How to remove SNS nails without totally screwing up your nails

SNS nails is the latest manicure trend sweeping salons. With long-lasting results comparable to a gel manicure, but a faster, easier and essentially fumeless application process, it’s quickly earned a reputation as a ‘healthier’ alternative to Shellac.
But when it comes to hard-wearing polish, most of the damage is typically done during removal. So how is SNS removed? And can we safely do it ourselves at home?
Here’s everything you need to know about how to remove SNS nails….
The safest way is always in-salon
Despite all the other perks, SNS nails sadly can’t be magically removed with a mere face wipe after showering (can somebody work on that invention though?). The safest and best way to have SNS nails removed is by a professional. The Parlour Room in Clovelly says, “we would file the product down and then soak (but not submerge) with acetone.” Do not pick or attempt to pull off your SNS nails yourself, as this will severely damage the nail plate.
Choose the right technician
Your technician is the only person who can minimise damage when it comes to removal, so it’s probably not the best time to give that two-star-rated salon in the alley behind your work a go. If possible, try to have the same technician for application and removal, as they’ll know the nail best.
Leave them soaking for long enough
If you’re thinking the removal process sounds quite similar to gels, you’re not wrong. “The procedure to remove [SNS] is the same as the removal of gel, [the only difference being] you may have to leave them soaking for longer”, explains The Parlour Room. This is to allow the acetone to break down the glue and powder mix so it comes away easier.
Read about our first-hand experience with SNS nails and removal for more information.
Have you ever tried SNS nails? What’s your go-to mani shade?
38 Member Comments
Never tried, interesting though
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Had SNS for a wedding, was really nice but wouldn’t do it regularly. Cost and maintenance too high considering I’m normally just a file and buff kinda girl.
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Actually, I remove acrylic or sns nails with a hand drill. You just need to master the technique and your nails will be safe. You need a good nail drill bits set, up to 4 pieces will be totally enough.
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I tried SNS nails for the first time 2 weeks ago and really love how they turned out. There was no overpowering smell in the salon where I went to so will be going back to get them done again in a few weeks. Maybe white like the photo above.
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Never had my nails done this way. The whole process looks very harmful, the smell coming from these places is just toxic and choking and these nails look very often like some sort of talons. Brrrr....
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I had Shellac when I last had my nails done, which was almost three weeks ago. It hasn’t lasted anywhere near as long as SNS does. I’m thinking I might go and get them redone tomorrow, and it will be SNS for sure.
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Love sns they are amazing but I absolutely hate the feeling of soaking them off
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Really nice article. I like the look of the nails, but its a bit too much effort for me to have SNS. I like to do my own manis at home, or just a basic manicure when I go to the salon.
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FYI SNS is not fake nails as many have commented above. You have it on your own nails. In short, “SNS stands for Signature Nail Systems and is a type of manicure that involves repeated dipping of your nails into a powder, that then hardens on your nail. It is better than shellac as you are not using a UV light that could give you skin cancer. You can remove SNS at home as you can buy removal kits that contain acetone or you can easily buy acetone at a supermarket, it's called gel nail remover. I get SNS nails during the winter when my nails are weak. My nails naturally grow long in summer. It makes your nails hard and strong and easy to grow long, all at the same length. There are amazing shades to choose from. On average it costs only $35.
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Ahhh thank you for finally explaining SNS nails, thank you! I want to go get this done now! I didn’t want false ones because my nails are so long and beautiful at the moment but this sounds perfect!
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Thanks your comment has some super helpful points.
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Great information. I tend not to get my nails done often as they often break or I get bored of them.
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Good to know, but fake nails aren't my thing...
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no way, i just like to do my own manicures
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Ive seen what my daughter does to remove gel nails and its very disturbing. I am lucky enough to have naturally long and strong nails and there is just no way that im willing to put them through all that drama.
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Good to know if you're into false nails (which I'm not)
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Does SNS have better staying power? Because even gels chip on me!
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Yes, mine last 3 weeks before my nail has grown out enough to get them redone. They don't really chip. They start to lift at about 3 weeks. Find a good salon and try it out.
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I've never had fake nails or even a manicure!
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I've had shellac but never had SNS
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I've not tried SLS nails before
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There have been lots of articles by Samantha McMeekin recently. She left BH a long time ago, so I assume that she has returned.
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I've never had a salon manicure, I always do my own nails. I favour black, navy & dark or bright shades.
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I never tried SNS nails. I am happy with simple light colours. Just do it by my self.
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I don't bother with my nails. If I add nail polish, it's usually clear or clear pink.
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