to other nail enhancements, but this is simply not true.
Dip powder is essentially acrylic, and acrylic is a synthetic polymer made from a mixture of monomers and polymers. It is not a natural or organic substance. While dip powder may have some advantages over other nail enhancements, such as its long-lasting properties and quick application process, it is important to understand that it is not a natural or organic product.
What is Dip Powder?
Dip powder is a type of acrylic, contrary to what some people might believe. It's not organic or “healthier”. In fact, it shares the same base ingredient (acrylic ester polymers) with regular acrylic. While traditional acrylic is applied to the nail in a liquid form and left to dry, dip powder does the process in reverse. A sealant primer is applied to the nail, followed by the powder, which is left to harden.
The Problem with Sealant Primers
Sealant primers require a resin base to help the powder transform and liquify. Most of the time, these resins contain adhesives known as cyanoacrylate — the main ingredient in Super Glue. This chemical can be harsh and irritating, as evidenced by the reaction of some nail technicians during the application process. Industrial grade adhesives should not be used on your nails, and this is why sealant primers are a cause for concern.
Sanitation Concerns
The dip powder process involves repeatedly dipping your finger in a jar. Whether you dip your finger in the manufacturer-provided jar, a disposable jar, or the technician pours it over the resin, there's a risk of contamination.
Unfortunately, most nail technicians won’t toss every jar after a single use, and in Nevada, service supplies like acrylic are not considered single-use disposable. This means that powders can become contaminated with bacteria and lead to infection.
The Nail Collective's Approach
At The Nail Collective, we use a traditional acrylic application with a brush and monomer. Our brushes are cleaned throughout the service, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service. Unfortunately, we can't guarantee the same level of care with dip powder.
The removal of dip powder requires tough filing on the natural nail, which can eventually lead to damage. That's why we don't offer dip powder services, but we're happy to suggest alternatives that will help you on your natural nail journey.
In summary, dip powder is a cause for concern, and The Nail Collective believes that it's better to avoid this product altogether.
While we enjoy the nail game and all its’ possibilities, we don't offer dip powder services. If you want to discover some alternatives, be sure to send an appointment request below so we can start you on your natural nail journey today!