Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Strengthener Review: Does it Really Work?

This review details my experience using Sally Hansen Hard as Nails strengthener to improve the health and growth of my natural nails after years of artificial enhancements. My nails were brittle and prone to breakage, so I sought a readily available and affordable solution to strengthen them before transitioning to longer, healthier nails. This review chronicles the process, including the application method, duration of use, and photographic evidence documenting the results. I'll share my observations on the effectiveness of the product in reducing chipping and peeling, and discuss the noticeable improvement in overall nail strength and appearance.The review also outlines my transition from the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails product to alternative strengtheners as my nails gained strength. I'll offer comparisons and discuss the importance of transitioning from a hardener to a strengthener to avoid potential negative consequences from prolonged use of a hardening agent. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, highlighting its pros and cons, and offer guidance on using it effectively as part of a broader nail care routine.

Pros And Cons

Read more: 10 Best Nail Strengthener Serums for Stronger, Healthier Nails

My Nail Growth Journey

I recently embarked on a journey to grow out my natural nails after a long period of wearing acrylics and press-ons. My nails were in rough shape, showing wear and tear from previous manicures. I knew I needed a product to help strengthen them and prevent breakage during this growth phase.

I decided to incorporate a nail hardener into my routine to aid in the process of strengthening my natural nails. This would help my nails become healthier and less prone to chipping and peeling during this growth stage.

I documented the entire process, taking pictures along the way to track the progress of my nail growth and the effectiveness of the nail hardener.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails: Application and Experience

I chose Sally Hansen Hard as Nails strengthener for its widespread availability and positive reputation. The bottle I used was quite old, and the label was peeling. I used the hardener according to the directions, applying two to three coats to bare nails and letting them dry completely.

Initially, I used it under nail wraps for added protection. However, after a week, I transitioned to using the hardener alone, applying one coat daily for a week and then repeating the process. This allowed me to assess its effectiveness while leaving my nails bare.

I continued this routine for several weeks, observing improvements in my nails' overall strength and appearance. The photos I took documented a significant decrease in chipping and peeling.

Results and Observations

After several weeks of using Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall health and appearance of my nails. They were visibly stronger, less prone to chipping and peeling, and had grown noticeably longer.

The photos clearly show the transformation: from rough, damaged nails to healthier, smoother nails with minimal chipping and peeling. While I also implemented other nail care practices, the hardener undoubtedly played a significant role in this improvement.

Although I attribute some of the nail growth to other factors, the improvement in nail health and hardness was directly related to the hardener. The reduction in chipping and peeling was especially notable.

Transitioning to a Strengthener & Future Plans

As my nails grew stronger, I noticed a few tiny chips, suggesting it might be time to switch from a hardener to a strengthener. This aligns with advice I received that suggests transitioning once the nails become sufficiently hard.

I purchased LA Colors Mega Grow nail strengthener and LA Colors Nail Treatment (harden & strengthen) to explore different options. I will likely use the strengthener for a while, adding the hardener back if needed.

I plan to share my results with these new products in a future update, comparing their effectiveness to the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. My goal is to further improve nail health and encourage growth while addressing any remaining issues.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails effectively hardened and strengthened my nails, significantly reducing chipping and peeling during my nail growth journey. It is a good option for those in the initial phase of growing out natural nails and need to address brittleness and fragility.

While other products may offer superior results, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails provides a cost-effective and readily accessible solution for initial nail strengthening. It's not a miracle cure but a valuable tool in the process.

Overall, I recommend Sally Hansen Hard as Nails as a helpful step in achieving healthier, stronger nails. Just remember to transition to a strengthener once your nails reach a certain level of hardness to avoid potential negative effects of overusing a hardener.