Ava Monroe
SNS nails, or Signature Nail Systems, are a popular manicure choice due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and stunning appearance. While they can last up to four weeks without chipping, peeling, or lifting, there may come a time when you need to remove them at home. Picking or pulling them off is not recommended as it can cause pain and damage to your natural nails. Instead, you can use a nail file or buffer to gently remove the top coat, followed by soaking your nails in acetone to effectively break down the SNS formula. After removal, it is important to nourish your cuticles and nail beds with cuticle oil and nail strengtheners to restore hydration and protect your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal Tools | Acetone, cotton wool/pads, aluminium foil, nail file/buffer, warm water |
| Removal Process | Soak nails in acetone, wrap in foil, file off remaining SNS |
| Post-Removal Care | Cuticle oil, nail strengthener |
| Risks | Damage to natural nails, pain, infection |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare nails by filing and buffing the top layer of nail polish
Before you begin filing and buffing your nails, make sure to remove any old nail polish. Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean each nail thoroughly. Ensure that you remove any traces of polish around your nail and on your skin.
If your nails extend beyond your fingertips, trim them first. This makes the subsequent filing process easier. Use a nail clipper for this purpose and then shape them using a nail file. You can use the most coarse side of your nail buffer block to file the tops and sides of your nails to your desired length and shape. Remember to never file back and forth, as this can damage the nail. Instead, use gentle, unidirectional strokes.
Now comes the buffing part, which will remove ridges and smooth down the surface of your nails. Use the large grit side of the buffer to begin. This helps in smoothing out any significant ridges or rough patches on your nails. Remember to use gentle, unidirectional strokes. Buffing removes the shine from your nails, giving the polish remover more grip on your nails. It is a crucial step in achieving both aesthetic and health objectives for your nails.
Once the major imperfections are addressed, switch to the finer grit side of the buffer. This will remove any missed imperfections and make your nails even smoother. Polish your nails with four to six of the same X strokes you used in the buffing step.
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Soak nails in acetone using cotton wool/pads and aluminium foil
Removing SNS nails at home is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to avoid damaging your natural nails. The first step is to remove the protective top coat with a nail file or buffer. This breaks down the surface, making it easier for acetone to penetrate the nail and remove the colour.
Once the top coat has been removed, the next step is to soak your nails in acetone using cotton wool/pads and aluminium foil. Start by soaking the cotton wool or pads in acetone. Then, place them directly on each of your nails. Wrap each nail tightly in aluminium foil, twisting the ends to keep the cotton in place and prevent leaks.
Let your nails sit for at least 10 minutes. The acetone will break down the nail colour during this time. After 10 minutes, gently remove the foil and use a nail file to buff away any remaining colour. If necessary, soak your nails for a few more minutes.
It is important to be gentle throughout this process to avoid damaging your natural nails.
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Wash hands and file nails to the desired length and shape
After you've soaked your nails in acetone and removed the SNS nails, it's time to wash your hands and get your nails back into shape.
Washing your hands is important because you want to get rid of any remaining acetone on your hands and nails. Acetone is a powerful chemical that can dry out your skin and nails, so it's important to wash it off thoroughly. Use warm water and a gentle soap, and rub your hands together to create a lather. Pay special attention to your nails and cuticles, making sure to clean them well. Then, rinse your hands with warm water and dry them gently with a soft towel.
Now, it's time to file your nails to the desired length and shape. Start by assessing the condition of your nails. If they are very short, you may just need to focus on shaping them. If they have grown out a bit, you can carefully trim them with nail clippers first, but be careful not to cut them too short. It's always better to err on the side of caution and cut less than you think you need to.
When it comes to shaping, choose a nail file that suits the shape you desire. For example, if you want square-shaped nails, use a straight nail file and file in a back-and-forth motion across the tip of your nail. If you prefer rounded nails, use a curved nail file and gently shape your nails by filing in one direction, following the natural curve of your nail tip. As you file, be careful not to be too aggressive, as this can damage your natural nails. File gently and slowly, taking your time to achieve the desired shape.
Once you've achieved your desired length and shape, you may want to smooth out any rough edges with a nail buffer. Gently buff your nails, moving the buffer in the same direction as your nail growth. This will help create a smooth finish.
Finally, don't forget to moisturize your hands and nails after this process. Use a good cuticle oil or a specialized nail and cuticle moisturizer to restore hydration and promote healthy nail growth.
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Apply cuticle oil to moisturise the cuticle, skin and nail
After removing SNS nails at home, it's important to repair and nourish your cuticles and nail beds. Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado oil, or even household oils like coconut oil or rosehip oil. Cuticle oil helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged.
The vitamins and nutrients present in cuticle oil nourish the nails, promoting their strength and resilience. This can help prevent breakage and splitting, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier. Regularly applying cuticle oil can enhance the appearance of your nails by softening and smoothing the cuticles, giving your nails a more polished and well-groomed look.
To apply cuticle oil, start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Then, apply a small drop of oil near the cuticle on each finger and gently massage it into the nail and cuticle with your fingertips. You can use cuticle oil as often as you want, but it's best to apply it at least once or twice a day to fully benefit from its nourishing and moisturising properties.
By regularly applying cuticle oil, you can promote healthy nail growth, improve the overall appearance of your nails, and protect them from breakage.
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Use a nail strengthener to harden and protect your nails
Using a nail strengthener is an effective way to harden and protect your nails after removing SNS nails. Nail strengtheners contain ingredients that penetrate into the nail bed to hydrate and nourish them, allowing them to grow stronger and healthier.
There are two main types of nail strengtheners: hardeners and treatments. Nail hardeners are short-term treatments that create a protective barrier on the nail, preventing them from splitting and breaking. They are ideal for those who need a quick fix to strengthen soft and bendy nails. Hardeners are usually transparent or translucent and are applied like nail polish, either as a base coat or on their own. They can also be used as a protective barrier between the nail and typical nail polish.
On the other hand, treatments nourish the nail from the inside out and are better for long-term nail health. They can be used as often as desired and are perfect for someone who wants to maintain strong and healthy nails.
When choosing a nail strengthener, look for products containing ingredients such as wheat protein, keratin, biotin, calcium, and various proteins, which are proven to enhance nail growth and strengthen nails. For instance, Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat is infused with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, leaving nails hydrated and nourished. Similarly, Blue Cross's nail strengthener, recommended by nail artist Breeonne Reed, contains light-reflecting particles that make your nails look better while they heal and grow.
It is important to note that nail hardeners may contain potentially harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and methylene glycol. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for treatments if you are looking for a long-term solution to maintain and protect your nails.
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