Do you want a manicure that lasts for more than two weeks? One that resists chipping, yet feels light just like your own real nails? In fact, your nails will be stronger after this kind of mani. It’s time to take a look at dip powder nails.
SNS, Signature Nail Systems, is one of the two top dip powder manufacturers in the world trusted by Glamour magazine. Although dip powder isn’t a new process, it’s rapidly gaining in popularity. SNS sells their products to professionals and home users because they are easy to apply and safer for your health than other types of nail treatments.
Highlights of SNS dip powder nails
Here are some of the pros of SNS Nails:
- You don’t need to do much filing of your nails before application
- SNS products supply vitamins A, E, D3, and B5 as well as calcium to strengthen nails
- No primer needed; finish dries in 2 minutes without UV light
- Manicured nails feel light but are strong
- SNS products do not contain toxins like parabens, phthalates, synthetic sulfate, triethanolamine, formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP
That all sounds very good. Of course, there are a few downsides, too. A manicure using dip powder takes a little longer to complete. Gelous Color takes about 15 minutes, and the Pink & White takes about 25 minutes to finish. It’s also hard to anticipate the final color unless you look at a nail dummy because the finish is in powder form.
It’s easy to apply dip powder nails
SNS has a helpful how-to video that show how to perform a manicure using their products.
Here is a quick overview:
- To apply Gelous Color, once you push back the cuticles and gently buff the surface of the nails, paint a thin, even layer of Base Coat.
- Let that dry for one minute, then apply a medium coat of Gel Base and dip the nails, one by one, into the colored powder.
- Repeat step 2 again for each nail.
- Dust off the excess powder with a brush, then apply Sealer, shape and buff.
- Paint on a second layer of Sealer, plus two thin coats of Gel Top.
- Once the nails fan dry for 30 seconds, apply the Nourisher and massage if desired.
If you have tip extensions, follow the same process, but dip three times instead of twice. If you already have Gelous Color nails, SNS does not recommend doing refills. Instead, they say to sand off the shine, then soak the old color off with acetone for ten minutes.
Now that you’ve had a brief introduction to SNS Nails, let’s dig into their selection of products so you can choose the best ones for you.
SNS Gelous Colors
SNS Pink & White
SNS Liquids
SNS Nail Kits
SNS Nails Liquids Kits: Bases and Sealers
The best way to get started with dip powder nails is to purchase a kit that has everything you need to begin doing manicures.
SNS Nails Pink & White Kit
Create a natural look with a Pink & White French mani kit. This one contains all that you must have to do a Pink & White, including the dip powders.
SNS Dipping Powder Gel Base, Top, Sealer Dry, EA Bond
The basic kit you need to begin with SNS Nails is this 4-pack without powders. It contains Gel Base, Sealer Dry, EA Bond, and Gel Top.
But even better would be the next kit below.
SNS Gel dipping powder basics (set of 5)
The inclusion of Gelous Base allows you to do both Pink & White as well as Gelous Color manicures.
SNS Gel dipping powder basics (set of 6)
How do you clean your brushes? This 6-pack kit comes with Brush Cleaner to keep them in tip top condition.
SNS Gel dipping powder basics (set of 7)
In for a penny, in for a pound. Why not spend a little bit more to have Vitamin Oil too?
SNS Gel dipping powder basics (set of 8)
If you want to do extensions, you’ll benefit from this kit that contains Brush on Glue.
SNS Dipping Powders for Pink & White manicures
Once you have all the sealers, you’ll need the dipping powders.
SNS Natural Set Nail Dipping Powder
The SNS Natural Set Nail Dipping Powder is clear in color. If you want to do a Pink & White, see the next powder below.
SNS Natural Nail Dipping Powder Set Sheer
SNS describes their Sheer Set as pink and white powders.
SNS Pink and White Dipping Powders (2 oz, French White)
The French White dipping powder is perfect for that bright white tip finish on a French mani.
SNS Nails Dipping Powder No Liquid, No Primer, No UV Light – 56
This is a powder that dries to a pale pink with a slight sparkle.
SNS colored dipping powders
Time to make people "gelous" over your colors! There are so many to choose from! Below these individual colors check out the multi-powder assortment packs like the Summer, Bridal, and Holiday collections.
Holiday multi-color collections and colors
One color is never enough. Here are SNS’ multi-color assortments for holidays and special days.
6 Color Bridal Collection
9 Color Diva Collection
9 Bright Colors Summer Collection
12-Color Holiday (Christmas) Collection
6-Color Nude Collection
6 Color Cleopatra Collection
12 Color Spring Collection
9 Color Design Series Collection
Top Coats and Sealer
After you’ll achieved the perfect look, why not protect it with a little sunscreen so it won’t fade or yellow?
Sunscreen
Even more SNS products—Glitter and Kits
Sometimes you just want more, and that’s okay. Besides the basic Pink and White sets above, you can purchase the complete pink and white dipping system complete with glitter.
If you’re just beginning to explore SNS manicures, take a look at the Student Kits. They pack all the basics into a pack at a great price.
Serious manicurists will also appreciate what they can save by investing in the Pro, Master, and Grand Master Kits.
FAQs about SNS Nails products
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are always questions to ask and answers to learn. Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about SNS products here.
Q: What causes yellowing and how can I avoid it?
A: Yellowing is caused by exposure to sunshine (UV rays), bleach products, and sometimes wearing hand lotion (especially out in the sun). Avoid yellowing by sealing your nails with Sunscreen top coat. Wear gloves if you need to use bleach.
Q: Do powder-coated nails really last for more than two weeks?
A: Yes, they can even last up to 8 weeks, although your nails will have grown a lot by then.
Q: What other kinds of chemicals or ingredients are there in SNS powders?
A: SNS powders also contains titanium dioxide, benzoyl peroxide, and acrylic ester polymer.
Q: Are SNS nail powders acrylic?
A: We’ve heard them referred to as “diet acrylic.” The powders have acrylic as an ingredient, but they create a finish and aren’t a “press-on” or fake nail.
Q: Why can’t you do refills with SNS nails?
A: SNS simply explains that it’s healthier to remove the old manicure and do a new one. Since dip powder nail manicures last up to 4 weeks, this is not as expensive as it sounds.
Q: How can I keep my manicure from lifting up?
A: When you prepare the nail’s surface at the start, remove any excess cuticle. Don’t apply Gel Base over the top of a cuticle—stay a hair’s width away from it.
Q: If my pink coat looks cloudy when I finish, what did I do wrong?
A: You may have applied too much or too little Gel if you see cloudiness. Try for thin and even coats on each nail.
Q: Why do my extension tips break off?
A: Use four to five coats for medium to long tips. Then dip into Natural Set Sheer powder to make the bond stronger.
Q: I have my own manicure business. Can I purchase larger sizes?
A: SNS sells dipping powders in 2, 4, and 16 ounce jars. Gelous Colors come in 1 ounce containers. Liquids come in 0.5 ounce and 2 ounce refill bottles.
Q: How long does a SNS or dip powder manicure take to apply?
A: SNS says that you can expect to take 20 to 30 minutes to complete a manicure with their products and procedures.
Q: How can I keep my liquid brushes from hardening?
A: SNS suggests cleaning the brushes well by wiping them on a paper towel. Use a paper towel moistened with acetone to wipe the bottle neck inside and out when you finish up for the day.
Q: How do I maintain hygiene if I plan to use the dip powders for more than one person?
A: Invest in an accessory like a French Dip Mould where you can place a portion of the powder apart from the container.
Q: What makes SNS special?
A: Whoa, that’s a big ask right there. The answer is huge, too. We mentioned earlier that SNS dip powders and sealants don’t contain many of the toxic chemicals you’d experience during other kinds of manicures. You won’t breathe them in and they won’t be on your skin. The coatings dry quickly without needing UV light to set them. Plus, if you read this review on Teen Vogue, you’ll notice that the manicurist was trained by SNS on how to apply everything properly. That way you end up with beautiful nails and a finish that feels light, but endures for two weeks or more.
More details about dip powder manicures
It’s been possible to get a dip powder manicure since the 1980s. These fine grained “polishes” have an ingredient in common with Krazy Glue or Loctite. It’s called cyanoacrylate, a fast-acting adhesive.
When you soak off the old manicure in order to do a new one, don’t rush the process. The longer you’ve worn it, the longer it may take to clean off in acetone. Waiting for 15 minutes is much better than scraping off your nails.
Dip powders don’t have the strong odors that gel and acrylic nail manicures have. But they aren’t limited to a small color palette. SNS sells more than 350 different shades.
SNS has announced a new look for their products beginning in July 2017.
SNS Nails near me
Doing your own nails can be a lot of fun, but sometimes going to a salon is better. You’ll be pampered in a way you wouldn’t be at home. Plus, salons probably have a wider range of nail treatments and colors available. If you don’t already have a place in mind, it’s not hard to find a salon near you.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to locate a nail salon is to use a search engine like Google or Bing. Try looking up terms like “Cheap nail salon near me” or “great nail salon in (your city).” Once Google knows where you are, it will show you a map with salons in your area. Click on listings and you can read reviews, if there are any.
Besides a simple search, you can also check local businesses in directories like Yelp or your local yellow pages. Of course, looking at reviews online means deciding whether to trust what people write there. In this era of fake news and alternative facts, it’s hard to know what’s true sometimes.
Facebook might also be helpful in locating a salon near you. You can see which of your friends like a certain place and what reviews and comments say about it.
But in the end, your best bet for finding a trustworthy salon might be asking someone with a beautiful manicure where they had it done. Most people would be happy to tell you. Then make a point of visiting the salon to see how their staff interacts with customers, what services they offer, and what their prices are like.
A note on the real cost of cheap salons
Depending on where you live, the type of manicure you choose, and the size of the salon, you may pay anywhere from $10 to $80, with many clients paying between $20 to $25.
You can probably imagine that the cheapest salons have a hidden cost to customers and employees. There might be hygiene shortcuts to save money, or the workers may be working for a tiny wage, or none at all if they are “apprentices.” Cheap isn’t always worth it if you get a fungal infection in your nails or your manicurist can’t afford the rent this month.
SNS Nails are a great way to save money because they last longer than conventional manicures. And if you develop a good relationship with the person who does your nails, they will be sure to return the favor by pointing you toward good deals and discounts.
Conclusion
Dip powder manicures are a safe and brilliant way to achieve glossy, beautiful nails that stay looking great for up to a month at a time. SNS Nails has a fine lineup of products used by celebrity manicurists and home users. Their system makes it easy for anyone to apply and enjoy a durable manicure that helps their own natural nails grow stronger.