L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?

The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish.

However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system…

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What is L&P acrylic?

Award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, Katie Clark, says: “L&P is an acronym for liquid & powder, otherwise known as monomer and polymer.” The formula or nail style is often referred to as ‘L&P acrylic’ or ‘acrylic nails’.

“Monomers, known as liquid, are molecules, which bind to other molecules to form a polymer. Nail liquid is a monomer made mostly of ethyl methacrylate (EMA), but sometimes includes other monomers and additives,” Katie continues. “Polymers, known as powder, are synthetic and consist of large molecules made up of a series of linked monomers. In the liquid & powder system, the powder is fully polymerised.”

Education platform, NailKnowledge, explains what happens when the two components combine: “The thermal-initiators within the polymer powder meet the monomers and make them join together. This creates long, tangled polymer chains that embed the polymer beads within a solid nail coating.”

How to apply:

L&P acrylic nails are created by mixing monomer and polymer from the same system to create a thick, pliable substance. This is sculpted onto the nail in the desired shape and hardens as it dries, providing a strong base for nail techs to unleash their creativity.

The L&P system can be used to build an apex and is hard-wearing, with little flexibility (unlike gel). It is popular for clients seeking long nail extensions, and used by professionals to create not just salon-style extensions, but stiletto nails, fantasy nails and unique shapes. L&P acrylic is used atop nail forms for sculpting, or with tips when using the tip & overlay enhancement method.

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What is dip powder?

The dip powder system uses a pre-mixed powder, which requires a different bonding agent compared to L&P acrylic. While this relies on a monomer/liquid, dip powder is activated by a resin-based agent, which holds the components together via an adhesive.

How to apply:

For dip powder nails, a base coat and resin-type glue is applied to the nail, which is then dipped into a coloured powder. The product is left to harden, before being sealed with top coat.

NailKnowledge recommends sprinkling the dip powder over nails or applying using a brush: a hygienic solution that prevents cross-contamination.

Dip powder is ideal for speedy salon overlays, creating a durable enhancement quickly. It can be used to create short extensions and is perfect for French finishes, ombré styles and full colour coverage.

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The key differences between the L&P acrylic & dip powder systems

1. Bonding agent: The L&P acrylic system uses a monomer liquid, while dip powder uses a resin-based agent.
2. Uses: L&P acrylic is suitable for nail extensions, as it can be used with nail forms. The dip powder system is suited to overlays.
3. Speed: Dip powder nails require less time and skill than L&P, making them a more time-effective solution for clients.
4. Designs: Dip powders can be used with dip trays to quickly create clean smile lines for French tip styles. L&P acrylic can be used to create intricate nail art, encapsulated designs and colour blends.