"DIY Your Own Dip Nail Manicure with Nailboo"
Getting salon-quality nails at home doesn't require a time-consuming trip to the salon anymore! Meet Nailboo, the solution to your nail dreams. Here's our straight-up review after trying it out ourselves.
We understand your skepticism - can an untrained manicurist truly nail a DIY dip manicure? We wanted to find out. So, we tried our hand at Nailboo, and guess what... if we can do it, you can too!
A Little Background
Look, I'm no manicurist pro, but I do love pretty nails. However, my impatient self, lack of coordination, and limited nail budget made it tough to maintain beautiful fingers. I tried painting my own nails, but even with regular efforts, I couldn't escape the tell-tale signs of a kitchen-counter manicure. So, I settled for pricy gel manicures at the salon.
But with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my nail game took a back seat. That was until I came across Nailboo videos on TikTok this summer.
What's Nailboo, You Ask?
Nailboo offers a salon-quality dip manicure experience at home for a fraction of the cost. Simply buy a kit and get everything you need, from dip powder colors to plastic clips for easy removal. Plus, their tutorials are perfect for visual learners like me!
What's in the Nailboo Dip Kit?
- "Build" powder
- Colorful Powders (pick from a wide range)
- Liquid base coat, top coat, and color activator
- Cuticle pusher, nail file, and brush
- Accessories cleaner
- Removal clips
Our Experience with Nailboo
The first thing that caught my eye was the incredible color selection offered. I opted for a set that included four colors: Sunset Fog (a reddish-brown shade), Magic Matcha (a fun light green), Latte Lady (a taupe-like hue), and Tuscan Tea (a neutral cream).
At first, the array of powders and liquids seemed overwhelming, but once I laid out the steps, it all became manageable.
The learning curve was steep, but I managed! Admittedly, my first attempt resulted in a messy left thumbnail, which I attempted to correct with another coat of dip. Needless to say, the result was a stubborn, oversized "bubble nail" that my partner couldn't stop joking about. However, even with a less-than-perfect technique, the color and finish from the powder still looked incredible and hid the imperfections pretty well!
The top coat dries incredibly fast - no more smudging or chipping within minutes after application! As someone who always ruins her polish in the first few hours, this might be the best plus for me!
The Perks
- Easy to apply (once you get the hang of it!)
- Dries quickly - no smudges!
- Color can last up to a few weeks
- Reuse your favorite colors
- More affordable than professional nail appointments
The Downsides
- Like anything, takes some practice
- Can be messy
- Dip powder may cause irritation (known as "dip flu") for some people
Ready to give it a shot? While Nailboo offers online tutorials for visual learners, here's a quick rundown of the steps:
- Apply base coat liquid.
- Dip fingertip in base powder.
- Apply another layer of base coat liquid.
- Dip fingertip in colored powder.
- Apply a thin layer of activator liquid, wait 2 minutes.
- Buff nails.
- Apply another layer of activator liquid, wait 2 minutes.
- Apply top coat and voila!
Tips for Acing It
- Go nail-by-nail: Apply the base coat and dip one nail at a time for the smoothest results.
- Apply THIN layers: Avoid globbing on too much liquid or powder, as it may lead to thick and uneven nails.
- Keep your space tidy: Do your nails on a paper towel or cloth to minimize mess.
Curing Dip Flu
Nailboo warns of "dip flu," a series of flu-like symptoms that some dip powder users experience. To prevent these symptoms:
- Use in a well-ventilated room.
- Wear a mask and glasses.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Clean up after your manicure to keep your space free of dust.
Time to Get Shopping!
Think you're ready to give it a go? Head over to Nailboo's site and start your nail journey. We recommend starting with their starter kit - it's budget-friendly, and all you need to create professional-looking nails at home!
Shop now at Nailboo
The Bottom Line
Want to change up your nail game without leaving home? Nailboo could be your new best buddy. They offer DIY dip nails that are gorgeous, long-lasting, and affordable. Like with any new beauty routine, there's a learning curve, but with a little patience and practice, you'll be nailin' it (pun intended) in no time!
The vibrant colors of Nailboo's dip powder reminded me of the e88f67476d89fdce245ffde37591e80c shade I once admired. With its comprehensive dip kit, Nailboo's tutorials became my new regular resource, guiding me through the intricacies of a DIY dip manicure. Even with initial imperfections, the beauty of the dip powder transformed my nails, concealing my mistakes rather than highlighting them.
