Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Whether you want a solid hue, ombre nails, French tips, pared-down short nails, a bit more length, or a natural-looking finish, an acrylic nail kit is all you need. Gel and shellac may have taken center stage recently as go-to options for chip-free digits, but the acrylic manicure isn't going anywhere. Beloved by many, the dip-powder approach to augmented nails is more accessible (and affordable) than you think.
Luckily, in the age of DIY, you don't have to spend a fortune at the nail salon to get professional-looking manis and pedis—even if you're a beginner to acrylic nail kits. We spent hours searching for the best at-home sets, including those with dip powders, liquid bonders, sealers, activators, monomers, and top coats. We also sought out kits that include files and buffers for that smooth-as-glass finish. We evaluated each kit on several criteria, including the number of shades and dry time. No matter your skill level or budget, there's a kit for you.
Best Overall
Dipwell Acrylic Dip System Starter Kit
Comprehensive 12-piece kit
Great for beginners and pros
Pots contain enough powder for 60 full sets
Powder doesn't always apply smoothly
Shades: 3 | Dry Time: 5 to 10 minutes
DipWell's popular Easy Acrylic Dip System pulls out all the stops for fresh DIY nails. You'll get two little pots of dip powder, a base, and a finishing powder, five liquids (a bond, a base, an activator, and two sealers), plus a buffer, a file, and a cuticle tool. If this sounds like too many things, don't sweat it because, as the name suggests, it's designed to be easy-peasy. The Starter Kit is user-friendly enough for beginners, but advanced dippers shouldn't shy away. With this salon-level system, your manicure will last for up to six weeks—expect your nails to grow out faster than they chip. What's more, each pot contains enough powder for 30 full sets, all the formulas are low-odor, and your nails will cure without UV light.
Best Budget
Kiss Salon Dip Professional Dipping System
Great value
UV light not necessary
Comes with brush-on gel, activator, and two sets of tips
Not as long-lasting as other kits
Shades: 1 | Dry Time: 5 to 10 minutes
For babes on a budget, we recommend Kiss Salon Dip. It comes with a dip powder, a brush-on gel, an activator liquid, and a set of white and natural tips. It's super easy to use—no light necessary. Even more, there is no strong odor with this kit. Our only gripe with this set is that it's not as long-lasting as others. But, considering you get a lot for the price, we're willing to overlook it.
Best Splurge
Kiara Sky Dipping Powder Starter Kit
Creates professional results
Helps you properly sanitize in between uses
Includes several color options
Doesn't include tools
Shades: 5 | Dry Time: 2 minutes
If you usually hit the nail salon every couple of weeks, splurging on an acrylic kit will actually save you money in the long run. "The Kiara Sky System has a recycling system that allows for a single use of the product per individual application, so you can discard the unused products after and properly sanitize the container for further use," says nail artist Christine Doan. This kit does not include tools, but it does include five exciting color options.
Best System
Mia Secret Acrylic Kit
Contains set of nails, nail glue, powder, monomer, brush, buffer, and two topcoats
Nails adhere easily
Brush is not high-quality
Shades: 1 | Dry Time: ≈ 10 minutes
This professional manicure system by Mia Secret checks all the boxes. The kit includes a full set of false nails, nail glue, acrylic powder, monomer, nail brush, nail buffer, top coat, and a glossy topcoat. We love this all-inclusive set, which is perfect for beginners who don't know what products to buy. For only $25, it's an excellent value purchase and includes everything you could need to create a customized look.
Reasonably-priced option great for beginners
Makes DIY easy
Free of formaldehyde and phthalates
Nails look very matte
Shades: 8 color kits, multiple shades in each | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes
If you're new to the DIY acrylics game, your best bet is the Serendipity Dip Kit because it's not a big investment. It comes with three powder colors, a liquid bonder, activator, and finish gloss—all free of formaldehyde and phthalates. The gentle formula goes on easy, dries instantly, and lasts for up to three weeks. It is worth noting, however, that this formula dries matte, but a separate glossy top coat can add some shine.
Best for Aspiring Nail Artists
Morovan Acrylic Nail Kit
Comprehensive, pro-level kit
Contains 15 powders among other elements
Includes practice finger
Requires UV light, sold separately
Shades: 12 | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes
If you're considering trying your hand at professional nail artistry, practice at home with the Morovan Acrylic Kit. This pro-level system includes 15 powders, a generous bottle of monomer, tips, glue, a gel base, a top coat, a bunch of handy tools, and even a practice finger. Heads up—you'll need to buy a UV light separately.
Best Neutrals
Azure Beauty Nude Dip Powder Kit
Range of neutral shades that work with all skin tones
Easy to use
High-quality
Can be rough on nails
Shades: 8 color kits, multiple shades in each | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes
Those who gravitate toward neutrals will love the Azure Beauty's Nude Kit. It comes with eight dip powders, ranging from chic brown to blush pink to tawny taupe, and offers a fresh-from-the-salon finish for two whole weeks. This kit gains points for its easy-to-use products and high-quality formulation that can easily be mistaken for a professional manicure.
Best Pinks
Modelones Pink Acrylic Powder Kit
Each kit comes with three shades
Chip-resistant finish
Powder is easy to work with
Nails are not included
Shades: 3 color kits, 3 shades in each | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes
Pink nails are seasonless, and this acrylic powder kit has the prettiest shades, all easy to use and fast-drying. You'll get a pale blush, a ballerina-inspired hue, and a glittery pink with flirty flecks. Use them individually or combine them for an on-trend ombre look. We love the long-lasting formula (it lasts up to 21 days) and its yellow-resistant formula, so you'll never have to deal with discoloration.
Best With Glitter
COSCELIA Acrylic Nail Kit
Contains 12 glitter shades and a pack of rhinestones
Acrylic powders come in clear, white, and pink for variation
Generous amount of product included
Powder may clump
Shades: 12 | Dry Time: ≈ 10 minutes
Get your glitter on with the Coscelia Acrylic Nail Kit. With 12 sparkly dip powders, two packs of rhinestones, and enough glue to nail—pun intended—any look, this system was made for the glamorous among us. The kit also includes acrylic powders in clear, white, and pink, nail tips, a nail art brush, nail files, nail clippers, nail separators, nail buffer, and a curved tweezer. Be warned, however, that this kit does not include acrylic liquid or nail glue.
Best Powder
OPI Powder Perfection Nail Dip Powder
High-quality, pro-grade powder
Sets in place quickly
No strong odor
Can be sticky
Shades: 1 | Dry Time: 1 to 2 minutes
Once you get into a groove and run out of powder from your original kit, replenish your stash with a few pots of OPI Powder Perfection. "The OPI system is great because you've got the selection of colors that are well-known and loved," says Doan. "It's actually easy to use and so is removal." Even better, you can match your manicure to your pedicure since OPI has the same colors in their dip powders and regular polishes.
Best for French Tips
KISS Complete Acrylic Sculpture Kit
Helps nail the French tip
Good value
Strong, durable products
Not for a variety of looks
Shades: 1 | Dry Time: None
If you like the look of French tips, the Kiss Acrylic French Nail Kit has your name on it. It has 40 nail tips for a glue-on French manicure look with zero dry time. Use the included file to file the nails to the desired shape and size. The kit also comes with a brush, manicure stick, acrylic liquid, powder, and glue. Just keep in mind that this is the only style you'll be able to do with this kit.
Most Comprehensive
Cooserry 115 in 1 Acrylic Nail Kit
All-inclusive kit contains 60 shades
Great for beginners and aspiring pros
Includes assortment of tools
Can be hard to store
Shades: 60
With 12 glitter shades and a collection of rhinestones, this kit has everything you need to do your nails at home and never get bored. We love that this kit includes a practice finger for aspiring pros and beginners. You'll also find accessories here that are missing in a few other kits, including a toe separator, nail clipper, tweezers, cup, and cuticle fork.
What to Look for When Buying an Acrylic Nail Kit
- Dip Powder: All acrylic nail kits come with dip powder, which is essentially a powdered form of acrylic. With the help of a bonder and an activator or a monomer, it solidifies into a molded shape. Basic systems will come with one or two colors, but you can also find more robust kits with a range of neutral and bright hues and some glitter powders.
- Other Elements: Additionally, acrylic nail kits come with liquids that typically look a lot like regular nail polish bottles. While each system is different, they often include a base, a bonder, an activator or a liquid monomer, a sealer, and potentially a top coat. Each acrylic nail kit should also come with an assortment of tools. Some basics to look for include nail brushes and files, nail drills, and cuticle tools. If you are starting out, it's a good idea to get a comprehensive kit with everything you'll need, versus if you're looking to enhance an existing kit or tools you already have at home.
- Process: Like gel and Polygel nail kits, each acrylic nail kit is different. Some call for a more involved manicure process with several steps and sometimes a drying lamp, while others are quick-drying and require only a few steps. "Traditional salon acrylic manicures are not the easiest to accomplish at home or user-friendly, so I would recommend a dip system that allows a better user experience," adds Doan.
Add to Cart
Before you check out, here are some other products to make your at-home manicures as close to salon quality as possible:
- Infeling Solid Gel Nail Glue: Nail glue is essential to long-lasting nail extensions, and this one is a prime pick. Since this glue requires curing, it has more staying power.
- SunUV UV Light for Nails: Speaking of curing your nails, this UV light is essential for curing acrylic manicures, glues, and specific top coats. This lamp is foolproof for long-lasting nails since it has sensors and a timer setting, so nails can cure perfectly every time.
- Cuccio Cuticle Oil: For the ultimate salon experience, apply cuticle oil as a finishing touch to your manicure. This makes for a neater-looking nail since the cuticles will be less visible. This one from Cuccio is nourishing and infused with vitamins to strengthen the nails.
- Artdone Chrome Nail Powder: Spice up your manicure with chrome powder for a mirrored effect. This set from Amazon includes 16 unique color options and buffer tools for easy application.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a contributing writer at Byrdie. She is a lifelong DIY nail enthusiast. A big fan of consumer tech and beauty innovation, she's dabbled in at-home gel polish, curing lights, and recently, a DipWell Starter Kit.
Team Byrdie also consulted with experts to ensure the accuracy of this story:
- Christine Doan is a nail artist and owner of Gloss House.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any acrylic nail kits from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.