Curious about the latest trend in mani’s, I just had to try Signature Nail System, or SNS. The basis is, the manicure uses dip powders rather than paints to achieve the color. The system claims to be natural and healthy for your real nails with no odor, and no UV light. I decided to put it to the test – since I have the unfortunate habit of biting my nails, I had nothing to lose anyway. I made my way to SNS nails off Harrison Avenue in Cincinnati.
How it works: The manicurist files down your natural nail and applies a base which is also an adhesive. They then dip each nail into the powder in the color of your choice and let dry {it takes seconds!} Once each nail is dipped, they reshape, fixing any bumps or issues and finish with a fast-drying top coat.
BEFORE
AFTER
RESULTS: Because the SNS uses dipping powders, I found that the color was much more vibrant and very dynamic. In direct light, the colors appeared to shimmer which was really quite beautiful. Also, there is no chipping or fading of color. The manicure requires no waiting for paint to dry, so no sitting under the UV light and once the manicure is finished, you’re free to go without fear of smudging. The adhesive/powder/top coat combination dries hard, like a plastic and therefore served as a protective layer on my real nails. Luckily for me, this made it impossible to bite my nails, chip, or break them. And so they continued to grow…
COST: The cost at this location was comparable to getting a gel manicure. I paid about $35 before tip. This location also had a loyalty card, so you can receive a discount after your 6th visit. Bonus: this particular salon {6355 Harrison} is brand new, very clean and the people are extremely friendly, although very persistent up-sellers. {Be ready to stand your ground if you do not have time for a pedicure too!}
The DOWN SIDES: when the manicure grows out, it does resemble acrylics. There is a clear line where the manicure ends, making grow-out rather conspicuous. Also, if not done carefully and properly, the dip powder can accumulate too much on your nail making your nails appear to be much thicker.
OVERALL: I liked this method much better than having fake tips, acrylics [are people still doing this?} and even gel manicures – which I have never had good luck with. {They always seem to chip within days, when they promise to last 2 weeks!} As far as health of my real nails, we will never know until I remove the SNS…
A Vintage Vantage 
I just tried SNS today & wasn’t super impressed. It took such s long time & there was a long drying period…I’ll have to try another location.
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Oh no! What a bummer. The place I went to was called SNS Nails. They specialize in it and that’s all they do there. Maybe there is an SNS Nails in your city?
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I had it done and they put a fast drying coat on after each powder dip and it actually dried immediately and then when they put the last codon it was only two minutes and then it drives very quickly and very hard and it’s been very durable now for one week so far supposed to list three weeks but it didn’t take that long at all but I understand taking it off takes about 15 minutes But applying it doing the whole process was less than 15 minutes for both hands. But I didn’t like was that use the electric sander on my nails which rather than anyway, instead of a hand buffer
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I agree. I do not like the electric sander. I since have found a few places that will do SNS without the sander. Mostly independent nail artists.
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