I’m certain that there’s no feeling of joy quite like freshly painted fingertips (Sunday roast lovers, I hear you, but this is beauty chat). Looking down at preened and polished nails really makes typing at my desk more aesthetically pleasing, and stirring my cup of tea an all-round stunning experience. So when a new nail trend pops to town, you can bet your bottom I’ll be the first in line to try it. ‘SNS’, actually an old-timer in the nail world, is the ‘healthier’ solution for longer nails. It’s quick, it’s incredibly satisfying to watch, and it literally cannot chip (more on that later). Here’s what you need to know.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 What is SNS?
Also known as ‘dipping’, SNS stands for ‘Signature Nails Systems’, and has been a popular choice for lengthening nails since the ‘80s (though it’s only just becoming a mainstream mani in the UK). Nail dipping blends adhesive resin with acrylic powder for a high-shine mani that lasts beyond gel or shellac. The powder is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, E and D to strengthen your nails – it's actually considered the ‘diet’ acrylic (read: the only diet I’ll get on board with).
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2 How's it done?
After the usual steps (trimmed, buffed, that satisfying bit with your cuticles), acrylic tips will be added to your fingertips and snipped to the favoured length. Fun bit. A base coat is applied like regular polish, before your finger is dipped in a pot of sherbet-like powder (that’s the acrylic). A quick tap to shake off the excess and repeat. A shiny top coat is applied to your freshly dipped nails, and your four-week lasting mani is good to go. No LED lamps involved and it dries seriously quickly. Fidgeters, rejoice, you can move that hair off your face in no time.
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3 The colour range is 10/10
And yep, that’s a powder too. As always, you’ll pick your shade before the mani begins (yellow is the cream of the crop right now), and your nail technician will bring forth a pot of pale powdered goodness ready to coat your fingertips. Whichever hue you choose, it’s sure to stay put. SNS can’t chip like a regular polish, so that high-shine goodness will stay put until you choose to remove it (when the regrowth gets too obvious). Are there any cons to this? Except for craving a Dip Dab post manicure maybe.
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FAQs
What is SNS and how does it work?
SNS stands for Signature Nails Systems and is also known as nail dipping. This method combines adhesive resin with acrylic powder, delivering a high-shine manicure packed with nutrients like vitamins A, E and D. It’s considered a ‘diet’ acrylic and helps strengthen your nails while extending their length.
How long does an SNS manicure last on your nails?
An SNS manicure can last up to four weeks without chipping. The high-shine powder stays put until you decide to remove it, even as your natural nails grow out. This makes SNS a long-lasting option compared to regular polish, gel, or shellac.
Do you need an LED lamp for SNS manicures?
No, you do not need an LED lamp for an SNS manicure. The product dries seriously quickly on its own and there’s no need to cure under a lamp. This is perfect if you don’t want to wait around for your nails to set.
What colours can you choose with SNS nails?
You can choose from a wide range of powder shades for SNS nails. The colour range is described as 10/10, letting you pick your favourite hue before the manicure begins. Whichever shade you go for, it will stay vibrant and shiny throughout the life of the manicure.
How is the SNS manicure process done?
First, your nails are trimmed, buffed, and acrylic tips may be added. After applying a base coat, each finger is dipped in a pot of acrylic powder, then excess powder is tapped off. This cycle is repeated as needed, and finally, a shiny top coat is applied for a finished look that lasts.