When I was growing up, my mother got manicures bi-weekly and I would always tag along, sit next to her and watch the nail technician step-by-step while fantasizing about my future of being a nail tech. From helping my mother choose a nail color (let’s be real, she probably didn’t choose the color I picked a majority of the time), to spinning in the chair at the “nail station” next to where my mom was sitting, this was an outing I looked forward to. Often times, when my mother would be drying her nails, my mother’s nail tech would paint my nails briefly before her next client arrived..and I would be on cloud nine for days. It’s no secret, if you know me then you know I barely (okay, never) leave the house without my nails painted. I like to call it, Manicure Madness.
In my career, self-care is extremely important. Actually, I should say in ANY career, self-care is extremely important. I know that might sound like an excuse, and maybe it is, but I would get my nails done whether my career was stressful or not. To me, getting my nails done is a relaxing, mindless (after picking out your nail color of course) and satisfying experience every month. Getting my nails done is something that makes me feel “put together” in my life. And let’s face it, nobody has their life “put together” at all times, or even half the time haha but if having my nails properly groomed makes me feel like my life is “together” and gives me an hour or so to relax every four to five weeks, then I’m going to do it.
Recently, nail art and nail trends have been “all the hype” and I cannot express how exciting this is for me. Manicures will always be a “thing” in my book of life and I’m so grateful they have evolved from the simple “manicure” and today I’m here to provide my feedback. If you want to review my thoughts on no-chip manicures vs dip manicures, continue reading below.
If you’d read above, it’s no secret I love my manicures. Since I’ve started my career four years ago, I don’t remember the last time I saw my nails without color. Some may say that’s “unhealthy” or “bad” for my nails. And who knows, it might be, I’m no Medical Doctor. But truthfully, when the salon removes the nail color from my nails to paint or dip a new color on them, my nails are as healthy as they’ve always been and stronger than ever. On that note, I’ll make sure to report back if this ever changes…always want my readers to be informed!
No-chip manicures
Like regular manicures, no-chip manicures entails using nail polish. But not regular nail polish, nail polish that has a gel base. The gel-based nail polish is applied to the nail with a base coat polish first, then two coats of polish and lastly, a sealer polish. Once all polishes are on the nail the polishes are cured to the nail under an ultraviolet (UV) light. Usually, the hand is placed under the UV light for up to a minute vs minute and a half then you switch and place your other hand under the UV light for the same amount of time. You rotate hands under the UV light two, possibly three times depending on the color and how many coats the nail tech put on. The positive of this manicure is it usually is around $35.00-$40.00 and lasts you up to two weeks, three weeks if you’re lucky and take care of your hands/nails and protect them from everyday activities (digging in your purse, cleaning products, typing on laptop, washing hands continuously throughout the day etc.). Personally, the no-chip brand I would get (after many trials) was the OPI no-chip. The OPI no-chip brand (and no this is not an endorsement or ad) was the only brand that would stay on my nails for three weeks no problem. But again, IMO.
Here is where I will talk about the “unhealthy” or “bad” side of no-chip manicures. Now, please remember this is my personal opinion that I am writing on my blog and there are a lot of articles out there discussing the pros and cons of no-chip manicures so I encourage you to read them at your own will. That being said, I’ll proceed. Some will say the UV lights are dangerous and exposing your hands to harmful lights might cause harm to your body/skin/nails. The nail salon I was going to before I moved (hi, I miss you all so so much) provided their guests collagen infused hand gloves that the clients wore under the UV light. Did they work in protecting your hands from he UV light you ask? I have no idea. But, it did make you feel better mentally as your polish was being set under the UV light. I’m sure there is research out there for this and if I was still getting no-chip manicures, I would definitely provide that research to you.
Now, that brings me to my new and favorite manicure of all time (so far, 2019) and the reason why I do not need to research if the UV light collagen gloves are protecting your skin/hands/nails while under their heat or not.
Dip manicures
This manicure is the holy grail you guys. I am obsessed. Dip manicures use a pigmented powder for your base and color and ending with a clear sealer polish to top it off. The process goes as such, the nail tech paints a base coat of clear polish onto the nail and then the nail is dipped into (or brushed onto, much more hygienic) into a white powder for the “base.” Secondly, the same base coat of clear polish is applied to the nail over the white powder. Then the nail is dipped into the color polish (repeat this x2). After the color is on, the nail tech will then file and shape your nails. Wash nails without soap. Then a different clear coat of polish is applied over the powder color to “activate” the color (repeat x2). After this step, a different clear polish is applied to the nail to provide an intense and beautiful shine to the nail that will catch anyone’s eye. This manicure lasts a solid four to five weeks (again, based on your nail protection while doing everyday activities). IMPORTANT to note: no UV light with this process. Since beginning my experience with dip nails, the brands I tend to lean more towards is Kiara Sky and SNS. I do experiment with other brands though and Apple is still in the running. The dip manicures usually run you a little more than the no-chip manicures and typically cost around $40.00-50.00.
Now, with this being said. I have read many articles on the wonderful world wide web and there are pros and cons, as there are with anything. And again, everything I am discussing is truly my own opinion and I am not a Medical Doctor. Please consult your medical professional if you see anything wrong with your nails/nail beds or experience any health concerns.
Can you tell I work in healthcare? Ha, I try hard to keep my blogging life and work life different…but who doesn’t like to be reminded to see their medical professional if they see changes in their body/mental health?! OKAY, that is my review on no-chip vs dip manicures, TDA readers. What do you think, no-chip vs dip? What one do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below, I would LOVE to hear your feedback and see why you like one over the other. PS—has anyone had no-chip or dip as pedicures?! Let me know what ya think in the comments below!!
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All photos are my own, please refrain from duplicating.
XO
