Removing SNS Nails At Home – Expert Tips That Can Help

SNS nails are one of the newest trends in the nail world. Although you can get the nails applied and removed at a salon, isn’t it more convenient to do it yourself at home?

Removing SNS nails at home may seem like an intimidating task. You don’t want to damage your precious nails, but you also don’t feel like going to the nail salon to get them removed.  Well don’t worry, here are the expert tips you need to safely remove your SNS nails at home.

What Are SNS Nails?

The newest manicure trend in salons is SNS nails. SNS stands for Signature Nail System. This is a brand name for a new type of dip powder manicure, but often other brands are referred to as SNS nails as well. It helps to strengthen your nails while still giving the appearance of a gel-like manicure.  But unlike a gel manicure, the SNS nail system does much less damage to your nails. It also does not require the extra equipment of a UV or LED light to dry, making it gentler on your skin and natural nails.

SNS nails are applied with a gel base and then dipped into a powder. This powder contains some organically processed ingredients. The powder is also infused with calcium and other vitamins, such as vitamin E, that are meant to help strengthen your nails.

It also contains chemicals, such as benzoyl peroxide, titanium peroxide, and acrylic ester polymer. Although some dip powders claim to be “all-natural,” currently no products are 100% natural. In fact, all of these ingredients combined help to give the nails strength.

After being dipped in the powder, the nail hardens rapidly. The dip powder is thinner on the nail than other manicures; giving a natural, strong, and flexible appearance.

The Cause of SNS Popularity

The popularity of SNS manicures is driven by our everlasting search for a beautiful, long-lasting manicure that doesn’t damage the natural nail. The lightweight feeling of the SNS nails while still providing strength is a satisfying bonus.

This type of dip powder manicure can last for up to 3 weeks without chipping, although your nails will typically grow out by this time. This is longer than most other manicures.

SNS nails also have less potential to stain your nails when using a bright color, like a regular polish manicure does, since there are base coats used before the powder is used on the nail. This creates a barrier and highly decreases the chances of staining.

They also only take a few minutes to apply, usually around half an hour at the salon. Once you get the hang of the application you will also be able to apply it just as fast. It also requires little to no drying time.

People have fallen in love with these manicures because it leaves their nails less brittle and damaged after removing when compared to other nail systems.

Another reason it causes less damage is that it requires less filing of your nails, which can cause stress and breakage to multiple parts of your nail (we have more on how to properly file down below).

If you are concerned about UV radiation, remember SNS nails do not require that you expose yourself to these harmful rays.  A study that was done at Georgia Regents University by their Department of Dermatology found that although the amount of UV radiation you are exposed to during one salon session is typically not dangerous, frequent visitors greatly increase their risk. In fact, it can take as little as eight UV light drying sessions to have enough potential to cause damage to your skin.

If you are getting your nails done at a salon and they try to use a UV light, speak up because they are not giving you an SNS manicure.

How to Apply SNS Nails

Whether you are at home or at the salon, the steps for applying SNS nails is a similar process.

What You Will Need

•      100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover
•      Cotton Balls or Cotton Pads
•      Nail Buffer
•      Nail File
•      Set of Tips (optional if you are applying tips)
•      Nail Glue (optional if you are applying tips)
•      Cuticle Pusher
•      SNS Kit
•      Dip Powder Color

Steps

1.    Dry out nails with your 100% acetone. This will clean off any oil, lotion, or anything else that may be on your nails
   
2.    Buff your nails lightly. This will help everything to bond better to your nails.
3. If you are using tips: 
   Find the correct sizes for each nail
   Glue the tips to the end of your nails and hold them for 30 seconds.
   Once secured, cut to your desired length
   Buff your tips and nails so they are the same density. This will help them to appear more natural and seamless.
4.  Shape your nails with your nail file to your desired length.
5.  Push back your cuticles carefully.
6.  Apply the base bonding solution to prep your nails.
7.  Apply the gel base to ¾ of the nail. Be sure to use a thin coat and avoid the cuticle. Using a thin coat will help to keep your manicure look as even and as thin as possible.
8. Then dip into the colored powder of your choice. Lightly tap off any excess.
9. Use the sealer to lock in the color.
10. Repeat steps 7-9 once if you are only applying the powder on your natural nail. If you are using tips, repeat a minimum of 4 times if keeping at a medium length and 5 times if keeping at a long length.
11. Once you have repeated the dipping process, apply a thin coat of the sheer sealer to set the nails. You can apply two coats of these products, but follow the direction of the particular kit you are using.

Are you more of a visual learner? Check out this video here.

Our Favorite SNS/ Dip Powder Kits

Want to get a great manicure at home? Here are a few of our favorite kits to get gorgeous nails at home.