How to Introduce Dips to New Clientele

As dips continue their resurgence, some clients may be unfamiliar with the quick alternative service — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested. Explaining to curious clients why some women are switching from acrylics or gels to dip systems will allow them to make an informed decision on whether they’d like to try this service for themselves, which may in turn help you reel in more time for appointments.

Explain to clients some of the benefits of dips:

> Many dipping systems’ service time is about half that of other enhancement services.

> Dips are durable and long-lasting allowing for less frequent maintenance.

> When applied properly, some dips can feel less tight or heavy than acrylics or gel enhancements.

 In addition to telling your client about dips, offer to apply the product to a few of her nails free of charge, advises NSI educator Darlene Tewitz. This will allow her to experience what dips feel like without having to worry about the cost.

“Showing clients the product in use and allowing them to feel it is the best way to switch clients over,” Tewitz says. “Once they feel it on themselves, they’re usually hooked.”

Dipping powder tends to have an easier application than enhancement systems involving sculpting. While the ease and speed of application is a major benefit and can even allow you to see more clients in a day, it’s important that you educate yourself on how to properly apply and remove the product.

No Double-Dipping

Double-dipping is a term describing the act of submerging more than one nail into the dipping powder, whether it’s the same client’s hand or a different client’s. This unsanitary practice should always be avoided. Sprinkling the powder over the coated nail is the sanitary alternative recommended by many manufacturer educators, including Young Nails’ director of education Tracey Reierson.

“We don’t encourage dipping for a couple different reasons,” Reierson says. “The first is a sanitation reason: Pouring is a hygienic way of doing the service. That way you are not placing your client’s finger in the same jar as someone who has dirty hands or may have had an open sore on her finger.  Second, the ease and the flawless application that comes with pouring the powder versus dipping is amazing.  When you dip you tend to push the powder and resin up toward the cuticle, but when you powder-coat the nail, you are more easily able get a nice, smooth application.”

The Best Way to Remove Dips

Removing dipping powder can be difficult and damaging if done incorrectly. EzFlow Educator Hoang “Lefty” Nguyen recommends this removal method:

1. With an e-file or 80/100-grit hand file, gently file off the top shine layer and a thin layer of color.

2. Moisturize the client’s cuticles with cuticle oil. This prevents acetone from dehydrating the skin and nails.

3. Place cotton balls soaked in 100% acetone on the fingernails and wrap in aluminum foil. Let the acetone-soaked cotton rest on the nails for 10-15 minutes.

4. Remove the foil by gently rubbing the cotton on the nail to remove the remaining product. If there is still product on the nails, either gently scrape off the leftover layer, or repeat the foil soaking method for a reduced time of five minutes.

Pro Tip: Don’t oversaturate the acetone on the cotton. It should be slightly wet, but it should not be dripping.  Most importantly, don’t push too hard when scraping the leftover product off of the natural nail plate. This can be extremely damaging.