I tested over 30 products to find the easiest-to-use dip powder nail kit. I’ve been doing my own nails for years, and I have to admit that dip nail powder kits changed my life. I get a gorgeous finish fast and don’t need to mess around with a UV lamp, which fits my busy lifestyle.
Of all the kits I tried, Modelones Dipping Powder Kit quickly became my favorite. It’s easy to use and get such a variety of colors in one kit. They have a range of color palettes, including some sparkly powders that make your nails shimmer.
Dip powder manicures are easy to work with, keep my nails healthy, and hold up better than traditional nail lacquer.
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up having a great manicure. Whatever your dip nail powder needs, there’s a kit just for you, and this article has you covered.
Keep reading to learn about the best dip powder nail kits for every aspiring nail artist!
If you’re just dipping your toe into this world, you probably want to know what is the best nail dip powder starter kit. You can’t go wrong with any of these products, but to make things easier for you, I picked the best in class for several categories.
1.) Best Overall – Modelones Dip Powder Nail Kit
This kit is surprisingly easy to use, and it’s a top seller for good reason.
Modelones Dipping Powder System will meet any home manicurist or professional’s needs. With a range of 20 color options in each palette, you’ll never get stuck with a color you hate.
Every color jar gives you up to thirty manicures and each application can last up to five weeks! Plus, it’s easy to remove one color and switch to something new if six weeks is too long in your world!
Each kit features everything you need to create a finished manicure in no time. Base coat, activator solution, gel top coat, a nail brush, dip powder brush replacement, a nail file, and 20 gorgeous dip powder colors.
Regardless of which Modelones color palette you select, you get build powder to strengthen your nails and the liquid essentials to complete the manicure.
2.) Best Budget – Avva Nails Dip Powder Starter Kit
If you’re tight on cash and still need a nail refresh, Avva has you covered with this affordable starter kit. You get everything necessary to create a flawless manicure in five steps.
This starter kit features the liquid base, activator, and topcoat plus one dip powder. Choose pale pink, white, natural pink, or dulce de leche for a simple, understated look. It’s an excellent opportunity to experiment with dip powders in a neutral color palette without breaking the bank.
Each of Avva’s dip powders includes calcium and vitamin E to strengthen the nails while providing a healthy shine. The company notes their nail dip powders are vegan and cruelty-free and last for up to three weeks.
3.) Best Long-Lasting – Cuccio Pro Powder Polish Nail Color Dip System
Cuccio Pro Powder nail dip kit is good enough for professionals but easy enough for a home manicurist. You get everything you need to complete the manicure, including five powders including a clear for when you need to go au natural.
This dip nail powder kit is all about long-lasting color and a glossy finish. Of course, it helps that they are odorless so you don’t have that lingering chemical smell on your hands as you do with gels and traditional polishes. You can also use this kit with your natural nails or tips.
Prepare for a few more steps with this one because you have seven steps to follow. Thankfully, Cuccio labeled each bottle to guide you through the steps to make it easy.
4.) Best for French Tip Nails –Dipwell Dip Nail Starter Kit
Do you love the look of french tips? For those who love the look but struggle to master it with polish, this might be a game-changer. This nail dip powder kit allows you to handle your own french tips in a flash.
Each powder lasts for up to thirty sets and each set can go for up to six weeks. Plus, it’s easy to change up your look with a fifteen-minute soak to remove the french tips and redo them or try something new.
The highly-reviewed kit contains everything you need to round out a french manicure in four steps. You get three powders (the base and finish, sheer pink, and french white) and five liquids, including a brush softener.
5.) Best for Beginners – Revel Nail Dip Powder Starter Kit
Are you nervous about how to do dip nails at home?
Beginners might want to consider the Revel dip nail powder kit that features everything you need with easy-to-follow instructions.
There is nothing overwhelming about this kit with three steps to follow and clearly labeled components at every stage. Revel even throws in a gel thinner in case you need it (and tells you when to use it).
One of the best things about this kit is the color selection. It’s an impressive collection with a range of creme, glitter, and shimmer options that span the rainbow. You can also upgrade to the essential starter pack to score a tool kit and removal kit as well.
6.) Best for Fast Drying – GH Dip Powder Nail Kit
It happens to all of us. We notice at the very last second that we forgot to give our nails a refresh and we only have ten minutes to get out the door. That’s where the GH Dip Powder Nail Kit can save the day.
This impressive formula dries in 30 seconds or less, and you don’t even have to whip out a UV lamp, nail lamp, or blow dryer to speed things up. The secret lies in the unique formula that bypasses the need for an activator.
Choose from 180 colors that run the gamut from neutral to bold to glittery. There’s a color for everyone and the finish lasts for two weeks or more.
7.) Best Luxury Kit – Kiara Sky Dip Powder Nail Kit
This is one of my personal favorites.
Kiara Sky’s dip nail powder kit has everything you need to create a luxurious and professional-looking manicure. It’s a high-end product that skips the harsh chemicals and strengthens your nails.
You get the liquids you need plus natural powder, clear powder, and three signature colors. Aside from the basic components, you get a nourishing oil to improve nail health.
Kiara Sky also includes a recycling system that allows you to keep reusing the powder and minimize loss.
The finish lasts anywhere from two to four weeks depending on how hard you are on your nails. This highly reviewed kit features several comments about the efficacy of the topcoat for preventing chips and cracks.
8.) Best Travel-Friendly – EdenRays Nail Dipping Powder Starter Kit
Vacations and business trips mark a need for fresh nails but we don’t always have time to do them before we leave. Thankfully EdenRays has an adorable travel kit that nestles neatly in a bag with everything you need to create beautiful nails on the road.
This three-step kit features six powders so that you can create a range of looks, including a few glittery choices. You also get a nail file and brush that fit within the travel bag.
The bottles are small enough to meet travel requirements and it’s a quick, easy system that you can do in a hotel room. You won’t even stink up the place since these are odor-free.
9.) Best Color-Changing – Color Club 21-Day Dip Powder Starter Kit
While Color Club 21 markets these dip nail powder kits as mood-changing, they are actually temperature reactive. While the differentiation makes more sense, it doesn’t make these powders any less amazing and fun.
If you like a little excitement in your life and don’t mind starting with one color but ending up with another, then these might be the best option for you. Choose from four color-changing options including Summer Sunset and Mermaid Tail. However, if color-changing isn’t your jam, you can try their french hombre kits to add some sparkle to your hands.
Even though it sounds more complicated, these kits are easy to apply with the typical process. The only liquids they use are a bonding gloss and an instant activator.
10.) Best Glitter – Aikker 20 Galaxy Color Dip Powder Nail Kit
While Aikker 20 offers more than 110 colors, the galaxy starter kit features a range of glittery-colored powders that truly make a statement. If you simply must have that shimmer, it’s not easy to pass on the rainbow of glamorous glitters in this affordable starter kit.
On top of the base coat, activator, and topcoat, you get 20 powders and a brush saver. Plus, the kit includes a recycling tray to make your powder last longer, a dust brush, and a nail file. Every color dries fast and can last two weeks or more.
While you get 20 powders with this kit, they aren’t quite as large as some of the other options. However, if you prefer variety and like to change up your colors frequently, then this might be a positive.
11.) Best Professional – SNS Nails
SNS is a salon-grade brand that was one of the first ever to have a dipping powder system. Most professional nail techs, nail artists, and salons carry the SNS dip powder system.
SNS dip powder has a HUGE range of over 400 brilliant colors to choose from. You’ll need a cosmetology license to buy this system.
Other benefits of SNS nails include:
- Easy application
- Almost odorless
- Allergen-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Vegan
- Nourishing nutrients to keep your natural nails healthy (Nutri-Plus)
- Chip-resistant for at least 14 days, I had an SNS dip manicure last for 5 weeks!
- Trusted brand by many salons
12.) Best Brand Name – OPI
Most of us know OPI, they are one of the biggest and most trusted names in the industry. You can find the most up-to-date collection of OPI dip powders on their website. You can create your own OPI starter kit by picking your favorite OPI powders and buying an inexpensive UV lamp off Amazon.
Some other benefits to the OPI line include:
- Odor-free acrylic
- Non-toxic
- Non-damaging
- 105 color options
- Manicure will last for at least two weeks
- Okay, for weak nails
- Easy application
- Trusted brand by salons
For a full breakdown of the differences between OPI and SNS check out our article on “OPI Dip Powder Vs SNS Dip Powder.“
Are dip powders right for you?
Are you struggling with picking the best dip powder nail kit to meet your needs? This guide should clear things up and help you narrow the field.
It’s easy to compare dip vs acrylic nails because they look similar, but dips are better for your nails. Since they don’t use harsh chemicals, dips don’t harm your nail beds as acrylic nails do.
Color options
If you’re just getting started, one dipping powder color might be enough to try your hand at nail dips. But what if you don’t like the color selection enough to pick just one dipping powder?
Whether you like to change colors frequently or have unique tastes, variety, and selection matter. Look for color powders that work with your skin tone and preferences. Dip colors come in highly pigmented powder options so know that with each layer of dip you apply the color intensity increases.
Ease of application and removal
Most nail dip powder kits use a two or three-step process, but some have more liquids and stages. Beginners might want to start with the easiest systems until they get comfortable working with dip powders.
Experienced home manicurists might like the challenge that comes with a multi-tiered system.
The removal process can vary. Generally, removing the dips involves soaking and filing. Still, it might be worth your while to read user reviews to see if anybody comments on difficulty removing a particular product.
Kit features
The idea of a kit is to get everything you need to use the product and get salon-quality manicures without spending so much money. Some companies sweeten the pot by offering extras that add value. From travel cases and unique packaging to helpful manicure tools, like a dip tray or nail brush, make sure you compare apples to apples.
Is dip powder bad for your nails?
Comparing gels, acrylics, and dips, the only downside for powders is the potential contamination from multiple people using the same product.
If you do your own nails and don’t share the same dip powder pot, there’s little concern, especially if you take steps to keep your nails healthy and practice proper nail care.
How to apply a dip powder manicure
Application methods vary from brand to brand, and it’s crucial to follow the step-by-step instructions provided with the product.
The basic principles are the same across the board.
- Apply a base coat to prep the nail bed.
- Dip the nails into the powder, brushing off any excess powder.
- Repeat the base coat and powder until you achieve the desired color.
- Apply a top coat.
Once the nails dry, it’s possible to play around with nail art. Add accessories and decorations to create a custom look. For step-by-step instructions check out my article on How to Do Dip Nails at Home.
How long do dip powder nails last?
Dip powder nails last up to six weeks, depending on the product and how hard you use your nails. Most people report an average of four to eight weeks.
Personally, anytime I have ever gotten powder nails, the dip on my nails has outlasted the manicure. In other words, the dip powder was still perfect and unchipped, but I had to get it removed because of the large gap between my dip polish and my cuticle.
If you’re still on the fence, check out our article on gel vs dip powder nails for more information on how these two manicures stack up.
How to remove dip powder nails at home
Removing dip nails is more involved than applying them or even removing a gel manicure, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult.
Start by manually filling off the topcoat and then soak in acetone to loosen the powder. Remove any residual powder with a cotton ball dipped in acetone.
Don’t forget to clean, dry, and moisturize your nails and cuticles.
PRO TIP: I always recommend avoiding using an e-file to remove dip nails. This is because it is much too easy to accidentally file away more than just the dip and damage your nail plate in the process. Check out the photo below of the dent left in my thumb after an inexperienced nail tech over filed my nail during my dip manicure removal.
Takeaways on the best dip powder nail kits
There are several awesome dip powder nail kits on this list, making it easy for you to toss the traditional nail polish or gel nail polish. You can still get glittery hues, classic colors, and neutral without the harsh chemicals.
After a lot of experimentation, I found that the best dip powder nail kit is Modelones Starter Kit. It has a wide range of 20 colored powders and it’s easy to use.
Are you ready to give yourself a DIY dip powder manicure? I am!
Laura is a beauty expert with 5 years prior experience working in cosmetics and lash salons. When not writing you can find her experimenting with the trending makeup looks, or reading a good book snuggled up with her French Bulldog Max. Laura is currently a contributing writer and Beauty Editor at BeatyStack.