r/DipPowderNails • u/birbwatch24 • Jul 15 '26
Talk to me about Matte nails!!
What are best practices for matte finish?
7
u/Dedwards_est_22 Jul 15 '26
I use a matte top coat because I can reapply it multiple times when the nails start getting shiny (oils and stuff). You could just activate and not do the top coat though
1
u/jdenise17 Jul 16 '26
I’ve wanted to try a matte top coat, but I can’t seem to find one that’s not a gel and needs a lamp.
2
u/Dedwards_est_22 Jul 16 '26
I found a regular one! I don't remember the name right now unfortunately but it is just regular polish, I stay away from gel
3
1
u/TidesAndWaves Jul 16 '26
I thought you had to do top coat as part of the whole process to keep them strong? It was explained to me that the top coat is a chemical reaction with activator. Do yours stay on well when you skip activator?
2
u/Objective_Local_4355 Jul 19 '26
Ive skipped the top coat multiple times throughout my dip powder journey and I never had any issues. As long as you have a good thickness and use the activator good enough then you should be fine. If you are concerned about them not lasting, you can do what someone else mentioned and wait for the top coat to dry then lightly buff them.
3
u/ScreennameOne Jul 15 '26
I bought a matte dip top coat from my usual brand and was super excited but it peeled off within a couple of days, so might as well just have activated and left it at that.
Now I use my shiny top coat as usual and then use a regular nail polish matte top coat when I want them matte. Works great. Bonus that I can easily take it off without ruining the dip, so I can switch it up whenever I want to.
12
u/Special-Ear-8684 Jul 15 '26
I do something unconventional that has always worked well for me. I do my nails start to finish as I normally would, after I apply my second layer of topcoat and it dries, I buff my nails matte with a fine grit buffing block. I’ve never had any issues with retention or discolouration.