Education

Manicure Types: From Gel Manicures to Regular Polish to Dip Powder Nails

Manicure Types: From Gel Manicures to Regular Polish to Dip Powder Nails

exploring at-home nail polish options for every style

With all the different types of nail polish readily available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. We’re going to break down the various nail polish options for at-home manicures.

Regular Polish

Regular or Traditional nail polish, also known as  or Standard Lacquer, is that classic nail polish we all know and love. It is what’s used in Nimble manicures today. Regular polish is easily applied, usually with a base coat, one to two coats of color, and a top coat. Regular polish air dries, so special equipment like a UV lamp is not needed. It is also easily removed with a quick swipe of nail polish remover and does not require soaking, making it easier on and healthier for your nails. Different types of regular polish include quick dry or long-lasting (usually a trade-off between the two) and with or without ingredient exclusions.  Nimble polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and 13-free, and are a balanced formulation in between the spectrum of quick dry and long-lasting.

Gel Polish

Gel is traditionally found at nail salons, but is becoming more popular in-home. Gel nail polish differs from regular polish in that it requires a UV lamp to cure and dry. This is a popular solution for those who like to wear their polish for longer periods of time, as gel manicures can for several weeks. Gel polish takes longer to remove and requires soaking in acetone. Because of this process it can be damaging to your nails if not done properly. Some people also have concerns about the long term effects UV lamps can have on skin.

Dip Powder Nails

Dip Powder polish is done by placing colored powder on your nails. It is called “Dip” because oftentimes people will dip their nails into the container of colored powder. First a base coat is applied, and then the powder is applied two or three times directly to the wet base polish. Finally, an activating top coat is applied, which air dries quickly. Dip Powder can also last several weeks and is easier on your nails and fingers than Gel polish because it does not require curing under a UV light. Dip Powder is also removed by soaking your nails in acetone, which can be damaging to your skin and nails, but is a less harsh removal process than gel.

What type of polish you choose really depends on how long you want your polish to last, how concerned you are with nail health,how much you want to invest in equipment, and how skilled you are at painting your own nails. We are partial to the regular polish available with a Nimble manicure because it is gentler on your nails and colors can be changed more easily depending on your mood. Check out our color selection here.

While we covered nail polish types in this article, be sure to check out our blog post on the different types of nail enhancements and extensions available.

shop the story

get the look

N•14 Glazed
N•14
creamy milk tea
$10
N•15 Tulle
N•15
taupe with a touch of bronze
$10
N•16 Cardigan
N•16
beigey nude
$10
N•17 Degas
N•17
sunkissed brown-ish pink
$10