Why Do My Dip Nails Crack? How to Fix It when it Cracks

Improper application is a major reason why your dip nails are cracking. In today’s episode I will walk you through the reasons why your dip nails are cracking and how to prevent them from cracking. If your dip nails are cracking before three weeks, then you know there is a problem somewhere.

Cracking happens when there has been an uneven application of the dip powder. Just for clarity sake I will like to inform you that there is a difference between cracking and breaking. A crack is when there is a small line across your dip powder nails but a break is when the chunk of your dip powder nails come off.

Reasons Why Your Dip Nails Might Crack

Here are some reasons why your dip nails are cracking:

• You are dipping your nails at 90 degrees, for a better application of the dip powder it is important you dip your finger nails into the dip powder at a 45-degree angle for a smoother surface and an even application.
• You are applying the dip powder too close to your skin. Any dip powder that touches your skin will eventually crack, creating room for the entire dip powder nails to crack. To avoid that, ensure you apply your base coat about 2mm away from the skin.
• You are using way too many or too little dip coats. For your dip nails not to crack you will have to use an adequate amount of dip coats which is 2-3 dips for a perfectly full coverage of your nails.
• You are over using your nails, for a crack-less dip nails avoid doing too much with your nails because applied force unto your dip nails can make it crack.
• You are using low quality products, if your dip liquid is a low quality product then your dip nails will definitely crack. If your dip powder is also low quality your dip nails is bound to crack. It is also important to ensure that you are using a real dip powder as some brands will try to sell you their acrylic powder as dip powder. Acrylic powder and dip powder are made up of different thing so they should not be used interchangeably.
• You are using the activator wrongly, activator helps to cure and strengthen your dip nails making it an important step so do not skip it. After every dip powder application, apply a generous amount of activator.
• You are over buffing your dip powder. Do not buff your dip powder nails aggressively and it is also advisable to buff your dip powder nails for a smooth surface only.
• You are not waiting long enough between each dip coat. You should ideally wait for two to three minutes before applying another layer of dip powder.

Different Ways To Fix Your Cracked Dip Nails

1. Buff and fill method: This is the most common way to fix a cracked dip powder nails. If the crack happens underneath your top coat you will have to file the top coat off until you get to the crack. Once you have gotten to the crack, apply your base coat over the crack and dip your finger nails into the same colour of dip powder (it could be different for a multicolour look). Apply activator and then buff for a smooth surface. Then apply a top coat, the crack has disappeared.
2. The Patch method: This method is for if you initially got your dip powder nails done in the nail salon or you have run out of your initial dip powder. You can patch up the crack on your dip powder nails using a gel polish. You paint your gel polish over the crack to cover it up as gel polish is thicker and has more coverage.
3. The Creative method: You can decide to create art with your cracked dip powder nails by covering the crack with designs. You can use rhinestones, nail decals are great options to use to cover a crack in your dip powder nails.

For a crack-less dip powder nails I am of the opinion that if the nail was done properly, it won’t crack so easily so here are some steps on how to fill you dip powder nails:

• Be sure to prep nails for long-lasting dip powder nails. A well prepped nails will lead to long lasting dip acrylic nails.
• File and buff natural nails for a smooth surface to enhance the application of the dip powder.
• Apply a base coat and immediately dip your nails into the dip powder.
• Wait for about two to three minutes to allow dip powder dry properly.
• Repeat for more coverage.
• Wait for another two to three minutes to allow dip powder dry properly.
• Dust off excess dip powder with a brush.
• Reapply the base coat and dip your finger nails into the dip acrylic powder for consistency. (a third coat is optional)
• Coat all your finger nails with the base coat and dip your nails into a clear powder. (do this if you have only done two coats)
• Apply activator and allow to dry for five minutes.
• Then buff and shape dip powder nails to your preferred nail shape.
• Wash your hands.
• Apply another layer of activator.
• Apply top coat to lock everything in.
• Apply moisturizer.

Summary

With this blog post I hope you have been able to navigate “why do my dip nails crack?” Have you had your dip nails cracked before? Did you do anything about it? Can you spot what possibly went wrong? Please let me know everything about it in the comment section also let me know what new tips or tricks you picked up from this blog post.