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Bubble Spa and Beauty

Which Manicure is Healthiest: SNS, Gel, Builder, or Polish?



If you've ever enjoyed the convenience of long-lasting gel or SNS nails but found your nails feeling weaker after, you're not alone. Or maybe you're wary of LED lamps but fed up with regular polish chipping too quickly. Choosing the right manicure can be overwhelming, so let's break down the pros and cons of the most popular options: SNS, gel, Builder in a Bottle (BIAB), and regular polish.

Why Manicures Matter More Than Ever

Like many, I discovered just how much I missed professional manicures during lockdown. Sure, I missed seeing family and friends, but the joy of beautifully polished nails really stood out! The sound of nails tapping on a keyboard, the forced phone break during appointments, and knowing my at-home polish jobs never last more than a day made professional treatments irresistible.

Now, with even more options for nail treatments, from gel to SNS to the new BIAB trend, it's hard to know which one will suit your lifestyle and keep your nails healthy.

Understanding Your Manicure Options

Natalie Ferrari, founder of The Parlour Room in Sydney, explains that how long your manicure lasts depends on the treatment you choose and how well you care for your nails. For example, Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) can last up to four weeks before needing a touch-up. SNS typically lasts about three weeks, while regular polish can give you up to a week of chip-free wear.

So why do some people still choose regular polish over longer-lasting treatments? According to Emma Forrest, founder of Buff Studios in Melbourne, regular polish is perfect for those who like changing colors often, as it's easy to remove at home. "If someone has damaged nails, regular polish can also be gentler," adds Natalie.

The Benefits of Builder in a Bottle (BIAB)

Both Natalie and Emma are big fans of BIAB. It’s a hybrid treatment that combines the strength of SNS and gel with the nail-friendly aspects of regular polish. “BIAB is a gel-based product cured under an LED lamp, offering durability like SNS but without the harsh removal process,” says Emma.

Unlike SNS or acrylics, which can leave nails brittle and dehydrated, BIAB maintains flexibility and strength while being much gentler on the natural nail. You simply return every 3-4 weeks for an infill, which rebalances the nails and maintains their health.

Concerns About LED Lamps

If you’re worried about the potential dangers of LED lamps used in gel and BIAB treatments, Natalie reassures that modern LED lamps are much safer than their predecessors. The old lamps emitted a broad spectrum of UV light, raising concerns about long-term exposure. But today’s LED lamps use a much narrower UV range, curing the nails faster and with minimal risk. Emma adds, “Current research shows the exposure from these lamps is too low to significantly increase cancer risks."

Why Salon Manicures Last Longer

Ever wonder why your at-home manicure chips after a few days, while salon nails last so much longer? Natalie attributes it to the meticulous nail prep professionals do, from shaping and buffing to ensuring the nail plate is perfectly clean for polish application. “A typical salon appointment takes time because we pay attention to every step that guarantees a long-lasting manicure,” she says.

For those trying DIY manicures at home, Emma offers three crucial tips:

  1. Start with a clean, dry nail plate (use alcohol or acetone to remove oils).

  2. Avoid letting polish touch your skin, as this can cause peeling.

  3. Apply polish in thin, even layers for better adhesion and fewer chips.

Keeping Your Nails Healthy

Regardless of which manicure you choose, keeping your nails hydrated is essential for long-term nail health. Natalie emphasizes the importance of daily cuticle oil application to retain moisture, preventing dryness, splitting, and chipping.

Remember, proper care is key to making your manicure last. From avoiding excessive exposure to household cleaning chemicals to keeping your nails moisturized, a little TLC goes a long way in maintaining strong, beautiful nails.

In the end, whether you choose the convenience of regular polish, the durability of SNS, the flexibility of gel, or the strength of BIAB, the healthiest option is the one that suits your lifestyle while prioritizing nail care.

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