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Nail treatments have become popular in this century. Many people are fascinated with their nails and therefore go for different nail treatments because each of them has its own unique features that they add to your nail! Manicures are very popular nail treatments that help to beautify your nails along with ensuring healthy nails. No chip manicure is a type of manicure where two coats of colored gel polish, a base coat, and a top coat are applied. A dip manicure refers to dipping the nails into an effective dip powder.
So, what are the differences between a no-chip and dip manicure? A no-chip manicure is applied like regular nail polish and then cured under UV lights. A dip manicure on the other hand involves dipping the nails into a powder. The finishes of these no-chip and dip nails are also different. When deciding your manicure between these two, take the matters of durability, safety, or health risks into consideration. These are probably the most basic definition of these two manicures but there are many more differences to them! So, decide your manicure wisely and carefully to get your desired look.
No Chip Manicure and Dip Manicure: An Overview
Manicures are meant to both beautify your nails and also help keep them protected. A no-chip manicure and dip manicure are vastly different from each other, but let’s first take a look at their overview first before heading on over to how they differ from each other in terms of characteristics.
No Chip Manicure
No chip manicure involves the application of a base coat along with two other coats of colored gel polish and a top coat. A No chip manicure is cured under UV light which makes it more durable and strong. Generally, the no-chip manicure can last for three to four weeks if it is correctly applied and cared for.
A no-chip manicure involves nail shaping and even cuticle pushing. It varies from one salon or nail technician to another. No chip nails are applied like regular nail polish, still they last longer than other nails. This also gives a better shine and is very much flexible. A no-chip manicure is a hybrid type of gel manicure that is considered the thinner version of gel nail treatment. This process helps to reshape your nails with an extra length. This manicure can last for two to three weeks on average without chipping. Several coats of nail polishes are applied in a no-chip manicure that can only be removed with acetone.
Dip Manicure
A dip manicure is a manicure that involves creating layers of acrylic powders that are sealed with a solution. The solution is made of cyanoacrylate. The solution helps to make it last longer without any chipping. Dip powder is very effective in creating artificial manicures like acrylic nails or gel nails.
Dip powder nails are a hybrid between acrylic nails and gel nail polish. After dipping the nails into a pigmented powder, the powder is then sealed for a long-lasting manicure. In this process, you need to paint your nails with a liquid base coat. And then each nail is dipped into acrylic powder. So, the process is similar to the name it sounds like. It will build a strong layer over your nails and it will be repeated until you get your desired coverage on your nails. No UV or LED light is needed to cure the dip powder, rather it cures in the air.
Differences Between No Chip and Dip
No chip and dip nails are different from each other. The differences between the no-chip and dip manicures will help you to choose your preferred one from these two.
Difference in Application
The application process differs from the no-chip manicure to the dip manicure. The no-chip manicure is applied by brushing the colored gel into the nails. This is applied like a regular polish and then cured under UV light. On the other hand, dip nails are applied by dipping the nails into a powder. This is also sealed and cured for long-lasting formula but no UV is required here.
Difference in Finish
The final finish of these two manicures is also different. No chip nails provide an ultra-smooth finish while the dip manicure does not give an ultra-smooth finish.
Drying or Curing
A no-chip manicure is cured with a UV or LED lamp. These lamps help to harden the polishes into hard polymers and make them long-lasting. Dip manicures on the other hand are dried in the air through the activator polish to seal the coats on nails.
Health Risks
As a no-chip manicure is cured under UV light, this poses health risks such as skin cancer, irritation, and some others. Compared to the no-chip manicure, dip nails are safer and healthier as they do not require UV light or any other harmful light. No-chip nails are less prone to infections and considered more sanitary while dip nails are a bit unhygienic as people use a common dipping pot that may lead to infections.
Lasting Power
No-chip manicures can last for two to three weeks with proper application and care. On the other hand, gel nails can last for three to four weeks if they are properly taken care of.
Cost and Time
No chip manicure takes about 45 minutes to complete the whole process and it takes about five to ten dollars to complete the whole manicure. On the other hand, dip nails cost more than no-chip nails because they last longer than no-chip nails. Dip nails require the same time as no-chip nails.
Pros and Cons of No Chip Manicure
Every treatment carries some drawbacks along with so many benefits. There are both some advantages and disadvantages of a no-chip manicure.
Pros
- A no-chip manicure lasts longer without chipping or peeling. This makes it a good choice when choosing any long-lasting manicure.
- No-chip manicure is individualistic and neat with very little sharing.
- No chip manicure does not only contain a long-lasting formula, but it also provides a shiny finish on your nails.
- Because of UV or LED lamps, it takes very less time to cure or dry completely.
- No chip nails can be quickly removed which helps to protect the natural health of your nails.
Cons
- The removal process of no-chip nails involves soaking the nails in acetone. This may damage your nails or can cause nail dehydration.
- The no-chip nails do not last longer than three weeks even if you apply them properly and take good care of them.
- The UV light used in the drying process can be risky for your health. It can cause skin irritation, cancer, and other skin problems.
- Though there are so many nail colors available, the color or shades of no-chip nails are limited compared to gel nails or others.
Pros and Cons of Dip Manicure
Dip manicure also has both benefits and drawbacks like the no-chip manicure.
Pros
- Dip manicures do not require UV light for curing. Rather, it is cured in air which makes it more natural and dry.
- Dip manicures are very long-lasting and durable. They can last up to one month without peeling or chipping.
- Dip nails can be applied in a very short time than gel manicures. The quick application of it makes it a good choice for people who want to save their time.
Cons
- Dip nails can last for one month or up to this. As a result, the prolonged wear of these nails can lead to nail damage.
- Dip manicure is a bit costlier than other manicures as the process is a bit more long-lasting than the others.
- The removal process of dip nails is very difficult. While removing, your nails can get broken or damaged. Besides, the use of acetone will cause dehydration on your nails.
- Dipping the nails into a powder is not safe. It can cause bacteria or fungal infections.
- Dip manicure requires a professional nail technician as there are risks of some unwanted situations.
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How to Pick Which One Is Best for You?
When choosing between a no-chip and dip manicure, there are so many factors to be taken into consideration. A dip manicure takes less time to apply than a gel manicure but lasts longer than gel manicures. But the gel manicure lasts for two weeks. So, when considering durability, one can choose the dip manicure. But, when it is about safety and health risks, it is better to choose a no-chip manicure. Because dip manicures are unsafe and more prone to infections. Except for the UV lamp, the no-chip manicure is safer and more hygienic than the dip manicure. It would not be wise to decide which one is best because it depends on the users and their preferences. But while considering the health risks, a no-chip manicure can provide you with healthy nails.
FAQs
1. Does no chip weaken nails?
Generally, no-chip manicures do not weaken nails. But if you wear the nails for an extended time, your nails can get thinner and weaker.
2. Which is better for weak nails?
People with extremely weak nails can go for a Biotin supplement. This contains vitamin H and vitamin B7 that helps to ensure the hydration and nutrition of your nails.
3. Which nails look more natural?
People who want to create attractive nails with a natural finish can surely poo for gel nails. Gel nails will protect your natural nails and make your nails colorful and noticeable at the same time.
4. Is Vaseline good for your nails?
Vaseline helps to keep your hands and nails hydrated. It is one of the most affordable things that can be used to keep our nails healthy and hydrated.
5. How many layers of dip powder are used in dip nails?
Generally, 1-2 layers of dip powder are used in dip nails. But some users also prefer doing more than 2 layers. So, it depends on the personal preferences of people.
Final Thoughts
Manicures help to keep our nails healthy along with making them beautiful. No-chip and dip manicures both are popular types of manicures that make our nails exclusive. No-chip manicure refers to the application of a base coat along with two other coats. This is then cured under UV light to make it long-lasting and durable. Dip manicure on the other hand refers to dipping the nails into a powder. No chip manicures and dip manicures are different in their application, finish, curing, cost and time, and so on. There are benefits and drawbacks to both no-chip and dip manicures. It depends on the person to decide between these two manicures and choose one to get the best result. With all the information available to you, I hope that it makes making a decision between the two a lot simpler!
Key Points
- A no-chip manicure involves the application of a base coat along with two other gel polishes and a base coat.
- Dip manicure refers to dipping the nails into a pigmented powder and then curing it in the air.
- The application process, curing, and lasting power of no-chip and dip manicures are different.
- A no-chip manicure lasts longer without chipping or peeling while dip nails can last up to one month without chipping.
- Both no chip and dip nails contain some benefits and drawbacks. So, it depends on the individuals and their personal preferences to choose the best one for them.
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