SNS — the dip-powder system that lets your nails grow.
Our most-loved service for clients who want long-wearing colour without UV light, without acrylic thickness, and without the constant chips of regular polish. A vitamin-enriched powder system, dipped in minutes, that strengthens the nail as it wears.
Inside Burwood One Shopping Centre · Easy from Burwood East, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Box Hill and the wider Melbourne east.
Vitamin-rich
Most SNS powders are formulated with calcium, vitamin E and pro-keratin — the system reinforces the nail as it wears, rather than just sitting on top.
No UV light
An activator sets the powder almost instantly. There's no curing lamp at any step — a popular choice for clients avoiding UV exposure on their hands.
Three to five-week wear
Glossy and chip-free for three to five weeks — longer with attentive aftercare. Soaks off cleanly without aggressive filing or buffing.
Trusted by clients across Melbourne's east.
Over 1,012 reviews across Google, Fresha & Facebook.
“SNS lasted me four weeks with no chips and the colour was still as glossy as day one. The girls are friendly, and they have shades I haven't seen anywhere else.”
“I have very weak nails and SNS at Adiva is the only thing that lets them grow. I've been coming for over a year now — would recommend to anyone trying to repair their nails.”
“Beautiful colour selection. The manicure was relaxing and unhurried, and the technician took real care matching a shade to what I had in mind.”
A vitamin-enriched dip-powder system.
Stronger than gel polish. Lighter than acrylic.
SNS — short for Signature Nail Systems — applies a coloured powder over a bonding base coat, then seals it with an activator and a glossy top coat. The result is denser and longer-wearing than regular gel polish, but thinner and more flexible than acrylic. No UV lamp, no harsh primer.
On natural nails it works as a strengthening overlay; with a tip extension, it adds length too. Most clients see three to five weeks of even, glossy colour and emerge with stronger nails underneath. SNS is the best-selling service at Adiva for a reason.
Many of our SNS regulars travel in from across Melbourne's east — Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Vermont and Forest Hill — booking back-to-back every three weeks. The Burwood One Shopping Centre location, with free undercover parking, makes the routine easy.
“ Like a dip — set, sealed, and ready to wear.
Or call 03 8838 8836 to chat about which system suits you.
SNS, Builder Gel & Acrylic — at a glance.
The three strengthening systems we offer, compared honestly.
| Feature | SNS | Builder Gel | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|
| System | Dip-powder | Brush-on hard gel | Liquid + powder, sculpted |
| UV light | Not required | Yes — LED cured | Not required |
| Typical wear | 3–5 weeks | 3–5 weeks | 3–5 weeks (with refills) |
| Adds length? | With a tip extension | Sculpted overlay or short tip | Yes — sculpted on a form |
| Feel | Light, slightly textural | Flexible, natural-feeling | Firm and thicker |
| Removal | ~10 min soak-off | ~15 min soak-off | ~20 min soak-off |
| Best for | Healthy daily wear | Strengthening fragile nails | Long, sculpted shapes |
Not sure which suits you? Call 03 8838 8836 or ask in store — a quick chat is usually the fastest way to decide.
SNS is a great fit if…
- You want long-lasting colour — three to five weeks of glossy, chip-free wear
- You have brittle or peeling nails — and need a strengthening overlay
- You prefer to avoid UV — no curing lamp at any step
- You want thinner than acrylic — but stronger than regular gel polish
- You love variety — over 400 in-store shades to choose from
- You're stepping away from acrylic — and looking for something gentler
SNS works on natural nails as an overlay, or with tip extensions for added length. For sculpted length without a tip, see acrylic or builder gel.
How SNS is applied at Adiva
A careful five-step ritual — about 45 minutes for a full set on natural nails.
- 01
Nail prep
Cuticles tidied, the nail surface gently buffed to remove shine, and a dehydrator applied so the powder bonds cleanly.
- 02
Bond coat
A thin bonding base coat is brushed onto each nail — it primes the surface for the powder.
- 03
First dip
The finger is dipped into your chosen powder colour and tapped off. The first dip lays down the colour foundation.
- 04
Second dip & seal
A second pass for opacity and strength, then a sealing coat is brushed on to lock the layers together.
- 05
Activate & shine
The activator sets the powder almost instantly. A glossy top coat is buffed, polished, and finished with a touch of cuticle oil.
Saturated colour, layer by layer.
SNS pigment dips opaque on the first pass — the second adds depth. Reds read truer, nudes hold their warmth, and dark shades stay rich without a streaky second coat. Browse the wall in store; we'll match a powder to anything you bring in.
A taste of the range. Browse the full wall in store, or ask for a swatch ring at your appointment.
SNS sets from our chair.
Live from Instagram — recent dip-powder sets, French, ombre and chrome finishes from the salon.
SNS pricing
Custom shapes (oval, almond, stiletto, coffin) and intricate art are quoted on the day.
- SNS on Natural Nails — strengthening dip on natural nails, 45 min $50
- SNS with Manicure — soak, cuticle care, dip & hand massage, 45 min $60
- SNS Soak Off & Redo — refresh on natural nails, 45 min $55
- SNS Full Set Extension — tip extension with dip overlay, 45 min $60
- SNS Extension — Soak Off & Redo — refresh on tip extensions, 1 hr $65
- French on SNS (add-on) — classic white or colour French from $10
- Chrome on SNS (add-on) — mirrored metallic finish $20
- Ombre on SNS (add-on) — gradient blend across the set from $20
Prices shown are indicative starting points and may vary by length, design, or add-ons. For the latest pricing, see the live menu on Fresha or ask in store. Call 03 8838 8836 for a quote on custom work.
To get the most from your set
Cuticle oil daily
Keeps the dip from drying brittle and your natural nail bed soft underneath.
Gloves for cleaning
Household chemicals dull and weaken any dip system — gloves on for dishes and cleaning.
Never use nails as tools
No peeling labels, scratching stickers, or opening cans. The dip is strong, not invincible.
Don't pick or peel
If a corner lifts, book a quick fix rather than pulling — picking lifts the surface of the natural nail.
Refresh at 3 weeks
Staying on top of regrowth protects both the dip and the natural nail underneath.
Questions, answered
Generally, yes. SNS is thinner than acrylic, applied without harsh primers, and most powders are formulated with calcium and vitamin E. That said, the single biggest factor in nail health is application and removal — a careful technician matters more than the system itself.
No. SNS uses an activator that sets the powder almost instantly. There's no curing lamp at any step, which makes it a popular choice for clients who want to avoid UV exposure on their hands.
Three to five weeks of even, glossy colour for most clients. Some stretch closer to five with careful aftercare; clients who are hard on their hands may come in at three. We recommend booking a refresh by week four to keep the regrowth area neat.
Yes — paired with a tip extension. SNS itself is an overlay system, so length comes from the tip while the dip provides colour and reinforcement. For sculpted length without a tip, ask about acrylic or builder gel.
Shellac is a brush-on gel polish — pure colour with no structural strength, cured under a UV lamp. SNS is a powder dip — denser, longer-wearing, no UV needed, and reinforces the natural nail as it wears.
BIAB is a brush-on gel with more flex and a slightly lighter feel. SNS sets harder and gives a denser, more saturated colour finish. Wear time is similar — three to five weeks for both.
Damage almost always comes from improper removal. A proper soak-off (around ten minutes in acetone wraps) leaves the nail intact. Picking or peeling lifts the surface layer of the natural nail and is the single most common cause of damage we see.
Absolutely. French, ombre, chrome, glitter and freehand designs all sit beautifully on a dip-powder finish. Add-ons start from $10 — the menu below has the breakdown.
Book your SNS appointment in Burwood East.
- Address
- Shop G41, 172–210 Burwood Highway
Burwood East, VIC 3151 - Phone
- 03 8838 8836
- hello@adivabeauty.com.au
- Hours
-
Mon–Fri · 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday · 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday · 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Easy from Burwood, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Vermont, Forest Hill, Ashwood, Blackburn & Doncaster East.