Gel Nail Polish vs Dipping Powder: Why Gel is the Better Choice

Wondering what sets Gel Nail Polish apart from dipping powder? While both options offer an impressive manicure, there are several reasons why Gel Nail Polish stands out as the superior choice. From its no-fuss application and removal to its incomparable versatility and kinder formula, Gel Polish takes the crown.

Read on to learn what makes Gel Polish so special over dipping powder, and why it’s worth making the switch for your next manicure.

What is Gel Nail Polish?

Gel Nail Polish applies just as smooth and painlessly as regular nail polish but is formulated a little differently. It contains unique ingredients that activate under UV light, so once exposed to your UV/LED Lamp for just 60 seconds, it dries and hardens into a strong, glossy coating with an ever-lasting shine. The result is a durable, yet flexible gel manicure that lasts for 2+ weeks without any fading, peeling or chipping.

Read all you need to know about using UV/LED Lamps for gel manicures.

What is Dipping Powder?

As the name suggests, dipping powder is a nail coating that comes in powder form and is applied by dipping the nail directly into the container. Through a blend of nail resin (nail glue), activator and resin top coat, the dipping powder seals to the nails. This is a method that involves many steps, applied layer-by-layer to build a manicure that can last for up to 4 weeks. Whilst dipping powder can provide a longer-lasting manicure, it definitely has its downsides. Gel Polish offers a simpler, cleaner and more versatile solution, making it a preferred alternative.

What makes Gel Nail Polish superior to Dipping Powder?

Easy Application

Applying Gel Nail Polish is straightforward with a stress-free process that can easily be done at home. No tricky techniques or hidden challenges, just prepare your nails as usual, apply your base, colour and top coat, and cure each layer under your UV/LED Lamp as you move through the steps. The polish paints on the same way as regular polish with tools you’re already familiar with, so you'll feel confident from the outset.

Complicated and time-consuming, the dipping powder method involves several steps that require a lot of patience. You begin by applying a base coat, dipping your finger into the powder at a 45-degree angle, brushing off the excess and repeating the process multiple times until the desired coverage is met. A sealing polish is then applied to activate the powder, before filing and buffing the nails to smooth out the bulkiness left behind. Your dip manicure is finished by applying a final top coat and is then left to air dry. Rid yourself of all this hassle and frustration with Gel Nail Polish, offering a simple, more forgiving application process that doesn’t require precise techniques or such a lengthy time to create.

Learn how to apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish.

Mess-Free

For a neat and tidy manicure, Gel Nail Polish is the obvious choice. The repetitive process of dipping your fingertips into loose powder and brushing it off leads to excess powder being left behind every time. Not only is it wasteful, it’s also a pain to clean. Not to mention, if you don't apply the base coat precisely, the powder will stick to these areas and will undoubtedly create a messy result.

Gel Nail Polish glides on smoothly, and thanks to its self-levelling formula you won't have to worry about any dips, lumps, or bumps affecting your manicure. If any excess polish accidentally smudges onto your finger or cuticle during application, it can easily be removed before curing with an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, Nail Art Brush or Silicone Tool. For a salon-quality experience that is sure to produce salon-quality results, Gel Nail Polish is clear choice.

Simple Removal

Compared to dipping powder, removing Gel Nail Polish is a breeze. To remove, simply file off the shiny top layer, soak Lint Free Wipes in an acetone-based remover and place them on your nails to soften the polish. Only taking 15 minutes for the polish to flake off, you’re then free to gently push it away using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick and begin prep for your next set.

Thanks to the multi-layered, thick nature of dipping powder and its super-glue-like components, it becomes far tougher to remove, requiring a longer soak time with methods that are harsher on your hands and nails. After filing off the top layer, your nails will then need to be soaked directly in acetone to loosen the dip manicure. With acetone known for being dehydrating, longer soaks and total submersion can lead to brittle, weak and thin nails. A removal that is gentler on the nail plate is always going to be the winning choice. 

Like most things, improper removal of both Gel Nail Polish and dipping powder has the potential to damage your nails, so be sure to follow instructions and keep up with aftercare such as applying hand cream and Cuticle Oil daily. Learn how to remove Gelous Gel Nail Polish.

Versatility

Gel Nail Polish promises a broader range of options when it comes to colours, finishes and the final look of your manicure - giving you the freedom to change up your look whenever you feel like. Dipping powder is far less versatile, with a limited range of opaque shades and basic glitters, paired with a heavier look and feel. Why restrict yourself when you could have it all?

From neutrals through to neons, and high-gloss finishes to Matte Top Coats, the sky's the limit with Gel Polish. Add a dazzling shimmer with a Glitter or Metallic Gel Nail Polish, a touch of elegance with a Sheer Shade, or try a Special Finish Polish to create a unique, standout look with the likes of a tortoiseshell, velvet or marble effect. Or, why not let your imagination run wild by trying your hand at nail art, completely customising your manicure with the help of a simple Video Tutorial? Whether you wish to keep it simple or make a bold statement, Gel Nail Polish has got you covered for every style, mood and occasion.

Experience Gelous’ full range of over 300 Gel Nail Polishes and never settle for less again.

Kind To You

Selecting products that are kind to you is key for your manicures to stay as fun as they’re intended. When it comes to dipping powder there are a number of concerns, one being that powder jars can harbour bacteria and germs after use. Sharing the powders greatly increases the risk of infection as bacteria can easily be transferred from one person to the next. Gel Nail Polish is instead formulated to restrict the growth of microbes, so you can rest easy knowing there’s no need for worry.

Whilst the durability of a dip manicure may seem appealing, it can become a detriment to your nail health. Such a long-lasting coating can mask any issues lying under your nails and makes it challenging to check for any damage. Gel Nail Polish allows you to monitor and maintain the health of your nails with ease, so you can continue to enjoy flawless, long-lasting manicures for years to come.

At Gelous, we keep it clean with high-quality yet affordable products that are proudly non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free - so you can trust your manicure to be kind to you, your wallet, and the planet.

Signature Shine

Gel Nail Polish is well-known for its exceptional finish, delivering a signature shine and glowing gloss that is unmatched by other nail coatings. The fine pigment suspended in the gel formula results in an even-toned colour, unlike dipping powders, which are known to suffer from issues like inconsistent shades, fading and pigment dots - especially in poorer-quality brands. With Gelous Gel Nail Polish, you can count on a brighter, shinier and more consistent result, with a final finish that you can wear with pride. It’s no wonder that Gel Nail Polish is the go-to choice for professional-looking nails.