Acrylic or SNS?

What’s the difference between Acrylic and SNS Powder Nails?

Nothing makes a style statement like a flawless manicure. Whether you choose a bold red or an understated nude, perfectly polished nails are every stylish woman’s secret to feeling chic, confident and ready to take on whatever the day has in store. Even when you haven’t had time for hair or make up, knowing that your nails look incredible immediately makes you feel poised and pulled together. 

When you’re hard at work, nothing boosts your mood like the sight of your beautifully glossy, colourful nails while you type. If you’re looking to elevate your look with an elegant manicure, you may find yourself choosing between two of the most popular options: acrylic nails and SNS nails. 

Though both options are extremely popular in salons across Australia, there are major differences between these two manicure systems that you need to know about.

What are acrylic nails?

Flashback to your first manicure, and we’ll wager you went for acrylic nails. Also known as fake nails or nail extensions, acrylic nails are an artificial extension that’s applied to your natural nail. Once your nails have been painted in varnish and an adhesive glue, the artificial nail is attached to the natural nail, then cut and filed down to the size and shape of your choice. 

As the nail extension is fake, acrylic nail designs are ideal if you’re looking for statement-making long length or a dramatic shape. Acrylic nails can even be pierced and fitted with nail rings for a bold, attention-grabbing look. Built for a good time, not a long time, acrylic nails will start chipping and peeling off within two weeks. So get that salon removal appointment booked in, before you leave with your fresh manicure.

But what happens if you can’t rush back to the salon? Okay, deep breath in: acrylic nails can fall off. That’s right, if you’ve ever had an acrylic manicure you’ll know that heart sinking feeling of looking down and seeing one bald, naked nail covered in ripped-off pieces of glue. It’s not a look that anyone wants to replicate in a hurry.

Applying the wrong tips, sizing the extension incorrectly, using a low quality glue or not applying the extensions perfectly all mean that you’ll be finding your acrylic nails on the floor. If your acrylic nails fall off, they will rip off  the top layer of glue, causing damage to your natural nail that takes months to grow out.

A manicure minefield of DIY disasters waiting to happen, acrylic nails are best left to the professionals. Due to the precise, experienced application that they require, your acrylic full set should always be applied and removed in a salon environment. If you have hours of dead time every fortnight to wait in the salon during office hours, then acrylic nails could be the manicure for you. For everyone else, there’s SNS nails.

What are SNS nails?

Also known as dip powder nails, SNS is a nail dipping system that gives a flawless, chip-resistant finish. If you’re searching for a look that feels more natural but still makes a serious style statement, an SNS manicure is the solution you’ve been looking for.

After a gel is brushed on the natural nail, the nail is dipped into a white base powder. An activating liquid is then applied, before you dip the nail again into a powder in the colour of your choice. The powders work with your natural nails to create extra strength, extra length and an ultra-light finish that lasts for weeks.

Unlike acrylic nails, there’s no fake extension that can fall off. Meaning there’s no risk of ripping or wear and tear. In fact, the only time you’ll need to remove SNS nails is when there’s cuticle regrowth. Your SNS manicure can last up to four weeks before it needs to be removed, depending on how fast your nails grow.

Time to refresh your manicure? SNS nails are also easier to remove. It couldn’t be easier. Unlike acrylics, SNS nails simply soak off with acetone nail varnish remover. There’s absolutely no drilling required. Once the polish has soaked off, there’s no lingering nail damage so you can go straight back to your natural nails or immediately reapply another SNS manicure.

The best part?

There’s no need to step foot in a salon, you can create your signature manicure on demand in the comfort of your home. Thanks to our fuss-free application system, DIPD gives you flawless salon-perfect SNS nails anytime, anywhere.

No need for YouTube tutorials and hours spent perfecting your technique, we created the DIPD nail system that makes SNS nails so easy to apply and remove. You can effortlessly give yourself a stunning salon-quality manicure at home, at work or when travelling. No salon equipment or professional experience required.

Are you ready to join the manicure revolution? It’s time to get DIPD. Your Starter DIPD Kit is available to buy right now.