Did you know that nail polish has been around since 3000 BC!? Originating in China, nail polish was popularised in Ancient Egypt where shades were used to signify class rankings. With such a lengthy history, nail polish has become an easy-to-use household beauty staple. However, in recent times the beauty industry has developed creative new systems to decorate our nails.
Acrylic dipping powder has become one of our best-selling nail systems here at Le Beauty. This relatively new method takes traditional acrylic and transforms it into a fun and easy-to-use alternative. However, like all new things, it takes a bit of practice to perfect acrylic dip. Don't let common dip mishaps cause you frustration. We've created a complete troubleshooting video guide to solve all of your acrylic dipping powder questions!
Nail Dipping Powder Troubleshooting with Anh Hoang
Issue #1 - "My liquids are getting thick & gluggy"
Have you ever found that over time your dipping system liquids become thick or gluggy? This can seriously ruin your application! This mistake is easily preventable.
SOLUTION: It's essential to use a duster brush to remove excess powder that's sitting on top of the nail surface!
After applying your dipping powder base coat, dip the nail into powder. Wait 30 seconds for the powder to react and bond with the base coat. Then, using a dusting brush, take off the excess powder before re-applying the base coat. This will prevent the base coat from picking up excess powder on the surface and bringing it back into the bottle (causing the liquid to thicken).
Issue #2 - "My lid is glued shut"
What happens if you can't open your dipping liquids? A whole lot of frustration! Prevent your dipping liquid lids from getting stuck by performing proper care for your bottles.
SOLUTION: When removing excess product from the brush, make sure you wipe the product INSIDE the bottle.
This will ensure that the product goes back inside the bottle, rather than getting stuck on the neck. At the end of the surface, use a lint-free wipe saturated with acetone to clean the neck of the bottle before you close it.
Issue #3 - "My top coat looks dull"
SOLUTION: Too much activator can cause your top coat to go dull. Make sure you apply a very thin layer of activator and wait 30 seconds for it to set.
After applying the first layer of top coat, look for a semi-gloss finish (this indicates that the top coat is properly reacting with the activator). After you apply the second coat you will see the top coat become very shiny.
Issue # 4 - "My dip manicure is drying poorly"
SOLUTION: Simply allow the top coat to dry on its own.
It's possible you're accidentally speeding up the drying process and causing an issue. Make sure you're not near any wind, fans of heat which could accidentally speed up the drying process.
Issue # 5 - "My brush is going hard"
SOLUTION: Work from left to right to prevent going back over the nail and picking up any activator mixed with top coat.
It's important to prevent the top coat which has touched any activator on the surface of the nail from going back into the bottle and causing hardening.
Issue # 6 - "My new bottle of top coat is setting unevenly"
When using a new bottle of top coat with an existing activator, you may find the top coat sets unevenly.
SOLUTION: Make sure you thoroughly remove excess powder from the nail prior to applying activator. Also, make sure your activator bottle is always topped up.
Never let the bottle get below one-third of the way full.
