What are SNS nails exactly? An explainer.

January 31, 2019

SNS nails aren’t new. They are, however, the cat’s pyjamas and we need to talk about them.

Different to their shellac nails, acrylic nails and gel nails ancestors, SNS nails basically take all the best bits from other types of manicures and look really bloody good while doing it.

To answer all your SNS questions, let’s unpack: What are SNS nails, how to remove SNS nails, how much does SNS cost and is SNS good for your nails.

Here we go.

Life with and without nails. Nail fans will understand:

Video by MMC

What is SNS?

“SNS (a.k.a Signature Nail Systems) is a nail dipping system that uses a brush-on gel base on the nail, which is then dipped in a powder. The powder comes in natural pink and white for a french manicure look, as well as a range of colours,” nail educator, nail technician and blogger Julie Morrow told Mamamia.

The powder, which also lends strength to the nails, consists of organically-processed chemicals Benzoyl Peroxide, Titatum Dioxide, Acrylic Ester Polymer.

Monika Carvalho, owner of The Nail Lab, told Mamamia, “A base coat is applied, followed by the nail being ‘dipped’ into a coloured powder. This process is repeated one or to more times.”

See this video below for an example of how an SNS manicure is done…

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How are SNS nails different to shellac and acrylic nails?

SNS nails look vertually the same as shellac and acrylic nails, but the difference is in the technique used to create the finished product.

Because the powder is coloured, no painting is required and there is zero dry time.

Morrow says SNS is a very popular choice for both consumers and nail technicians, for multiple reasons. Here are the main ones:

1. SNS nails look natural.

There are multiple aesthetic benefits of getting SNS. It looks natural, and is thinner than other options like shellac and acrylic nails.

2. SNS nails are strong but feel light.

It’s more durable yet more flexible than traditional acrylics, and the powder provides more strength than many gels.

“SNS also feels ‘lighter’ on the nail. It is a quick and easy application, an advantage for both nail technicians and clients, and there is less filing, which means less dust and less drilling than many other products,” Morrow explained.

Here are some banger examples of SNS nails.

Is SNS good for your nails?

Unlike shellac, SNS doesn't require UV lights to bond it to the nail.

One study by the Division of Dermatology at Georgia Regents University, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that while the amount of UV radiation produced by a nail-drying lamp during a single visit to a nail salon is not a serious concern, as few as eight visits may produce enough exposure to cause skin damage (depending on the lamp used).

If this is an issue that concerns you, SNS will give you the nails you want without the need for a lamp.

That said, Carvalho advises people fully understand SNS before getting it done.

“There is no ‘curing’ or ‘setting’ under a LED or UV light, but what is concerning for us in the nail industry at the moment is the misinformation surrounding SNS and it’s perceived benefits. It is being marketed as a product that is very different from acrylic and very healthy for your nails, In fact the main ‘adhesive’ ingredient is also the main ingredient in super glue and the coloured powder used is essentially acrylic powder (polymer)," she said.

How to remove SNS nails

As SNS forms a 'fake nail' like cover on top of your nails, they will start to lose their strength when it's time to get them redone (around the two to three week mark). Same as eyelash extensions, you need to resist the temptation to pick or pull off your SNS nails, as doing this will damage your natural nails underneath.

"The product itself does not cause damage to the nail. As with any nail enhancement, the damage is done in the removal," Morrow said.

"If the product is are peeled off it removes layers of the natural nail, causing it to weaken and peel or break. When removed correctly and carefully by a professional the nail should remain intact."

The way to remove SNS nails is to go back to your nail technician. They will safely remove the SNS by filing it off using an electric filing tool. Removing the SNS in this way won't damage your natural nails.

"Professional removal is advised with a reapplication required every two to three weeks depending on the client’s nail growth and also wear and tear,” Carvalho said.

Once the SNS has been removed, your technician can either do a new set of SNS nails for you, or tidy up your natural nails.

While you're here, here's some of our favourite nail polishes right now.