Dip Nail Kits for a Professional-Grade Manicure (2024)

Gelish Mini Xpress Intro Kit

Gelish is what I get at the nail salon, so being able to have a little kit at home makes DIY manicures, or even touch-ups, feel truly professional. This set comes with a dip base coat, activator, top coat, and two shades—although you can always purchase additional powders separately (I’m all for having options). What sets this five-piece collection apart from the pack is its ability to actually strengthen your nails in the process. While some other powders or gel polish will leave your nails feeling brittle, these powders are infused with biotin and calcium to improve nail strength.

Pros: Promotes healthy nails; Lasts three weeks

Cons: Limited color options

Le Chat Professional French Dip Kit

Are you an acrylic girl through and through? This 11-piece dip kit is going to challenge your status quo. It gives the heavy-duty strength and long-lasting finish you know and love, but avoids the nail-weakening damage that comes along with fake nails. One of the best parts about this particular set is that it quite literally has everything you need. In addition to the polishes and powders (you’ll receive four), you’ll also get a cuticle oil, brush cleaner, and three dipping trays.

Pros: Contains everything you need; Lasts four weeks; Extra strong

Cons: Expensive

Kiss Nails False Nails Salon Dip Set

If you want a good bang for you buck, look no further. For just $13, you'll get all the essentials for a natural looking nail that'll last up to two weeks and come off in a quick soak. There’s the obvious necessities, along with a nail file, sponge, and stick so you can prep your nails to perfection. KISS also provides a handy, very detailed instruction guide to walk you through every single step. Edwards also gives this kit her stamp of approval, so you know it's the real deal.

Pros: Affordable; Easy to use; Nail artist-recommended

Cons: Doesn’t last as long as others

Red Carpet Manicure Color Dip Starter Kit

Fact: Chipping a nail is not cute. This brand guarantees you won't have to deal with that for up to 21 days—and it doesn’t get much better than that if I’m being completely honest. And when your three weeks are up? Grab the dip polish remover from your kit. Just be warned: You do have to buy the powder separately—but there’s dozens of dozens of shades to choose from.

Pros: Long-lasting; No chipping; Affordable

Cons: Dip color not included

ASP Quick Dip Starter Kit

With a nail primer, base and top gel, two dip colors, gel activator, and a dipping bowl, this set equips you with everything you need to get a professional-grade manicure. Just prep your nails with a coarse nail file (this will help your polish stay on longer), and dip away. The best part? Unlike some other options, these polishes and powders don’t have any harsh smell.

Pros: Great color selection—especially in pinks and nudes; easy to use

Cons: Doesn’t last as long as others

Aikker Acrylic Dipping Powder Nail Starter Kit

This starter kit is a cost-friendly option for beginners—and it contains a massive color selection. It comes with eight options, six of which fall in the pink-to-white range, and two of which are glitter toppers (and perfect for the holiday season. You’ll also have full access to four glues and one recycling tray for the dipping powder. According to rave reviews in the comments section, these shades are incredibly long-lasting and the kit is super simple to use so you'll feel like a pro in no time.

Pros: Long lasting; Wide color selection

Cons: Some report polish cracking at two weeks

Nailboo Dip Kit Starter

The Nailboo kits are entirely vegan and cruelty free. What looks like a rather ornate collection of items is actually a comprehensive and easy-to-use kit for dip manis at home. The best part about this set however is that you're not locked in to a certain color collection—it’s entirely customizable. You build your own set and choose your own colors from more than 50 options, so you aren't stuck with shades you'd never use. It also comes with little nail clamps that make removal a breeze.

Pros: Customizable; Clear instructions; Great shade selection

Cons: Slight scent

Dipwell Dip Powder Nail Kit

The beauty of this kit is its nail-strengthening capabilities. Dipwell's dip powder system is free of questionable chemicals and is formulated with powerhouse ingredients like calcium to build up weak nail beds over time. So as long as you follow proper removal instructions, your nails will actually become stronger and healthier over time. The brand promises that each set will last you three to six (!!) weeks.

Pros: Strengthens nails; Long lasting

Cons: Slightly confusing instructions

Honey Joy Fine Dipping Powder Kit

If red is your color, you just met your match. From deep bordeaux to cherry red, this set spans the spectrum of the cult classic color to take through the holiday season and beyond. Naturally, a little glitter, purple, and pink also made it into the mix. Just a note: You will need to purchase the base coat, top coat, and activator separately. That said, the powders are great quality and have amazing pigment payoff.

Pros: Great color selection; Vibrant

Cons: Some report chipping; polishes not included