A Guide to Applying Chrome Powder to Dip Nails

Author:

Sophia

Published:

August 11, 2021

Updated:

August 15, 2021

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Applying chrome powder is a fun and easy way to give your nail that extra flare. If you are looking to do something new with your nails, this could be the ideal method for you. So, how do you apply chrome powder to dip nails?

To apply chrome powder to dip nails, first, remove shine from your nails and apply a thin coat of base. Dip the nails into the powder and shake off the excess. Then apply a coat of activator and give it shape with a file. Seal it with a no-wipe gel coat and allow the whole thing to set properly.

Table of Contents

What is Chrome Powder?

Now, let’s look at chrome powder in more detail and how exactly it functions. Does it have any harmful effects? How can you remove it without damaging your nails? These are some of the questions we are going to answer in this article about chrome powder and nail fashion.

Chrome powder is a special type of pigment that gives your nails a glossy, metallic look. People call this look for your nails a “mirror effect” because the shine on your nails becomes really prominent. It may include mica substrate to add the shiny effect, while pearlescent pigments provide the color.

This powder is predominantly used in various cosmetics, mainly for decoration your nail. It does not substitute nail polish, instead, it acts as a complementary product. In the beginning, you would only find this product in high–end salons or parlors, but now you can see people using it at home constantly.

How Do You Touch Up Powder Dip Nails?

Once you apply powder dip on your nails it is important to do a thorough touch-up to really make it shine. Touch-up is important to fix any chip or fill in areas of natural regrowth. This keeps your nails pretty while not taking as much time as before.

Here are the things you will be needing for this touch up:

Nail file and buffer
Jelly Pusher
Step 1 bond
Step 2 base
Step 3 activator
Step 5 sealer
Lint-free wipe

Now, let’s go over the steps one by one:

Use the file to trim off the existing powder in the areas that show regrowth. You need to create a seamless transition between the dip powder and your natural nail bed.
If your new color is a lighter shade, you should file down the existing dip all the way through the base. Otherwise, the previous color may pop out, creating a messy texture.
Use a pusher to push back the edge of the cuticle.
Apply a thin coat of bond to the uncolored natural part of the nail and let it dry.
Now, coat your natural nail with the base and quickly dip it in the powder of your choice. Brush off the excess and let it set.
You can do this for the entire nail if you want to do it over every part. Repeat if necessary.
Now use the activator for a thin coating and let it dry for a couple of minutes.
File and buff your nails to create a smooth feel. Use a lint-free wipe to remove any excess product.
Then apply a second coat of activator and let it dry for another couple of minutes.
Once the activator hardens, apply the sealer and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
You can apply a second coat if you feel you need it. The method is the same for the second time.

And there you have it, perfectly touched-up nails. With this method, you can redo or rejuvenate your existing powder-dipped nails for bare any hassle. You do not need to go to the salon every time natural growth impedes your perfect nails.

What is the Difference Between Chrome and Holographic Powder?

Here is another trend stirring up the fashion world and in particular the nail fashion industry. The holographic powder is also becoming very popular among people for its eye-catching flourish. So, does this mean it is identical to chrome powder?

No, chrome and holographic powder are not the same material even though they both have similar use. You see chrome has a smooth, metallic shine effect but is mono color. On the other hand, the holographic powder is all about a celebration of different colors. It is less glossy than chrome but adds a “rainbow effect” to your nails.

Ultimately, the choice between holographic and chrome is all down to your preference. And most people alternate between the two depending on the occasion and their mood. You will get two different effects with these products but they are both a fabulous choice for pretty nails.

How Long Does Chrome Powder Stay on Nails?

When applied, the chrome polish can stay on your nails for one to two weeks. Depending on the brand and quality of the product, this period can vary significantly. Cheaper, more flaky powder tends to wear off pretty early.

Of course, the duration also depends on how well you applied it and how you take care of your nails. Plus, natural wear and tear and regrowth is a common thing. So, doing frequent touch-ups usually helps to keep the color for longer.

How Do You Make Chrome Powder Dip Last Longer?

Now, let’s talk about how you can preserve those pretty, chromatic nails for longer. After going through all that care and trouble, it would be upsetting if the color starts to fade in a couple of days. So, here are some tips:

Make sure that you cover the edges with the sealer or topcoat. Otherwise, your nails will be prone to get chipped and the color will start to wear off.

Do not apply too much powder, instead try to be as smooth and even as possible. Apply as much as you need and thoroughly polish it until you get a nice, shiny look.

After coating with the sealer, you should always give it time to dry properly. The sealer should be of a non-wipe variety, but you can still make the surface uneven by touching it before drying.

A common problem we see is the top layer becoming wrinkled or dented. This happens when the chrome pigments somehow get into the topcoat mixture. The same can happen if there are dust particles or other substances. So, make sure to use a clean brush when applying the topcoat.

Also, it is best if you used separate brushes for separate products, lest they get mixed. If this happens, they will lose some of their quality and you will get a lesser result. You should regularly clean the brush after using it every time.

What Other Ways Can You Apply Chrome to Nails?

Dipping your nails directly in the powder is very fun and so simple to do. But there are some other ways to apply chrome that are equally effective. Changing the method up a bit sometimes can be fun on its own and removes the tediousness.

Using a Brush

If you are uncomfortable with the fast and swift method of dipping your nails, you can simply use a brush. This alternative gives you more control and precision with the coating. Simply use the brush to pick up the chrome from the bottle and start applying it to your nails. Shake or tap with the brush to remove the excess.

We highly recommend that you use a separate brush for the chrome, sealer, base, etc. Contaminating one product with another is a sure-fire way of ruining both materials. So, keep your brushes separate. And also clean them regularly with a tissue or a wipe.

Applying it with Gel

You can apply the chrome powder onto gel nails to get your desired effect. Here, you first apply the gel evenly on your nails and use an appropriate sealer. Then you let it dry under a UV lamp for one or two minutes.

Afterward, dip the nails in the powder or use a brush to lather the powder onto the nails. The rest of the method is identical to the previous one we mentioned. Always remember to shake off the excess powder. Because the extra powder can get into the topcoat and ruin the surface texture.

Over Regular Nail Polish

The chrome powder can be achieved over regular nail polish as well. So, you do not need any other fancy gels or nail bases to get a glamorous look.

Take your favorite nail polish (or the one you want to wear that day) and apply it to all ten of your fingers (humans have ten, right?). Place the powder on the table and keep the lid open. Once the polish is applied, you can dip the nail in the powder to get that trademark shiny effect.

An alternative way of doing this would be to use a fingertip. Coat the fingertip lightly in the powder then press it on the surface of your nail. Repeat this method for all of your fingers.

Finally, apply an adequate layer of top coat to seal the entire thing in place. And there you have it, powder chrome gloss on your regular nail polish.

Is Chrome Powder Safe to Use?

As with anything artificially manufactured, we do have to question the viability and side effects of chrome powder. So, just how safe are these products?

Almost all the cosmetics you see on the market have some chemicals that pose a threat to our health, one way or the other. These threats are mainly regarding inhaling, ingesting, or getting into your eyes.

Chrome is most definitely toxic for the body. So, you should do everything to prevent it from entering your stomach. You should also not let it touch your eye. The powder will damage your cornea if you get some in your eyeball.

Chrome is also an inhalation hazard, meaning you can get sick from breathing this material into your lungs. It is similar to mica or other pigment powders, that it can cause severe irritation to the respiratory system if you inhale it.

As for your nails, chrome is not known to cause any deuteriation or damage to your nails. Of course, low-grade and cheap products use poor quality materials and additional chemicals that do make them harmful. But if you buy from the most popular brands or reliable sources, your nails will be safe

Similar to other nail enhancement methods, there are health-related concerns with chrome such as bacterial infection and UV exposure. However, when performed correctly, the chrome powder is as safe as any other product.

How to Use Chrome Powder Safely

There are certain measures you can take to ensure that the powder is as safe for your health as possible.

Wear Proper Protection

You should cover your face with a proper mask to prevent the powder from getting into your mouth or nose. You can also wear safety gloves when applying to other people. Wear safety goggles to prevent the powder from accidentally entering your eyes.

Use Separate Bottles

This is for people working in the salon industry or as make-up artists. Dipping your powder into a bottle can be potentially harmful if that same bottle has been used for different people. Because then the risk of getting a bacterial infection increases many times.

So, if you are using the dip and remove technique, ensure that no one else is going to dip their nails into that same bottle.

Avoid Off-Brand/Sketchy Products

You will find these products on Amazon or even your local cosmetics store. But you should avoid them if you can. Brands are not always the best for their price and we are not saying you have to spend hundreds of dollars on branded products.

But off-branded products are often made with cheap and potentially harmful formula and materials. Those products can do permanent damage to your nail and skin.

Be Careful with UV-Lamps

A great upside when it comes to using chrome powder is that you do not need to dry the nails under a UV lamp. Well, sometimes you do, particularly using gels that require UV light to set properly.

This is a genuine medical concern as over-exposure to UV light can be dangerous. So, if you are using products that need this light, use it sparsely and carefully. Read the manufacturer instructions carefully and understand the requirements fully before you start.

Best Chrome Powder on the Market

There are just so many different brands and colors to choose from that picking the right one can become dizzying. So, we bring you the top-rated, most well-received chrome powder currently on the market. Choose any of the below product and you will be set for all those parties and ceremonies you plan on going to:

You can get the best quality chrome look on your nail with these products. And their formulas have been clinically tested. So, they are as safe as chrome powders can be for your fingers.

How to Remove Chrome Powder from Your Nails

Removing those pretty nails can be a pretty sad occasion but it is something we all must do. But the actual process of removing such material from nails is a bit challenging. So, we will show you the most convenient yet also one of the easiest methods of removing chrome powder.

Buff your nails until there is only a small layer of color remaining. But be careful not to grind too much and damage your natural nails in the process.
Make small squares from aluminum foil which is big enough to wrap your entire finger.
Take a cotton ball and soak it in acetone or something equivalent. Pure acetone is the best choice for this task.
Securely place one soaking cotton ball onto each nail and then wrap it with square foils.
Keep your hands unmoved for the next 15-20 minutes to let the nail completely soak in the acetone.
If there is still a noticeable amount of product left, you can soak it for a further five minutes.
Gently remove the foil with a twist and toss it in the bin.
Now, with a file or a jelly pusher, remove the residual product from the nail beds and cuticles.
Now, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any acetone on your fingertips and dry it with tissue paper or a napkin.

Congratulations, your nails should be completely free of any chrome powder and other nail products.

They say that no women’s attire is complete without a stylish set of nails complimenting them. And with chrome powder, you can get that dazzling look all from the comfort of your home. Just remember to use it safely and appropriately.

Sources:

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