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.
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. Although harsher on the natural nails, it's a lot stronger and doesn't bend.”
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.
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.
Simply put, dip powder polymers are stronger than those found in gel polish, and, therefore, dip manicures will generally last longer — up to five weeks, if properly cared for.
If you're one of them, these tips from dermatologists can help you reduce the damage: 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.
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.
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.
Compared to SNS (Signature Nail System), gel is generally considered to be better for your nails since it is much less damaging.
(Some even say they can last a few weeks longer than the popular long-wear manicure type.) 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.
Unlike traditional acrylic nails, which are made with a liquid monomer and a polymer powder, dipping powder nails use a pre-mixed powder that is dipped directly into a liquid solution before being applied to the nail. This creates a stronger and more resilient nail that is less likely to chip or break.
When you remove too many layers of the nail, the dip powder and liquids can actually penetrate the remainder of the nail and even go down to the skin beneath the nail bed, causing soreness. If you start to feel your nails hurt while applying dip, you should stop immediately before you cause any serious damage.
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.
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. “They last well; up to three weeks with no lifting.”
A set of dip powder nails usually costs just $5-10 more than gels, so the difference is negligible if you plan to wear your manicure for as long as possible. If, on the other hand, you like to change your nail color frequently, gels are probably the most budget-friendly choice.
Terrell suggests taking a break from dip powder depending on how frequently you get it. If it's a regular occurrence in your beauty routine, she says to skip out on the fan-favorite mani for a few days every three to four months to give your nails a breather.
Dip Powder Makes Your Natural Nails Feel Stronger
Dip powder creates a hard, protective layer over your nails. So if your nails are weak or feel like they're going to break, using dip powder is a great way to strengthen them as they heal and grow stronger.
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.
The average time for your natural nail to grow out completely from the cuticle to the tip of the nail can take anywhere from four to six months. This is a long time to refrain from manicures or using polish, so we recommend taking a three to four week break between nail appointments.
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.
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.
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 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.