Polygel Vs. Dip Nails (Differences, Pros, Cons)
Dip Powder nails is a type of artificial nail manicure that has launched a huge come back while Polygel nails is the latest innovation. The two types of nail manicure is said to be the safest and also serves the same purpose as acrylic and gel nails does.
Even though the two nail enhancement types differ from each other, they look similar because they compete to become the best of the nail manicures available in the market.
Polygel vs. Dip Nails
Dip powder nails and polygel nails each employ unique approach that get different end result and achieves similar goals.
They are aiming to outdo acrylics and gel nails because of their hazards and disadvantages one gets when they apply them.
The two are flexible like gel nail polish and sturdy like acrylics. In Dip nail manicure, layers of colorful powder coats and clear base coating are created to form beautiful nails.
This makes it easy to be done at home even by a non-nail expert without supervision. The application of polygel nails and dip powder nails is safe as compared to the old fake nail manicures.
During polygel nail manicure, the nail tech and clients get limited exposure to nail chemicals as the come in tube similar to that of toothpaste.
On the other hand, dip powder nail manicure do not employ the use of nail treatment methods such as led lamps used in acrylics, polygel and gel nails.
The absence of such nail curing methods means the person getting the manicure do not get exposed to dangerous ultraviolet lights on their fingers and hands.
It is also easy to get this manicure at home as it does not require the expensive, sophisticated curing equipment. Dip powder and polygel nails are more durable than the rest of fake nails.
However, polygel nails lasts for just a few weeks before needing a refill whereas dip powder nails will stay for up to a month.
Applying Dip Nails
The major difference between dip and polygel nails is how they are each applied. For instance the dip powder nails is the most favorite nail manicure among young nail techs due to its application procedures that are unique and incredible.
What you need to know before getting any of the two is that for you to have durable artificial nails you must first prepare your fingers and naturals nails well.
This is done by pushing the nail cuticle back with the use of a cuticle pusher tool; extra cuticle can be trimmed at this stage.
Once the cuticle is now in the correct position, the nail is filed to get rid of the natural shining in order to achieve a texture that is rough needed by the base coating.
Your nails must be cleaned and sanitize well to prevent or avoid the infections caused by bacterial growth under the fake nails.
Once the natural nails are cleaned and dry, the base coat is applied on the surface of your natural nails.
During filing, ensure you remove any existing base coat that is not your natural nail. Powder application majorly depends on how you will be using them or how you have used them in the past.
If you are the only one using the nail powder, then you can just dip your fingers into the powder but it’s advisable that the powder be brushed into the nails.
This procedure is repeated up to the point you see that you have achieved your desired coverage. After this, another layer of thin base coat is applied and brushed with or dipped in acrylic powder as a layer sealing to the other layers.
For the artificial nail to be harder, an activator must be applied and allowed to dry for 1-2 minutes. To smooth the nail surface, buffing process is required where additional layer of the activator and final sealing is applied.
Applying Polygel Nails
The initial application process for polygel nail is similar to that of dip nail manicure. First is the preparation stage where the natural nails are filed, trimmed and shaped.
If you are planning to get polygel nails that are long, then nail forms is what you will use.
Your natural nails must be shaped to fit the fingers and nail forms. Don’t worry about nail forms if you are applying polygel the shape of your natural nails because all you need to do is to shape the nails until they get the appearance you are looking for.
When trimming your nails, do not cut them extremely short because you will not be able to apply artificial nails on an open wound as it risks an infection.
Before application of polygel nails, clean and ensure your hands are dry. Nail dehydrator will be the best option if you do not want fungal infection developing under your nails.
After the nails have been trimmed and the hands cleaned and dried, apply polygel and evenly spread it on nail form until you are satisfied that the polygel is enough.
You are now supposed to brush the polygel using slip solution so that you can move polyel over the nil shape. If you do not have a solution of slip, then alcohol can be used but not that alcohol makes polygel fragile.
RECOMMENDED: How to Make Slip Solution for Nails
After moving the polygel around the shape of the nail, the next step is to apply the base coating and cure them using UV lamp for at least one minute.
After it’s well cured, attach and press gently the nail form into the fingers after which you must then cure again for up to a minute.
Now before applying the top coating, pop off the nail form then remove imperfections by filling them to shape. Once you have applied the top coating, cure them under UV light for the last time.
Cost Of Each Nail Type
Price is one of the major factors when deciding the type of nail treatment or enhancement to get. This is more important for anyone who intends to be a regular customer at any manicure salon.
When it comes to the cost of a nail manicure, the initial cost and maintenance cost should be considered.
Dip powder nails are durable than polygel nails and lasts up to four weeks. This means they are expensive. For you to get dip powder nail manicure, you will pay between $30 and $50 monthly.
The challenge of dip powder nails is that not all salons offer this type of nail enhancement because of the hygienic risks associated to it. Many nail technicians fear doing them for fear of their clients developing infections.
Polygel nails on the other hand are cheaper than dip powder nails and are also available in many manicure salons since they do not demand high level of sanitation like dip powder nails. Getting polygel nails will cost you between $55 and $150.
In general, anyone who takes good care of their nails will have them for a longer period of time- at least four weeks but in most cases people are forced to go back for nail filling earlier.
Nail filling manicure costs around $80. However, this procedure takes less time as compared to getting polygel nails.
Overall, you will pay over $1000 for your polygel nail polish and maintenance monthly. In some cases, this may even go beyond $200.
Considering the prices for the two types of nail enhancement, you will agree with me that dip powder nails is perfect for anyone wants nail treatment that is affordable.
To Cure Or Not To Cure?
One of the big differences between polygel nails and dip powder nails is the use of UV light to cure them during application. To make it clear, dip powder nails do not require any UV treatment since they are layers of coatings and coloring powder. On the other hand, polygel nails need UV treatment for them to be hard enough.
People with thin nails that react to heat or those who have experienced heat spikes do not like any nail treatment that requires the use of UV lamps.
Thus they prefer dip powder nails. Dip powder nails is also preferred by people with sensitive skin that easily get sunburns because they will develop tiny sunburns when exposed to UV lights during nail manicure.
You should always know that Ultraviolet light cooks artificial nails to your natural nails and in the process can affect the skin like the sun does. This process damages the cells of the skin and may cause skin cancer.
You don’t need to worry because just like you are not worried about sunlight, the use of UV lamps demands some safety protocols that must be followed by the nail technicians.
To be on the safe side, you must limit the times you visit the salon because getting your fingers exposed to UV lights every week can lead to premature aging
Another precaution is to apply sunscreen on your hands and fingers before going for your manicure. It will act as a proof to the harmful lights that can damage the skin around your fingers.
The Removal Processes
When it comes to removing them, polygel nails can be removed through many ways than dip powder nails because of the need of chemicals for removal such as acetone.
To remove dip powder nails, the extra length that is not part of the natural nails are first trimmed or filed before buffing the top coat using the coarse side of the file.
This must be done because acetone chemical will be easily absorbed by the underlying layers giving you a short time of soaking.
Acetone solution may be harsh to your hands so it is always important to apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline on your hands and fingers before soaking your dip powder nails.
To find whether the nails are soaked well, push off but gently the outer layer and if it moves, you are good to go. After removing them, buff the natural nail to remove bits that still cling on them.
For those who wish to remove their polygel nails by soaking them in acetone, the process is similar but there is a slight difference.
Fingers can be soaked in a bowl containing acetone solution like when removing dip powder nails. The most common ways of soaking polygel nails is using cotton swabs and foils that immerse nails in acetone.
Other ways to remove polygel nails is by using cuticle pushers, oil, body wash, and detergent.
Once the polygel nails are soaked, the sides of the nails are lifted up with the help of a cuticle pusher, and a mixture of hot water, oil, and soap. Allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes after which they can be easily removed.
Health Risks Of Polygel and Dip Nails
Dip powder and polygel nails have risks associated with them and their use. These are linked to application and removal processes, and effect on the natural nails when under any of the two fake nails.
The danger of dip powder nails comes with the use of one container of powder by more than one person. The container harbors bacteria from one person and may spread to another cause infection.
To avoid this, ensure you only use the container once and this is the same for those getting their manicure at home.
You can be safe if you are the only one using the powder but you must clean and sanitize your hands well before using it.
Another way to avoid passing germs and bacteria into the container is by brushing the powder into your nails and not dipping your fingers in them. The brush should however be used by or on one person only.
Passing of diseases, bacteria, and fungal infection from one person to another can easily be done during nail manicure or when the brushes are being rewashed. For you to reuse dip powder nail manicure tools, you must have an autoclave for sterilizing them.
Even though polygel nails are safe for anyone to get them and nail experts who apply them, their removal process is a headache to even skilled and experienced nail technicians.
This is because the procedures of removing them face the risks similar to those of acrylic nails.
During manicure, nail experts serving clients face the risk of inhaling the small particles during filling and buffing or chemicals used.
This can lead to respiratory, musculoskeletal, skin or reproductive diseases. They can protect themselves by always wearing face masks.
Polygel And Dip Nails Are The New Gel And Acrylic Nails
Polygel and dip powder nail enhancement are the best options to any person looking for artificial nails. Despite the fact that polygel nails are expensive to get and maintain, their prices will eventually reduce but that is if and only when new artificial nail manicure finds way to the manicure salons.
The two are not so much perfect nail manicures but they are the best options to anyone who is looking for the best nail enhancement that is better than gel and acrylic nails.
Both dip nails and polygels have weaknesses and strengths in how they are applied, removed, effect on the natural nails and the health risks associated to them.
Dip powder nail manicure is ideal for those who love getting their nail manicure at home. This is because they are affordable and safe home option than in a nail salon as they demand a lot of physical efforts. For those who can pay more to get artificial nails, then polygel nail enhancement is perfect for them.
This type of artificial nail manicure does not invade the natural nails and are even safe for nail technicians to apply them.
The decision making however depends on you. You are the one to decide after reading this article, all I hope is that it will help you to make an informed decision.