best dip top coat

GEL NAILS VS DIPPED NAILS VS ACRYLIC

There are several types of nail extensions available, each offering its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re considering dip powder nails, gel nails, or acrylics, it’s important to know what to look for when deciding which option is best for you. Before diving into the details, let’s explore the pros and cons of dip nails, gel nails, and acrylics to help you make an informed choice.

WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?

Gel nails are created using a gel formula that is cured under UV or LED light. They’re much more flexible than traditional acrylics, making them less prone to breakage.

While applying gel nails can be a bit challenging due to the sticky residue left behind, which must be wiped off with alcohol, they are highly durable once set and typically last 2-3 weeks.

Unlike hard gel extensions, which are ideal for salon use, gel polish is easier to apply and suitable for both at-home and professional applications.

Disadvantages of Gel Nails

  • Time-consuming application: The process can take a while, as each nail needs to be shaped individually and cured under UV or LED light.
  • UV/LED light exposure: Some individuals may be sensitive to UV or LED light used during the curing process, which can cause skin irritation. To reduce this risk, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before exposure.
  • Harsh chemicals: Some gel brands may contain harsh chemicals like BHA, so it’s best to avoid those when possible.

WHAT ARE DIPPED NAILS?

Dip powder nails, or dipped nails, are made using finely milled acrylic powder and are bonded with a special adhesive called cyanoacrylate.

The powder is applied to the nail and sealed with a top coat. Dip powder nails are known for being both flexible and durable, making them longer-lasting than other types of artificial nails. When applied properly, they are also resistant to chipping and breaking.

The dipping method is particularly suited for home use. Unlike hard gels and acrylics, which require skill and experience to sculpt the nails, dip nails don’t involve sculpting, making them easier to apply.

In addition, dip powders are flexible, durable, odorless, non-toxic, and don’t require curing lights.

Disadvantages of Dip Nails

  • Hygiene concerns: While dip powders are great for home application, if you’re getting them done at a salon, ensure your fingers aren’t being dipped into shared powder pots, as this can lead to infections.
  • Messy application: The process of applying dip powder nails can get a bit messy.

WHAT ARE ACRYLIC NAILS?

Traditional acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer, typically applied with a brush and then shaped to the desired look.

Acrylic nails are the most popular type of artificial nails due to their durability, longevity, and relatively simple application process. However, if not applied correctly, they can cause significant damage to your natural nails.

Disadvantages of Acrylic Nails

  • Toxic smell: Liquid monomers often contain harsh chemicals like MMA, which can be harmful to your health, potentially causing allergies or asthma.
  • Harsh chemicals: Some types of acrylics contain dangerous substances such as formaldehyde and toluene. While it hasn’t been definitively proven, toluene has been linked to potential health issues.
  • Lack of flexibility: Unlike gel or dip powder nails, traditional acrylics are quite rigid. This means that if they hit something hard, they are more likely to break due to their stiffness.
  • Bacterial or fungal infections: Improper application or trauma to the nails can lead to gaps between the acrylic and the natural nail, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi.
  • Acrylic nail removal: Removing acrylic nails is a lengthy process, requiring soaking the nails in 100% acetone for 30-40 minutes. It’s recommended to have a professional handle the removal, as attempting it on your own can risk damaging your nails.

DIPPED NAILS VS GEL NAILS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

Dipped nails and gel nails are both popular options for fake nails, but how do they differ? Let’s break it down.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Both dip powder and gel nails are great for home use. However, applying hard gel (gel extensions) can be much trickier for a DIY project.

Gel nails usually take longer to apply than dip nails because gel polish or hard gel needs to be cured under an LED or UV light.

For a gel manicure, the process includes prepping the nails, applying a base coat, gel polish color, a top coat, and curing under a lamp.

A dip powder manicure involves prepping the nails, applying a base coat, dipping them in powder, adding a top coat, and using an activator.

Traditional acrylics include prepping the nail, applying acrylic powder and liquid with a brush, and finishing with nail polish and a top coat.

UV/LED LIGHT EXPOSURE

Dip powder nails don’t need UV or LED light to set, unlike gel nails, which require curing under these lights.

LASTING POWER

Gel polish: If done right, gel polish can last 2-3 weeks.

Hard gel extensions: They can last more than 3 weeks but usually need a fill-in after 3-4 weeks.

Dip powder nails: When applied properly, they can last over 3 weeks without chipping.

Acrylic nails: Acrylics are very strong and can also last over 3 weeks without cracking or chipping.

NAIL DAMAGE

If not applied or removed properly, all three types—gel, dip powder, and acrylics—can harm your natural nails. This can range from mild irritation to more serious issues like infections or allergies, depending on the person and the process used.

COST AND TIME

Gel polish: Costs $35-$50 and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. In the U.S., the average price is $40.

Hard gel extensions: Cost around $80 and take 1-1.5 hours. Prices may rise if you add decorations like rhinestones.

Dip nails: Typically cost $40-$50 and take about 45 minutes.

Acrylic extensions: Cost between $75-$100 and take 1-1.5 hours in a salon.

REMOVAL PROCESS

For gel nails and dip powder nails, the removal process is similar: first, file off the top coat, then soak the nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes. For acrylic nails, removal takes longer. You need to soak them in acetone for 30-40 minutes and then file them off.

CONCLUSION

So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to your preferences. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to do at home, both a gel polish manicure and a dip powder manicure are great options. If you prefer to visit the salon for a full set of extensions, then gel or acrylic nail extensions might be more your style.

Acrylic allergy: If you’re allergic to acrylics, none of these options will work for you since they all contain acrylic. In that case, you could try a regular polish manicure or a shellac manicure. While these won’t last as long, they are gentler on your nails in the long run. Whatever you decide, remember to care for your nails and give them a break every now and then!

50 BEST MATTE NAILS TO LEVEL UP YOUR LOOK

Matte nails have taken the beauty world by storm, offering a sophisticated and understated alternative to glossy finishes. From classic neutrals to bold and daring colors, there’s a matte nail design for every style. Ready to elevate your look? Let’s dive into the world of matte nails and discover 50 stunning designs to inspire your next manicure!

TINY FLOWER MATTE NAILS

Tiny flower matte nails are a delicate and stylish way to add a touch of femininity to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, understated effect, while the tiny flowers add a touch of whimsy and charm. These nails are perfect for spring and summer, but they can also be worn year-round.

TROPICAL HEAT

Thinking about vacation? Bring the tropical vibes with this citrusy gradient. We love how matte textures soften even the brightest colors, creating a whole new visual experience.

GOLD TIPS

Gold tips matte nails are a chic and modern way to add a touch of luxury to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, understated effect, while the gold tips add a touch of glamor. This nail design is perfect for a night out or a special occasion.

MATTE PINK-CHROME NAILS

Can’t pick just one trend? Luckily, you don’t have to. These nude matte nails will enhance any trend you pair them with, including shiny metallic accents.

POLKA-DOT MATTE NAILS

Polka-dot matte nails are a fun and playful way to add a touch of personality to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, understated effect, while the polka dots add a touch of whimsy and charm. This nail design is perfect for a day out with friends or a casual outing.

DENIM

Denim matte nails are a fun and trendy way to add a touch of casual cool to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, understated effect, while the denim blue color is a classic choice that can be dressed up or down. This nail design is perfect for a day out with friends or a casual outing.

MATTE BLACK NAILS

Matte black nails are a classic and sophisticated choice that exudes a sense of mystery and elegance. The matte finish creates a deep, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated. This timeless design is perfect for any occasion, from a night out to a formal event.

MATTE RED NAILS

Matte red nails are a bold and glamorous choice that exudes confidence and style. The matte finish creates a rich, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated. This classic color is perfect for any occasion, from a night out to a formal event.

FACE VALUE

Face value matte nails are a bold and glamorous choice that exudes confidence and style. The matte finish creates a rich, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated. This classic color is perfect for any occasion, from a night out to a formal event.

PINK COFFIN

Pink coffin matte nails are a popular choice for a feminine and stylish look. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated. This classic shape is perfect for any occasion, from a night out to a formal event.

MATTE NEON-PINK NAILS

Matte neon-pink nails are a vibrant and playful way to add a pop of color to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated. This bold color is perfect for a night out or a special occasion.

FLOWER POWER

Floral nail designs are some of our favorites, and this one might be the best yet. While flowers often evoke a spring vibe, pairing them with a warm nude base makes this look perfect for any season.

BROWN MATTE NAILS

Brown matte nails are a sophisticated and versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated. This classic color is perfect for any occasion, from a night out to a formal event.

AUTUMNAL PALETTE

Searching for the perfect matte nail designs for fall? Featuring orange, pink, and red shades reminiscent of autumn leaves, this mani makes us want to throw on a cozy sweater.

COLORFUL GLITTER

Short nails can also make a statement. This colorful design combines matte hues and glitter for a look that’s easy to replicate at home.

ACCENT SWIRL MATTE NAILS

Accent Swirl Matte Nails are a chic and modern choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their manicure. The subtle swirls create a mesmerizing effect, drawing attention without being overly bold. Perfect for any occasion, this design effortlessly combines sophistication with a trendy matte finish.

LENGTHY WITH RHINESTONES

Talk about a head-turner! The impressive length of these blue and pink square nails will definitely cause a stir on their own. But why not add a few rhinestones for extra flair?

RED MATTE NAILS WITH HEARTS

Red matte nails with hearts are a classic and romantic look that is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated, while the hearts add a touch of whimsy and charm. This design is perfect for a night out or a romantic date.

MATTE AND GLOSSY NAILS

Matte and glossy nails offer a striking contrast in texture and shine, creating a visually appealing and modern look. The matte finish provides a velvety depth, while the glossy finish adds a touch of glamour. This combination allows for endless creative possibilities, from subtle ombré effects to bold color blocking.

CURATED COLOR

With their squiggly lines and vibrant color combo, these nails exude a hippie chic vibe. They prove that a killer manicure can look just as good—or even better—on short nails as on longer ones.

BLUE NAILS WITH CLOUDS

Blue matte nails with clouds create a calming and dreamy look, reminiscent of a clear summer sky. The matte finish provides a soft, velvety texture, while the delicate cloud designs add a touch of whimsy and charm. This design is perfect for a day out or a relaxing getaway.

CHOCOLATE

A velvety chocolate color is perfect for the cooler seasons. To lighten up the look of dark nails, try adding a negative space heart design, as shown here.

MATTE PINK NAILS WITH CHEETAH PRINT

Matte pink nails with cheetah print are a bold and stylish way to add a touch of wildness to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated, while the cheetah print adds a touch of excitement and personality. This design is perfect for a night out or a special occasion.

TRIPPY

Achieving this trippy look is easy with just press-on nails and a sticker. Press-ons simplify the application process and are also one of the safest extension options for your natural nails.

MATTE NAILS WITH FLORAL ACCENTS

Matte nails with floral accents offer a feminine and elegant look, adding a touch of nature to your fingertips. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety base, while the floral accents add a touch of whimsy and charm. This design is perfect for spring and summer, but it can also be adapted for other seasons with different color palettes.

PASTEL OMBRÉ

This mani puts the ombré nail trend in the spotlight. Choose matte pastel colors for a perfect springtime look, and if you want to add a touch of glam, go for glitter—because glitter is always the answer.

MATTE PASTEL NAILS

Matte pastel nails are a soft and feminine way to add a touch of color to your look. The matte finish creates a velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated, while the pastel colors are perfect for spring and summer. This design is perfect for a day out or a casual outing.

LISA FRANK-INSPIRED

Lisa Frank-inspired matte nails are a fun and playful way to add a touch of nostalgia to your look. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated, while the bright colors and playful patterns are sure to turn heads. This design is perfect for a day out with friends or a casual outing.

MATTE NAILS WITH GEOMETRIC NAIL ART

Matte nails with geometric nail art offer a modern and edgy look that is perfect for those who love a touch of abstract design. The matte finish creates a soft, velvety texture that is both luxurious and understated, while the geometric patterns add a touch of intrigue and personality. This design is perfect for a night out or a special occasion.

MULTICOLORED DOTS

Remember those candy dots on paper you used to enjoy as a kid? This mani seems inspired by them, offering a fun way to indulge in a bit of childhood nostalgia.

GRAY GRADIENT NAILS

Gray gradient nails offer a modern and versatile look that can be dressed up or down. The smooth transition from dark to light gray creates a subtle yet striking effect, adding depth and dimension to the nails. This design is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.

BLACK AND WHITE GRAFFITI

Let’s be clear: you can never go wrong with black and white. Whether you choose a black base with white details or the other way around, the monochrome palette always delivers a striking look that’s sure to turn heads.

NEGATIVE-SPACE MATTE NAIL DESIGNS

Negative-space matte nail designs offer a modern and minimalist look that is both stylish and understated. The combination of matte finish and negative space creates a striking contrast, allowing for a variety of creative and artistic interpretations. This design is perfect for those who prefer a clean and sophisticated look.

SEA GLASS

If these stunning aqua nails don’t make you want to search the beach for sea glass, we don’t know what will.

MATTE GREEN NAILS

Matte green nails offer a versatile and eye-catching look, suitable for a wide range of styles. The matte finish adds depth and texture, while the green hue exudes freshness and vitality. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or intricate nail art, matte green nails provide a stunning canvas for your creativity.

HALF AND HALF

Can’t choose just one color (or even five)? With this half-and-half manicure, you can showcase 10 colors on each hand. The vertical line also helps to instantly elongate your nails and fingers.

BRIGHT NEON NAILS

Bright neon matte nails offer a bold and playful way to add a pop of color to your look. The vibrant hues are sure to turn heads and make a statement, while the matte finish adds a touch of sophistication and texture. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or intricate nail art, bright neon matte nails are a fun and exciting way to express your personality.

PURPLE AND RED DETAILS

Try using graphic, angular lines for a look that’s both colorful and mod. If you can’t find matte colors, use your favorite glossy polishes and finish with a matte topcoat for a similar effect.

BLACK MATTE NAILS WITH FOIL CHROME

Black matte nails with foil chrome accents offer a modern and edgy look that is both stylish and understated. The combination of matte finish and metallic accents creates a striking contrast, allowing for a variety of creative and artistic interpretations. This design is perfect for those who prefer a clean and sophisticated look.

NEGATIVE WHITE

Craving a fresh mani? This negative-space nail look channels clean, Art Deco vibes. Try it with white polish or your favorite color for a stylish twist.

WINE TIME

Wine lovers, rejoice! This burgundy manicure offers a minimalist yet chic homage to your favorite vino. For an extra touch of elegance, pair it with gold hand jewelry to match your gold polish.

ROSE FADE

Rose fade matte nails offer a soft and romantic look that is both stylish and understated. The combination of matte finish and pastel hues creates a dreamy and ethereal effect, perfect for a variety of occasions. This design is ideal for those who prefer a feminine and delicate aesthetic.

MINTY FRESH

Green might not be your usual nail color, but this minty look could change your mind. Whether you’re drawn to wintergreen, icy blue, or mint ice cream vibes, this Frozen-inspired mani is here to support your style.

GLITTERY HEARTS

Looking for a touch of sparkle? The glossy effect works just as well with metallics and glitter. Who could resist this dazzling heart motif?

GLOSSY POLKADOTS

All-black manicures make a bold statement. Opting for a matte black base allows the glossy design on top to stand out. To achieve this look, start with a matte black polish and finish with sparkly heart details.

SPLIT BLUE

If you’re a fan of blues, try this simple DIY. Begin with a matte blue base and use a striping brush to carefully add a thin white line down the center of each nail.

TWO-TONED YELLOW

To evoke fresh springtime vibes, pastel yellow polish is a perfect choice. For an extra touch of elegance, add metallic gold to elevate your manicure.

CAFÉ AU LAIT

This creamy brown manicure blends our love of coffee with negative space. What more could you ask for? Try it with OPI Nail Lacquer in Chocolate Moose.

ALL WRAPPED UP

Whether your nails are short, long, or somewhere in between, this nude and white look is easily replicable.

CONCLUSION

From classic neutrals to bold and daring colors, matte nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist approach, there’s a matte nail design to suit every style and occasion. By incorporating these 50 inspiring ideas, you can elevate your look and showcase your unique personality. Remember, the key to rocking matte nails is confidence and creativity – so experiment, have fun, and let your nails shine!