Our 32 Favorite Dip Powder Nail Designs and Ideas

There’s something particularly frustrating about discovering a chipped nail after recently having had a manicure. (Once it happens, you know it’s only downhill from there.) And as much as we love gel manicures, the term “no-chip” is occasionally a misnomer.

That’s why dip powder manicures—often referred to as SNS manicures—have changed the game. While dip powder manicures were technically “invented” in 1990, the technique didn’t enter the public lexicon until years later, made popular by the leading brand SNS.

Dip powder manicures are known for their durability and resistance to chipping. The technique involves literally dipping the nails into colored powder while brushing on layers of bonder as an adhesive, then using a clear sealant on top. They work for both natural nails and extended ones.

And while you might think the nail polish colors lined up in the nail salon are tempting, the options you’ll find for dip powder span the color spectrum, too—and more importantly, they’ll likely last twice as long on your nails. Below, find 32 dip powder nail ideas that’ll inspire you to dive into dip.

01of 32

Blank Slate

Dip powder manicured nails in white — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

There’s nothing fresher than soft white nails, year-round. Plus, with dip manicures, lighter hues tend to look more saturated and vibrant.

02of 32

Neutral Necessities

Neutral dip powder nails with bow ring holding pearlescent beads — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

The perfect swath of neutral, a dip powder nail color like this will go with your entire wardrobe, so you’ll fully enjoy your manicure throughout its long life.

03of 32

Minty Green

Mint green dip powder nails — @DIPPED_AND_READY_TOGO / INSTAGRAM

Pick a bold hue like this minty green—it shines through perfectly with dip powder, which usually lends itself to more saturated, pigmented hues.

04of 32

Cobalt Blue Dip

Few shades are more striking than cobalt, which gets its chance to shine in a long-lasting dip powder style.

05of 32

French Ombré

French gradient dip powder nail color — @REVELNAIL / INSTAGRAM

Two different shades create a cool, seamless ombré. It’s like a modern update on a French manicure, if you will.

06of 32

Ocean Vibes

yellow and blue dip nail manicure — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors: You can achieve these nautical-feeling nails with different shades of blue, teal, yellow, and green.

07of 32

Milky Peach

This neutral, milky peach shade is perfect all year ’round.

08of 32

Glitter Dip

Most dip powder nail salons carry a number of glitter hues, so the exact color choice is yours. We love the subtle contrast between the pink and silver here.

09of 32

Deep Coral Dip

This dimensional coral shade looks amazing on any skin tone, plus it works well in every season, too.

10of 32

Light Pink With Glitter Accent

pink and glitter dip nails with glitter concentrated at the bottom of the nail — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Dip powder permits creative nail ideas, too, so you definitely won’t miss polish or gel—and we love this subtle light pink manicure with sparkly accents.

11of 32

Classic Black

There’s nothing quite like a classic black shade—especially when it looks this shiny and lustrous, thanks to the glossy sealant on top.

12of 32

Hot Tamale

Tamale red-orange dip powder manicure — @NAILS_BYCRYSTAL.C / INSTAGRAM

Yes, this color is literally called “Hot Tamale”—and if you have a hankering for an ultra-bright hue that works for every skin tone and season, we think we’ve found the one for you.

13of 32

Burnt Orange Dip

Burnt orange gradient dip powder nail color — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

This orange-toned gradient is suitable year ’round, but we especially love it for fall.

14of 32

Gold Shimmer

Greenish copper dip powder nails — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

A dip powder shade with some slight shimmer will have your nails looking chic and subtle.

15of 32

Earthy Vibes

Sand dune-colored dip powder nails — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

We always love earth tone-inspired nails—and this neutral, “sand dune” shade is our new favorite.

16of 32

Sunshine State

Yellow dip powder nails holding sheer yellow sunglasses — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

This dip powder nail color idea is sunshine in a bottle. We love how it coordinates with the acrylic sunglasses.

17of 32

Stark White

A stark white that you won’t have to worry about sheerness with? Yes, please. The multiple layers of dip powder prevent those pesky “I-didn’t-think-this-color-would-be-so-faint” moments.

18of 32

Pretty in Pink

Matte pink gradient dip powder manicure — @_COSMETIC.DOLL_ / INSTAGRAM

Calling everyone who loves an especially joyful moment: Pick varying shades of pink for a “monochrome” manicure you’ll be showing off at every turn.

19of 32

Luxe Lavender

Lavender dip powder nails on hand holding steering wheel — @REVELNAIL / INSTAGRAM

Embrace a chic pastel shade—like luxe lavender—knowing the pigmentation with a dip manicure will come out perfectly.

20of 32

Electric Blue

Cobalt blue dip powder nail color on crossed hands — @MMBEAUTYBARFL / INSTAGRAM

As far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with an eye-catching blue like this.

21of 32

Matte Purple

Depending on the sealant you use, you can go for a glossy, lustrous finish or a matte one. Here, we think the matte finish complements the purple shade and acrylic extensions perfectly.

22of 32

Clear and Glittery

clear glitter dip powder manicured nails — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

Instead of using a clear glittery shade as an accent nail, use it for all of your nails for a fresh take on neutral.

23of 32

Op-Art

A matte white base allows for a bold, dark, op-art pattern to take center stage. This look is especially sophisticated thanks to the almond shape of the nails.

24of 32

Matte Green and Sparkles

hand with matte green and sparkly dip powder nails — @MBUSTAMANTE314 / INSTAGRAM

While sparkles are often relegated to one statement finger, this look pairs three matte green nails with two gold, sparkly nails. The result is special-occasion-worthy but could also work for daytime.

25of 32

Caramel Macchiato

caramel-colored dip powder nail manicure — @NAILZZWITHANNIE / INSTAGRAM

This perfect-for-fall hue comes with a dark toffee base and overlapping caramel. The result is nearly as delicious as your favorite coffee drink.

26of 32

Squared-Off

square-shaped nails with dip powder black-lined polish — @STOP4NAILSRENTON / INSTAGRAM

The squared-off shape of this manicure is unique, but the complementary square-lined dip powder nails are the real draw. Here, nails are lined in a dark, nearly-black hue, while the center of the nail is soft pink.

27of 32

Powder Blue

These powder blue nails offer a fun take on the monochromatic trend. Here, the shade makes the statement, so the shape of the nails is kept classic and short.

28of 32

Green With Gold Flakes

Manicured hands with green and gold flake dip powder nails — @HANDS_OFGRACE / INSTAGRAM

These square-shaped nails are classic, but the fun pop of color via the bright green polish adds a burst of fun. The sophistication comes through with a sprinkling of gold flakes on a few of the nails.

29of 32

Pointed Burgundy

A classic color gets a little more bold thanks to a pointy shape. This style looks good both matte or super shiny as seen here.

30of 32

Subtle Peach Shimmer

subtle peach colored shimmery dip powder nails — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

These nails are nearly nude but, at closer glance, offer a slight hint of sparkle. The peach shade works wonders to disguise imperfections while still looking natural.

31of 32

Tonal Checkerboard

Manicured hand with brown and black checkerboard dip powder nails against white backdrop — @NAILZZWITHANNIE / INSTAGRAM

This tonal look utilizes two shades of brown dip powder to create varying checkerboard patterns on every nail.

32of 32

Royal Blue

Manicured hand with dip powder blue polish in front of leaves — @DIPWELLNAILS / INSTAGRAM

These royal blue nails have the perfect amount of sheen. The color is dark, so it’s a sophisticated style that works for day or night.

Login

Register