How to Create Polka Dot Nails with Dip Powder

Difficulty
Moderate
Time required
1 Hour
Salon price 
Est. $69+ / Mani
DipWell price 
Est. $6 / Mani
Step 1

- Apply a thin coat of Step 1 Bond. Allow it to dry completely.
Step 2



- Apply a thin coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail, & immediately dip fingernail into Base & Finish powder.
Step 3

- Tap finger to remove loose powder. Then use a fluffy brush to sweep off excess powder.
Step 4



- Apply another coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail and immediately dip fingernail into color powder of choice. Here we are using French White.
PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base is applied.
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Step 5





- Tap to remove loose powder. Using a pointed tool, clean up the cuticle edges. Then use a fluffy brush to sweep off excess powder. Repeat for more coverage.
Step 6

- Apply Step 3 Activator to the entire nail & allow a few minutes for the dip blend to harden.
PRO TIP: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase your dry time.
Step 7

- File and buff nails to create a smooth surface.
Step 8

- On a small piece of foil, add a few drops of Step 4 Sealer.
Step 9



- Using a toothpick, apply the Step 4 Sealer on the nail creating dots of varying sizes near the cuticle. Then use a small scoop to pour a lighter color powder over the nail. Here we are using PA14.
PRO TIP: Be sure to add more drops of Step 4 Sealer to foil as needed.
Step 10





- Using a toothpick & Step 4 Sealer, add more dots of varying sizes to the mid-section of the nail. Then use a small scoop to pour the second shade of dip powder over the nail. Here we are using PA01.
- Once again, use the toothpick & Step 4 Sealer to create more dots of varying sizes to the tip of the nail. Then use a small scoop to pour the darkest color powder over the nail. Here we are using CL08.
Step 11




- Apply a final coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail and immediately dip fingernail into Base & Finish powder. Tap finger to remove loose powder and use a fluffy brush to sweep off any excess.
Step 12

- Apply Step 3 Activator, allow 3-5 minutes for dip blend to harden.
PRO TIP: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase your dry time.
Step 13



- File and buff nails to achieve desired nail shape & smoothness.
Step 14

- Wash hands or use a lint-free wipe saturated in alcohol to wipe the nails clean.
PRO TIP: Make sure nails are completely dry before moving to the next step!
Step 15

- Apply a coat of Step 4 Sealer, & allow it to dry for 1-2 minutes.
Step 16



- Apply another coat of Step 3 Activator. Allow 5 full minutes for nails to dry.
- Use a dry lint-free wipe to clean the nail surface from any excess activator.
Step 17



- Apply a coat of Step 4 Sealer in thin, quick strokes. Allow 2-3 minutes for nails to dry.
- Apply a final coat of Step 4 Sealer to the entire nail. Allow 3-5 minutes for nails to completely dry.
PRO TIP: Don't apply more than 2 consecutive coats of Sealer as this will prevent even drying & may result in a gummy mani.
Finish!



Polka dot nails are cute and festive - any time of year! We love this dot nail design in pink ombre. And it’s easy to do this nail art with acrylic dip powder at home.