Noah Sinclair
SNS nails, or Signature Nail Systems, are a type of salon manicure that involves dipping your nails into powdered colour before sealing them with a shiny top coat. The result is a hard, long-lasting, chip-proof manicure. However, as your natural nails continue to grow underneath the fake tips, you will eventually need to trim or remove your SNS nails. While it is always best to have SNS nails removed by a professional, there are ways to trim and remove them at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are SNS nails? | SNS (Signature Nail Systems) is a type of salon manicure that involves dipping your nails into powdered colour before sealing them off with a shiny top coat. |
| How long do they last? | SNS nails can last between two to four weeks without chipping, peeling or lifting. |
| How to remove SNS nails? | It is recommended to get SNS nails removed by a professional. However, if you want to remove them at home, you can use a coarse nail file to file off the protective top coat before soaking your nails in acetone. |
| Tools required for at-home removal | Acetone, cotton pads, aluminium foil, nail clippers, nail file, paper towels, bowl, scissors, timer |
| Precautions for at-home removal | Avoid yanking, scraping or picking off the thin layer of SNS from your nails as it can cause trauma to the nail. Do not cut your nails straight across. |
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What You'll Learn
Use larger nail clippers and cut diagonally across each side
When removing SNS nails, it is important to use larger nail clippers, as SNS nails are thicker than regular gel/shellac manicures. To cut diagonally across each side, start by identifying where you think your natural nail ends. Cut each side in a V-shape, or a shallow slant, so that you are left with a triangle tip. Then, cut off the tip.
This method of cutting in a few stages, rather than straight across, will be easier and less painful. It is also important to note that the centre of the nail is the most delicate area, so be sure to start by trimming the sides with nail clippers. Cut upward and on a slant to the tip of the nail, so that there is a small point in the centre. If you are aiming for a square-shaped nail, cut on a shallow slant so that the pointed tip is less pronounced.
If you are using nail clippers, it is important to also use a fine-grit file to ensure your nails are smooth and to your desired length. This will help to avoid any painful breakage, especially as your nails will be softer after soaking in acetone.
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File off the protective top coat before soaking
SNS nails, or Signature Nail Systems, are a type of salon manicure that involves dipping your nails into powdered colour before sealing them off with a shiny top coat. The result is a hard, chip-proof set of nails that can last for several weeks. While it is generally recommended to have SNS nails removed by a professional, there may be times when you need to remove them yourself.
The first step in the removal process is to file off the protective top coat. This layer acts as a barrier against damage to your nails and needs to be removed before soaking to allow the acetone to penetrate through to the product underneath. This will make the removal process quicker and easier.
At a salon, a professional electrical filing tool would be used to remove this layer. When doing it yourself at home, you can use a coarse nail file or a manual buffer to gently remove the gel top coat. Each nail should be filed until the glossy layer has been removed and the nail appears matte. This step can create dust, so it may be helpful to place a towel underneath while you work.
It is important to avoid filing your natural nail during this process. Stop if you notice that you are getting close to the natural nail to avoid causing damage. Once the top coat has been removed, you can move on to the next step of the removal process, which involves soaking your nails in acetone to dissolve the hardened SNS powder.
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Soak nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes
So, you've decided to remove your SNS nails at home. While it's always best to have them removed by a professional, there are ways to do it yourself without butchering your nails.
Before you soak your nails in acetone, you'll need to file off the protective topcoat layer. This will allow the acetone to penetrate through to the product underneath for quicker removal. Use a coarse nail file to gently remove the gel top coat (the glossy layer) off the SNS on all 10 nails.
Now, it's time to soak your nails in acetone. You'll need 100% pure acetone, aluminium foil, and regular cotton balls or pads. Soak the cotton balls or pads in the acetone until they're completely wet, then place them on your nails. Wrap each nail tightly in aluminium foil, twisting the end to keep the cotton pad close to your nail and to stop the acetone from leaking out.
You'll then need to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes for the acetone to dissolve the hardened SNS powder. Check one nail first to see if it's ready. The polish should be gooey and mushy and should rub off quite easily. If not, wait a little longer and try again.
Once the SNS has dissolved, remove the foil and press and rub an acetone-soaked cotton pad over your nail to wipe off the dissolved dipping powder. Repeat on the rest of your nails, wiping each one clean with a paper towel.
It's important to note that acetone can temporarily alter the shape of your nails by removing some of its moisture, but it will not affect the nail plate's structure. It's also highly flammable, so be cautious when using it.
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Use a coarse nail file to scrub off gel polish
Using a coarse nail file to scrub off gel polish is a safe and effective method. It is important to note that gel polish is significantly easier to file than acrylic, so adjust your pressure accordingly.
Firstly, protect your cuticles. Acetone can dry out nails and skin, so it is recommended to apply cuticle oil or Vaseline to the surrounding areas. This creates a barrier to minimise potential damage.
Next, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Start with your non-dominant hand, gently filing from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot. Filing down the top coat in this manner will expose the gel polish underneath, making it easier to remove with acetone.
When filing, apply light and parallel pressure to avoid scratching the delicate nail plate. A medium grit 100/180 nail file is usually best for removing gel nails, and a 180 grit nail file is typically sufficient for shaping the natural nail edge. However, if your nails are very soft or damaged, a 240 grit file may be preferable.
After filing, you can proceed with the acetone removal process. Soak cotton balls or cotton pads in acetone, place them on your nails, and wrap each finger with aluminium foil. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove the foil one finger at a time. Gently scrape away the softened gel using a wooden stick or orangewood stick. Repeat this process until all the gel polish is removed.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a coarse nail file to scrub off gel polish, ensuring the health and protection of your nails.
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Avoid damaging your natural nails by picking and pulling
Picking, pulling, peeling, or biting SNS nails off is very damaging to your natural nails. This is because the main 'adhesive' ingredient in SNS nails is the same as that in superglue, so trying to pull them off can cause pain and damage, removing layers of your natural nail in the process. This can cause your nails to become weak and prone to breaking and splitting.
Instead, you should use a coarse nail file or buffer to gently remove the gel top coat (the glossy layer) off the SNS on all 10 nails. Getting rid of this protective top coat will make it easier for your polish remover to break down the hard colour. You can then use acetone, cotton pads, and aluminium foil to soak your nails.
If you are struggling to get the SNS off your nails, you can use a nail clipper (or nipper) to pull up any of the edges that might be lifting or raising. Don't peel or tug anything—just trim what’s already lifting. Any leftover bits that are stuck to your nail can be removed with a cuticle pusher. Be gentle to avoid damaging your nails.
After removing your SNS manicure, your nails may feel weak and sensitive. To promote natural nail regrowth and improve the condition of your nails, keep your nails short and firm to prevent breakage during recovery. You can also apply a nourishing cuticle oil or a hand cream designed for nail care to maintain nail health and prevent dryness.
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Frequently asked questions
Trimming SNS nails is not recommended as it may ruin the manicure. Instead, file your nails with a coarse nail file to maintain your desired length.
The "Baggy Method" is a safe way to remove SNS nails at home. First, use a coarse nail file to remove the protective top coat. Then, soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place them on your nails. Wrap each nail in aluminium foil and wait 15-20 minutes for the acetone to dissolve the SNS powder. Finally, remove the foil and rub an acetone-soaked cotton pad over your nail to wipe off the dissolved powder.
If your SNS nails start to lift, it is best to have them removed by a professional. However, if you are unable to go to a salon, you can remove them at home using the "Baggy Method" described above.
To remove SNS nails at home, you will need a coarse nail file, 100% acetone, aluminium foil, cotton balls or pads, a small bowl, scissors, a timer, and paper towels.
