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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter.

Everyone knows how annoying and time consuming it is to have to get your manicure filled in every other week, especially when the outcome might not be what you expected. These frequent trips to the nail salon can be expensive, with totals ranging from $30-$60+. One dip powder kit is the equivalent price of one manicure from the salon, so it’s like spending the same price on multiple manicures as you would on a single manicure. Who wouldn’t want to have a long-lasting manicure on all the time while also saving money? By doing your own dip powder nails, you get to determine what they’ll look like and be able to change anything about them you don’t like, while also getting many uses out of all the products in the kit. We’re mad at ourselves for not using it sooner! There are many different brands that sell dip kits, such as SNS, Beauty Secrets, etc. and you can buy them from Sally’s, Ulta, Walmart, and other retailers. Your manicures won’t be perfect starting out, but the more you do it the easier it gets. Below are step by step instructions on how to do your own dip powder nails using Beauty Secret’s Dip Kit: 

Step 1: 

After purchasing your dip kit and prepping your nails by buffing and filing them, apply the Step 1 nail primer one nail at a time.  

Step 2:

Apply Step 2 dip gel, coating the entire nail bed, and dip into your acrylic powder nail color of choice. Tap off excess powder. 

Step 3:

Repeat Step 2 once or twice. 

Step 4:

Apply Step 2 dip gel, coating over the entire colored nail, followed by a coat of Step 3 gel activator.  

Step 5:

File the nail using a 180-grit file or an electric file. Once desired shape is achieved, continue to smooth and shine the nail with a buffing block. Finish with any top coat for shine.  

Take the perfect manicure into your own hands (and save some money too). 

Hannah Litteer

South Carolina '22

Hi! My name is Hannah and I'm a sophomore journalism student at the University of South Carolina. I love being a part of Her Campus and connecting with others through writing!
Katie Graybill

South Carolina '20

Katie is a journalism student at the University of South Carolina. She loves the beach, traveling, writing, and spending time with her pets!