After 3.5 Years of Gel, This At-Home Manicure Kit Is the Only Thing Saving My Nails (and Wallet)

December 11, 2024

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Consider this the beginning of my healthy nail journey.

It all started in May of 2021, when I got my first gel manicure. The glossy finish, the perfect length, the way it made my hands look effortlessly polished (pun intended)—I was hooked. One appointment turned into another, and before I knew it, I was in a committed relationship with gel. Fast forward to today, and while my love for those flawless nails hasn’t wavered, my actual nails? Let’s just say they’ve seen better days. My once-healthy nail beds are now like the victims of a bad breakup—brittle, breaking, and begging for some TLC. But hey, beauty is pain, right? Or at least that’s what I kept telling myself as I booked my next appointment.

That was until I learned of the magical world of at-home Dazzle Dry manicures via the brand’s “The System” Bundle ($85). One scroll through Instagram and a few rave reviews later, I found myself ordering the starter kit, curious but skeptical. Could this be the solution to my nail drama? Scroll down for my honest review.

Dazzle Dry “The System” Bundle — $72.00

Includes a bottle of the brand’s nail strengthener (Nail Prep), a base coat, lacquer, top coat, and Revive. Lacquer colors vary based on which system you choose.

Pros:

Easy-to-follow instructions
Quick drying time
Non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free formula
Strengthens natural nails
Variety of colors

Cons:

A little expensive
Less available than other nail polish colors

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About Dazzle Dry

Dazzle Dry is a revolutionary nail care system that offers a quick-drying, long-lasting manicure without the use of harsh chemicals. Unlike traditional polishes, Dazzle Dry is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, making it a healthier option for your nails. The system includes four steps: nail prep to cleanse and hydrate, a base coat for adhesion, lacquer for color, and a top coat for a high-gloss finish. Its unique formula air-dries in just five minutes and claims to last up to two weeks without chipping. There are dozens of colors to choose from as well, so it’s not just a one-time fix, but a full switch to a healthier nail routine.

My honest review

We ~~listen~~ look and we don’t judge. Yes, those are my nails about three weeks post-gel removal. My nails are thin and ragged, and won’t stop peeling and breaking. While the Dazzle Dry system makes them look a lot better, I’m not going to pretend that they fixed my nails overnight! Still, Dazzle Dry promised an easy at-home manicure and healthier nails without chipping, and let me tell you—it delivered.

I started with the base coat, which was a little cloudy and jelly in the bottle at first. The brand recommends soaking the bottle in warm water until it turns clear, which took me about 5 or so minutes. I did two coats, which dried almost immediately after a few passes with the brush. Then, I applied two coats of my color of choice: the deep chocolatey brown Zest. My nails are a little jagged (see above), but the polish went on as smoothly as it could and dried very quickly. Finally, I put one coat of the top coat on, which left them looking glossy and smooth.

The polish dries in five minutes (yes, really!), has so far lasted eight days without chipping, and has helped my poor, beat-up nails start to recover. So, that’s all to say I’m not just committed to the healthy nail lifestyle—I’m a full-on evangelist, telling anyone who will listen about this nail game-changer.

Final thoughts

The Dazzle Dry system is an excellent option for those seeking a safer, healthier alternative to traditional nail products, especially if you’re looking for quick-drying and long-lasting results. However, its higher cost and more involved application process might deter some users. If you’re willing to invest time and money upfront, it can be a game-changer for nail care. Get your system here.