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 acetone removes more than the nail color. “It peels off layers of nail and thins the nails over time,” says Dr. Lipner. “The acetone can also irritate the surrounding skin,” she adds.
Looking after our nails is so important to keep them looking their best and to keep our general body health in check. So remember to take a break every three or four weeks to help our nails restore and build back some strength.
It can take as long as eight weeks to strengthen nails and restore them to their original state. Growing your nails out to a generous length can take up to three months.
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.
My restore my nails regimen started with applying one coat of nail strengthener daily. I did this for seven days. On the seventh day I removed the nail strengthener and started again. After the nail strengthener dried, I applied cuticle oil to my nails and skin around them twice a day.
Your nails might be thin or weak if you're not getting a balanced diet. Since nails are made of keratin, a type of protein, eating more protein can help thicken your nails. Healthy fats, such as omega 3s from nuts, and calcium are also important for strong, thick nails.
If you notice white spots, lines or an unevenness on your natural nails, it can take anywhere between three to six months for them to go away, as that's typically how long it takes for your nails to grow out completely.
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.
Less damaging to nails: Dipping powder nails also tend to be less damaging to the natural nail than acrylics, which can cause the nail to become weak and brittle over time.
Dip powder creates a hard layer over your nails, strengthening them, whereas gel nail polish is a bit thinner and malleable.
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.
Does SNS damage nails? Like most in-salon manicures, damage to your nails most commonly occurs during the removal process. To remove SNS, your nails need to be soaked in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes, which can make them dehydrated and brittle.
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.
Paper-thin nails after acrylics are another common issue. Gel and acrylics cause the nails to lose moisture and become brittle, flaky and peeling. This can also be caused by improperly peeling the gel and removing the nail plate.
It is very hard to repair a damaged nail bed. There are complicated nail bed surgical grafting techniques available, when there is serious damage is required, but low level laser can offer a less invasive treatment option. If a damaged nail has not grown out normally after 12 months the damage is permanent.
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.
If you've tried SNS nails and you love them, then keep using them, but just know that they aren't natural or particularly any healthier for your nails than shellac or acrylic. And also know that essentially they are still acrylic nails and over time they will damage your nails in some way.
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.)
“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.
This isn't a medical term but a description of a set of symptoms that can appear after providing nail services using a dip system, usually the cyanoacrylate version. The symptoms are usually a runny nose, watering eyes, headache, sneezing, coughing, sore chest, nausea. It can last a couple of hours to several days.