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How to Remove SNS Nails at Home

Published by Denise - May 3, 2020 9:21 pm - hair+makeup

Easy Tips and Methods for Quick Removal of SNS Nails!

You don’t need to visit a salon to remove your SNS Dip Powder nails, you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

With a few tools and the right process, you can do it yourself.

If you need to remove your SNS Nails, read our in-depth article where we share the best methods for safely removing SNS nails without damaging your natural nails.

Let’s get started!

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Here’s How to remove SNS Nails at Home:

There are several methods for removing SNS nails at home but the easiest and most effective is with Acetone.

This is the method that most salons also use.

Before we go into the step by step process of removing SNS nails with acetone, lets quickly define what SNS nails are.

What are SNS Nails?

SNS stands for Signature Nail System and they have become widely popular for a few different reasons.

Unlike a gel manicure, SNS nails do less damage to your skin, don’t require UV or LED light to dry, and they help strengthen your nails while still giving the appearance of a gel-like manicure.

The powder is also infused with calcium and other vitamins, such as vitamin E, that are meant to help strengthen your nails.

SNS nails are applied with a gel base and then dipped into a powder.

After being dipped in the powder, the nail hardens rapidly.

The dip powder is thinner on the nail than other manicures; giving a natural, strong, and flexible appearance.

The lightweight feeling of the SNS nails while still providing strength is a satisfying bonus.

It also requires little to no drying time.

Now that you now what SNS Nails are, let’s get into the details of removing them.

To remove SNS Nails at home, you will need the following items:

100% acetone
Cotton balls
Aluminum Foil
Nail Files/Nail buffer

Step One: Buff off the Top Layer

The first step to remove your SNS Dip Nails is to buff the to layer of polish.

Rather than using a professional filling tool like at the salon, you can use a nail buffer like the one by OPI.

Via Amazon.com

You’ll need to gently remove the gel top coat (the glossy layer) off the SNS on all of your nails with the OPI Brilliance buffer.

Step Two: Soak in Acetone + Wrap in Foil

Next you want to soak a cotton ball or cotton pads in an acetone based nail polish remover.

The Sally Hansen Gel Polish remover is especially formulated for SNS nails.

Via Amazon.com

Start by soaking the cotton balls or cotton pads in the acetone nail polish remover and place them directly on each of your nails.

Wrap each finger in foil and let them soak for a few minutes.

After a few minutes remove the foil off one nail and see if the polish easily comes off.

If not, put the foil back on and let them soak a little longer.

Don’t be surprised if you have to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes for the acetone to dissolve the hardened SNS powder.

Step Three: Gently Remove Polish

Remove the foil and slightly press/rub the cotton pad over your nail in order to wipe off the dissolved dipping powder.

Step Four: Cuticle Oil

Acetone nail polish remover can be hard on your nails and skin so applying a cuticle oil like Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil to keep them hydrated and from cracking.

Via Ulta.com

Via Amazon.com

Step Five: Give Your Nails a Break

Although having your nails done all the time is ideal, giving them a breather every few months isn’t a bad idea.

If you start to notice that your nails have white patches that feel rough, peeling, ridges, or discoloration, it’s time to give them a break.

Wait 3-4 weeks before your next manicure.

This gives your nails time to breath and grow out.

Other SNS Nail Removal Options

If you dont’ want to use acetone, there are a few other solutions for removing SNS Nails at home.

Keep in mind that these aren’t as quick and might still damage the nails, but it works if you really are opposed to acetone.

Nail Polish Remover

Regular nail polish remover also works for removing SNS nails but it will take much longer than acetone.

You follow the same steps listed above for acetone but will need to let the nails soak with regular nail polish for much longer, at least 20-25 minutes.

Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that is acidic so it works to dissolve nail polish.

With distilled white vinegar you use the same process above but be sure not to scratch at the nails too much.

The acid in the vinegar is harsh on human nails, so avoid scratching at the nail surface will prevent too much damage.

Two Parts Hydrogen Peroxide with One Part Hot Water

Soaking in this mixture is guaranteed to turn your fingertips white, and it will weaken the manicure, too.

You may have to file again afterward though to get it all off.

Conclusion

For the fastest and most effective removal of SNS nails, acetone is going to give you the best results.

It is the best at dissolving the nail powder and will require the least amount of scraping and buffing.

Scraping and buffing your nails too much can cause damage, which is why this is the most preferred removal method.

If you choose to use any of the other solutions listed in this article, make sure to let the nails soak longer and be very careful not to scrape and damage your natural nails.