Tag: acrylics

Acrylic dip systems: Part 1 – What are SNS nails?

Have you heard about “SNS nails” a lot lately? For the past year or so it has seemed like a lot of ladies in my area were trying “SNS nails”, and really liked the service.  I have one friend that has been getting “SNS nails” done for 3 or 4 years now. Let’s talk a little about what that actually means.

First – “SNS” is the brand name, not the treatment name. SNS stands for Signature Nail Systems and you can check out their website here. Second – the treatment is nothing new. It’s actually just a standard acrylic dip service, and acrylic dip systems have been around since the 1980’s.

All acrylic dip systems are all basically the same, made of two main components – a finely ground acrylic powder and a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive.  To use the system you apply the adhesive, then dip in the acrylic powder. Let dry, then repeat one or two more times, as desired, on each nail. Then file, buff, and polish as desired.

There are a few advantages to the dip method over the traditional sculpted acrylic method.

  • Since there is no monomer used in this service, salon odor is reduced.
  • Whether overlaying the natural nail or a tip, the service is faster, allowing techs to work quickly and efficiently.
  • Fewer tools are required for a dip service – gel or acrylic brushes, lamps, fans, etc. not required.
  • Dipped nails can be thinner and lighter weight than traditionally sculpted acrylic or even gel enhancements. Depending on the number of layers applied, they can feel very natural.

However, you should be aware that dipped acrylic nails can actually be more brittle than traditional acrylic or gel nails.

The SNS website may lead one to believe this is a new or healthier product, but now you know that the dip acrylic method is time-tested for the last 30 years! We also know that nutrients are provided to the matrix from within, via the circulatory system of the body. So the claims that SNS powders contain vitamins and calcium, while a nice thought, are actually of little consequence.

Don’t get me wrong – the SNS dip system may be a fine product (I haven’t tested it myself!). Just keep all this in mind the next time you visit the salon and they try to up-sell you on this new and exciting product!  It’s actually a very common service and not any better for your nails (or your general health) than other services.

Come back to the Smoke & Mirrors nail blog soon for Part 2 of this series, where I have an acrylic dip system that I have personally tested multiple times to recommend to you!

Further reading: