My Switch to Dazzle Dry: Why I’ll Never Get a Gel Manicure Again
My Switch to Dazzle Dry: Why I’ll Never Get a Gel Manicure Again
Every time I post about Dazzle Dry on my IG stories I get SO many questions. I, too, had no idea what it was and had just as many questions, so let me answer them and explain why I will never get a gel manicure again.
What IS Dazzle Dry?
It’s a nail system that consists of nontoxic, vegan, long-lasting nail polish that includes a base, color, and top coat. You can buy it online and DIY at home OR you can get it done at select nail salons.
How long does it last?
Just about two weeks for me. THat’s also how long a gel/no-chip manicure lasts for me. Personally, I start picking at it around the 13 day mark because it’s so grown out (gel, too).
So, it’s no-chip?
Nope, it’s a regular nail polish. No UV rays are used (that’s what I hate most about n0-chip). And it comes off with normal nail polish remover at HOME.
Does it cost as much as a no-chip?
At my normal nail salon in the burbs or the city, a no-chip manicure is either $35-40. At the local salon I go to in the suburbs (I love Oak Spa in Winnetka), a Dazzle Dry manicure is $20–only $5 more than their normal manicure. So, basically, it’s a steal.
What’s your go-to color?
The manicurist at my local salon helped me create a color that looks just OPI’s discontinued “Let’s Be Friends” and I love it. One coat “Alluring Charm” and one coat “Prima Ballerina” (it’s pictured above).
Just call your favorite salon and see if they carry it! Dazzle Dry’s website has a list of salons that carry it but I’ve found its super limited and there are way more nail salons with it in stock. Plus, it’s a great way to get out of the house and safely support your local businesses (I have had two manicures since quarantine started and felt very safe each time).
Was looking into Dazzle Dry when you first posted pre quaratine! Do you find when you remove the polish on your own it leaves your nails peeling or weak? That’s my issue with gel, quarentine has helped my nails grow out, but they’re still so weak after years of gel manis!
Not at all! Gel feels so thick in comparison–this feels like normal nail polish so it doesn’t affect my nail strength! I love it so much.
I love love love Dazzle Dry. I’m surprised I don’t hear about it more often! My go to shades are Prima Ballerina and Cashmere Taupe. Thanks for the post!
I’ve been using Dazzle Dry for maybe 5 years now and love it! I often use regular polish too but this definitely lasts!! The DD system works decently with my regular polishes too 🙂
My go to is Peacefully Me—that’s what the DD team suggested as close to Essie Ballet Slippers
Ah, that’s great to know! Thanks 🙂
If I buy some, and take it to a nail spa that has never used it- are there any special instructions? And any recs for where to buy it? Thank you!
hi! it’s a ‘system’ that you can buy directly from the dazzle dry website (base coat, polish, top coat) – so you could definitely bring it to a salon! It’s just like normal polish but lasts much longer.
I love the system & polish but find it a little too pricey with the $7.95 shipping charge for just 1 polish = over $27 . Just wish I could purchase at Ulta or Sephora
Question: Does this nail system harden your nails so they can grow out a bit?? Mine are so weak they break off easily..
I don’t think they harden your nails, BUT it doesn’t weaken them, which I felt like gels tended to do thaht.
My nails are so soft that I have a serious problem with nail polish cracking. Polish tends to chip for me, too, but mostly my issue is the polish cracking and then peeling off. Have you found that it cracks at all?
Thanks!
I’m a qualified nail technician and I can confirm that gel nail services themselves do no harm to the nail plate, it’s how it’s applied and removed that can be damaging.
Great to know!
So happy to come across your review and completely shocked that you mentioned Oak Spa in Winnetka as I’m sitting in their pedicure chair right now! Thanks for your review! Super excited to try dazzle dry !
have fun! tell aimee I said hi!
Feel pretty good after reading your reviews. I got my DD kit 3 weeks ago, and have removed it right away. Must be a learning curve. I’ve read thru the instructions. One wouldn’t think I need to add “Revive” to a new bottle. Anyway… would love to be more positive. Any pointers?
Hi! I have never applied DD myself–only have had it done at the salon that carries it. I am horrible at painting my own nails; my only advice would be to bring it to your favorite salon for application.
I recently purchased the dazzle dry nail system & 1 nail polish! I followed the instructions & the polish chipped on 3 nails after 24 hrs, 1 day! Very disappointed , & I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, wish I could return the polish & the system!
You should contact them and ask for a refund! I haven’t done a gel in almost two years and I absolutely love DD–it lasts so long for me! However, I can’t do my own nails and have never done it at home–only at the nail salon, so not sure if that makes a difference.
Dazzle dry is amazing!!! Lasts SO long.
I was having trouble with Dazzle Dry .. I thought I followed the instructions on how to apply each step.. I’m a hairstylist in water all day long and the polish would peel off.. very disappointing. I finally called and the representative was very help … she asked me several questions from start to finish in my application. She recommended that I add several drops of Revive to the nail lacquer and top coat. It did seem to make a difference in the application and drying time. So far so good! Thanks for the advise
I did use dazzle dry and what I can attest is that they have some amazing products for all genders and their pricing in really nice for the quality of products they offer
I love using Dazzle Dry. I wish I could find a local salon but I do my own nails. I find my nails are healthier even without polish now (although I seldom go without polish). I actually broke a nail 1/2 way down the nail bed BUT it didn’t break completely and is still being held on by only Dazzle Dry polish (no extra coats or anything) 4 weeks later. Of course when the break reaches the free edge I’ll have to cut the nail off but I am super SUPER pleased with my personal results with using Dazzle Dry.
I’ve tried every brand of nail polish and Dazzle Dry is a game changer for me! After years of getting dip at the salon, I decided to let my nails recover. I tried every kind of polish but everything chipped after only 2-3 days. DD lasted a full 7 days with no chips. I did the tiniest touchups and got 3 more days out of it. This is a miracle! I ordered directly from DD and do my nails at home. Dries fast, too! Used regular nail polish remover and it worked like a charm.