SNS Nails: What They Are And My Experience With It

As a hands editor (yes, it’s a real job) I’m well-versed in popular nail techniques and current nail trends. You might think that someone who follows what’s trending in the nail world for a living would have fashion-forward, outrageous nails. However, my nail needs are very simple. All I want is for my digits to always be perfectly polished, chip free, and in a neutral tone – that preferably lasts as long as possible. But the struggle for chip-free nails is real. So, on the hunt for the perfect manicure, I decided to try out SNS nails.
In case you haven’t heard of SNS (a.k.a Signature Nail Systems), it’s a dipping system that is a long-lasting alternative to shellac.
SNS is a nail dipping system and stands for Signature Nail Systems. According to Jai Harvey-Yin, director of Absolute Spa and international nail expert, “Dipping systems are another form of nail enhancement, and are a blend of adhesive resin (which some call incorrectly “gel”) and a modified form of acrylic powder.” It’s a long-lasting alternative to other nail enhancements such as Shellac. “The nails are prepared in the usual way, then dehydrated and cleaned, then a coat of resin is applied, then dipped quickly into the powder, then repeated several times to create the shape desired,” explains Jai. SNS is often preferable because it is seen as the healthier nail enhancement option, but this is simply because it’s such a quick process. “The benefit of this system is it generally is very quick and requires very little filing and therefore it is healthier for the natural nail with reduced friction,” she says.
I was still dealing with nail damage from shellac back then and wasn’t quite ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet. But now, I’ve tried SNS nails first hand and I’m ready to share my experience. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
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The appointment
This is by far the biggest difference in choosing between an SNS manicure or a Shellac manicure – SNS manicures take forever. Where Shellac may take 30 to 45 minutes, SNS can take anywhere between one to two hours. One SNS manicure that I had took two and a half hours (including the removal process of old SNS). So bring a friend, or at least some headphones and a good podcast.
The appointment is completely pain free and it feels far more delicate than Shellac. Although nail experts have confessed that in terms of nail damage, they’re both fairly similar. If you have old SNS on when you go to get a fresh mani, it is dissolved off rather than scraped off like Shellac. The process involves a polish that is painted onto your nails, then your nails are dipped into a pot of SNS dipping powder. These steps are repeated multiple times until the nail technician decides that there are enough layers, and will then smooth over your nails and add a top coat.
With SNS, there is no setting or curing process under LED or UV lights. So, if you don’t like the idea of putting your hands under a lamp to bond the nail, SNS is great alternative.
Left: Beginning of week one. Right: End of week one.
The first week
For the first week my nails were absolute perfection. Even with Shellac, I lived in fear of chipping my nails. As you know, once you get that first chip, it very quickly goes downhill from there. SNS also feels lighter than Shellac, so I just felt like I had perfect, natural nails for a week. By the end of the first week my nails were still perfectly in tack.
Left: Beginning of week two. Right: End of week two.
The second week
By the second week, my perfect nails were still going strong. Since I was waiting for that first chip, I was very aware of what my nails were doing at all times. I noticed that I used my nails to type and now understand why polish never lasts more than a day on me. But by the end of the second week, my nails were still chip-free.
Left: Beginning of week three. Right: End of week three.
The third week
Oh dear, this is where my nails started to crack. Going into week three, I noticed one tiny chip on the tip of one of my nails. Since I chose a neutral nail colour, it was barely noticeable to anyone else. But by the end of week three, that tiny chip had turned into a HUGE chip. I also noticed that my other nails were starting to chip too. Three weeks was definitely my limit for SNS nails and by the end of the week, I was well overdue for my next nail appointment.
The removal process
The removal process of SNS nails is fairly easy. It’s removed by soaking the nails in acetone, which then breaks down the dipping powder and it all dissolves quite quickly. It’s important that you go back to a professional nail technician to have your SNS nails removed, otherwise you can peel off layers of your natural nail.
The verdict
SNS nails lasted a lot longer on me than Shellac did. I found that my nails looked more natural and they didn’t feel heavy at all. If I wasn’t incredibly impatient, I would commit to getting SNS manicures every few weeks. But I honestly can’t stand sitting in the nail salon for more than 30 minutes. However, for special occasions I’d definitely choose SNS because it lasts longer.
One final piece of advice: Jai suggests that if you like having long nails, SNS is probably not for you. “I believe you need to steer clear if they are wanting long enhancements,” recommends Jai. Tips are best with other systems, where as dipping is fab for natural nail coating.” she says.
Have you tried SNS nails before? Do you get your nails done in-salon or do you prefer DIY methods?
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59 Member Comments
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I love having SNS done. It lasts on my nails for so long. I’ve had gel, but I’d much prefer SNS. Every so often I have it all taken off and I’ll use OPI Nail Envy, so I can give my nails a break.
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After many years of different nail products and now having the best nail technician in the world, I have come to understand a few things. No product can make your nails stronger - nail health comes from within or genes. The damage to your nails ( personal experience ) comes from the constant "soaking" in acetone to remove the old product. SNS requires you to stick your finger into a pot that dozens of other fingers have been in. I am now having acrylics applied by a technician who takes the time ( yes it takes ages ) to manually remove the old without damaging my nail underneath, there is no lifting or chipping in between appointments ( 4 weeks ) and after 12 months my nails have sustained loss of strength. Just my opinion and observations.
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I recently tried SNS nails for the first time. They were beautiful and I was excited about the durability that I’ve heard so many others talk about. After about 24 hours, I began experiencing the same type of allergic reaction that I have to nail glue (swollen, itchy, red skin on my neck). It’s very uncomfortable and unattractive. After about 36 hours, I realized this wasn’t going to work for me and soaked them off in acetone. I was so disappointed! Does anyone know of a hypoallergenic version of SNS nails?
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I've been getting SNS for quite a while now and would not go back! It is definitely a much healthier alternative to acrylics or shellac.
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I like the results of SNS, but I don't think it's for me.
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I was getting monthly SNS manis up until about 3 months ago and now Ive started with 'Slick Pour' I found SNS wasn't performing like I needed; I want my talons to look nice, but I still need to get sh*t done, I have a very hands-on job, filing, archiving etc. SNS is good, but if you go too long at the start, they do not last a full 4 weeks.
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I have not tried SNS in the past simply because the application and removal process is quite lengthy, I would consider it in the future though as Shellac tends to make my nails curl inwards and after removal they are often damaged.
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I love SNS nails and the only annoying thing for me about it is dealing with the nail re-growth 2 -3 weeks afterwards.
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I like the shade Sophie chose.
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Interesting, doesn't look like the kind of application for me. I would still stick with DIY, having 5-10 minutes for 5-7 days worth of polish is better than 2 hours for 2-3 weeks.
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I really couldn't be bothered and my nails have always been so thin I would be scared of doing too much damage.
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Iv been getting SNS on and off for a year or so now, i love that its easy and pain free, looks natural and neat, it keeps you nails fairly stress free as they grow with ease. I love the different colours you can choose, but if your a perfectionist and dont like the fact they only last 3 weeks then this may not be for you.
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My nails are not good (too soft and weak) but I prefer to keep them natural. Salon nails do look good though. I saw someone the train who's nails were so long she was struggling to use her phone.
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SNS do last longer but they do take super long to put on. Being a mum i dont have the luxury to sit there and get sns nails anymore
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OH my gosh I could never sit there for that long!! More than an hour would be torture LOL. I thought they would last more than 3 weeks though, very surprised at how they become after that 3rd week.
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I’ve had SNS and shellac before but I prefer shellac now just because the SNS makes my nails too thick and I was having trouble picking stuff off the ground with them
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In tack? Is that what the cool kids are saying now? I must be out of touch - I feel so old. :-(
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I’ve never been for a manicure and have been considering it. SNS sounds pretty time consuming though.
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I have tried SNS nails before and I loved how my nails looked, no chipping and super strong nails for 4 weeks. I was really lucky the SNS did not peel off or crack, it was the regrowth that showed that led me back to the salon for a new SNS mani. One thing that I found was, due to nails being thicker, you couldn’t get the satisfaction of a good scratch...lol ..it’s like trying to scratch yourself with a plastic spoon, I had ask hubby to scratch my back for me.
After a few months, I decided to give my nails a break. Mainly due to the cost $55 each month and my nails were so badly damaged after the SNS was removed. So thin and brittle. It’s been 6 months since my last SNS session and my nails are finally back to normal now. There are much stronger and less brittle.
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I had exactly the same experience with SNS.
I didn't need to scratch anything but I found picking things up very difficult.
They looked great but the expense and the damage to my nails took over 6 months to repair.
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I think it maybe time to book in for a mani/pedi!
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I just like doing my own manicures
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