Professional Touch

Pamper your nails with these expert tips to getting elegant, salon-quality results at home.

  1. Shape Nails

    • Soak nails in warm water to soften.
    • Trim nails to even lengths with a nail nipper, scissors or nail clip.
    • File edges smooth with a nail file or nail board. Always file nails in one direction, from each side of the nail in toward the center, to help prevent nails from splitting.
    • Remove surface ridges by buffing the surface gently with smoothing block or fine grit nail board. (Don't take off too much or you may weaken the nail).
    • For salon-style nails, try the "Squoval" shape (square + oval). Nail edges should be straight with slightly rounded corners.

  2. Groom Cuticles

    • For healthy-looking, radiant cuticles and more professional-looking manicures, remove excess cuticles and condition skin surrounding nails.
    • Soak fingers for 5 minutes in warm water to soften cuticles, then pat dry, leaving cuticles moist.
    • Apply a cuticle remover like Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover, following package directions.
    • Gently push back cuticles with a cotton-wrapped cuticle stick or cuticle pusher.
    • Carefully nip away excess cuticles and hangnails.
    • Thoroughly wash off excess cuticle remover and pat dry.

  3. Prep Nails

    • To protect nails, smooth the nail surface and help manicures and pedicures last longer, apply a nail treatment or base coat before applying nail lacquer.
    • For short nails that won't grow, use Sally Hansen Salon Nail Growth Protein. It helps short, problem nails grow longer.
    • For weak nails that break, use Sally Hansen Salon Protein Nail Strengthener. The maximum strength protein formula helps make nails stronger and longer in just days.
    • For longer lasting manicures, use Sally Hansen Double Life Protein Base & Top Coat. It strengthens nails, grips color and helps prolong manicures up to 10 beautiful days!

  4. Apply Nail Polish

    • For rich, lasting color, brush on 2 coats of your favorite shade of Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer.
    • Salon Nail Lacquer delivers salon-perfect color with every stroke. The 650-bristle professional brush guarantees streak-free, flawless application. The long-lasting formula strengthens with keratin and minerals.
    • Salon Nail Lacquer is available in 24 of today's hottest, most desirable shades!

  5. Seal, Shine & Finish

    • Finish with a top coat to seal nails, add brilliant shine and help nail color last. When applied between manicures, top coats add strength and protection and help keep your nail color looking shiny and just-applied fresh.
    • Sally Hansen Salon Double Life Base & Top Coat provides strengthening as it seals your salon manicure with brilliant, high-gloss shine.
    • Sally Hansen Speed Shine 10 Day Top Coat dries nail color in 30 seconds with chip-proof, high gloss protection that lasts up to 10 beautiful days!
    • After your manicure or pedicure is complete, apply Sally Hansen Salon Healing Cuticle Oil. It instantly comforts, softens, smoothes and nourishes dry, rough cuticles.