ANC is short for Amazing Nail Concepts. It is a dip powder product that falls between a regular manicure and fake acrylic nails. Celebrity manicurist Erica Marton calls them a “diet acrylic” product. You receive a base coat, and then a sealant is a applied from the small container of color that you select during your appointment. Then the nail technician applies both coats while shaping your nail contours to create the desired result.
There are no known long-term effects with ANC nails unless you consistently use a cheap knock-off product that uses chemical bonding as a way to create the harder surface. You will face some short-term damage to the nail (there is no way to avoid it) because the seal layer of your nails must be broken for this type of manicure to be effective. The roots of the nails are not damaged in the process, and you will have a new layer of nail continue to grow.
You might want to consider paper wraps with your ANC nails to maximize the impact of this manicure. This process wraps the free edge of the nails, and it can last for up to two weeks. It is healthier for the nails because there isn’t as much roughening required.
If you’re thinking about a dip powder manicure at your local salon, then these are the pros and cons of ANC nails to consider.
List of the Pros of ANC Nails
1. It provides a strong, durable result.
ANC nails are known for providing the advantages of durability and strength. When a licensed provider works on them for you, then you’ll see how well the product lives up to the hype. They are chip-free, shiny, and still look new up to a month after you have them done. You couldn’t get them off with regular methods even if you tried. If you live an active lifestyle or need something that can get you through a long holiday, then consider working with a salon for this option.
2. You get to avoid UV rays during the curing process.
If you receive regular nail services, then the UV rays that are used to cure many of the products that salons provide can increase your risk of an adverse health condition. According to Healthline, UVA from the equipment contributes to melanoma risks increases, even though it may not be significant. Karolina Jasko, a Miss USA pageant contestant, received a melanoma diagnosis in her fingernail at age 18 because of her acrylics.
ANC nails provide you with color through the use of pigmented powder instead. You dip your nails into the preferred product or have the technician paint the powder onto your nails.
3. You have the option of adding a tip onto your nail.
Because ANC nails are so strong, most salons give you the option of having a tip added to your nails if you want to achieve additional length right away. The manicure will already make your nails grow stronger and faster than they would normally because of the protective application. When you keep them on, then you can achieve more length than if you worked with nail polish and strengtheners alone. If you are struggling with naturally brittle nails and nothing else seems to be working, then this option might provide a reasonable solution that will help you to achieve the perfect look.
4. There are dozens of color options from which to choose.
ANC nails provide you with dozens of different color choices so that you can create the specific look you want to sport for the next month. Some of the most popular options available online for DIY specialists or salons who wish to provide this service include Hot Summer Pink, Fairy Dust, Burgundy #191, and Japanese Maple. You can choose bright colors like neon pink, opt for glittery selections like Party Time, or choose pastels like Aloha Hawaii or Sparkling Purple.
If you want to make a fashion statement with your manicure, then ANC nails will give you more choices that can last for a longer time than most other providers in their category.
5. The color of ANC nails stays true to the powder.
Have you ever noticed that acrylics, gels, and polishes tend to fade over time? Did you receive a manicure where the applied color looked nothing like the finished product? ANC nails stays true to its hue with the color tones it offers in a variety of shades. That makes it a lot easier to choose the correct option to match your style and personality. What you receive today with this service will be what you will see after 3-4 weeks of regular wear and tear. Although it can be challenging to remove the product when it is time to make a change, proper conditioning and nutrient infusions can continue to provide them with the strength you require.
6. It doesn’t chip when correctly applied.
If your nail technician correctly applies the dip powder, then it will not chip or crack after the work is finished. They will cap the edges of the nail for you, sealing the powder in place to keep it strong for the next month. Just be careful when scraping off the product when it is time to make a change because it could damage a thin nail bed. Lightly brushing is usually the better solution. If you experience any pain at all during the process, then something is not being performed correctly and you should notify your provider immediately of the problem.
List of the Cons of ANC Nails
1. Your natural nails continue to grow.
ANC nails might give you more durability than other options at the salon, but there is no way for you to stop the natural growth of your nailbeds. You will need to get the nails replaced at some time because they will move upward as you experience growth. That’s why most women need a replacement after 6-8 weeks because it looks like there is spacing at the root of the nail, which can look very awkward.
You might prolong the need for another service by polishing your nails with a matching color, but eventually it needs to get done.
2. There is a Dremel tool used on your nails.
ANC nails are often marketed as being a healthier, more natural way to do your nails, but providers need to use a Dremel tool to complete the work. You’ll need a mechanical intervention before the initial coat to make sure that the product sticks as it should. Then you receive another work over in-between the layers to ensure the durability is there. It is like how you sand a ceramic surface to create a place for the finish to hold. It is a gentle buff at a slow speed using a fine grit, but there is a potential issue for discomfort to think about with this disadvantage.
3. Your nails must be dipped correctly for an even finish.
If the salon does not dip your nails correctly, then your ANC nails are going to come back with an uneven finish. It is not unusual for specialty products, like a glitter polish, to develop unintentional ombres during the service. You can avoid this by making sure a dip layer of pure white occurs before you receive the color, but even then, an improper technique could lead to an undesired result. Make sure that you take some time to read the reviews of a salon that provides this service before booking an appointment.
4. There is a risk of an infection developing with this product.
When you visit a salon that provides ANC nails, then make sure that the technician “paints” on the powder to your nails to give you the color that you want. If you actually dip them into the product, then there is a higher risk of infection that could occur. Because there are no UV rays involved that kill germs, you could even experience nail fungus as a result of the procedure.
Some cheaper products in the powdered dip category can also contain dangerous ingredients like methyl methacrylate, or MMD. Contact with this bonding agent can cause skin redness, a rash, itching, and swelling. It could also contribute to nail damage or cause deformities over time.
5. It takes a lot of time and patience to remove ANC nails.
As with other acrylics or gels that provide a hard surface for your nails, removing the dip powder manicure from ANC nails takes more time than getting rid of a simple polish. There is no way to easily remove the product once the manicure is complete. Most salons recommend using an electric file and soaking in acetone to get rid of them. The best way is to visit your nail tech to pay for a removal service to avoid the risk of weakening or damaging the nailbeds when it is time to make a change.
6. The cost of ANC nails is higher than other manicure options.
If you want to get ANC nails at your local salon, then you’re going to pay more for the manicure. The price of a dip powder procedure is about 20% higher than it is for what the operator charges for a standard gel. Extensions will add an additional cost to the product. Although the nails will last up to twice as long, it will also take 45-60 minutes to apply. That means your price at a local salon could be $50 or more. If you choose this option at a spa or a resort, then it could be in the $75-$100 range for what you need.
You can purchase the supplies to do your own dip powder nails at home if you wish. The six-step system liquids cost about $10 each on Amazon right now. You will also need to buy the ANC nails base, which is about $25. Then each powder option is priced in the $25 range as well. You can find different brands offering cheaper products, but there is no guarantee that the ingredients will be safe to use.
7. You might not have access to a local provider.
ANC nails are not available at every salon. Because there is a technical aspect to this manicure, some operators choose not to provide the service. All of your cuticles must be pushed back, then cleansing and dehydration must occur. The powder applies better when something like 99% alcohol is applied to the nails as they get cleaned. Although you can purchase the supplies to do the work on your own if you wish, it helps to have a technician do the work for you. That means you might be traveling a bit every time you want this manicure option performed.
Not everyone can go to their local salon to get a manicure every 1-2 weeks. That’s one of the reasons why nail polish is a staple in many homes. Dip powder nails provide a DIY or professional solution that will give you a durable finish, beautiful color, and additional strength that can last for up to a month. You can also avoid the odor and UV rays with the pros and cons of ANC nails when compared to other options.