SNS nails, also known as dip powder nails, are becoming increasingly popular due to their long-lasting and natural-looking finish. One of the benefits of SNS nails is that they can also help you achieve the perfect French manicure.
People prone to picking or removing can also peel away layers of their own nails with the product. If you get an acetone soak-off before every SNS procedure this is bad news too – constant soaking in acetone completely dehydrates the nail bed and leads to brittle nails that rely on enhancements to survive.
Cost. Expect to pay between $35 and $50 for an SNS nail application. It is possible to add ombre coloring or opt for a French manicure dip nail, which could cost more money. The removal process can be performed in a salon, or at home which can help save money on the back end of this nail application process.
What are SNS nails? SNS nails — otherwise known as a “dip powder manicure” — are made with a powder and glue, and the combo creates a long-lasting bond on your nails. SNS is actually a brand of dip powder, the same way OPI and Essie are brands of nail polish, which is how the method got its name.
“The SNS manicure uses the glue, powder, and the accelerator process, whereas gel manicures use [gel polish] and a UV light to adhere polish to the nails." Dip powder also tends to be a bit more durable than gel polish, usually staying in good shape for somewhere between three to five weeks.
However, acrylic contain more fumes than SNS, which make it a less healthy option.
Is SNS better for my nails than gel or acrylic? There is very little evidence that SNS is any better or worse for your nails than gel polish, hard gel or acrylic. What causes damage to your natural nails is not the product itself, but the application and removal process.
In our experience, SNS can last up to one week longer than Shellac nails without chipping, and SNS also creates a thicker-looking nail from all that powder getting added on. But we've found Shellac to be a little less damaging to our nails long-term than SNS nails.
While gel might be cheaper at the outset, SNS typically lasts much longer. Where a gel manicure usually has a lifespan of about two weeks, SNS manicures can last four or more, especially if you make an extra effort to take care of your nails along the way.
Remove cuticle skin
Skin repels your dip powder application and if there is dead skin sitting on the nail plate near the cuticle, your SNS nails will lift prematurely causing that annoying 'stuck in hair' issue. A few easy tools to help push back your cuticles and make them ready for application.
It does not take layers off or weaken the nail over time as SNS does, which means stronger, less damaged nails. Gelicious is free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, tuolene, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, ethyl methacrylate, parabens, acetone, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – which means no nasty gel polish smell!
Although it might sound like a trivial problem, if left on too long, SNS, gel, and acrylic nails can start to lift around the edges, allowing water to get trapped underneath and cultivate bacteria (we are especially susceptible to this considering how frequently we're all washing our hands.)
The tip is slightly hazed out to create a softer, peachier look, as opposed to the usual pink and bright white colors we associate with a French manicure.” The vanilla French is minimalistic and flattering on most nail shapes—although it's worth noting that it looks particularly good on longer, almond-shaped nails.
Not only do they last longer and look better than traditional nail polish, but they can also be customized with unique designs and colors. If you're wondering if it's possible to put designs on SNS nails, the answer is yes!
They are worried about the possible harmful effects of UV light exposure." Additionally, while Shellac appears to help avoid the damage to the nails caused by acrylics, SNS goes a step further, according to Vo. “SNS is positively good for nail health.
Both powders and gels are easy to apply and the result is a durable mani that lasts you around three weeks. What's more, the removal process is comparable to Shellac in speed and ease (it typically involves soaking your nails in an acetone solution) and they cost roughly the same.
SNS provides a bit of extra strength and length to your nails, whilst maintaining a lightweight feel. It is much thinner than acrylic but thicker than gel polish. It's a great way of getting a bit of extra strength in your nails, whilst maintaining a more “natural-looking” finish.
Although French manicures can be suitable for every type of nail plate and shape/length, Bychkova suggests that the mid-length almond and short square shapes look best for French nail tips.
SNS is hailed as a healthy manicure, as the powder formula contains nail-fortifying calcium and other minerals. “It can be applied to almost any nail, no matter how short,” adds Bowhill-Hayes.
Despite being almost half a century old, French nails have never gone out of fashion, because they are timeless. These are just some of the reasons for their global popularity: French manicure is universal. It fits everyone well and goes well with every shape and length of the nail and every complexion and skin color.
Reapply Top Coat Every 2-3 Days
A great hack to ensure your manicure always looks fresh is to reapply a chip-resistant top coat every couple of days. This will keep your nails shiny and reduce the chances of any chipping.
Ombré is great for the indecisive, as you can have two colors on one nail instead of choosing between them! It's a great way to express yourself with nail art in a fairly subtle way. And with SNS Air Ombré, you can create this fun look in minutes.
Gel manicures benefit those with weaker nails and lasts just that little bit longer than Shellac. However, the removal process is quite lengthy. Shellac is a thinner polish, so if you want to give your nails more space to “breathe' and have sturdy natural nail beds, this one's for you.