11 best dip powder nail kits for a salon-level mani at home
Dip powder nails *literally* couldn’t be any easier to do. The method involves dunking your nails into finely milled powder (hence the name) before bonding them with adhesive — and there’s no need for a UV lamp at all, cutting the time of your mani in half.
When done correctly, dip nails can last longer than lacquer, and require fewer harsh chemicals for removal than a gel manicure or acrylics. However, you’ll usually need acetone to remove them, so don’t forget to stock up on a cuticle oil and nail strengthener to promote nail health and keep them strong and healthy.
Smoky topaz? Brown sugar? Copper bronze? All of the above?
If you're wondering whether you'll have to skip the bold block colours and funky nail art you usually leave to the qualified technician, the answer's no. Dip powder nail sets can be customised to give you a French tip or to create various nail designs.
Previously these services were only available in nail salons; according to Julie Ventura, a nail education consultant and founder of Nail Know How, professionals still use a higher-level grade dip powder that’s “designed to have the finest particle size for a smoother finish and strong resins for maximum adhesion power.”
But there are now tons of at-home options available if you prefer a DIY manicure (or just want to save some coin) but still want professional quality. Sure, a dip manicure takes a little practice for beginners to get it right, but with these starter kits — and a quick YouTube tutorial — your nails will look salon-quality perfect in no time. So, cue our edit of highly-reviewed dip powder nail kits. You can thank us later.
To get you started, we've rounded up the best dip powder nail kits that reviewers rave about.
Aside from the fact this kit is aesthetic enough to leave on display, it works wonders too. The Sassy Saints' formula has been infused with five oils to treat your natural nails underneath, including apricot kernel, jojoba, sweet almond and jasmine flower oil. Then there are the 99 (!) colour choices, including gorgeous subtle shimmers.
What reviewers say: “I never buy beauty products online if I haven't tested it out before but thought it was worth a punt. I've got to say I'm so pleased I went for it. The packaging is luxurious and it feels like a quality product. It's also super easy to apply. I would 100% recommend the kit to anyone, it's really worth the money. I'm never going to pay to have my nails done in a salon again.”
Pros: The price per set works out to just £2.29, some reviews say your mani might last for up to three weeks.
Cons: Consider that price tag an investment in your self-care.
Shades: 99.
Dry time: About 90 seconds.
Aikker 27 Pcs Dip Powder Nail Starter Kit
This mega kit includes everything you could want in one cost-effective package, including 20 (!!!) different shades of classic, pastel, glitter and shimmer powders; a dust brush and file; base coat, activator, top coat and brush cleaner; and a recyclable dipping tray.
What reviewers say: I got this to replace using gel as I felt it was making my nails weak (I'm not a pro, so probably not using them 100% correctly). Days in and no chips, nails feel strong like acrylics. For the money, ease and outcome, I would say this is definitely worth the money. The whole process probably took 10 to 15 mins max. I prefer using the tray that comes with the kit so a little funnel included would be the only improvement I can think of. — Kelli, Amazon reviewer
Pros: A wide selection of shades, less damaging than salon products.
Cons: Some reviewers say they chipped quickly.
Shades: 20.
Dry time: About 3 minutes.
Aikker 27 Pcs Dip Powder Spring Nail Kit
If you love glittery nails, choose from the spring collection of colours, featuring iridescent oranges and yellows alongside deeper shades like browns, greens, and reds. Ideal for the sunny season ahead.
What reviewers say: I am a nail salon person and really pretty rubbish at beauty stuff! But I decided to give this kit a go after deciding not to go back to the salon, and I am pleasantly surprised as I am getting good results. This is a good starter kit, the pack arrived quickly and was as I expected. The instructions are there but after looking at instructions online, you do need to do another coat of activator after filing, so I would recommend doing that. I am getting better at it each time! I don’t have nail tips, I dip on my whole natural nail. The colours are nice, too, just don’t forget to get some nail files as they are not included. – Lisa, Amazon reviewer
Pros: A wide selection of shades, less damaging than salon products.
Cons: Some reviewers say they chipped quickly.
Shades: 20.
Dry time: About 3 minutes.
An impressively packed-out kit with 20 colours, a base nail coat, a top coat, an activator, a brush saver plus substitute brushes, a cuticle pusher, a nail file and a nail brush, there's really everything you need for a dip powder manicure. Pick from dipping powders in a variety of shades, from pigmented neons to muted mattes and pretty shimmers. Or if you want even more colour choices, opt for the 30 powder kit.
What reviewers say: As soon as it arrived I got to work. I’m not a professional at all but this was easy and turned out great. I have natural nails (no tips) and followed the steps with no problems. *I did use a separate nail hardener base coat (let dry for 5 mins) before I got started with the set. Steps I took - I applied the base coat (step 1), dipped in powder (step 2 and repeated step 1 and 2 for two coats of dip), applied the activator (smells absolutely horrible but hey…), and applied the top coat once (let dry for 3-5 mins). *I also used a separate gel top coat and cured under a UV light for 60 secs for extra shine and durability but that step can be omitted if you don’t have a lamp. Can’t wait to try all the colours! I even did a “test” colour on my thumb and decided to do another so I soaked the test colour off with acetone and drilled it off with no problem. I’ll purchase another colour set very soon. – Anon, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Long-lasting finish
Cons: The colours can look different to the image and the activator smells pungent, according to some reviews
Shades: 20
Dry time: 2 minutes.
Aokitec Monochrome Nail Dipping Powder
If you want a nail dip powder system with colours that'll go with any outfit, go monochrome. This Aokitec kit contains 8 highly pigmented powders – from seamless jet black to glitter-strewn silver – ideal for creating some stand-out nail art.
What reviewers say: It took a while to get used to and you have to be very careful and patient, but the results are brilliant. You can see some residue on the side of my thumb, but this lifted off a couple of hours later. I used three of the colours just to experiment. The glittery one is fab. Very pleased. Will last ages. I also did the base colour and dipping twice before adding the activator and it worked better - no gaps. Then two coats of top coat. – Veronika, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Chip-resistant powder, with one reviewer even saying her nails lasted ‘for weeks without chipping or fading’
Cons: The set doesn't include nail tools.
Shades: 8
Dry time: 1 minute.
Kiara Sky Dip System Starter Kit
At almost £130, this kit is certainly pricier than others, but the rave reviews (and the fact that it’s a pro brand) prove that it’s well worth it. The set includes everything you need for French manicures on different skin tones – including three shades of pink – as well as a brush saver and nourishing cuticle oil.
What reviewers say: I was a bit sceptical about spending this much on a kit I wasn’t sure would be worth it or sure a novice could use it with no drill. It is. I spent so much money going to the salon every two weeks to have my nails done. Sometimes they would be great; other times the powder would chip or split from my nail—and who has time to keep running to and from a salon to fix something you paid for a professional to do right the first time? This has paid for itself in three uses. (I purchased a few other colours from the line.) I’ve found that if I follow the instructions included in the kit, I don’t have the foggy, matte issue with the top coat I’ve read in other reviews and had myself initially. I use it on my natural nails. I have only a hard nail file and a buffer (no electric drill). Very happy not having my nails drilled painfully paper thin. They have grown out well and thickened back up (I tend to file them down for functionality) after properly soaking them off. – Zaya, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Perfect for French manicures
Cons: Pricey, tools not included
Shades: 5
Dry time: About 2 minutes.
Honey Joy Fine Dipping Powder Nail Colour System
If it’s pastels you’re after, look no further than this kit, which includes eight pretty shades of finely milled powders and has tons of five-star reviews to back up the hype.
What reviewers say: Awesome product! I was so surprised at how easy it was to use. I am so impressed with the results, especially for it being the first time I have ever used dip powder. I need to work on not getting it on my surrounding skin, but it peeled off after I was finished. I was able to resume regular activity within five minutes after applying the last step. I hope it lasts a long time. — Anon, Amazon reviewer
Pros: A good price for 8 shades
Cons: Small containers for dipping
Shades: 8
Dry time: About 2 minutes.
Lavender Violets Fast-Dry Nude Dipping Powder Set
Perfect for fans of nails in earthy tones – think a wide range of pinks, taupes and browns – this kit is perfect for mani minimalists. The cruelty-free kit contains your standard base coat, top coat, activator, brush saver and coloured powders.
What reviewers say: The shades are varied, and they offer something for both the everyday look and those special occasions. It's quick to dry, which is a time-saver. However, durability could be improved. While the polish lasts fairly long, it does start showing signs of wear after about a week – Minko, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Easy to use, according to reviewers
Cons: Chips quickly, some reviewers say
Shades: 16
Dry time: Under a minute.
Honey Joy Christmas Dip Powder Set
If you're already planning your festive manicure (come on, we can't be the only ones), these colours are a must-have. The super-fine powders are easy to work with – so ideal for beginners – and you only need two coats (or dips) to get the pigmented, even effect. Plus, the pack comes with 6 Christmas rings, so why not?
What reviewers say: I was unsure about these powders but I am in love. I did three coats on each, which is typically what I do on other dip powders and they were very opaque. I have had them on a week and no chipping or lifting. Cannot wait to try the other colours – Josephine, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Gorgeous shimmer shades – dark red, light red, green, gold, silver and plain white – to achieve the perfect winter mani.
Cons: Just the powders; all other equipment will need to be purchased separately if you don't have it already.
Shades: 6
Dry time: 2 minutes.
Lofuanna Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter
This dip powder nail starter kit has everything you need, including a builder base, top coat, activator, one colour of powder, a file, a brush, and even a brush cleaner. Unlike many kits, this lets you choose your polish colour from a list of on-trend pigmented shades, but our favourite is this barely-there pale pink. At just £9.99 and with almost 400 five-star reviews, this is a great option for beginners.
What reviewers say: I wanted something to go over the top of my natural nails to strengthen them a bit as I'm prone to brittleness and breakage. Such an easy process. I find that it's best to paint a thick coat of the base (thin sometimes doesn't grab enough powder) and when dipping into the powder, to hold the nail in the powder for a few seconds to ensure enough time for the powder to stick, rather than pulling the nail straight out. Prep is really important, don't rush the prep part! But this will save me a fortune in getting mine professionally done. The first time I did them they lasted about a week, as I didn't prep my nails very well. I think this second time around they will last much longer. Very happy. —E Anderson, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Easy for beginners
Cons: Strong smell, some reviewers said prone to clumping
Shades: 4
Dry time: About 2 minutes.
Wakaniya Sparkle Nail Dipping Powder Kit
If you’re looking to try some of the trendier salon looks, but at a more affordable price that will let you experiment with no strings attached, this glittery kit is for you. Reviewers enjoyed the ease of use regardless of how long the polish lasted.
What reviewers say: This type of product didn’t exist when I qualified as a nail technician nor could you buy any of this sort of stuff anywhere but a trade shop. This is my first time trying dipping powder and I found it very easy to use. It takes less than 20 minutes of my time and the outcome it pretty good. I have found that swimming twice a week means longevity isn't as long as I would like, however, there is slightly more flexibility with a resin formula like this than with traditional acrylic nails so it’s not so painful if you bend a nail back! This is not the type of overlay for nail tips. It’s more suited to natural nails. Thin coats each time and after the activator make sure to buff over the nails for smoothness before applying top coat. Ensure the top coat isn’t too thick at the cuticle to prevent lifting. If the first layer is thick at the cuticle don’t be afraid to buff it down before a further layer of top coat. Give each of the layers a little time before the next stage. – Anon, Amazon reviewer
Pros: Eight fun glitter shades, budget-friendly price
Cons: Not suited for very short nails or those looking for extensions
Shades: 8
Dry time: About 30 seconds.
