SNS (Signature Nail Systems) has recently gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional acrylic or gel nails. This innovative nail dipping technique not only promises a long-lasting, durable finish but also boasts added benefits for the health of your nails.
But how long do SNS nails last? In this discussion, we will explore the longevity of SNS nails, factors that may impact their lifespan, and tips to make them last longer.
Whether you’re a long-time SNS enthusiast or considering trying it for the first time, this information should help you decide the type of nail treatment you choose for your next salon appointment.
What are SNS Nails?
SNS nails are a great way to get a long-lasting manicure without smudging or damaging your natural nails. Because they come in various colors and finishes, you can customize your desired styles and designs.
SNS nails use dip powder instead of traditional acrylic or gel polishes. The dip powder comprises a base coat, color coat, and top coat. These three components form a hard shell that adheres to the nail, creating beautiful nails with extreme durability.
You shouldn’t apply polish or other decorations until the final top coat has dried completely to ensure all decorations stay put over time. But when the top coat is fully dry, you can decorate your nails with glitter, gems, rhinestones, or any design and art.
So, whether you’re looking for a durable style or just want a fresh new style for your nails, SNS nails are definitely worth considering.
How Long does SNS Last?
Most of the time, SNS nails can last between three to four weeks on average. But, this timeframe may vary depending on several factors, such as your nail care routine, how the nails are done, your nail design, how healthy or damaged your nails are, etc.
After getting your nails done, nail damage is inevitable because the fake nails start to grow out, creating gaps between the fake nails and your natural nails. Therefore you’ll need to revisit your nail salon for touch-ups every 2-3 weeks.
SNS nails are different because while they can be refiled, most salons don’t provide the service. So, if you return with a damaged nail or regrowth that only requires infilling, you’ll have to do a full removal and re-application.
If you like this nail technique and looking to do it for a long time, we recommend you choose a qualified nail technician and be ready for the aftercare and maintenance costs.
Factors that Affect Longevity of SNS Nails
While all SNS nails will start to grow out past a month and eventually lift chip or peel, certain factors affect how long it takes before it happens.
Keep reading to learn about the five factors that cause your nails not to last as long as you might want them to.
Personal Hair Growth Rate
Nail growth is a major factor in determining how long SNS nails last. If your nails grow faster, they are more likely to get thin, brittle, and parched, leading you to visit the salon frequently for reapplication. If your nails grow slower, on the other hand, you won’t have to get them done often.
Remember that even if your nails grow slower, you shouldn’t avoid going for reapplication after a month. Finding nail techs that will refill SNS nails is difficult, so make sure you go for reapplication as recommended.
Application Technique
Before you commit to getting any artificial nail, ensure the technician is properly qualified and has the necessary experience.
Trained technicians can prepare the nail bed beforehand so as not to damage it while applying layers of polish.
This preparation involves cutting away excess cuticles if necessary, buffing ridges/ridges developed over time (particularly if this is a recurring treatment), and reshaping/shortening any extra length at the tip of a nail if needed.
By preparing each layer correctly – a base coat followed by 2-3 coats of color depending on its opacity – technicians will guarantee longer-lasting results without compromising its quality throughout the application stages.
Poorly Prepared Nails
Proper nail prep can mean the difference between beautifully intact nails that last up to four weeks, and a manicure that chips, peels, and fades within days.
So, what do you do exactly to prepare your nails correctly;
- Properly cleanse and sanitize the nail surface with an alcohol-based solution to remove any oils or dirt that could interfere with adhesion.
- Remove any existing polish or product, paying extra attention to removing all traces of glue if you remove an old set of enhancements.
- Gently buff the natural nail surface to create a “bite” for better adhesion.
- Thoroughly prep each nail with primer before applying SNS powder.
- It is also important to apply thin layers when dipping into the SNS powder to avoid creating gaps between the natural nail plate and enhancement. This decreases air exposure that could compromise durability.
- Use a high-quality sealant top coat after application to protect against chipping and cracking.
Quality of the Products
High-end powders and topcoats will strengthen the powder’s bond with your natural nails, making for a longer-lasting mani. Low-quality products may not have such a strong bond which can cause chipping or peeling within days of application.
In addition to looking unprofessional and shortening the life span of your nail look, low-quality products won’t provide you with the same level of protection from water or other liquids as higher-quality products.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle directly affects the health and longevity of your SNS nails. Everyday activities such as typing, sports, or playing with heavy objects can pressure the nails, resulting in chips, breakage, and other damage.
Furthermore, the chemicals found in soaps and household cleaners can strip away the protective top coat that helps keep Varnish (SNS) Nails looking shiny and fresh for longer periods.
How to Make SNS Nails Last Long?
Since how you take care of your nails is significant in the longevity of SNS nails, you must avoid soaking them in water for extended periods or harshly rubbing them against surfaces. As a result, you maintain the strength and integrity of the product.
Moreover, if you use moisturizers to hydrate your SNS nails after application, do so gently because they can cause lifting or weakening where there might be gaps between forms and natural nail beds.
For SNS manicures to remain intact longer, avoid picking at their OPI Gelcolor cure times or messing around with edges and sections when possible. This can cause premature damage, requiring additional appointments sooner than anticipated.
Additionally, you must regularly check up on their mani-pedis by visiting salons every 3-4 weeks prior if they begin noticing areas where lifting may occur before making an appointment again; this helps ensure a consistent look during each visit rather than going in after 8+ weeks with broken edges which need reworking instead.
Taking proper steps towards keeping your SNS mani fresh all year round is key. Soaking your hands in warm water before showering/washing dishes will help protect against too much exposure, while gentle products such as cuticle oils will help nourish and maintain healthy skin underneath your tips, providing even more longevity – hello, winning streak!