What are Dip Powder (SNS) Nails?

Dip Powder Nails: What To Know About The Gentler, Long-Lasting Alternative To Acrylic

While regular and gel polishes can be prone to chipping and peeling, dip powder manicures are in a class all their own, thanks to their unique ability to last, even for those who can be hard on their hands. Dip powder nails are a manicure method that combines pigmented powder with specialized bases and sealers to create extremely attractive, durable manicures. Dip nails are lightweight and flexible like gel nails but durable like acrylics.

Unlike gel, which is applied like polish and cured with a UV light, dip powder is applied directly to the nail via a three-step process—base/primer coat, colour coat until desired coverage is achieved, activator/top coat—and air dries so you don’t need a UV light.

To break it down even further …once the special base or primer coat is applied to your digits, each nail—while still wet—gets dipped into a small pot of coloured acrylic powder (can also sprinkle or spoon the powder over the nail instead)

Once the desired level of coverage is reached (usually two to three rounds of dipping is required), an activator polish is brushed on as a top coat to cure the formula. Your tips will be good to go once the top coat dries, and dip manis are compatible with both natural or extended nails.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Dip Powder Nails?

Durability might be the biggest pro of dip powder nails. Dip manicures generally don’t chip or display breakage the way more traditional mani methods do. It’s a great option for someone who works with their hands a lot or doesn’t have the time to dedicate to weekly manicure maintenance.

Of course, exact results will vary based on your daily activities — nothing can disrupt fresh tips quite like dish washing or weight lifting, as examples.
The application of dip helps grow out your natural nails without the use of curing in UV lamps. Dip manicures give strength to the natural nails and a nice, even colour application that does not fade.

Because no UV light is needed for curing, dip powder application is much faster than gel.

How Long Do Dip Powder Nails Last?

The longevity of a Dip Powder (SNS) manicure can range from two to three weeks, depending on the rate of an individual’s nail growth and their activities. This extended wear time implies a reduced likelihood of chipping or breaking, resulting in a longer-lasting finish that requires less frequent touch-ups.

However, as with any type of nail enhancement, will eventually require removal and a fresh application to retain a healthy and polished appearance.

How Do Dip Powder Nails Differ From Gel Manicures?

Compared to gel, dip powder manicures are loved for their durability, vibrance, lack of irritating fumes, and lack of UV radiation in the curing process.
Consider giving dip powder a try if you work with your hands a lot or just need a little more longevity out of your manicure, say, for a busy time of year or even for ease during upcoming travel. You may find you’ll love the results—and all that glossy shine and rich pigment—but want to alternate with gel or regular manicures due to budget reasons.

Is Dip Powder (SNS) bad for your nails?

Compared to traditional acrylic nails, SNS nails are generally believed to be gentler on natural nails. This is due to the way the powder is blended with a liquid solution before application, resulting in a stronger and more resilient nail that is less prone to chipping or breaking.