Want your dip powder manicure to start off on the right foot? Nail prep is the first part of the process, and taking a few careful minutes here helps you create a clean base for your application.
For a Gigi’s Custom Dips manicure, start with the gentle prep steps in our Dip Powder How-To guide. You don’t need to scrub, scrape, or over-file your natural nails.
What you’ll need
- A nail file and buffer
- A cuticle pusher or manicure tool
- A nail dusting brush
- Isopropyl alcohol, as recommended in Gigi’s Dip Powder How-To guide
- Your dip liquids, including Prep/Bond
If you’re still gathering your basics, browse Gigi’s starter kits and nail tools.
Step 1: Start with clean, dry hands
Remove any old polish or product, then wash your hands. Make sure your nails are completely dry before you begin.
Avoid soaking your nails right before your manicure. Water can temporarily affect the nail plate, so give your hands time to dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Shape your nails
Use a file to shape the free edge of each nail. Choose a length and shape that feel comfortable for your routine. If you’re new to filing, make small adjustments rather than taking off too much at once.
Step 3: Gently push back the cuticle
Use a cuticle pusher or manicure tool to gently move back the thin skin at the base of the nail. Be careful not to cut or scrape living skin. If you’re unsure what is safe to remove, keep this step gentle.
A clean nail plate helps keep product from sitting on the skin around your nails.
Step 4: Lightly prepare the nail surface
Keep nail prep gentle. If you lightly buff away surface shine, use a soft touch—over-filing can thin or damage your natural nails. Gigi’s Dip Powder How-To guide recommends clean, dry nails and careful cuticle preparation.
Step 5: Remove dust and oils
Brush away filing dust, then cleanse the nail with isopropyl alcohol, as outlined in Gigi’s Dip Powder How-To guide. Try not to touch the prepared nail surface afterward, since fingers can transfer oils back onto the nail.
Step 6: Apply Prep/Bond as directed
Apply a thin layer of Gigi’s Prep/Bond (1), keeping it off your skin and cuticles. Continue with Base (2) and your dip powder as shown in the Dip Powder How-To guide.
Step 7: Continue with your dip application
Once prep is complete, move on to Gigi’s Base (2) and powder layers. Keep product away from your skin, work in thin, even layers, and follow the sequence in our Dip Powder How-To guide.
For the full application sequence, see Gigi’s Dip Powder How-To guide.
Common nail-prep mistakes to avoid
- Applying product before your nails are fully dry
- Skipping dust removal
- Touching the nail plate after cleansing
- Over-filing the natural nail
- Cutting or scraping living skin
- Flooding the cuticle or sidewalls with product
- Rushing through Gigi’s Dip Powder How-To steps or the stated drying times
Good prep doesn’t need to be aggressive or complicated. Keep it gentle, keep the steps consistent, and give yourself a little time to work carefully. Your manicure starts here!
Need your prep essentials?
Gigi’s Ultimate Starter Kit includes Prep/Bond, the other core dip liquids, and basic manicure tools to get you started.
