Dipping powder is the new, not so new, nail product that is currently gaining popularity. Started in the early 90s by Backscratchers Salon Systems and popularized by SNS in the 2000s, it is the process of using nail resin (or glue) and acrylic powder. So what is so different about it from all the other nail services that are currently out there? Let’s start with how it is done. 

    As stated, dip powder is the process of taking nail resin and acrylic powder to make natural nails thicker. Traditionally, the process included taking the nails and dipping them into the powder, hence the name, but due to sanitation reasons, it is more like pour powder, where the powder is poured onto the nail after the resin is applied. Once the layers are on, a liquid activator is used to harden the resin and acrylic powder and then filing and shaping follows thereafter.

Dip powder has become a more popular procedure in salons because it is less time consuming and requires less technical artistry to master. Other than the removal and manicure time, the application and filing time of dip powder can normally be done within 30 minutes. Unlike acrylic or hard gel, this service does not require a lot of technical artistry skills because the resin can be applied like a polish and dipped into the acrylic (or poured on). On the other hand acrylics and hard gel require skills and experience with nail brushes and products to form and shape the nails. This technicality should not discount the service as a whole because what it can offer clients is quite valuable.

    The first benefit to dip powder is it’s thickness, it is thicker than gel polish and thinner than acrylics. With this being said, dip powder feels lighter than acrylic and has a stronger durability than gel polish. It is highly recommended for those who have thin nail beds and are unable to have gel polish due to their nails bending easily or for those who have finicky nail beds that refuse to hold onto gel polish. 

    The next benefit is the commitment of dip powder, which is less than acrylics and hard gel. When applied, dip powder can last between 3 to 6 weeks depending on how much work one puts their nails through, such as deep cleaning, gardening, and so forth. Once a client returns to the salon, the dip powder is then soaked off and the process starts over again. Because of this, dip powder is great for those who are getting their nails done for a special occasion (i.e. prom, graduation, weddings, etc) and who are not planning to keep them on for the long term. 

    The reasons for dip powder being removed each time instead of being filled, varies. One reason is because the acrylic powder that is being used tends to be a colored acrylic powder. Most of the time, the client returns and wants a different color, so all the product has to be removed from the nail before applying a different color. Another reason why dip powder is not fill-able is because resin is soluble in water, meaning that it can break down over time with constant exposure to water. Because of this weaker type of bond (compared to acrylics and gel) filling dip nails can potentially lead the nail to holding on to moisture and causing pseudomonas, a bacteria that grows in damp enclosed areas. 

Other tidbits about dip powder to take note of, is how light the odor from the resin is (compared to it’s cousin, the liquid polymer, used with traditional acrylics) and how this service does not require the use of UV or LED gel lights, which is great for those who are sensitive to either of those lights.

    I would like to mention that I have seen variations of dip powder out in the market. I know there are kits for home use which I have never tried out, but if that is the route that one chooses to take, please, please follow the directions as given. I am on the optimistic side that the company will have your best interest and tell you how to properly prep your nails for their products so that you won’t have issues with them. Another note that I would like to add for home kits is please remove them properly by soaking them off. I know some might think that home kits may be lower quality and less bonding than professional products, but it is better to be safe than to rip a thin layer of your nails off. 

    Other than the home kits, I have seen professionals use gel instead of resin with the acrylic powders which also works as long as they have  nailed down a tried and true method (no pun intended). This process, of course, is not ideal for those who do not want to be exposed to UV and LED lights as stated above and may or may not be fill-able. This all depends on the products they are using.

    So, the next time you are looking at your nails thinking that you need something light and less committing, definitely give dip powder a thought. But do remember, even though it is called dipping powder, it would probably be more ideal to pour it on like sugar, than to dip after I have dipped. 

One thing that has always been intriguing throughout my professional career is hearing men say that they do not do pedicures because it is too frufru and high maintenance. Interestingly enough, once a man has been "coaxed" into a pedicure, they become addicted. Why? Because they realize how nice it is to get their feet taken care of after the daily abuse their feet go through, whether it is walking around, exercise, manual labor, golfing, etc. 

A pedicure is not a simple procedure such as clipping the nails, filing them and making them look pretty with polish. This service helps with dead skin on and around the toes and feet and calluses that can build up on the heels that happen to both women and men alike. If left uncared for, the dead skin from the feet can leave major residue in socks and bedsheets and the heels can crack and cause pain in the long run making it uncomfortable to walk on. This can be fixed with scrubs and callus removal procedures that are often provided with pedicure services. Furthermore, the massage that often comes with this service can make you realize how sore your feet and calves are, making it an added bonus. Embarrassed at potentially being ticklish? Don’t worry, most people are, we just request that you don’t kick us in the face. And no, you don’t have to shave your legs or get a polish color, most guys opt for clear polish or a nail buff on their first run. By the second and third pedicure, they’ll opt for color, why? Because, why not? 

If the thought of sitting in a pedicure chair for long periods of time makes you nervous, then take baby steps and do a simpler pedicure service. Some salons offer nail trims or a more simplified pedicure where they work strictly on shortening the nails and the callus if that is more in your comfort zone. That alone can do wonders to your feet because long uncared for toenails can hurt from constantly bumping into your shoes and in the long run potentially damage them enough to where they become thick and unbearable.

At the end of the day, men have feet like women do, and they are utilized everyday, so why not take care of them? So if anything, it's time to let the secret out, pedicures do not have a gender preference, and your feet will thank you for it.