The Best Affordable DIY Manicure- Dashing Diva Nail Strips
I am not affiliated with any of the products or brands mentioned in this article.
Pretty nails that make me feel fancy and put a smile on my face. But the idea of paying for a manicure has never appealed to me. Prices continue to skyrocket at nail salons, too, with an average of $75 for a basic manicure! No, thank you.
More people are choosing DIY nail options, like Dashing Diva nail strips, to save money. Dashing Diva gel nails cost around $9 a pack.
Each pack has enough gel strips to complete two full manicures (four hands). A single manicure only costs $4.50! Talk about a bargain. Dashing Diva gets you salon-quality at a fraction of the price.
I’ll explain more about these nails, specifically their “Gloss” product line, and how best to apply them for the cutest at-home manicure!
What are Dashing Diva Nail Strips?
Dashing Diva nails are made from a gel polish-based formula. Unlike other gel nail strips, Dashing Diva’s Gloss line of nails does not require a UV light.
These press on nails are self-adhesive, so they don’t require any glue. They also don't require a base coat.
Are Dashing Diva Nails Any Good?
I like Dashing Diva nails. As someone who plays guitar and has worked retail, my nails have been through a lot. Traditional nail polish would last only a day- if I was lucky. But going to get my nails done is an expense I don’t want to spend.
So, when I found Dashing Diva, they sounded too good to be true. News flash: they live up to the hype. The strips don’t chip, and as long as I place them on correctly, they look as good as new for two weeks. No matter how many times I play guitar or tear into cardboard boxes.
I also love that I can get multiple uses out of each set I purchase! The picture below shows the nail strips remaining after doing my nails once.
I have convinced friends, coworkers, and family to try out these nail strips because of how many compliments I have received while using them.
Where To Find Dashing Diva Nails
You can order Dashing Diva nails from the Dashing Diva website. You can also find them in discount stores, or retailers such as Ulta, Target, and Walmart.
Here’s a price breakdown so you can find the best option to save the most:
Dashing Diva’s Website: Gloss nail sets cost $9. Free shipping with orders $25 or more.
Ulta: Gloss nail sets cost $8.99. Buy in-store, or shipping is free with orders over $35.
Target: Gloss nail sets cost $7.99. Buy in-store, or spend $35 to get shipped.
But my favorite place to get these nails? Ross, TJMaxx, or Marshalls.
If you’re lucky enough to find them in TJMaxx, they cost around $5 a pack, making each set of your manicure only $2.50. The selection is always minimal at these stores, though. So, it's the luck of the draw with what styles are available.
When I want a particular set, I usually get it through Ulta. Sometimes Ulta sells the nails at a steep discount. One day, I lucked out and snagged a set for just $2 two years ago at Ulta. Finding these sales is a matter of luck, though.
I also like to stock up on the Dashing Diva website when they have clearance. Nail sets on sale run for around $5, and you can get around five packs shipped to your house for $25.
How to Apply Dashing Diva Gloss Nail Strips
Proper application of the nails makes or breaks the appearance of these at-home salon-quality manicures.
Thankfully, Dashing Diva nail strips are so easy to apply.
Here’s a quick look at the step-by-step instructions:
Choose the right size strip for your nail.
Peel the strip off and place it at the base of your nail, just above the cuticle.
Press down on the strip, rubbing it into place in a slow upward upward-sweeping motion to avoid wrinkles or bumps.
Fold the extra over the top of your nail and file in a downward motion behind to remove it.
Measure the right size by hovering the nail strip film on your fingernail.
I like to cut some of the excess off of the Dashing Diva nail strip sometimes before I file it off. Just make sure not to cut it too closely to the nail! It’s important to file excess off.
Fold excess over the back and file in a downward motion.
Optional: Gel Topcoat Cured with UV
My first attempt at Dashing Diva nail strips was a nightmare. I didn’t trim the strip correctly, so it kept wrinkling at the tips. The sticky wrinkles got dirty- covered in fuzz and little hairs. Anything that could stick to it stuck.
It was disgusting and looked hideous.
I’ve since learned how to trim them more adequately. However, even when cut properly, they can still get dirty and sticky (and thus fuzzy) at the ends.
My solution? I added a clear gel top coat and cured it with a UV lamp. The top coat secures the nails, helping the strips to stay in place and wrinkle-free. It also adds a nice shine.
I found this clear gel topcoat from Amazon that works well! Less is more when using this gel topcoat. It works best if you wipe excess off the brush with the mouth of the bottle before you start applying it.
If you don’t remove excess, you end up with gel pouring down the tips of your fingers. The gel can get messy quickly and frustrating after curing with a UV light.
You can get a nail UV light for around $6 on Amazon.
How to Remove Dashing Diva Nails
Once I notice the nails starting to peel off slightly, I know it’s time to remove them. It's common for the nail strips to catch slightly in hair if you run your fingers through it as they start separating from your nail.
There are a few simple ways to remove Dashing Diva nails.
I remove the nail strips in a warm shower because it’s easy and time-efficient. I gently peel off each nail strip using steam and warm water. Usually, they pop off easily.
Another method I have seen (but haven’t tried) is to remove the nail strips with nail polish remover.
Lastly, you can purchase a removal product from Dashing Diva. I don’t recommend this if you’re using the Gloss line of nails. The Magic Off Remover is for some of the company’s other nail strip lines like Glaze and Magic.
The Gloss nails are easy to remove if you soak your nails in warm water and peeling them off slowly. I’ve never damaged my nails while removing them this way.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dashing Diva Nails
How Long Does Dashing Diva Last?
Dashing Diva’s nail strips last two weeks! You’ll have better success with them lasting that long if you cover them with a gel top coat.
Is Dashing Diva a Korean Brand?
Dashing Diva was originally founded in the United States. However, the company has a large presence in South Korea- the beauty product capital of the world. It manufactures most of its products there.
Do Dashing Diva Nails Need a UV Light?
Certain Dashing Diva nail strips, such as their semi-cured gel nail strip line Glaze, require UV light for curing.
Other nail strips by the company, like Gloss, do not require a UV light. The only time you’d need UV light with Gloss nails is if you put a clear gel topcoat on.
Final Verdict
I have been a fan of Dashing Diva for a little over 3 years now. They’re reliable, safe to use, affordable- and ADORABLE. There are so many styles to choose from, ranging from solid colors, french tips, sparkly, and so many different patterns. They also have cute seasonal styles for holidays.
These gel manicures are so easy, and are the perfect salon-quality DIY nails for anyone on a budget!
