The new way to get your nails done
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So we’ve heard about acrylic, gel, Shellac – now there’s SNS and it’s right here in Canberra.
It’s a powder not a polish and I just had it done for the first time.
Here’s how it works
A gel base is applied and then your nail is dipped in a light pink setting powder. This is then repeated before moving on to colour. The gel base is needed between each dip so the powder has something to adhere to.
The final steps are a bit of buffing to smooth out the powder and a couple of layers of top coat for shine. Then you’re out the door.
COLOUR OPTIONS
You can have a French manicure or pick from a range of colours.
POINT OF DIFFERENCE?
SNS NAILS
There is no UV light needed to get the colour to bond to the nail, no chemicals and it’s supposed to last at least two weeks (some say four).
ACRYLIC NAILS
With acrylic nails, a brush is dipped in a chemical monomer, then into a powder (a polymer) and is moulded onto the top of your nail forming a hard protective layer. It’s then buffed, shaped and polished. It should be noted, however, that acrylic nails have been known to damage the nail bed.
GEL NAILS
For gel nails, a gel layer is placed on the top of your nail that needs to be cured under a UV lamp, making them last. There’s a lot of concern about whether UV lamps cause damage to your skin and nails. Some salons offer fingerless gloves and there are LED alternatives. You can also wear a waterproof sunscreen to the salon.
There are a lot of gel nail polishes you can now buy that set without the need for a UV light. They have a special top coat and come off with normal remover.
SHELLAC
Shellac is half normal nail polish and half gel. It also needs to be cured under lights and then fuses to your nail bed. This polish can start to lift and the temptation might be there to peel it off but you’ll also take off a layer of your nail. Shellac, however, is better than gel or acrylic for your nails.
How does SNS come off?
This is where it’s similar to gel and shellac. You need to give your fingers an acetone bath for at least 10 minutes. The drawback with this is that acetone can weaken the nails or result in peeling.
My verdict
When I touch my nails they feel hard but look natural. The whole procedure took an hour at Vyvy Nails at the Southland Shopping Centre and set me back $40. The ladies were lovely and whether I try this again will depend on how long it lasts and the effect it has on my nails.
Regardless of your preferred manicure method, you need to give your nails a vacation from it. After every second or third manicure opt for old-school nail polish to give them some time out from the intense procedures each require.
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