Holds a certain allure, no? However, some concerns have sprung up in regard to dip powder and its effects on nail health. Here’s what you need to know: Plus, dip powders require a resin base to help the powder transform into a thick, sticky goo; most of the time, those adhesives contain cyanoacrylate, which is the main ingredient of Super Glue1. Not so gentle on the natural nail. Most likely, nail technicians wouldn’t toss every jar after a single use—so by dipping multiple people’s tips into the jar over and over again, the powder could become contaminated with bacteria and even lead to infection for some. That said, if you do go for dip, make sure your nail tech isn’t repeatedly dipping your fingers into the powder—painting the powder on with a brush might be more sanitary. If you’ve had your fair share of dip powder manis, don’t lose all hope for your natural nails: Simply keep those tips hydrated and moisturized (a daily cuticle oil is best, says Lim), and keep up with healthy nail maintenance until they’ve completely grown out. It may take some time, but hey—a strong, bare nail is always on-trend.
