There's a nearly paralyzing amount of choice at the nail salon, and it all starts with the base. Between traditional lacquer, acrylic, gel, and dip powder, there are a lot of options! If you’re looking for a manicure that lasts up to a month (yes, a month) and allows you to create unique designs, you may want to try dip powder.
The name comes from the process of applying the manicure, where you lay a clear base coat, dip your nails into fine acrylic powder, and repeat to fill and seal. While gel uses a polish that needs to be cured under a special light and acrylics are created with a concoction of liquids and powders, dip nails simply need to be submerged into the colored powder; omitting the lengthening curing process, says and Nailboo creator Rachel Maloof.
Meet Our Expert
Rachel Maloof is the creator of Nailboo and a nail artist.
Plus, there are so many design options to choose from when venturing into the world of dip powder. Thanks to the seemingly endless colors and tools that are available, it’s easy to get creative and experiment with new patterns, shapes, and styles. From colorful ombrés and French tips to 3D nail art and more—the creativity is limitless.
Not convinced? Read on, below, for dip powder nail ideas.
Fun French
Give the iconic French mani style a modern twist by adding a pop of color. Maloof achieved this look by applying a base to the entire nail and then using a dip tray to gently push the nail into the bright orange color. There’s no wrong way to rock a French, so apply the length of the color as far down the nail as you’d like! Then, sprinkle a lighter base color on top of the nail bed to create an even layer. epeat two to three times and ta-da! You’re all set.
Leopard Print
Want to take a walk on the wild side? Ask your manicurist to use a variety of colors to create a fun animal print design like this adorable leopard print mani.
Funfetti
Show this design to your manicurist or try your hand at an at-home manicure. The Dipwell Birthday Funfetti powder features an explosion of color and shapes, creating a design that’s reminiscent of sprinkles and confetti cake—yum!
Drip Nails
This drippy, trippy design is effortlessly chic and edgy, even when using bold colors. The white droplets are outlined by a more opaque version of the nail base, adding dimension to the look.
Color Block
Color block nails are inherently chic. Using a fun mix of colors, you can create this design over and over again without it feeling stale.
Skittle Mani
If you don’t have the patience for an intricate design but still want a pop of color, you can add a bit of variety with this Skittle Manicure. Just choose four to five vibrant colors you like for a vibrant set of nails!
Barbiecore
Pink is the new black, there’s no doubt about it. This design keeps things simple with a gorgeous pink ombré that will have you saying “Hi, Barbie!” in no time.
Squiggle Tips
Swirls and squiggles can be a fun take on dip powder designs. If you’re new to the world of manicures, try cutting out a strip of paper in the pattern you’re trying to emulate and apply the powder one section at a time—it’s easier than it looks!
Baby Boomer Nails
Baby boomer nails are the latest trend that is achieved by combining a gradient of beige and white to create a natural-looking ombré effect. A classy take on the tried-and-true ombré, this style will level-up any outfit, whether you’re going to a wedding or are inspecting the fruit at the farmers market.
Checkered Nails
Instead of sticking to one color, add some stickers on top of your dip nails to create intricate and unique patterns. Avoid the fuss of trying to paint on crisp, straight lines and apply a few black squares to your base coat for a checkered mani that will have you doing victory laps.
Vertical Ombré
Have you tried a vertical ombré yet? These sophisticated nails are just as easy to create as a standard ombré. Maloof recommends applying the base to the entire nail and then tapping colors in a vertical direction. Make sure “the colors meet in the middle and overlap a bit” to get that seamless ombré look.
Tweed Nails
With some sparkly dip powder, a few bottles of polish and a fine line brush, you can make tweed nails with ease. Layer horizontal and vertical lines in black and white over your shimmery base for a cozy and cute design.
Mermaidcore
Transform your nails into a nautical wonderland with this look, adorned with a variety of intoxicating blues and teals.
Cotton Candy
Cotton Candy isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a great inspiration for manis, too! This look takes a simple white nail to the next level with an abstract design using soft pinks and baby blues.
Marble Mani
Several shades of pastel pinks, reds, and whites come together to create this marble-esque design. Using a dip tray, mix dollops of color on top of the neutral base color. Then, submerge your nail in the tray and apply your top coat to finish.
Seedy Watermelon
Transform your nails into something almost as refreshing as a slice of summer watermelon. This fruity nail look uses two base shades to create that distinct red color as well as a few small, black teardrops to emulate the seeds in a watermelon.
Summer Citrus
This enticing design is inspired by juicy summer citruses. To create this fun twist on the classic French, Maloof recommends using a dip tray to apply the top colors and then sprinkling a base color all over the bottom of the nail.
Thermal Ombré
This chic look features a thermal dip powder that changes colors based on your mood. Yes, that’s right, this manicure is basically a mood ring.
Translucent Sparkle
This celestial design is simple and stylish. Featuring fine silver grains suspended in clear jelly, this eye-catching mani can be created with Nailboo Apollo Glow. Use it on its own for a simple yet shimmery mani, or overlay on top of your base color to add an extra dose of sparkle.
Smiley Face Mani
This adorable smiley face mani features a neutral base color with understated hues for the smiley faces. It's the perfect mani for summer, or any moment where you want a little extra joy.
Shimmery Tips
Replicate this adorable and sparkly design by using a small brush to tap a solid color at the base of the nail and glitter powder at the tip. After repeating two to three times, add a few decals and secure with a top coat layer over the entire nail.
Classic Neutral
Sometimes it’s nice to get back to basics. This manicure features a clean and crisp neutral that is ideal for minimalists.
Espresso Chrome
That’s that me, espresso…chrome mani. Embracing the ultra-viral chrome nails made famous by resident it-girl Hailey Bieber, this design is a charming take on the trend with a rich, espresso undertone.
Rainbow Gradient
If you’re a lover of color, look no further than this vibrant rainbow mani. Although there's a lot going on, each nail has a familiar pattern, so the look fades nicely together—just like a real rainbow.
Minimalist Dots
Adding a few small, precise polka dots to your base color gives this look an extra sense of je ne sais quoi. Pro tip: go bold with the color and minimal on the accents to create a more elegant look.
Pretty Petals
Starting with a classic French tip, apply your yellow crescents using your favorite dip tray. Then, apply some clear base coat in the shape of flower petals and pour white powder over the top, says Maloof. If you’re looking for a bit of sparkle, apply rhinestones to the center of each flower to finish the look!
Beachy Waves
This adorable design features a rich shade of blue that mimics the peaceful aura of deep sea waves. Achieve this splashy look by applying a dark blue base coat and overlay dots of milky white polish to create that crashing-wave effect.
Translucent Jelly
This stunning purple jelly manicure with reminds us of our favorite grade school pens and translucent sandals.
Abstract Mani
Keep it simple, but be unique. Several colors were used to create this abstract design, featuring a mix of French tips and varying-sized circles.
Miniature Hearts
Who said hearts are just for Valentine’s Day? This look takes a simple pink and red heart design and makes it pop.
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