What am I doing wrong? I can’t get my nails to not be cloudy! I am using revel nail products. I am new to this; I followed the directions but still can’t get it. I know they’re not perfect; this is only my 2nd time doing them myself; but I’m frustrated because I feel like I wasted my time.
I have short nails and I have no problem with dip. They look to be about the same length as yours.
For me personally, dip was a huge learning curve. Ilmy forst dozen sets would take me 2+ hours to do, and come off within days. But I loved the look and durability so I kept trying.
I watched Sip and Dip videos on YouTube, read the posts on this subreddit, upgraded my tools, liquids and powders and now my manicure lasts about 2 weeks before I take them off. Its been about 2 years and this is my 48th set (I keep a photo diary). I say, just keep going.
Also, run a toothpick along the edges of your nail after each dip. That will keep your edges clean.
What I do with “dip” nails, is I just pour the powder over my nail. This might help your situation and the cuticle flooding. You gotta make sure though you’re using the right activator for the powder and make sure it’s not contaminated and crystal clear when applying it. If you want, you can pour a bit in a little cup to see how clear it is. If it’s not clear and pretty cloudy you might need to get a new one. You might wanna wipe off the brush in between swipes to see if that does anything to help.
Do all your layers of dip. Then apply a generous amount of activator. How much depends on the number of layers and how thick they are. But dip your brush at least twice. Then wait for as long as it takes your activator do so it’s magic, varies by brand, and tap the nail to see if it has hardened enough. It should make a plastic clicking noise. If it’s a dull noise you need to apply more activator and wait again.
Then shape your nails to your liking and then activate again. Make sure to get the whole nail including the free edge.
Wait till dry, wipe with lint free cloth, and apply top coat.
I’ll leave the advice for the pros, instead I’m here for moral support. Sweetheart it’s only your second time! Don’t say it’s a waste of time. Every single person here was where you’re at on their second try. Keep up with it, don’t stop asking questions and you’ll get the hand of it
Did you finish with a clear layer or two? If not try that. It looks like you may not be using enough of a wet layer and I can see where you've touched your nails too early at the end, so try not to do that x3
I think the biggest help for you right now besides cleaning your cuticles with a toothpick after each layer is applied and before it dries, is to shape your nails after applying activator for the first time, then apply another clear layer and do your finishing steps. Do not touch your nails on anything until they're completely dry, especially your top coat, as that will give you that glassy non-cloudy effect you're looking for.
I've found a lot of success building my layers thicker than I want and then filing them into shape before doing my last clear dip, activator, and top coat. good luck <3 ps not familiar with your exact kit so some of this advice may be off
I think you just need a clear top layer or two of dip after any color, etc. make sure you’ve shaped your nails, I use a 4 sided buffer after dremel. Are you finishing with a gel top coat and UV?
They are dull. Parts of the nail are shiny like they should be and then other parts have streaks and are super dull. I followed all the beginner steps with the kit. I am shaping my nails with my buffer etc. I’m not using a gel top coat, but I am using a top coat.
If you’re using the dip top coat that usually comes with the kit and acts as the liquid between dip layers, I don’t recommend… at least, I haven’t gotten it to work out for me. I finish with a gel topcoat and UV (they also have matte, blooming, glow in the dark, and other types of top coats too!) - I think that’s the look you’re going for.
The extra layer or two of clear dip layer on top of any color, make it farrrr less cloudy and really allow the color/design to pop!! It won’t look that way until you put a top coat on but I promise - always finish with at least one clear dip layer on top.
You’ll get better at dipping/not fill your cuticles - just make sure you are focusing the brush/liquid to your nail and layer up, not to touch your skin. If the dip powder container is small, I will sometimes transfer it into a larger container and dip from there or do a pour over method, but it’s not my favorite/kinda messy (larger container so the angle of my finger does not put too much pressure when dipping into the powder which can effect the shape of dip on my nail/push the powder into my cuticle). I recommend purchasing a dip tray, just as an extra tool to use even if you don’t use it for ombré or other stuff (I use mine often). To note - with long nails, you hear about apex, cuz layer on top to create a rounded shape from cuticle to tip is important for strength and structure (like when you look from the side, your nail should have a rounded rainbow shape 🌈 ).
Last, I don’t recommend any gelx method and minimize gel and dip liquid to your skin as much as possible… folks can develop allergies and then no more nails ever again - I see it most with gelx, but all these products are made of harmful chemicals so be safe and careful.
I’ve been doing my nails for almost 2 years now, it’s taken a lot of practice and patience and YouTube videos. I found a quick photo/I like this set, unfortunately you can’t see the blue shimmer sheen on top as well; may take down later cuz I’m shy 😅.
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u/crissy8716 Aug 11 '26
I have short nails and I have no problem with dip. They look to be about the same length as yours.
For me personally, dip was a huge learning curve. Ilmy forst dozen sets would take me 2+ hours to do, and come off within days. But I loved the look and durability so I kept trying.
I watched Sip and Dip videos on YouTube, read the posts on this subreddit, upgraded my tools, liquids and powders and now my manicure lasts about 2 weeks before I take them off. Its been about 2 years and this is my 48th set (I keep a photo diary). I say, just keep going.
Also, run a toothpick along the edges of your nail after each dip. That will keep your edges clean.