There is a feeling that comes from looking at your well-manicured nails. It seems like you have your life put together and nothing can destroy it…until your nails start to chip.
A chip in only one nail can take your manicure from fab to drab, like a fall from grace to grass. Thankfully, there are now a lot of nail options in the market.
Nail technology is advancing every day and what used to be the norm is gradually giving way to newer products.
Acrylics have been around for generations, but there are many other artificial nail products out there. One of them is the SNS nails.
Below, I’ll give a breakdown of the difference between these two nails to help you decide which one suits your needs.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails have been the standard of artificial nails for a long time. The application process usually includes mixing the acrylic powder with a liquid to mold and harden it into a beautiful nail.
It can be painted with any type of polish and detailed nail art can be added to create a polished final product.
What Are SNS Nails?
SNS is short for signature nail system. It is a nail dipping system so it is mostly known as dip powder nails.
To apply, the nails are prepared, and then wet with the base coat before dipping in the powder. This process is repeated over and over until the depth of color you want is achieved.
The color is sealed with a top coat, and it dries right away. Unlike gel nails, you do not need to put your nails under a UV light to dry.
SNS nails can be used to add some length to the natural nail or create a durable, protective overlay for the fingernails.
SNS Vs Acrylic Nails
Though both options are quite popular across salons, there are a few differences between them that you need to know about.
1. Durability
SNS nails are somewhere in between gel nails and can last for three weeks. The color will stay chip-free for as long as the nails last because the powder has been locked in by the top coat.
Acrylics last for two weeks before they start to lift or chip. You can make it last for much longer by getting it filled often.
You’ll need to fill your acrylics every week or two or anytime the gap between your nails and cuticles start to bother you.
2. Removal Difficulty
SNS nails are made in thin layers, so they are easier to remove. You’ll need to soak them in acetone, but for a shorter time than you’ll soak acrylics.
Overall, the damage done to the nail bed during removal is a lot less.
To remove acrylics though, you’ll have to soak your nails in acetone for about 30 minutes, before taking an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently pry it off.
Sometimes, little pieces might stick to the fingernail and you might have to file it off. In all, the removal process for acrylics is harder than that of SNS nails.
3. Cost
The price for SNS nails depends on the brand product you’re using. Solid colors will be less expensive than mixed and extra designs will run your total up.
Expect to spend between $35 to $50 for an SNS manicure.
A new set of acrylic nails can come in at $35 to $40. Then there is the filling that should occur every week or two which can cost $20.
Pros and Cons of SNS Nails
The application process is very simple for beginner nail techs to do. It can even be done from the comfort of your home so there is no need to go to the salon, saving yourself some money.
You can add length and strength to your nails without using extensions, so the fear of your nail bed getting injured due to trauma to your falsies is eliminated.
You do not need to use harmful UV light to dry your nails and they can be taken out easily without the help of a professional.
The potential downside to this nail is that the resin the nail is dipped into is often used for several clients. It is possible to pass some infection or bacteria from one person to another.
You should exercise caution when patronizing a particular salon to get your nails done.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails
Acrylics are versatile and able to achieve several looks, shapes, and lengths. These nails are long-lasting and add strength and length to the nails like it’s nothing.
However, acrylic nails are so tough that they break rather than bend. So, any exposure to pressure will lead to catastrophe.
The breakage can shock your nail bed so badly that the full nail can pull off. Furthermore, the maintenance required can dig a nice hole in your wallet.
When choosing between SNS nails and acrylics, remember what your goals are in the long run. If you’re looking for longevity with no extra costs, I advise you to go for SNS nails.
If you want length and drama, acrylic nails will be a better option.
FAQs on SNS Nails Vs Acrylics
Is SNS better than acrylic nails?
Yes, especially when considering nail health. SNS dip powders are made with non-toxic, healthy vitamins that make your nails stronger and promote healthy nail growth with each application.
The removal process of acrylic nails can be very damaging to the nail bed.
Can you do SNS on short nails?
SNS is a healthy, fortifying formula containing calcium and other minerals. It can be applied to almost any nail no matter how short.
Which is worse for your nail: SNS or acrylic?
Both have safety concerns, but SNS is a bit safer because the layers are not too thick and this reduces the chances of nail bed breaking and infections.
There is a toxic chemical found in the acrylic glue.