Is Nail Dip Acrylic? All About Acrylic vs Dip Nails

Dip nails and acrylic nails are two of the most popular systems in professional nail services. They both offer durable, long lasting, strong nail options. While they may look similar at first glance, they are not the same (not necessarily anyway).

If you have ever wondered is nail dip acrylic  or wanted a comparison between acrylic vs dip nails, this guide breaks down the difference between dip and acrylic nails and clears up any confusion, once and for all.

Is Nail Dip Acrylic?

So to start off, we want to answer your question. Is nail dip acrylic? Well, not exactly… but it can be. Dip powders and acrylic powders have very different application methods, but they often share similar base ingredients. (See nail dip powder ingredients) In fact, PLA’s 2-in-1 Acrylic and Dip formula can be used as both a dip system with dip liquids, and as acrylic with liquid monomer.

That means, in some cases, you are getting the versatility of two different systems in one jar. This is perfect for artists who want flexible options for different clients or techniques.

Before we dive into whether or not acrylic vs dip nails are the same and before we answer is nail dip acrylic, let’s get into the basics of dip nails.

What Are Dip Nails?

Dip nails are a type of manicure that involves dipping nails into a pigmented powder. 

They are created by applying a bonding base coat to the natural nail, then dipping the nail into colored nail dip powder. The process is repeated several times, in layers, to build strength and color. An activator is then applied to cure the powder and harden the finish, and then the top coat is painted on for shine and to seal the manicure.

This technique creates a durable, long lasting manicure, often considered a hybrid between gel polish and acrylic nails. Speaking of acrylic, let’s talk about what acrylic nails are.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are a type of manicure that involves applying a mixture of acrylic nail powder and monomer to form a moldable bead that is brushed onto the nail or on an extension tip. The bead hardens quickly, forming a durable, sculpted nail that can be worn long or short, and painted over with polish.

This technique creates a durable, long lasting manicure, and is often a popular choice for those clients who prefer to keep their nails long.

So, is Nail Dip the Same as Acrylic?

Now that we know the basics about dip vs acrylic nails, it’s time to answer the question is nail dip acrylic?

While they both use a form of polymer powder (sometimes even the same exact polymer powder), dip and acrylic are not exactly the same system. Let’s get into the difference between dip and acrylic nails.

Dip is applied without monomer, doesn’t require sculpting, and results in a thinner, more-natural looking nail enhancement. It’s great to strengthen natural nails or for a short nail extension. 

Acrylic, on the other hand, offers more structure and customization, but requires more tools, time and technical skill. Since acrylic is buildable, and you can build an apex to protect the natural nail, it’s a great choice for short or long nail extensions.

Why People Confuse the Two

The main reason people ask is nail dip acrylic, and the systems get mixed up among beauty lovers is because the powders are similar, or even the same. Again, the big difference between dip and acrylic nails is how they are applied.

Acrylic vs Dip Nails: Key Differences to Consider

Let’s compare how the two systems differ across some of the most important features.

Application Method

We have scratched the surface on how dip and acrylic are applied differently, but let’s analyze the differences a little deeper.

• Dip is applied in a 4 step system: primer, base coat, activator and top coat. After nails are prepped:

• Step 1: Primer is applied to the natural nail to remove oils and balance the pH of the nail

• Step 2: Base coat is applied in order to give a strong bond between the dip powder and the nail, as it is sticky. After, the nail is dipped into acrylic powder. This step is repeated until the dip is at the desired color and thickness.

• Step 3: Once the nail reaches your desired color and thickness, an activator is applied to the nail, curing and hardening each powder layer.

• Step 4: Lastly, a top coat seals in color and adds a glossy finish.

• Acrylic, on the other hand, is applied a lot differently. After the nail is prepped, an acrylic application brush is dipped into liquid monomer, then into acrylic powder to form a small bead. The bead is applied to the nail and sculpted, and this can be repeated until the nail is at desired shape and thickness.

As a nail artist, you might choose to offer one or the other based on how they are applied or based on your personal skill level.

Strength and Durability

While both dip and acrylic are pretty durable manicures, there are some differences in acrylic vs dip nails.

• Dip nails are durable for everyday wear, but are slightly more flexible.

• Acrylic nails are stronger and more rigid, so they are better for longer extensions or heavy duty wear.

If your client is gentle with their nails and prefers a shorter manicure, dip is a good option. If your client is rough with their nails or wants a longer tip, acrylic is a better choice. 

Thickness and Look

One of the most notable differences to consider between dip vs acrylic nails is thickness and look. Whether you’re a client or a nail artist, this is something you probably have noticed. 

• Dip nails are typically thinner and more natural looking, but depending on application can appear gritty if the powder isn’t ultra fine or uneven if the layers aren’t applied smoothly between coats. Using high quality dip powder and proper buffing can help give a smoother finish.

• Acrylic nails can be built up thicker for more structure and shaping versatility. Also, most nail artists shape the acrylic after application with a nail file or nail drill. Because of that, acrylics tend to have a smoother, more sculpted appearance. This makes them ideal for crisp shaping.

When applied really well both acrylic vs dip nails can have a smooth, even look, but typically acrylic nails will be thicker overall.

Time and Convenience

On the topic of time and convenience, let’s cover the differences between acrylic vs dip nails. 

• Dip is much faster to apply in comparison to acrylic, as there is no sculpting required.

• Acrylic, on the other hand, is more time-consuming as it requires shaping, smoothing, and dry time!

Maintenance and Fills

Another key difference between dip vs acrylic nails  is the maintenance for them.

• While dip nails can be filled, many prefer to soak off the dip and reapply, much like gel polish.

• On the other hand, acrylic is designed for regular fills. With acrylic, you can drill or file the nails down, and rebuild acrylic to your desired thickness.

Because acrylic vs dip nails are so different, and to reapply dip nails requires a soak off, your maintenance appointments for dip are more tedious, while acrylic is a little quicker, since you aren’t fully rebuilding a nail.

Odor and Chemicals

Both dip and acrylic nails have an odor, but acrylic’s scent is much stronger. There is an extremely strong smell that is associated with monomer, the liquid that is paired with powder during acrylic application. Often, with acrylic nails, more ventilation is required.

So, Are Dip Nails Better Than Acrylic?

Now that we have answered the question is nail dip acrylic, and gone over the fundamentals of dip nails, acrylic nails, and dip vs acrylic nails, do you think one is better than the other?

Our answer? No. It depends on the client’s lifestyle and the nail tech’s goals. Dip nails are great for clients who want a natural feel, fast service and low odor. Acrylics are ideal for custom shapes, longer lengths, or added strength. One isn’t necessarily better, they just have different results.

Some salons or nail technicians offer both, and some specialize in one or the other!

PLA Pro is Your One-Stop Shop for Acrylic and Dip Nail Supplies!

Whether you specialize in acrylic, dip, or both, PLA has all the professional nail supplies you need to create flawless nail sets from start to finish.

From nail dip powder to glitter dip powder, we have 308 colors to choose from! 

Bringing Our Nail Dip vs Acrylic Nails Comparison to a Close

While they may share the same ingredients, acrylic and dip nails are applied differently, have a different chemical reaction, perform differently, and serve different clients. Understanding the differences means offering better services, better recommendations, and better results!

If you’re a nerd like us, and want to read more like this, check these out: how to apply lacquer nail polish and nail lacquer vs gel polish!