I have tried dip powder nails twice in the past, and each go around was not highly successful. My first try looked ok, but the powders ended up popping off like a glue on nail. The second attempt was too bulky. We have all seen the Nailboo dip powder kit advertised like crazy, especially on social media. It is seen so much that many people think the brand is a fraud! I found their starter kit at Walmart, and I am giving it a full test. After this detailed review with a tutorial, we will know if their product worth it.
Where to Buy Nailboo Dip Powder Kit
As I mentioned in the intro, I found this basic Nailboo dip powder kit at Walmart in the shade Date Night. They also have a pink option. Otherwise, you can find their products on Amazon and their own website. They offer a more extensive kit as well.
Their powders claim to be highly durable, lightweight, and saturated with color. You should get up to six weeks of chip free wear. No UV lamp is needed. Their products are 100% cruelty free and vegan.
Nailboo Dip Kit Tutorial
Besides the products that come in the kit, I also recommend a few more items to ensure your success. You will want something to protect your working surface, such as a paper towel, newspaper, or rag. Next, you need a brush, something to sprinkle the powder with, and rubbing alcohol with a lint free cotton wipe. I will explain their purposes during the tutorial.
I will be following the Nailboo dip kit instructions, but I have made some modifications based on the video below. The techniques in the video help to avoid bulky application, remove unnecessary work, and leave you with super shiny nails.
1) Prepare Nails
To begin this Nailboo dip kit tutorial, your nails need to be prepped. Make sure to reference my nail care routine and follow all steps until you reach base coat application.
Using the provided nail file, gently file the surface of your nails. This will create texture for the powder to adhere to. It also eliminates any oils that may be on the nails to improve adhesion. You should file lightly enough to remove all shine from your nails, but not damaging them. You may use a brush to dust away the filing.
2) Apply Base, Dip, Brush
Second, apply a coat of Base to one nail. You need to work one nail at a time because this product is essentially glue.
For powder application, I do not use the included dip tray, nor do I dip my nails into the powder. Instead, I use a household object to sprinkle the powder onto the nail. This avoids applying too much product and getting a bulky look. My object is a nail polish swatch stick. It holds plenty of product, and the long handle gives me control. I am applying an even coat to the nail. I am not trying to create an apex.
Once you sprinkle the powder on, tap off the excess, then let it sit before brushing it off! You are allowing the glue to dry. At this point, I did the remaining four fingers on this hand. Then I went back and brushed all five nails off. Now one entire hand is done!
You may apply an initial coat of powder to your other hand now. Repeat this process for your other five fingers.
3) Apply Second Coat of Base, Dip, Brush
Third, repeat step two for all nails to get a second coat of powder. I find that two coats is enough for saturated color. Also, some quick tips. If your edges or cuticle line are not the neatest, you can use the provided cuticle pusher to scrape away the messy part. If you missed any spots in your first coat, be sure to get some Base onto those spots! The powder will not stick otherwise.
4) Activate
Fourth, apply Activate. This product dries almost instantly to harden and set the powder into place. You do not need to file the nails at all! Only file them if you applied too much powder and they look bulky, or if the tips are messy.
5) Top Coat
The last step in how to apply Nailboo dip powder is to apply Top. A common pitfall with dip powder is when the top coat does not dry shiny. To ensure shiny nails, scrub each nail with a lint free cotton square wet with rubbing alcohol. From here, I applied one generous coat of top coat. It dried within minutes and left an incredible shine. I had no issues with smudging or creasing of the top coat. You should use a cuticle oil of your choice.
Nailboo Dip Kit Removal
Remvoing dip powder is never an easy feat. Make sure you set some time aside. While there are many methods, I will name the most common.
Always start by filing the surface of the nails to remove the shine of the top coat. This breaks the seal of the top coat to allow the acetone to penetrate. If you have an electric filing tool that would be even better.
Next, rip cotton balls up into small pieces. Soak the pieces in 100% pure acetone. Place a piece on each nail, and secure them by wrapping them in aluminum foil. An alternative to foil are nail soak off clips. Wait 20 minutes, then inspect. There are scraping tools that you can buy, but be careful to not damage your nails.
You can also purchase an acetone steamer. The machine allows you to stick five fingers into the holes and normally has a timer. Several sessions for each hand will most likely be needed.
Nailboo Dip Powder Starter Kit Review
Now it is time for my Nailboo dip powder kit review. I must say, this is the best that my dip powder nails have ever looked! Of course, I can attribute that to experience and the video. In my original dip powder nails tutorial where I test the Serendipity kit, you can see my newbie challenges. The shine is great, and lasts. One major disappointment is that I had cracking on two nails five days after application, and more days later. The cracked sections come off, leaving you with that chipped nail polish look. I have never encountered this with dip powder. I ended up removing these after three weeks of wear instead of waiting for six, partially due to the cracking. After this time I get bored and want to change up my look. This puts me on the fence about recommending their product. It may not crack for you, but I am uncertain what user error I could be facing.
Nailboo Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs:
I am ending with some frequently asked questions about dipping with this brand:
How long does Nailboo dip last?
Nailboo dip is made to last for up to six weeks of wear. In my experience, I started seeing cracks after five days, and the cracked areas chipped off.
How many coats of Nailboo dip powder are needed?
Nailboo dip powder needs two to three coats. It depends on how vibrant you want the color to be. I use two coats to avoid bulky looking nails.
Does Nailboo come off easily?
Nailboo, like all dip powders, does not necessarily come off easy. It requires filing, soaking in acetone, and scraping several times. You should be prepared to spend some time on removal.
Shop The Nailboo Dip Kit
Conclusion
In summary of the Nailboo dip powder kit, the end results are beautiful and vibrant, with plenty of shine. The application process is simple, but not any different from other kits. Nor is the removal unique in any way. I unfortunately experienced the product cracking and chipping off only five days into wear. This makes it hard for me to give the kit a proper thumbs up. I would love to hear your experience in the comments! Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
How often do you apply dip powder?
One Response
This is an honest review. My first try, seemingly went well, and looked good until they cracked and chipped 4 days later. I removed it and tried again, this time using one coat of building powder, and two of paint because many of the reviewed said use three coats of powder for a durable nail. Great, so I did.
I used the activator and the nails didn’t harden as much as they should, so when I buffed them the paint peeled in certain spots making them look blotchy. Story short- save your $$$!
I then called customer care. Good luck getting in touch with anyone there. I’m certain that it is THE WORST customer service of any company. I ended up spending $85 for the kit and they refunded me $36.92. I threw it in the trash. I will never use this product again. Just awful!