The gel can then be nicked at the edge and gently peeled away. It does not take layers off or weaken the nail over time as SNS does, which means stronger, less damaged nails.
Therefore, professional nail products — be it dip powder or gel — are equally healthy for the nails. In fact, the most important thing to know about dip powder or gel is that neither inherently causes damage to the nail. Instead, damage is caused by improper application or removal of nail coatings.
Bottom line: Both gel and dip manicures have the potential to damage your nail, but this can be avoided (or at least minimized) by following correct and patient removal and after-care protocols. One of the biggest downfalls of dip powder manicures is that, when handled without care, they can be easily contaminated.
Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.
While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.
“SNS typically lasts up to 2 – 3 weeks before it either starts to lift at the edge or the nails start to grow out from underneath. If you're looking for something that will give you a bit of extra wear, I would recommend SNS. It doesn't tend to lift as easily as gel nails so it can last a little longer.
SNS has become a popular choice recently for a long-lasting manicure, but in our opinion, gel nail brands like Gelicious are a much better choice for a healthy manicure. So, what is SNS? SNS is short for 'Signature Nail Systems' and is a manicure that requires repeated dipping into a powder that hardens on the nail.
SNS vs Gel: The Verdict
If you want a manicure that lasts two to three weeks without chipping, gel is probably best. But, if you're worried about UV exposure or want a manicure that isn't as damaging to your nail bed, go for SNS.
A basic manicure, with the right polishes, is the healthiest for your nails. When we say the 'right polishes' we mean the best nail growth polish or breathable nail polish. The harsh chemicals in many polishes often degrade our nails. Using an organic polish that contains vitamins, is the best way to avoid damage.
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!
What are the benefits of using dip powder? Extra-strong formula. Dip powder is harder and more durable than gel. As such, it's a great option for those with weak nails or people who do a lot of labor with their hands.
Dip isn't necessarily safer than gel.
Dip powder is frequently cited as safer than gels, as well, since they aren't cured under an ultraviolet light—but bacterial infection can be a concern, should your technician not take the proper measures.
Terrell suggests a week-long break between applications, and a two-week break every three applications. And of course, take longer, more frequent breaks if your nails feel particularly brittle after removal. During your dip powder rest period, it's important to use products like nail strengtheners and cuticle oil.
The gel and dip removal process is similar and should be done by a second nail appointment so that a nail tech can safely remove the polish. Improper removals can lead to damaging the nail beds. Refrain from picking the polish off yourself. Between the two, gel polish is easier to remove.
While dip powder doesn't lay on as thick as acrylics, both are strong materials that can have adverse effects on the natural nail—specifically, they can be quite heavy on the nail beds, sometimes suffocating the area and leading to irritation.
Dr. Lipner says, “It's not dangerous to apply a dip powder every month. However, to remove these manicures, you need to put 100% acetone on your nails, which can damage your nails.”
According to Choi, signs that your nails need a break from polish include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, and white spots. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be a good time to take a break from gels for a while.
So how long should you leave between applying builder gel again? In our experience a break for a week every eight weeks will be the perfect length of time to let your natural nails breathe. During the break period, make sure to keep your nails moisturised and hydrated.
With proper and skilled application, gel nails do not leave an impression on the fingernails. They are also available in different textures. Cons – Gel nails typically have a higher price tag than acrylics and often do not last that long, so they have to be replaced more often.
Plexigel is a semi-hard gel, making it more durable than the soft nail gel manicure. This method is newer, and can be a problem-solver for flat, brittle, or torn nails. Plexigel is a flexible, yet tough, coating that plumps, lengthens, or repairs a multitude of nail issues.
Dip powder manicure
However, unlike gel manicures, dip powder nails do not need any UV lights during fixing. The dip powder manicure process is simple. As the name suggests, your manicurist rubs a clear adhesive on each fingernail and then dips them into a pigment-based powder one after the other.
“Much of the promotion in the market is that SNS is 'healthy' for your nails and better for them than, say, a gel polish system,” says Monika Carvalho, owner of The Nail Lab. “But SNS is essentially the same as acrylic and over time will damage the natural nail the same way.”
BIAB Nails Are the New, Longer-Lasting Alternative to Gel and Shellac. We tested the trending manicure—and got this surprising result. Watch out, gel and shellac, because there's a new, extremely durable manicure option that doesn't do as much damage to your healthy nails: BIAB nails.
When done, SNS nails feel lighter, more durable, and healthier in the long-term than a gel or Shellac option. SNS nails could last around 2-4 weeks (depending on the level of care and the environment) before the next refill. A downside to having SNS is that we cannot not use the powder to create intricate nail art.
“For many women, this raises red flags. 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.