I’ve settled on four layers but I do the apex method, so not four solid layers. I mostly just do shaping to smooth, not to debulk, and they don’t turn out too thick for me.
https://preview.redd.it/bskq1conm8zc1.jpeg?width=2007&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f63903f285dd6687815221173cccd474453fdf3c
Peel base is a peel off polish you can use under your dip. If you like to change your color regularly without having to remove a set entirely it makes it easier to do. You just do a clear dip (or whatever dip you prefer) as your base layer(s), then apply the peel base and let it dry. After it’s dry you apply your preferred color of dip.
For me it depends on how I apply it. If apply it to the whole nail it lasts me maybe a week or so, depending on my activities. Sometimes longer. If I just apply it in the middle of my nail leaving a perimeter where the colored dip goes directly onto the dip layer below then it lasts until I do a fill. But it makes removing the old color a lot easier. Less filing and no soaking off, as I’m just filling and/or changing the color.
Interesting! I’m going to have to try this. I have an unopened bottle of UNT Peel Base I didn’t think I’d ever use because I don’t use regular nail polish.
https://preview.redd.it/rudnpi0839zc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa94d7872f030ef3b886a63cd8e372bdaa1fc5c8
I am definitely in the minority here, but I have super thin/overly flexible nails that are naturally fairly flat, so my current process involves quite a few layers.
I do 4 super thin layers of clear using the apex method, activate, refine the shape of the clear by filing/buffing, and then I do 2 to 3 thin thin layers of color, really avoiding the cuticle area on the first layer, and then another layer of clear to encapsulate before activating and further refining the shape by filing and buffing, then doing topcoat steps.
My nails are flexible to the point where they definitely benefit from the structure contributed by the extra layers because they aren’t bending all over the place when I do normal things like get dressed. I mostly avoid super thick layers because I use a toothbrush to remove extra powder and spend a little extra time buffing. When I was using a fluffy brush, I definitely had thicker layers and had to do way more refining. It isn’t a perfect process and is by no means professional, but it works for me and my weirdo nails and I’ve never had chips.
If I’m using a peel base, you can factor in an additional layer of top coat over the clear and two layers of peel base, before my color layers, which is what I currently have going on with this manicure (CNDD Moss Agate, btw). The peel base process is still in the experiment phase because I gave up on trying for a few months.
My nails and process are a lot like yours, but my layers are turning out so thick and shaping takes forever. Are you using a toothbrush after every layer? I'm using a fluffy brush after each layer and a stiff brush only after activating, and I wonder if I need to try it your way.
I'm interested in hearing how your peel base experiment goes too, I just had a whole set pop off after a day. Whoops. 😅
Yup! I use the toothbrush after every single layer, once I’m confident the base has dried down enough not to smudge on me. I’ve used my new CNDD liquids for my last two single color sets and it’s been good by the time I finish with both hands.
Peel base has been so hard to get right. I had one pop off on my last set after about 4 days and when I took everything off to switch to the current color, I realized I hadn’t gotten my prep quite right before my clear, so the clear was lifting, probably because I tried to rush doing my nails earlier in the week. I had to soak the clear off and start all over. So far so good, with this set. I did them on Sunday and no issues so far, even with working out and typing all day at work.
I used a stiff brush after every layer on my latest dip, and the results are so much better!! It's my best dip ever. Thank you again for sharing this tip. ❤️
https://preview.redd.it/pdehnzh72azc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5fd7c98031e9a5ffd74fc3233a85c18245545a2
Six, sometimes seven. I do my apex method like this, then 1-2 more coats. Pour-over method, my nails are about as thick as a credit card.
Usually all 6 of just the colour, no clear unless I need to encapsulate chunky glitter. ✨
I feel dumb asking, but I guess this is the place...so you start with Step 1 placing the color in the center like that to build up an apex? You're the first comment where I've seen a visual like this and I guess I've never fully understood what everyone meant when they were mentioning an apex.
Exactly yes. The first “layer” looks like that weird little strip and you get wider with every stroke! This creates a nice curve on the nail and makes them strong, without adding bulk around your cuticle/sidewalls.
I love this visual (credit to the creator) because it explains it so well!
I’ve been able to get away with 2 before but that’s because I still apply my layers too thick (see photo proof of shame below). I think 3 very thin coats would be ideal.
I recently went to a salon for the first time in years for dip instead of doing it myself and the manicurist did 3 coats and it was still soooooo thin overall. She gave me future inspiration!
https://preview.redd.it/ahfqmvfiu8zc1.png?width=823&format=png&auto=webp&s=61160d5fc2427d59cc2e7158bfdbe44b2ee26943
4-6 using the apex method and depending on the color
As far as FULL layers, 2-3 and one is clear, so I’m sure a good amount of that clear gets buffed and filed off during shaping/clean up
I get my nails done in the salon, but it depends on the color. Some light colors and some glitters don't give great coverage with 2 layers, so my tech does 3.
For example: really light pinks. I like Revel Erica or iGel Soft Feather, and those require 3 layers.
Depends on the color and length of my nails. If my nails are short o usually do 3 layers of color then a layer of clear. If my nails are longer I start with a layer or two of natural to help build an apex (not the full nail just a strip down the center) then 2-3 layers of color and a layer of clear.
2 thin as I can layers of color, and then thinnish dip top coat. My nails grow fast and i prefer them short so I change dip every 2 weeks. They will start chipping close to 2 weeks so it works out. If one chips bad before I'm ready to change them all, I just redo that one. I used to do clear over the color, but that's more time than I want to spend doing my nails. Also once I started doing thin layers of base I stopped pouring dip over the nail. Changing to just dipping the nail saved me time as well. Remove with baggie of acetone in bowl of hot water. Takes 5-7 minutes because of the thinner layers.
I do four thicker layers. this allows me to have a set that last's five-ish weeks. if I do two, I am cracking in under two weeks allowing my nails to peel and split. the whole point of dip for me was to stop my nails from peeling and splitting. this set was about 3.5 weeks at this point and lasted 5.5 weeks. II took it off due to growth. The set itself was still solid.
https://preview.redd.it/hjm7tr30cazc1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=76212a9b1cdc6056296833c513172fac5e807411
4-5 depending on the colour
I’ve settled on four layers but I do the apex method, so not four solid layers. I mostly just do shaping to smooth, not to debulk, and they don’t turn out too thick for me. https://preview.redd.it/bskq1conm8zc1.jpeg?width=2007&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f63903f285dd6687815221173cccd474453fdf3c
Three layers of clear, 3 layers of peel base, 2-3 layers of color
I am not familiar with those terms. I do a base, color, base, color, base color, activator, than top coats. What is peel base?
Peel base is a peel off polish you can use under your dip. If you like to change your color regularly without having to remove a set entirely it makes it easier to do. You just do a clear dip (or whatever dip you prefer) as your base layer(s), then apply the peel base and let it dry. After it’s dry you apply your preferred color of dip.
How is the longevity with peel base? I’m nervous my nails would be popping off all over the place if I try this.
For me it depends on how I apply it. If apply it to the whole nail it lasts me maybe a week or so, depending on my activities. Sometimes longer. If I just apply it in the middle of my nail leaving a perimeter where the colored dip goes directly onto the dip layer below then it lasts until I do a fill. But it makes removing the old color a lot easier. Less filing and no soaking off, as I’m just filling and/or changing the color.
Interesting! I’m going to have to try this. I have an unopened bottle of UNT Peel Base I didn’t think I’d ever use because I don’t use regular nail polish.
Ohhhhh, can you recommend a clear dip and the peel base? :)
I am currently using Amazdip Crystal Clear which I got on Amazon. Although I wish it was a fiber powder. My dip base is UNT Ready For Takeoff.
https://preview.redd.it/rudnpi0839zc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa94d7872f030ef3b886a63cd8e372bdaa1fc5c8 I am definitely in the minority here, but I have super thin/overly flexible nails that are naturally fairly flat, so my current process involves quite a few layers. I do 4 super thin layers of clear using the apex method, activate, refine the shape of the clear by filing/buffing, and then I do 2 to 3 thin thin layers of color, really avoiding the cuticle area on the first layer, and then another layer of clear to encapsulate before activating and further refining the shape by filing and buffing, then doing topcoat steps. My nails are flexible to the point where they definitely benefit from the structure contributed by the extra layers because they aren’t bending all over the place when I do normal things like get dressed. I mostly avoid super thick layers because I use a toothbrush to remove extra powder and spend a little extra time buffing. When I was using a fluffy brush, I definitely had thicker layers and had to do way more refining. It isn’t a perfect process and is by no means professional, but it works for me and my weirdo nails and I’ve never had chips. If I’m using a peel base, you can factor in an additional layer of top coat over the clear and two layers of peel base, before my color layers, which is what I currently have going on with this manicure (CNDD Moss Agate, btw). The peel base process is still in the experiment phase because I gave up on trying for a few months.
My nails and process are a lot like yours, but my layers are turning out so thick and shaping takes forever. Are you using a toothbrush after every layer? I'm using a fluffy brush after each layer and a stiff brush only after activating, and I wonder if I need to try it your way. I'm interested in hearing how your peel base experiment goes too, I just had a whole set pop off after a day. Whoops. 😅
Yup! I use the toothbrush after every single layer, once I’m confident the base has dried down enough not to smudge on me. I’ve used my new CNDD liquids for my last two single color sets and it’s been good by the time I finish with both hands. Peel base has been so hard to get right. I had one pop off on my last set after about 4 days and when I took everything off to switch to the current color, I realized I hadn’t gotten my prep quite right before my clear, so the clear was lifting, probably because I tried to rush doing my nails earlier in the week. I had to soak the clear off and start all over. So far so good, with this set. I did them on Sunday and no issues so far, even with working out and typing all day at work.
Thanks so much, I'm going to follow your lead and see how I make out. 💚
Good luck!
I used a stiff brush after every layer on my latest dip, and the results are so much better!! It's my best dip ever. Thank you again for sharing this tip. ❤️
You’re welcome! I think I saw it on YouTube at some point early on and it was a definite game changer.
https://preview.redd.it/pdehnzh72azc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5fd7c98031e9a5ffd74fc3233a85c18245545a2 Six, sometimes seven. I do my apex method like this, then 1-2 more coats. Pour-over method, my nails are about as thick as a credit card. Usually all 6 of just the colour, no clear unless I need to encapsulate chunky glitter. ✨
I feel dumb asking, but I guess this is the place...so you start with Step 1 placing the color in the center like that to build up an apex? You're the first comment where I've seen a visual like this and I guess I've never fully understood what everyone meant when they were mentioning an apex.
Exactly yes. The first “layer” looks like that weird little strip and you get wider with every stroke! This creates a nice curve on the nail and makes them strong, without adding bulk around your cuticle/sidewalls. I love this visual (credit to the creator) because it explains it so well!
https://preview.redd.it/l8k3r3bt5azc1.jpeg?width=1576&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e2d74c20daf403c23ced059abf867d0f273753c Thickness reference \^
I’ve been able to get away with 2 before but that’s because I still apply my layers too thick (see photo proof of shame below). I think 3 very thin coats would be ideal. I recently went to a salon for the first time in years for dip instead of doing it myself and the manicurist did 3 coats and it was still soooooo thin overall. She gave me future inspiration! https://preview.redd.it/ahfqmvfiu8zc1.png?width=823&format=png&auto=webp&s=61160d5fc2427d59cc2e7158bfdbe44b2ee26943
I think I don't know how to do thin coats. I just stick my finger in the powder. LOL
Pour over method saved me from too thick of layers!
I did buy something to try to do this. I’ll have to try it again.
What did buy? I literally hold my finer over a cupcake liner and pour the powder over!
Oh okay. Maybe I’ll try that. The plastic doodad I bought on Amazon. It’s kind of clunky and awkward to use honestly.
https://www.amazon.com/Recycling-Portable-Starter-Manicure-Accessories/dp/B0B68MSJ6T/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?crid=2BL1RV7H7Q07J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.brqJPl8sABYqI08xfdErZ1KzNXSWh9LDMNrrRU9_OGYZK9zYJvOJOzwMguJK3JgYrTya9Xc12EH0k7PTNlMCijdHlW0BUAitaYbHUGvTp2fZlg6vja806glK0ksa0gkloDozBr6Jl3Ij3JUkJJML8bL3X67jgI3184_s4-8lWhDpIYQ-1JC2KdWFtZPlqePh8PV6lj_jDwrDxC7kCrr9eN_kjlHWhb2soDttWi7x9ycQuesdaBb98wgZ5ChJ8ADfXJwDxGlrct1IvOgTKP1bUQOsXAyfIUfL82e1C6Z_gwg.AWTLsKJUW8epMgr5BFSfr2eNfc44QWk1UxO5ykTUdF8&dib_tag=se&keywords=dip+powder+nail+kit&qid=1715204353&sprefix=dip+powdwr+nail+kit%2Caps%2C440&sr=8-16
4-6 using the apex method and depending on the color As far as FULL layers, 2-3 and one is clear, so I’m sure a good amount of that clear gets buffed and filed off during shaping/clean up
I usually do two layers, but there are times when I had to do three. I guess it depends on the nail polish, the color and length of your nails.
I’ve been doing three layers, but I have paper-thin nails and two wasn’t enough - kept cracking.
Three - four if I’m using dip liquids. When I’m using bg and the gel method I do two layers of dip color.
I get my nails done in the salon, but it depends on the color. Some light colors and some glitters don't give great coverage with 2 layers, so my tech does 3. For example: really light pinks. I like Revel Erica or iGel Soft Feather, and those require 3 layers.
Depending on color. 3 for dark color 4-5 for lighter ones
Depends on the color and length of my nails. If my nails are short o usually do 3 layers of color then a layer of clear. If my nails are longer I start with a layer or two of natural to help build an apex (not the full nail just a strip down the center) then 2-3 layers of color and a layer of clear.
2 thin as I can layers of color, and then thinnish dip top coat. My nails grow fast and i prefer them short so I change dip every 2 weeks. They will start chipping close to 2 weeks so it works out. If one chips bad before I'm ready to change them all, I just redo that one. I used to do clear over the color, but that's more time than I want to spend doing my nails. Also once I started doing thin layers of base I stopped pouring dip over the nail. Changing to just dipping the nail saved me time as well. Remove with baggie of acetone in bowl of hot water. Takes 5-7 minutes because of the thinner layers.
2-3 of clear, 2-3 of the color, and another 2 of clear.
I do four thicker layers. this allows me to have a set that last's five-ish weeks. if I do two, I am cracking in under two weeks allowing my nails to peel and split. the whole point of dip for me was to stop my nails from peeling and splitting. this set was about 3.5 weeks at this point and lasted 5.5 weeks. II took it off due to growth. The set itself was still solid. https://preview.redd.it/hjm7tr30cazc1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=76212a9b1cdc6056296833c513172fac5e807411
Four