Your days of inhaling fumes from toxic smells, constant nail
chipping, and sitting through numerous acrylic brushstrokes could be
coming to an end! There's a popular manicure technique that's sweeping
across nail salons: dip powders. If you frequent nail salons, you may
have noticed the technique referred to as an SNS (Signature Nail Systems) manicure, which is one brand of the popular powders.
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"It's just a natural powder that you dip your fingernails in, and
then it will come out whatever color you choose," said Steve Van, nail
technician at JQ Nail Spa, an SNS-authorized salon. "The dipping powder
is more healthy because it has vitamins and calcium."
When using SNS or another dip powder, the nail technician will first
brush a gel-like base onto the nail, then dip each nail in a powder,
followed by a topcoat. The stainless and odorless powder dries
instantly, without the use of UV light, and can last for 24 days or
more.
For the removal process, SNS recommends sanding off the gel-top
shine, then using a foil with acetone or soaking the nails in acetone
for 10 minutes, and finally wiping it off with a paper towel. (It's a
similar removal process to a regular gel manicure.)
There are other dip-powder brands in the market — OPI even has its own line now
— but SNS has a range of over 400 colors and is highly sought after at
nail salons. As Van said, the dip powders are popular at the moment
because everyone has already tried acrylics and gel.
[post_ads]"It's like a hybrid between the gel polish and the acrylic powder,"
he told us. "It has the strength of acrylic, but the natural feeling of
the gel polish. You get the best of both worlds."
Of course, there are some things to consider before dipping in the
powder. Van, who's been doing this technique for about four years, said
that some pros are that it's natural, healthier, lighter, doesn't live
like normal acrylic manicures, and doesn't lift off your real nails. On
the downside, an SNS mani is generally a bit pricier than a regular
mani. Dip-powder manicures start at $35 at JQ Nail Spa.
Make sure your nail technician puts the powder in a separate bowl
(rather than dipping your nail into the pot), for hygienic purposes.
Certain brands (like Revel) do contain ingredients like cyanoacrylate, which is similar to crazy glue. But to each her own in the name of nart (nail art)!
The Powders
Tools Needed
The Process
The Finished Product
The Removal Process
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