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.
Blank Slate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/106205435_184786026320119_9195942093651481161_n-a2b929ef470041dcb986702948a2d6ba.jpg)
There’s nothing fresher than soft white nails, year-round. Plus, with dip manicures, lighter hues tend to look more saturated and vibrant.
Neutral Necessities
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/72362930_202971094318447_2471798580395225549_n-7c99ca244d2e48f983bf0c097c8d9923.jpg)
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.
Minty Green
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/91418768_1571608156328189_414159729959501906_n-9acd8621903d42ed9c0ecdacaee17e15.jpg)
Pick a bold hue like this minty green—it shines through perfectly with dip powder, which usually lends itself to more saturated, pigmented hues.
Cobalt Blue Dip
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/119815830_2535756723389913_736251328431563269_n-b41c0d4989fd4445a97ad729f1b19eac.jpg)
Few shades are more striking than cobalt, which gets its chance to shine in a long-lasting dip powder style.
French Ombré
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/93644402_2584785881735046_3855138336946773990_n-6462c812b8df4e3aa534c92a463b1698.jpg)
Two different shades create a cool, seamless ombré. It’s like a modern update on a French manicure, if you will.
Ocean Vibes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.36.37PM-cad5b38bc1f24d9cb8a3766536b923f1.png)
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.
Milky Peach
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.49.48PM-04f7e4d1d75d4ac488e9829ade90901d.png)
This neutral, milky peach shade is perfect all year ’round.
Glitter Dip
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/120096092_3398575676884846_2751520235092779394_n-de09dbdf66da4388a66edd9f4e02aa0a.jpg)
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.
Deep Coral Dip
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/120458133_333584154541254_5491982197258986170_n-6dfcf2c6a5f5489c823428a0b8b3f411.jpg)
This dimensional coral shade looks amazing on any skin tone, plus it works well in every season, too.
Light Pink With Glitter Accent
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.39.20PM-a9fa1446035d42e4868971389410917f.png)
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.
Classic Black
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.51.10PM-379822c898154ede9271f126ebc55f97.png)
There’s nothing quite like a classic black shade—especially when it looks this shiny and lustrous, thanks to the glossy sealant on top.
Hot Tamale
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/120261130_253715942604795_667319202107650932_n-9a1c94147ba049e299d436366e0b7aa1.jpg)
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.
Burnt Orange Dip
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/72664872_549622615798493_7982754657569708195_n-35b89db87e0e40cbb09965e4be7e5e6d.jpg)
This orange-toned gradient is suitable year ’round, but we especially love it for fall.
Gold Shimmer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.41.31PM-a6ab0ca793794011bea68077fa739f50.png)
A dip powder shade with some slight shimmer will have your nails looking chic and subtle.
Earthy Vibes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.47.01PM-939a96b88aff47db83553b833509e06c.png)
We always love earth tone-inspired nails—and this neutral, “sand dune” shade is our new favorite.
Sunshine State
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/116321504_346721556329294_7075490036466217262_n-7cd04d2112914762b44941216ef8381b.jpg)
This dip powder nail color idea is sunshine in a bottle. We love how it coordinates with the acrylic sunglasses.
Stark White
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/120029622_3314226462017878_5665250468922732677_n-5e275dce03984448b126eab3bc0cdeda.jpg)
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.
Pretty in Pink
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/80635489_151117726316682_3333297429439014561_n-589f4a98412b442eabbb55ac1ffde714.jpg)
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.
Luxe Lavender
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/106277085_1159678511097555_2946114935858847621_n-7926befd9eb04b7e8975f800f179c089.jpg)
Embrace a chic pastel shade—like luxe lavender—knowing the pigmentation with a dip manicure will come out perfectly.
Electric Blue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/106696724_138003597938186_4918656102222776283_n-dabbf1516fac49ca83b6a4eab3f25c2b.jpg)
As far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with an eye-catching blue like this.
Matte Purple
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/119701661_180805890166646_5099273275497904742_n-1ff7a81d254149a88bd212deb9b60fda.jpg)
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.
Clear and Glittery
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-05-14at2.53.30PM-6fe5e7a47c3847579cf17327724a581a.png)
Instead of using a clear glittery shade as an accent nail, use it for all of your nails for a fresh take on neutral.
Op-Art
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at7.08.24PM-50ac8d49aa914466a265b8434445c924.png)
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.
Matte Green and Sparkles
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at7.11.39PM-af3687f780744c4b8cd188207b9701b0.png)
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.
Caramel Macchiato
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at7.51.47PM-c595daf8eba1475993483b5a6f8c5a9c.png)
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.
Squared-Off
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at7.54.45PM-7550839009414e039cd0901d8274e00c.png)
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.
Powder Blue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at7.57.41PM-e790d9dbeeff4cba89c0edabd1eb20de.png)
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.
Green With Gold Flakes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at8.03.34PM-2e90dcd35c724a38b31dde96e0e42c01.png)
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.
Pointed Burgundy
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at8.05.20PM-fd1a22db026c4bd1a012da432ed404f8.png)
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.
Subtle Peach Shimmer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at8.07.20PM-04d7d62ad46b4a16ac060fd40105f768.png)
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.
Tonal Checkerboard
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at8.09.05PM-01cd4e1d0f814ff9b5c6261f8e6da295.png)
This tonal look utilizes two shades of brown dip powder to create varying checkerboard patterns on every nail.
Royal Blue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ScreenShot2022-11-07at7.59.34PM-8342e3662efd4992bcd08d7d4dfb9b22.png)
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.