Sally Hansen
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Nails FAQ's
Q2: My cuticles are long, ragged and sore, how can I make them look and feel healthy?
Q3: I have brittle nails that peel and flake, how can I prevent this and make them strong?
Q5: I take good care of my nails but they just don't seem to grow, what can I do?
Q7: Which nail colour should I choose?
Q8: Why does my nail polish peel or chip off the same day or the day after application?
Q9: After applying my nail polish and letting it dry, the polish has tiny bubbles. Why?
Q10: Why do I have white spots on some of my nails?
Q12: How should I file my nails? Is there an ideal nail shape?
Q1: I just can't seem to stop biting my nails. They look terrible, I'm desperate to grow them how can I stop biting?
Nail biting is a bad habit and is hard to break. Sally Hansen Nail Biter is the first step towards achieving the beautiful long nails of your dreams. Sally Hansen Nail Biter contains a deterrent liquid that tastes unpleasant but is not harmful, and acts as a reminder whenever you weaken or accidentally start to nibble. It also helps strengthen the nails to aid growth. For maximum efficiency use daily and continue until the habit is completely broken.
Once you have stopped biting your nails it is also helpful to paint them, either with one of our Maximum Growth Nourishing Nail Colours or with one of our strength or growth treatments such as Nailgrowth Miracle or Diamond Strength as this will also discourage many people from biting.
Q2: My cuticles are long, ragged and sore, how can I make them look and feel healthy?
To remove excess cuticles use Sally Hansen Soften & Soothe Cuticle Remover. Its' creamy protein-rich formula is specially formulated to help soothe roughened, raw cuticles, making them supple, soft and easy to groom. Apply to cuticles using the specially designed brush, leave for 2 minutes and then gently push cuticles back with the orange stick. Follow by washing your hands. Make this a regular part of your manicure routine for soft, pliable cuticles and well groomed nails. Use in conjunction with Sally Hansen Diamond Cuticle + Nail Cream, an ultra-rich cuticle treatment formulated with super-fine micro-diamond particles, vitamins and shea butter to infuse nails and cuticles with instant hydration and long-term strength. Use morning and evening for soft, supple cuticles and long, strong nails that sparkle like diamonds!
Q3: I have brittle nails that peel and flake how can I prevent this and make them strong?
This is caused by dry nails that fragment into layers and lift away from the nail bed. Apply 1 thin coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Cure for severe problem nails over clean, dry, bare nails every other day for no more peeling, splitting or breaking. Its exclusive micro-mineral formula fills in cracks to instantly strengthen and reinforce your nails. Miracle Cure is the first nail product to target all nail problems.
There are many things which can trigger dehydration of the nails including frequent immersion in water or solvents such as soap or detergents, a lot of contact with soil and repeated use of nail polish removers. Try using Sally Hansen Acetone Free or Moisturising Nail Polish Removers to help prevent this.
Although none of these can be entirely avoided it is important to protect your nails from these things as much as possible, so you should always wear gloves when washing up or gardening, use a protective hand cream such as our 18 Hour Protective Hand Cream and persevere with a cuticle treatment such as Diamond Cuticle + Nail Cream to infuse the nails with moisture and use a strengthening nail treatment like Diamond Strength Premium Nail Hardener.
Q4: I moisturise my hands religiously to keep them looking young, but how can I help my nails beat the signs of ageing?
Hands are one of the first areas of the body to show signs of ageing and this includes nails. As we get older our nails tend to become brittle and discoloured and more prone to breaking, peeling and splitting. Sally Hansen Age Correct Growth Treatment has been specially formulated with rose oil and soy extract to nourish ageing nails, stimulating healthy growth. If your nails are weak use Sally Hansen Age Correct Strength Treatment to fortify and hydrate your nails. For the finishing touch try Sally Hansen Age Correct Hand Lift Firming Serum which has an advanced age-correcting complex of grape seed oil and vitamins to nourish, soften and smooth your skin. Apply as needed, massage fingertips to wrist and then concentrate on your cuticles.
Q5: I take good care of my nails but they just don't seem to grow, what can I do?
Waiting for your nails to grow can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when you take good care of them. However Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle will turn short stubby tips into beautifully long nails. This wonder product contains strengthening keratin as well as collagen and multivitamins to guarantee growth. Simply apply one coat to clean, dry, bare nails on day one, repeat with another layer on days three and five and sit back and watch the results, nail tips will be 30% longer, stronger and more beautiful in just five days.
Use in conjunction with Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle Pen, which is specially formulated to nourish nails and cuticles, it fits neatly into any handbag, purse or pocket meaning that you can care for your nails wherever you are. Simply twist the base of the funky pink pen and gently sweep the unique brush-tipped applicator over the cuticle and nail then massage in the fragrant oil-based formula. Fortified with fluoride, pro-vitamin B5 and aloe, this fast acting complex not only keeps cuticles soft and smooth but also stimulates nail growth. Use every day for lovely long nails.
Alternatively you could apply our Natural Nail Growth Activator; enriched with natural ingredients, product over nails, cuticles and under nail tips every morning and evening. Massage the product into the nail and cuticle to stimulate further nail growth.
Q6: My nails are soft and weak, how can I strengthen them and stop them from breaking at a certain point?
Soft nails that are easily bent can be prone to damage and need lots of TLC. Treat them to a little luxury using Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Premium Nail Hardener. This revolutionary nail hardener contains micro-diamond particles that fortify weak nails with a shatterproof protective coating whilst also nourishing nails and sealing in moisture. The real diamond particles work to stop breakages by bonding nail layers together as well as leaving them shiny.
Try using it as a 7 day treatment:
- Day 1: Apply 1-2 thin coats to dry, clean, bare nails, apply nail polish if desired.
- Day 3: Apply a further thin coat over the existing nail treatment / colour.
- Day 6: Remove all products from nails (using Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover – as this will dry out your nails the least) and leave bare for 24 hours.
- Day 7: You may begin the treatment again.
Repeat usage will give you the results you desire so make sure you stick at it.
Q7: Which nail colour should I choose?
There are a number of elements you should consider when choosing a nail colour, including your skin tone. In the same way that the colour of your clothing will either flatter you or not, nail colours can have the same affect.
Skin tones vary from fair to tanned and olive. Bright colours with a yellow base such as Advanced Hard as Nails with Nylon + Retinol in Sunlight look great on fair to medium skin tones. Whilst cool colours with a blue base such as Diamond Strength Colour in Lavender Marquis are best on olive or tanned skin.
Some colours suit all skin tones; these include fabulous reds like Maximum Growth Nourishing Nail Colour in Sensual Red or pale pinks such as Maximum Growth Nourishing Nail Colour in Blush Charm. You should look to match the colour varnish to your skin tone, so for warm skin tone, choose a warm colour like Advanced Hard as Nails with Nylon + Retinol in Secret.
Other factors to bear in mind are:
The length and condition of your nails; Bright bold colours will draw attention to nails that are short or in bad condition, so paler colours such as Maximum Growth Colour in Sweet Tulip or Advanced Hard as Nails Colour with Nylon + Retinol in Pink Whisper are better.
The condition of the hands; if you do not like the appearance of your hands a bright, bold nail colour such as Advanced Hard as Nails Colour with Nylon + Retinol in Charisma will draw the attention away from the hand and to the nails.
Your choice of nail colour will also be affected by your preferences and the season, with lighter bright colours working best in spring and summer, try Maximum Growth Nourishing Nail Colour in Tangerine Joy for summer toes. Darker, bolder colours like Diamond Strength Colour in Royal Romance are best used in autumn and winter.
Q8: Why does my nail polish peel or chip off the same day or the day after application?
There are some important steps to ensure polish stays on and lasts:
- Prepare nail surface - use an acetone free polish remover to remove any oil or lotion, wash and dry hands.
- Apply base coat on thoroughly dry nails and let dry
- Apply 2 coats of colour polish. Apply the polish lightly and quickly using sweeping strokes. Start from the base to the free edge in the order shown in the illustration.
- Let polish dry between coats.
- Apply a top coat such as our Diamond Shine to protect the polish; re-apply it every two days for a fantastic shine
- Polish should be thin enough to flow freely. Apply the first coat of colour polish thinly - any streaks will even out with the second coat.
- To protect your manicure and make sure it lasts wear gloves when washing up or using other household detergents.
Q9: After applying my nail polish and letting it dry, the polish has tiny bubbles. Why?
Bubbles may be caused by insufficient drying time between coats. If polish does not dry thoroughly between coats, solvents can push up through the top coat, forming tiny bubbles. Bubbles may also form when polish is applied too thick. The solvents will not evaporate as quickly as they should and will be trapped under the next coat of polish, forming bubbles as they try to escape.
Also, vigorous shaking of the polish bottle creates bubbles in the bottle that are picked up by the brush and then transferred to the nail. Always shake the bottle gently or roll between your palms. Any influence which makes polish dry unevenly can also cause bubbling (for example, high humidity, low room temperature or hot sun).
Q10: Why do I have white spots on some of my nails?
Leukonychia, the presence of white spots on the nail surface, is very common. It's often caused by a minor trauma to the nail bed or matrix. The white spots will grow out as the nail grows.
Q11: My hand and toe nails are discoloured and ridged. I'm so embarrassed by them I never go out without wearing nail polish how can I get naturally beautiful nails?
Nail problems like this can be embarrassing, but they affect thousands of people and can be caused by anything from genetics to diet. Try Sally Hansen Nail Revitalizer and banish those nail blues forever. It boasts a fast-acting formula containing natural abrasives and whitening agents that literally brush away discolouration and smooth ridges, the added antibacterial tea tree oil will also keep nail fungus at bay. Squeeze a small amount of Sally Hansen Nail Revitalizer onto the surface of dry, clean nails and scrub for at least one minute with the handy nailbrush included in the pack, then wash and dry completely. For best results use daily for five days and then once a week and you are guaranteed bright, white, smooth nails that look naturally beautiful.
Alternatively you could try our Age Correct Growth Treatment which is a slightly tinted treatment which whitens and brightens the appearance of the nails as well as providing specific treatment benefits.
Q12: How should I file my nails? Is there an ideal nail shape?
There is no ideal nail shape; as the nail shape will largely depend on the individuals' preferences. However there are several options you can choose from and some that give more stability to your nails, therefore allowing them to grow longer without breaking.
Please find below a diagram of the different nail shapes, and details on how to achieve each one, its pros and cons:
a) Straight sided with a slightly oval tip - Allow the sides to grow straight and slightly round the tip, this shape provides the maximum support for the nail (as this is provided by the sides of the nails), also if either side of the nail is damaged it can be filed into a slightly oval shape to maintain the length.
b) Oval - File to tip of the nail into an egg shape, and file away some of the side of the nails, this does weaken the nails to some extent but is ideally suited to nails that are thick or wide as it gives them a more delicate appearance.
c) Square oval - As above, but followed by squaring off the tip, this gives the nail tip strength over the oval shape
d) Almond - Thought of as the classical nail shape the nail is filed away at the sides and softly pointed at the tip. This shape is not very strong and if the nail is damaged some of the length will have to be filed away to rectify. Although attractive, this shape does not allow nails to grow to their maximum length, if this is what is desired.
e) Round - Ideal for shorter nails, the nail is allowed to grow out straight at the sides for approximately 1.5mm and then the tip is filed into a rounded shape. This is a strong shape which is great for those who keep their nails short.
f) Square - Created by allowing the nail to grow out straight and then filing the tip straight across at right angles with the rest of the nail plate. This is again quite a strong nail shape but is not particularly flattering. Short square shaped nails can make hands look blunt and heavy. This is best for drawing attention to long nails.
g) Square with rounded corners - As above, but followed by rounding off the corners of the nails. A softer look than severely square shaped nails and less likely to catch on clothing etc. This is also very flattering on long nails.
h) Pointed - Nails are filed away at the sides to a point at the tip; this shape is very weak as the sides of the nail (which provide the strength) are totally lost.
Q13: My nails have developed vertical ridges from the bottom of the nail where it grows to the free edge. Why is this and what can I do about them?
Ridged nails like this can be embarrassing, but they affect thousands of people and can be caused by anything from genetics to diet and do tend to appear as part of the ageing process.
There are a couple of things you can try to improve the appearance of your nails, firstly Nail Revitaliser which will buff away ridges and whiten and brighten the nail surface. Simply squeeze a small amount onto the surface of dry, clean nails and scrub for at least one minute with the brush included, then wash and dry completely. For best results, use daily for five days and then once a week.
Alternatively you could try our Age Correct Growth Treatment or Age Correct Strength Treatment. Both of these products have specific treatment benefits but also act as a ridge filler evening out the surface of the nails as they are applied.
Q14: I want long nails for a party I am going to in a few weeks; if I apply false nails how long will they last?
With artificial any artificial nails the length of time that they last will depend on a number of factors. There is no specific time.
Frequent immersion in water and household solvents or sharp knocks to the nail can cause the glue to lift from the nails. The rate of natural nail growth under the artificial nail will also be an influencing factor. The artificial nails can only be worn for a certain length of time before they have grown too far away from the cuticle to look natural.
Rather than applying artificial nails like our Fast and Flawless French Manicure Artificial Nails (which can sometimes damage the natural nail; especially if not removed correctly), we would recommend encouraging your natural nails to grow by using one of our nail growth treatments. Our Nailgrowth Miracle product with its exclusive protein complex stimulates healthy nail growth. Get 30% longer nails in 5 days. Simply apply 1 thin coat to clean dry nails every other day, alternatively wear as a base coat under your nail colour. Remove thoroughly after 10 days and begin the treatment again.
Q15: I'm interested in getting nail extensions but am unsure whether to have acrylic or gel ones? What should I do?
As well as the glue on artificial nails available, such as our Fast & Flawless French Manicure Artificial Nails, there are two basic types of nail extension system available - acrylic and acrylester gel. Acrylic systems come in either powder, liquid or gel form and are based on acrylic (plastic).
For more information on nail extensions we would recommend visiting a nail salon for professional advice.
Of course the best way to get beautiful nails is to try one of our ranges of treatments like Maximum Growth or Nailgrowth Miracle, enriched with vitamins and minerals to nourish nails and stimulate natural nail growth.
Q16: One of my nails has split vertically across the nail. I don't want to cut it and file it down as all of my other nails are long, what do you suggest?
It would be worth trying to repair the splits in your nails as the repaired area will then serve to protect the nail below, to do this you can try our Instant Fix Nail Repair. We would also recommend using a cuticle treatment which will infuse your nails with moisture to help overcome the brittleness; Diamond Strength Cuticle + Nail Oil would work to do this.
