Why Do My Dip Nails Crack? [How to Fix Them]

Improper application is the most common reason for dip nails to crack. If your dip nails are cracking before three weeks, there is likely a problem somewhere.

When the dip powder is applied unevenly, it causes cracking. For the sake of clarity, I’d like to note that there is a distinction between cracking and shattering. When there is a tiny line across your dip powder nails, it’s a crack; whereas when the chunk of your dip powder nails comes off, it’s a break.

Contents

1 6 Reasons Why Your Dip Nails Might Crack
2 3 Different Ways To Fix Your Cracked Dip Nails
3 Repairing a Cracked Dip Nail without Soaking It Off! [Video]
- 3.1 Related

6 Reasons Why Your Dip Nails Might Crack

Dip nails are a type of artificial nail that is made to look like natural nails. They are popular because they are easy to use and can last for weeks. However, there are some reasons why your dip nails might crack.

1. Your Nails are Too Thin

One reason is that the nails may be too thin. If the nails are too thin, they may not be able to support the weight of the dip powder. This can cause the nails to crack.

2. You are using too many Dip Coats

Too many or too few dip nail coats can cause your nails to fracture. To properly cover each nail, you should only need to dip 2-3 times.

If you’re having trouble achieving complete coverage in 2-3 dips, try using a different dip liquid or powder. There isn’t enough pigment, or the powder was designed for an acrylic system rather than a dip system.

3. You are Applying Dip Powder Too Close to Your Skin

This may seem like common sense, but any powder that overlaps the skin or is pressing against it might cause cracking. When you shift around and apply pressure with your hands on a daily basis, even the tiniest amount of pressure against the skin can cause harm.

To minimize the chance of skin irritation, begin by priming and bonding 2mm away from the epidermis.

4. You are Not Using Activator Correctly

Many people skip the activator step because they don’t know what it’s for or don’t think it’s important. The activator hardens the powder and cures it. When you mix an activator into your powder, a chemical reaction takes place that helps to create one solid mass.

If your at-home dip nails are cracking, adding more activator and seeing if that helps is the easiest solution. After each layer of powder, try adding a generous amount of activator to see whether it aids in the cracking.

5. Your Dip Liquids Are Low Quality

The consistency of dip liquids varies greatly from brand to brand. Many individuals are unaware that dip liquid kits are made especially for the powder produced by a specific company.

While it is possible to mix dip liquid kits from one brand to the next, you may not always achieve the desired effects. To be honest, some dip liquids are simply superior to others.

6. You Are Not Waiting Long Enough Between Dip Coats

You’ll need to apply many coats of dip solution over the course of several weeks in order to fully cover your nail (approximately 2-3 dips). If you apply your dip colors too quickly, the powder will not dry or set properly, resulting in cracking. Some dip powders are quickly dry, such as Fairy Glamor, but others aren’t. If you’re using a fast-drying dip powder, just wait 5 seconds before dipping again. If you’re not using a fast-drying brand, wait about a minute before applying another layer.

When you apply the second layer of powder too quickly, it sits on top of the previously applied first layer that has not yet been set. This leads to instability. Consider it like trying to build a road over mud; the muck will shift beneath the pressure, so the sturdy bridge will attempt to compensate, resulting in fractures.

3 Different Ways To Fix Your Cracked Dip Nails

Buff and fill method: This is the most frequent technique for repairing cracked dip powder nails. If the fracture lies beneath your topcoat, you’ll have to file it away until you reach it. Once you’ve gotten to the crack, apply a base coat over it and dip your fingernails in the same color of dip powder (it may be different for a multicolor effect). For a smooth surface, use the activator and then the buff. After that, apply a top coat to seal the crack.

The Patch method: This is the method to use if you’ve had your dip powder nails done at a salon or if you’re out of your initial dip powder. A gel polish may be used to mend a crack in your dip powder nails. To hide the fracture, coat it with a gel polish, which is thicker and has more coverage.

The Creative method: There are many ways to decorate your nails with cracked dip powder. One way is to cover the crack with a design. You may cover a crack in your dip powder nails with rhinestones or nail decals, which are excellent choices.

Repairing a Cracked Dip Nail without Soaking It Off! [Video]

If your dip powder nails are crack-free, I suggest that you don’t use a crack-less dip powder. If the nail was properly done, it shouldn’t break as easily, so follow these steps to fill your dip powder nails:

Make sure your nails are prepared before you get dip powder nails. This will help the nails last longer.
To make it easier to apply the dip powder, file and buff your nails until they are smooth.
Apply a base coat to your nails. Dip them into the dip powder immediately afterward.

Wait for about two to three minutes after you dip your nails in the powder so that they will dry properly.
Repeat for more coverage.
Wait for a little while longer so that the dip powder will be dry.

Remove any excess dip powder from your nails with a brush.
Reapply the base coat and dip your nails into the powder for consistency. (A third coat might be necessary)
You will need to coat all your fingernails with the base coat. After that, you will dip them into a clear powder. (do this if you have only done two coats)