We get asked endless questions about the difference between sns and acrylic nails. Can you get sns with french tips? What is the difference between Gel and Shellac? We’re here to answer your questions!

Terminology behind different nail types and services.

“Can I please get a shellac manicure?”. When you break that down, did you know that you’re asking for a fingernail clean with an added service of a shellac branded gel polish? No one really teaches us about the nail services on a menu. We go off what we hear, or what we assume to be the basics of nail salon services. Did you know that you can ask for a gel polish service without the manicure? A pedicure without a polish? We give you 5 did you know points to test how well you really know nails!

Did you know?

• Did you know that Shellac polish is actually not a nail paint type but a brand? The term shellac is a brand, associated most commonly with the ‘Gel’ Service.

• Did you know that a manicure is the actual cleaning, buffing, trimming of your fingernails and cuticles? You can ask for a manicure only (to clean your nails) without any sort of lacquer or paint of sorts. Usually, a clear coat is applied for manicures to sustain a clean and fresh look.

• Do you know about the benefits of a manicure for health and wellbeing? Click here to find out more!

• What is a dry service? A dry manicure is a quick file and buff with a varnish (polish) of your choosing without a hand soak to really clean and trim your cuticles. This is for those who are not looking for a spa clean of their fingers.

• Did you know that you can get french tips with SNS? Long story short, yes yes yes!

So, what are the different types of polish services?

Standard Nail Polish: A standard nail polish that is available in all different shades of colours, usually lasting around 3-10 days. You can easily remove nail polish at home, or with a nail technician using regular, non-acetone nail polish remover.

Gel Polish: Gel, often referred to as “shellac” is a long-wear polish product that requires an LED nail lamp to dry and harden the applied polish. Lasting from 10-30 days, depending on the level of use, The Gel lacquer is a quicker dry time service (30 second each application) when compared to the standard nail polish, where you fan and air dry.

Acrylic Nails: Acrylic nails are a great way to get the nail look you’re after - no matter the length, shape, size and design. Acrylics are applied with an added fake tip to your real fingernail and uses a strong solvent powder to set as the foundation of your nail. Acrylics are long-lasting, much like Gel Polish, however, the strength of the powder on your fingernail can cause damage to your natural nails upon removal.

SNS: This is where the SNS nail polish comes in. A gentle form of powder applications with the colour already induced within the solution. SNS is applied through a layer of lacquer on your nails, where your nail then gets dipped into the powder, repeating until a firm base of the polish is satisfied. If you want to know more about SNS nails specifically, read our Everything About SNS Nails blog!

Mobile Nail Salon at home near me.

Purely Polished: your Uber for Beauty & Wellness, was created to package beauty and wellness mobile services into a seamless experience, for anyone and everyone, anytime, anywhere. We’ve made booking a nail technician in Sydney, as easy as booking an Uber in Sydney, or ordering takeaway through from your favourite Sydney Eats Local! If you're looking for a mobile nail technician to come to your home and service a safe and private manicure and pedicure, Purely Polished is perfect for you.

Our highly qualified and handpicked nail technicians are spread throughout Australia, offering salon manicures, pedicures, mani-pedis and nail art! Our nail technicians will pamper you with the best salon quality products where we connect you with all mobile nail technicians near you where you can request nail art, nail product specifics like vegan-only requirements, or pregnancy consciousness brands, infills, tips, the list goes on!

“After finding it difficult to make appointments and find the time as a first-time mom, Iman Davion started her business. Purely Polished started as a mobile manicure/pedicure business. Now, Purely Polished can serve birthday parties and corporate events. This manicure and pedicure will give you a quality, professional nail treatment at your home. We can also recommend the Deluxe Pedicure. A premium experience.”

Featured Article - The Top Nail Salons in Sydney (Gritty Pretty)

Not only nails, but we also deliver you the whole salon no matter the service. Our services also include massages, facials, waxing, haircuts, eyelash extensions and brow tints!