Alternative Ways to Manicure

Nails are a great way of expressing yourself. Whether you like a more natural look or prefer to be more out there, there are different ways you can achieve both. Here at KEM, we wanted to make sure you knew alternative ways to manicure.

Gel

Gel polish will come in a range of colours like regular polish except it needs to be cured under a UV light to dry. Each hand is placed under a UV lamp for under a minute, after each coat of polish. Gel polish lasts 2-3 weeks which is longer than regular polish. For removal, Gel needs to be soaked in acetone to loosen up and once loose can be filed off your natural nails.

BIAB

Builder in a bottle better known by its acronym BIAB is a builder gel made to add strength and structure to your natural nails. It is thicker than Gel polish and contains a colour, primer, a base coat, and builder gel all in one bottle, this cuts out multiple steps in the manicure method. All you need to do is prep your nails and then apply BIAB. For more colour variation or for some nail art, gel polish can be used on top of BIAB. The removal process is just as simple, you can file and soak off the BIAB leaving you with strong and healthy natural nails.

Acrylics

Acrylics allow you to have length and strength. They are stronger than gel nails and are usually used when adding length to your nails. A nail extension can be glued to the tip of your natural nail and secured with a paste combined of liquid and powder applied over the nail, this creates a hard protective layer. Once dry, it can be shaped into your desired nail shape, coffin, almond, square etc. The powder can come in natural colours or bright colours, alternatively once dry it can be painted over with gel polish. Remember a gel polish and a topcoat will need to be cured by UV light. Acrylics can last up to 8 weeks with an infill appointment around the 3-week point, this can depend on the growth of your natural nails. Be sure to get your acrylics removed by a professional to minimise damage to your natural nails. Your nails will be weaker with continuous use, so it’s best to take breaks every few months to recover your nails.

SNS

Dip powder or SNS is our final way to manicure. SNS is odourless and doesn’t need to be cured by a UV light like Gel polish and BIAB. Signature Nail Style (SNS) is actually a brand of dipping powder, and it comes in an array of colours. Just like the other methods, SNS is said to help your nails grow ‘stronger and healthier’; it is packed with vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D and calcium. All are great for maintaining nail health. A base is applied to your nail before your nail is dipped into colour powders of your choice, filed and shaped and then the process is finished off with a topcoat or sealant. SNS nails can last up to 5 weeks if taken care of. The removal process is again like the others but may take longer to soak off.

Do you already use any of these manicure methods? Have you already been using a particular method that you’ve found works best for you and your lifestyle? Let us know at @shopkem on our socials – we’d love to hear from you!