Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram’s popular beauty posts or getting lost in oddly satisfying videos on TikTok and YouTube?
If so, you may have come across a dip powder nail process. But what about dip powder makes it such a popular choice for nails?
Dip powder nails, sometimes called SNS nails, are a special way to do your nails. You dip your nails into a colored powder or brush the powder onto your nails.
Then, you add a clear layer on top to keep it in place. This nail technique can last long without chipping – up to a whole month.
Unfortunately, this process also exposes your body to dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde and ethyl acetate, which can harm or hurt your nails after getting them done.
If you feel pain after getting dip powder nails, it might be because of many reasons you’ll find out in this article.
Do Dip Powder Nails Hurt?
Dip powder nails should not hurt if done correctly. In fact, many people find that dip powder manicures are much more comfortable than regular acrylic or gel manicures since there isn’t any filing involved.
Since the process only involves painting rather than buffing your natural nail, there isn’t any risk of causing damage or tearing off layers of your nail bed.
Remember that pain is subjective. For example, you might feel pain during dip powder application, while the person next to you might not.
However, since the powder must stick to the base coat to stay on your nails, some people may feel discomfort when getting their nails done.
The discomfort is nothing to worry about because it’s minor and short-lived – it’ll subside shortly after application.
So if you’re worried about feeling pain during your manicure session, don’t be. Dip powder nails won’t hurt at all. But if you experience pain, ask your technician to be gentle when applying the product.
Is it Normal for Dip Nails to Burn?
Dip nail burning is perfectly normal, especially if you get them for the first time or use a specific brand.
Several reasons cause the burning sensation. It could be that you are applying too much base coat when dipping your nails or using too much activator.
Or the cyanoacrylate ingredient found in the base and top coats comes in contact with the activator and causes a reaction.
You can experience a burning sensation when you apply too much base coat when dipping your nails. This is because the excess base coat sits on your nail bed and starts to heat up when it reacts to the activator.
Using too much activator can also cause a burning sensation on your dip nails for the same reasons. Excessive amounts of activator create an overreaction between the product and the powder/glue mixture.
The cyanoacrylate ingredient in many dip powders/gels and top coats can react with other products such as acetone remover or alcohol-based cleaners.
When this happens, it creates an exothermic reaction. Heat is generated during this process, causing a burning feeling on your nail bed if it comes into contact with any remaining residue from those products before they have dried completely.
5 Reasons Nails Hurt After Getting Dip Powder
1. Getting Dip Powder Nails for the First Time
Getting dip powder nails for the first time may not necessarily cause pain. Still, some people may experience discomfort or sensitivity, especially if they have sensitive skin or nail beds.
During a dip powder manicure, the nail technician applies a series of base coats, dip the nails in a colored powder, and seals the nails with a top coat.
The process typically involves buffing and shaping the nails, which can cause some mild discomfort.
2. Dip Powder Substances can Cause Skin Irritations
Dip powder contains a range of different substances that can potentially cause skin irritations. Some common ingredients in dip powder include acrylic powders, resins, and pigments.
These substances can cause adverse reactions in some people, leading to redness, itching, and soreness around the nails. However, not everyone experiences such reactions, which tend to be relatively rare.
3. Dip Powder Nails don’t Dry as Quickly as Other Nail Products
Dip powder nails can cause discomfort or even pain if not applied properly. The substances used for dip powder nails, such as the base coat and activator, are typically thicker than traditional nail polish and take longer to dry.
If these substances are not applied carefully and allowed to dry properly, they can come into contact with the skin surrounding the nail bed, including the cuticles.
This can cause a burning or stinging sensation that can be uncomfortable or painful.
4. Technique Used to Apply Dip Powder
Dip powder manicures can also hurt depending on the technique used to remove the excess powder or to push back the cuticles.
If the nail technician is too rough or applies too much pressure, it can irritate the soft tissue around the nail and cause short-term pain.
Another possible cause of pain is if the dip powder is applied too close to the cuticle line, which can irritate the sensitive nerve endings in the area.
How Long do Nails Hurt After Dip?
You may experience discomfort or pain after getting dip powder nails like any nail enhancement technique.
However, the level and duration of pain can vary depending on several factors, such as your pain tolerance, the technician’s skill level, and the quality of the products used.
Generally, you can start experiencing sore and sensitive nails immediately after application.
However, the feeling usually goes away within the first 24 hours because dip powder materials take the same amount of time to harden and adhere to the nails. Therefore the pain gradually subsides as your nails adjust to the new coating.
If the pain or discomfort persists beyond a few days or becomes more severe, a professional must check your nails to ensure no underlying damage or infection.
Additionally, if you experience any redness, swelling, or discharge around the nail area, this could be a sign of an infection and should be addressed by a professional immediately.
How to Prevent Dip Powder Nails from Hurting
1. Hire a Professional Nail Tech
The first and most important step in preventing pain after applying dip powder nails is to hire a professional nail technician.
A professional nail technician has experience with the process and knows how to apply the powder and sealant correctly.
Plus, they will use the highest quality products available on the market, which means that your nails should last longer than if you were to attempt it yourself.
Not only will this save you time and money in the long run, but it will also ensure that your manicure is as pain-free as possible!
2. Go Easy on the First Application
Taking things slowly and easing into new experiences can help prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety, especially when trying something for the first time.
Additionally, limiting the amount of exposure to the chemicals used in dip powders and glues can help prevent any adverse reactions, such as skin irritation or burns.
By only getting one nail done at a time, you’ll have the opportunity to see how your skin reacts to the products and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding with the rest of your nails.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take your time and don’t rush the process!
3. Don’t Over-Cut the Cuticles
Ask your nail tech to be gentle and cautious when applying dip powder nails and avoid over-cutting cuticles.
The cuticles serve as a protective barrier for your nails, and cutting them too aggressively can cause pain and bleeding and increase the risk of infection.
Instead, it’s best to gently push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher or orange stick, taking care not to push too hard or damage the surrounding skin.
Excess dead skin can be gently trimmed with a cuticle nipper, but only the loose skin should be removed, not the healthy skin.
4. Refrain from Applying Cuticle Oil
Avoid applying cuticle oil immediately before, during, or after getting dip powder nails. It can interfere with the adhesion of the powder to the nail and may cause the manicure to lift or chip more easily.
Wait 24-48 hours after getting dip powder nails before applying cuticle oil or other moisturizers to the cuticles and surrounding skin.
It’s important to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your nail technician after getting dip powder nails, as these may vary depending on the products and techniques used.
However, keeping the cuticles and surrounding skin moisturized can help maintain healthy nails and prevent discomfort.
It’s generally a good idea to incorporate regular cuticle care into your overall nail care routine. So, be mindful of the timing and application of moisturizers in relation to your dip powder manicure.
5. Use a Barrier Cream
Another way to prevent pain after applying dip powder is to use a barrier cream before painting.
Barrier cream will provide a protective layer between your skin and the dip powder, which can help reduce any discomfort caused by applying too much paint.
Be sure to use a product specifically designed for sensitive skin types, as these will be gentler on your skin than other products.
What should you Do When your Nails Hurt After Dip Nails?
After getting them done, you can use different treatments to deal with sore and painful dip nails.
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory cream such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These drugs help reduce inflammation and provide some relief.
- Soak your nails in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can also add Epsom salt or essential oils to the water for relief.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to your nails to reduce swelling. Wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and hold it against your nails for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Avoid picking at your nails or putting too much pressure on them while they heal.
If the pain persists, it may indicate an infection or other nail-related issues. You should consult a professional, such as a dermatologist or nail technician, for an evaluation and treatment plan.
Wrap Up
Dip nails can be stylish, but they also come with risks. For example, they can hurt or affect the overall health of your natural nails.
But we know you still want to enjoy the beauty of getting your nails done without the soreness or pain that comes with it.
Use the tips we’ve discussed, and you’ll not regret choosing dip powder nails. Always make sure you choose experienced nail techs for the tasks and follow their recommendations after fixing your nails.