Why We Don’t Use Acrylic or Dip Powder at Our Salon
If you’ve been searching for dip nails in Memphis or wondering whether to try acrylics for the first time, we’re going to be honest with you: we don’t offer either. Not because they’re unpopular—but because we believe your nails deserve better.
Our salon was built around offering clean, modern services that support long-term nail health, not quick fixes that leave your natural nails damaged and dehydrated. Here’s why we’ve left acrylic and dip in the past—and what we use instead.
Acrylic Nails vs Gel: The Breakdown
Let’s start with the big question—acrylic nails vs gel, what’s the difference?
Acrylics are a mix of liquid monomer and powder polymer that harden into a rigid extension. While they’ve been around forever, they come with drawbacks:
Strong chemical odor
Harsh removal process
Thick, unnatural feel
Risk of lifting and long-term nail thinning
Dip powder gained popularity as a faster alternative, but the reality is:
Many formulas still contain harsh bonding agents
Sanitation is often questionable (especially in communal jars)
Removal involves long acetone soaks or aggressive filing
Nails can become brittle or peel after just a few rounds
If you’ve cycled through acrylic or dip and feel like your nails never recover, you’re not imagining things.
What We Use Instead
We specialize in Japanese structure gel and Gel-X extensions—two systems that offer the durability of acrylic or dip without the damage.
Japanese Gel: 100% pure gel (no polish dilution), applied thinly over your natural nail. Flexible, strong, and grown out—not soaked off.
Gel-X Extensions: Pre-formed soft gel tips applied with gel and filed off gently, not drilled or soaked. Ideal for length without harsh chemicals.
Both are long-lasting, non-toxic alternatives that feel lighter, look cleaner, and don’t destroy your natural nail.
We’re Focused on Nail Health—Now and Later
At our salon, every service is designed with one goal in mind: to support the health of your natural nails—not just today, but in the long run.
We don’t soak. No acetone bowls, no harsh chemical exposure.
We prep with dry manicures, which protect the nail bed, improve adhesion, and help prevent lifting.
We use cosmetic-grade, 9-free gels that are gentle but strong—so your nails stay intact, not thinned out.
And we avoid shortcuts that might look good now but leave damage behind later.
Yes, we’re obsessed with a clean, flawless finish—but we also care about how your nails feel when you leave. Our services are designed to grow with your nails, not work against them. No burns. No brittle peeling. No surprise damage. Because beautiful nails should never come at the cost of your nail health.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been looking for an alternative to dip nails in Memphis or wondering if there’s something better than acrylics, this is it. You can still get the structure, the length, the shine—but with products and techniques that support the long-term health of your natural nails.
Skip the damage. Choose smarter.
Book your appointment and experience what thoughtful, modern nail care really looks like.