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There is just something about manicured nails that makes you feel like you have your life together. You feel pampered and poised. It’s totally worth the money… until it begins to chip.
Whether that’s the next morning or right before a big date, a chip in your polish takes your nails from fab to drab very quickly. Luckily, nail gurus heard our prayers and now there are a lot of options when it comes to longer-lasting manicures than ever before.
Sns Nails Vs. Acrylics: What's The Difference?
But, which do you choose? Let’s take a quick look at the 3 long-lasting manicure options to help you decide which is best for you.
SNS is short for Signature Nail System, though often better known as dip nails. They are more gentle to your nails than acrylics and arguably better for your skin since they don’t need to be cured under a special UV light like gel manicures.
Nails are prepped for the powder with a base coat activator, then the wet nail is dipped into the colored powder. This step is repeated until you reach the depth of color and opacity you want.
What Are Sns Nails And Why Is Everyone Talking About Them?
These nails are somewhere in between acrylic and gel in terms of longevity and can last for a few weeks. The color will stay chip-free for the duration of the manicure since the powder is the color and not just a layer on top of the nail. Removal Difficulty
Since you dip nails a few times, it is applied in thin layers which makes it easier to remove. They still need to be soaked in acetone, but overall will be less damaging to the nail. Cost
SNS manicures cost between $40-$75. The price does depend on the brand of powder and color. Solid colors will be less expensive than ombré color nails. Removing your dip nails will run about $10.
Why Gel Nail Manicures Are Better Than Sns
Acrylic nails are long-lasting and perfect for adding length to short nails. This is also the manicure that allows for gorgeous airbrush nail art. Application
After gluing on tips, the nail technician will use a brush wet with acrylic liquid and dip the wet nail into acrylic powder before shaping a thick coat over your natural nail.
Then, using a nail drill the technician will even out the acrylic coat and make it smooth. Color is the next step, with acrylic nails allowing you to choose either airbrush color, gel, or regular polish.
Here's All You Need To Know About Sns Nails
This manicure lasts as long as you want it to, as long as you get it filled. The time in between fills depends on how quickly your nails grow.
You’ll need to get your nails filled every 2 to 3 weeks. Or when the space between your cuticle and the acrylic nail gets big enough to bother you. Removal Difficulty
To remove these nails, you’ll have to soak them in acetone. When they have softened or dissolved enough, the nail technician will gently remove them from the natural nail. Cost
Gel/acrylic/sns Removal + Shellac/gel Polish
Acrylic nail prices vary widely. Airbrush designs come at an extra charge, usually per nail. French tip nails cost more, as does an upgrade to gel polish on top.
Gel nails give you the shiny manicure of your dreams. They have become so popular that gel polish and UV lamps can be easily purchased anywhere from Amazon to your local beauty supply store.
Nails are prepped with a special basecoat that cures under the UV lamp and leaves nails tacky. The tacky surface helps the color layer adhere to the nail.
Sns Nails Vs Acrylic & Gel Nails
After curing the color, the nail technician will repeat the process until the desired color and opacity are achieved. Then a top coat is applied that leaves a strong coating on the nail that is instantly dry.
This manicure leaves nails shiny and chip-free for about 2 weeks, making it the perfect manicure for special occasions and vacations. Gel polish can also be used on toes for a long-lasting pedicure. Removal Difficulty
Just like the other manicures on the list, gel nails require special removal. They need to be soaked in acetone (or use another removal method), and the nail technician will gently remove the polish once it has softened. Cost
Gel Nails Vs Sns: Which Is Better For Your Nails?
Whether you go to LA Nails, Lee Nails, or your local salon, gel manicures cost anywhere from $5-$10 more than a regular manicure, usually starting at around $35. It will cost around $10-$15 to remove gel polish. Which Type is Best?
If DIY is your thing, keep in mind these aren’t as easy to do at home as a regular manicure. They require special tools, products, and a lot of practice to get just right. Since they are difficult to DIY and last so long compared to regular manicures, they are worth the cost of having them done at a salon.
Even if you chose to give it a try at home, removing them is best left to the professionals. If done incorrectly, it can damage your natural nails. It is also good to follow the removal of any of these specialty manicures with a regular manicure to keep nails and cuticles in shape.
Which Nail Is Right For You? Acrylic Vs Sns Dipping
Whether you want extra length, extra strength, or just need a manicure to last as long as your weekend away, there is a manicure for you.
With the quick breakdown above, you’ve got all the help you need to be able to pick the right one. Now the hardest part will be choosing the color!
7 Benefits of Black Tea for Hair (and How to Use I...Why Does My Hair Get So Tangled? (and How to Preve...How Long Does it Take to Tan in the Sun? (and How ...Treating yourself to a manicure is as much about making yourself feel good as it is looking after yourself. What you choose to wear on your nails can have a lasting impact on the health of your nail bed, so it’s important to be across all options. While some of us choose to paint our nails at home, there’s nothing quite like a salon-quality finish.
Sns Dipping Powder The Most Popular Trend In Nails, But Is It Worth It?
Considering there are plenty of options available, here we take you through the most popular; Gel, SNS, Bio Sculpture and BIAB, all available at The Parlour Room, so you’re well informed for your next appointment.
Similar to a gel, BIAB (which stands for Builder In A Bottle) is the latest product innovation from The Gel Bottle Inc. Its unique formula mimics the strength and durability you find with SNS and acrylic but is by far much healthier for your nail plate underneath.
Where SNS and acrylic can be quite restrictive and harsh on your nails, often leaving your nail plate extremely weak, dry and dehydrated, BIAB on the other hand, can last longer than a typical gel mani (anywhere up to 3-4 weeks) and combines all the benefits people know and love from these treatments, including flexibility, strength and durability, without impacting the health of the nail.
What's The Difference Between Shellac And Sns Nails?
With BIAB you don’t need to book in for a soak off each time, rather much like your acrylics, you can get infills every 3-4 weeks and if you like the look of longer nails, you can book in for BIAB with extensions as well.
Gel nails provide a soft, neat, glossy finish, where the treatment consists of a base coat, two coats of colour and a topcoat with each layer cured and set under UV lights. People often get confused between gel and shellac however, they are the same thing, shellac isa popular brand of gel polish.
One of the many benefits of gel nails is that you don't need to account for any drying time as each layer, first, a base coat, followed by multiple layers of polish and finished with a top coat and cuticle oil, is cured as you go. So it’s perfect if you’re short on time. Around 45 minutes is all you’ll need.
How To Remove Sns Nails At Home
The gel treatment is quite flexible however, because of this, they tend to only last around 2 weeks before you need another appointment. This is because they’re very soft and can quite easily chip or breakaway, especially when they’ve been exposed to regular household chemicals such as soaps and cleaning products.
It’s always best to book in with a professional if you want to remove them, that way the technician can ensure there is no damage to the nail bed when doing so and can treat them after.
SNS stands for ‘signature nail system’. SNS is a well-known brand of a powder dipping treatment, where you first apply a base coat and then dip your nails in the desired colour powder of your choice, and set with a topcoat.
Gel Powder Nails
If you’re after strength and durability, SNS is a great option. Compared to gel, it doesn’t chip as easily and can typically last up to 2 - 3 weeks before it appears to lift at the edge or starts to grow out from underneath.
Application takes around 60 minutes and although it is possible to remove your nails at home, we highly recommend you book in and see a professional instead. Because they’re so strong, it can be quite painful if you
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