What Is a Gel Hybrid Manicure?
A gel hybrid manicure simply combines dip powder with a gel top coat. For those unfamiliar, dip involves applying a base, dipping your nails into a powder and then repeating the process two more times. The dip creates a strengthening, nourishing layer over your nails. Often, your manicurist will file and buff this coat with a small, whirring device so that it’s not too thick and perfectly smooth. The gel top coat — the same as your standard gel top coat — is applied on top of the dip. This makes for an exceptionally strong, long-lasting manicure.
You can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for this service depending on where you live, which salon you go to, and whether you opt into additional services (such as a hand massage, cuticle remover or design). This is about double the cost of a traditional manicure but given that it lasts three times longer, you will actually save both time and money.
For my first gel hybrid experience, I chose a hue halfway between purple and gray, and for the three weeks that followed, I was obsessed. I constantly admired my nails and was strangely proud of them. They did not chip even once, they stayed incredibly shiny and I got compliments almost everywhere I went. It was a no-brainer to repeat the process, which I did exactly three weeks later due to nail growth.
Image via Wendy Gould
How to Make Sure You Get a Great Gel Hybrid Manicure
Not all salons are equal and not all manicurists are equal. I admit that I had one sour experience and I’ve heard from others that they weren’t happy with their gel hybrid manicure.
In the same way you do research on a hairstylist or esthetician, it’s important to do your due diligence before getting comfortable in just any old salon chair. The dip process is a technical one, so you want someone who’s deft, artistic, patient and eager to work with you to create the perfect shape, design, thickness and color.
Check out the salon’s social media pages to see examples of their work and read through their online reviews, where you’ll often find raves about specific manicurists. Schedule an appointment with one of these people for a positive experience.
My only other piece of advice is to think long and hard about the color you want since the manicure will last so long. Also, prepare for an onslaught of compliments!
Image via Wendy Gould
