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), here are the key differences to know between gel and dip powder manicures.
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The primary difference between gel and dip powder manicures?
The way they’re put onto the nail.
Gel manicure polishes contain photo-initiated polymers, explains fellow manicuristAshlie Johnson, which are activated when exposed to light.
Essentially, “these polymers absorb [light] rays,” explains cosmetic chemistRon Robinson.
That causes them to “harden or cure so that the polish adheres to nails.”
The tool process is exactly what it sounds like.
Your manicurist (or you, at home) will work in layers.
When applied correctly, a goodgel manicurecan last, on average, for two to three weeks.
Dip powder manicures generally last longer than their gel counterparts.
To get more specific, cyanoacrylates are “a family of strong acting adhesives,” explains Robinson.
“Overall, gel polish is much easier to remove than dip powder,” King explains.
“They both need to be soaked off, but dip powder will take longer.”
The removal processes for both are similar in nature.
Impatience during the removal process can result in nail damage with both gel polish and dip powder.
“My biggest issue with dip powder is how sanitary it is,” King says.
Small cuts like that can increase your risk of infection greatly.
This obviously does not apply if you are using at-home dip powder kits.
Another option: Bring your own personal jar of dip powders to the salon with you, Johnson says.
Bottom line:Always avoid dipping your nails into a communal powder pot, as this can be unsanitary.
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