SNS Nails Review

Pascal Deloche / Godong for Getty Images

Acrylics. Gels. Talks with Jesus. I had tried it all. No matter what I did, I ended up with chips 4-7 days after getting my nails done.

Then the phone rang.

My friend had just tried SNS and she thought of me right away. The powder was the exact color she selected, there was zero dry time, and most importantly it didn’t chip for nearly 30 days. Yes, you read that right…30 days! SNS dipping powder is a polish alternative that contains calcium and vitamin E that allegedly strengthens your nails. It’s also odor free. I know ladies are supposed to take good care of their hands at all times but between typing, dishes, Target furniture assembly, putting air my tires, and wash day, that was proving to be a bit difficult for this overeducated and underemployed millennial to manage. Mama works with her hands. For my lifestyle, this sounded too good to be true but it also sounded too good not to try so I headed to my local nail salon to see for myself.

Keep on reading to see my experience, first hand (pun intended) of wearing SNS nails for 30 days. 

WEEK ONE:

Sitting in the chair I was super skeptical especially when my salon quoted me $5 less than my friend (the service usually ranges between $30 and $50). The powder looked weird and clumpy as it sprinkled over my nails and I just knew there was no way this cloudy green glob could morph into the robin’s egg blue I had so carefully chosen to contrast my pleather pleated mini skirt. I was wrong. A few coats later when the technician started filing I became a believer and when she added the coat of glossy bonding liquid on top I was really with it.  There was a slight dry time but it was less than two minutes. I could drive right away without worrying about messing my nails up which was nice. Big selling point!

A few days later it had separated from my cuticles slightly but the overall presentation was still good and the powder had survived wash day.

WEEK THREE: 

As the powder began to grow out it thinned slightly. It wasn’t exactly chipping but it was more weakening. It didn’t feel as impenetrable but there were still no visible chips.

When I had the robin’s egg blue shade removed my nails didn’t look or feel any stronger but they didn’t look or feel any weaker (unlike gels and acrylics).

I really put it to the test when I tried to get a design I saw on Pinterest. Like a true Jersey girl, I’m addicted to slightly age-inappropriate glitter and I wasn’t sure if a powder could give me the same shine. I also didn’t think the lines of the chevron print I wanted would be as precise.

I was worried for nothing! It might have just been a credit to my favorite technician (Miriam you a real one!) but I was able to get a design that was just as crisp as it would have been with acrylics.

Even when it started to grow out a month later (see above) I still loved it.

The verdict? If you’re as rough on your nails as I am, definitely look into SNS! It lasts forever!

Bohdan Bobak / EyeEm for Getty Images

I’ve been an SNS convert for about 6 months but I’ve had friends who haven’t had great experiences so make sure you inspect the powder at your salon because there are copycat products that don’t stack up! If it doesn’t say SNS, leave it sis!

Looking to switch things up more often? Try one of these “13 Nail Shades Created By Black Women Perfect For Fall” on your footsies.

Have you tried SNS nails before? Tell us your experience in the comment section!