SNS Nails Vs Shellac: Which Is Better?
Are you considering SNS nails vs. shellac nails and wondering what the difference is between these two types of manicures?
When you go to the nail salon and ask for a manicure, you may be asked by the nail technician if you want SNS nails or shellac.
Here’s an overview of these two types of manicures to help you decide which type is right for you.
SNS Vs Shellac
What Are SNS Nails?
SNS, short for Signature Nail System, is a method of dipping nails into colored powder to achieve the desired manicure look. You can have an SNS manicure on your natural nails or on acrylic nails (fake nails).
SNS nails are also known as dip manicures or dip powder nails.
A base coat is first applied, and then the nails are dipped one by one into colored SNS powder to achieve the desired shape and strength of nails.
With the SNS method, there is no need to “set” the nails under a UV light and there is also no drying time.
The removal process for SNS nails is very simple.
You can remove an SNS manicure by soaking your nails in acetone nail polish remover for 15-20 minutes which allows the powder to dissolve. Then you just wipe away the residue with a cotton ball.
If you plan to remove your nails at home, be sure to use a 100% acetone remover.
There is no need for professional removal.
What Are Shellac Nails?
Shellac is actually the brand name of a type of gel polish created by Creative Nail Design (CND). So while some people use shellac and gel nails interchangeably, there is actually a subtle difference.
The main difference between SNS and shellac nails is that shellac polish contains more nail lacquer than other gel polishes. This makes them easier to remove while still providing the desired effect of a gel manicure.
What exactly are gel manicures? Instead of regular nail polish, gel polish is used which is stronger, shinier, and lasts for longer.
You can get a shellac manicure on your real nails or on acrylic nails. You can also get a shellac manicure that adds length to your own nails.
A special base coat is applied with shellac, then two or three coats of gel nail polish color, and then a top coat.
Each coat requires “setting” under a UV lamp, although there is no drying time.
The removal process for shellac nails can be more time-consuming.
First, you’ll need to file away the top coat of hard gel, then wrap your fingers in acetone-soaked cotton balls with aluminum foil for 15-20 minutes. After that, your nail tech will use a wooden cuticle stick to push away the residue.
You may need to repeat this process twice to get all the shellac nail polish off the entire surface of your nails.
Does SNS or Shellac last longer?
If you’re trying to decide between SNS nails vs shellac nails, you might be wondering how long each type of manicure lasts.
Dip powder manicures with SNS can last for 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling.
Meanwhile, shellac nails can also last a long time. Shellac nails can last for 2-3 weeks while maintaining a chip-free and ultra-glossy finish.
In comparison, you can typically expect a manicure with regular polish to last 5-7 days without chipping. If you’re looking for an application that will last a while, SNS or shellac nails are your best option.
This means that both SNS nails and shellac nails are long-lasting alternatives to regular manicures with traditional nail polish, making them both great options if you are looking for something that will last a long time.
Are They Damaging To Your Nails?
Another thing you might be considering when deciding between SNS nails or shellac nails is if they cause nail damage or not.
Nail health is something important to consider when getting any type of manicure because you don’t want to damage your beautiful nails.
There is little evidence that SNS powder dip nails or shellac gel nails are any worse for your nails than normal polish. However, trouble can happen when it comes to the removal of both types of manicures.
You should always avoid picking at or peeling away your SNS nails or shellac nails. This can be extremely damaging to the nail bed and nails. It can make your nails extremely dry, brittle, deformed, and weakened.
It’s always a good idea to go into the nail salon to get your manicure removed, but if you do it at home, you’ll need to be patient in order to properly remove your manicure without damaging your nails.
As mentioned above, shellac nails can be more difficult to remove, whereas SNS powder nails will “melt” away easier during the removal process.
Which Is Better, SNS or Shellac?
When it comes to SNS nails vs shellac it’s really a personal preference.
Both applications last for about the same amount of time (2-3 weeks) and are roughly the same price. The application process takes around the same amount of time (45 minutes.)
So what are some factors to consider when deciding between SNS nails or shellac nails?
When choosing your mani method, think about what’s most important to you.
If you want to add length to your nails without getting artificial nails, then shellac nails are the better option.
This is because gel polish can be sculpted and shaped to add extra length, known as gel extensions, whereas SNS dip powder nails only provide the tiniest bit of extra length to your natural nails. However, both will give you a thicker-looking nail.
Also, if you want to get both a manicure and pedicure done, then shellac nails are also the way to go. This is because SNS nails cannot be done on your toes!
Due to the dipping process required where each nail is dipped into fine colored powder, it can only be done on the fingers – the toes are too small and hard to control.
The last thing to consider is the application and removal process. If you want to avoid setting your nails under UV light, then SNS nails are the better option since they do not require the use of UV lamps. An SNS manicure is also easier to remove than shellac polish without causing damage.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for nail enhancement, both SNS nails and shellac nails are a great way to achieve that.
Both of these types of manicures allow you to get nail art if you desire, add a bit of extra strength to your nails, have no dry time, and provide a shiny, long-lasting polish to your nails.
Both are also very common in the nail industry, so most nail salons will offer both types of manicures. It’s up to you which type you choose, but both SNS nails and shellac nails can give you that perfect nail look that you’ve been dreaming of.
