For the longest-lasting manicure, choose a gel or acrylic style. Gel nail polish is less likely to chip, and acrylic is even stronger than gel.
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.
But we've found Shellac to be a little less damaging to our nails long-term than SNS nails. Another difference is that Shellac needs to be cured, or dried, under a UV or LED lamp, whereas SNS is dry instantly. Both treatments take about the same amount of total time in-salon though.
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.
Another reason the SNS procedure tends to weaken nails is the removal process. This is an inflexible product, so any breaks or lifting usually takes your own nail with it! People prone to picking or removing can also peel away layers of their own nails with the product.
The best false nails alternative is press on nails.
They are all long-lasting and pretty durable. However, press on nails seems to be the least damaging fake nail on the market at the moment. Acrylics or gel nails might look fabulous.
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. This is why your technician will advise you not to pick at or peel off your gel or acrylic.
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!
The Down-Low on SNS
Unlike your typical lacquer or gel polish, SNS is applied as a powder in multiple coats that hardens onto the nail. Where Gel nails rely on a UV lamp to set the polish in place, SNS eliminates the need for unnecessary exposure, causing people to think of it as a healthier alternative.
The most important thing to commit to is a consistent nail-care routine. “I recommend cuticle oil, hand cream, a strengthening base coat, and a keratin nail treatment,” says Graves. “These will keep the cuticles and nails hydrated while also helping to protect and strengthen the nails during the regrowth process.”
Besides leading to a ragged-looking manicure, biting your nails could lead to irreversible damage. According to Nails magazine, chomping on your nails can lead to ingrown nails and infected cuticles. One study even found that chronic nail biting can even lead to permanent shortening of the fingernails.
Dip Powder Manicure
For this type of manicure, each nail color comes in the form of a pigmented powder, which your nails are dipped into after being applied a clear liquid formula. It's generally stronger than gel and lasts longer.
A nail wrap or sticker will give you the same long-lasting effect as gel—minus all the removal hassle. Nail wraps and stickers are applied on top of the nail and secured down without any UV light curing. To remove them, simply use your usual acetone polish remover until the wrap is gone.
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.
Gel and shellac manicures are chip resistant and lasting, but they can also cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking.
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.”
How long do SNS or dipping powder manicures last? Like gel manicures, SNS and dipping powder manicures last roughly two weeks, though with the right care they can last longer.
SNS is suitable for short, medium to long length of nails. SNS can be applied directly on top of your natural nails (which we usually refer to as an 'overlay') or it could be applied on top of extensions, also known as tips (which we usually refer to as an 'SNS full-set) if extra length is required.
After nail removal, your daily regime to strengthen nails can start with applying a coat of Nail Strengthener. This treatment is as simple as applying a coat of strengthener every day for a week. The length of this treatment really depends on how much you want to strengthen nails and how damaged they already were.
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.
Gel Nail Extensions: Similar to acrylics, but without any of the toxic methyl methacrylate, gel extensions are a solid alternative. You can pick from a variety of shapes like square, round, or stiletto, and your manicurist will use a small amount of gel to secure the extension to your own nail.