How to have healthy nails and a longer lasting manicure

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How to have healthy nails and a longer lasting manicure

A flawless manicure can make you feel so effortlessly put together. Whether you love a bold red or prefer to keep it neutral, the right polish can brighten up your look and completely elevate your style. It’s the perfect accessory.

Until it chips or dries out your nails. Because haven’t we all been there before? Thankfully, Sally Hansen has you covered with a three-step system that allows you to have healthy nails, while wearing nail polish that lasts. The argan-oil-infused Color Therapy Nail Polish, Top Coat and Nail & Cuticle Oil all work together to keep your nails in tip-top shape while you stay perfectly polished. The innovative formulas contain rich argan oil to nourish dry nails, so there’s no need to go bare.

When used together, the nail polish and top coat combo claims to give up to 10 days of shiny, chip-proof wear. And the shades? There are 14 pigment-rich colours to choose from, so whether you prefer to rock a statement red (try Red-y To Glow) or wear a classic pale pink (we recommend Rose Quartz), the Color Therapy range has got you sorted.     

But because finding a polish that cares for your nails while lasting for longer is no easy task, we put the Sally Hansen Color Therapy range to the test. We asked bh’s Rosie to test the polish for 10 days, so that we could see the results for ourselves. And since we could all use some help in the DIY mani department, we’re also sharing a few tips to help you get the most out of those freshly painted fingers.

Click through the gallery to see bh’s Rosie’s results – and learn how to maintain your own mani for longer.


#1 Nail the application

The first trick to pulling off a great manicure is to nail the application. The Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish doesn’t require a base coat, so simply apply the polish to clean nails. After you’ve applied two thin coats of polish, seal the colour with the Sally Hansen Color Therapy Top Coat.

 

#2 Hand cream can dull your manicure

Did you know that hand cream can dull your nail polish? Yep, it’s true. Whenever you apply hand cream always make sure that you wipe the excess off your nails with a cotton round after applying. This will keep your polish brighter and glossier for longer.

Mani update: On day two, Rosie’s long-lasting nail polish is still looking fresh, with no chips in sight.

 

#3 Type with your fingers, not your nails

If you’re typing on a keyboard all day long, it could be the cause of your polish chipping, as typing with your nails instead of your fingers can wear down the edges of your polish. If you use a keyboard often, try to keep the length of your nails short.

 

#4 Choose sunscreen wisely

We recommend using sunscreen to protect from sun exposure, but if you want to maintain a flawless mani then you need to consider what’s in your SPF. Many sunscreens contain dibutyl adipate, an emulsifier that could soften or dissolve your nail polish. If this is a concern, try to use organic sunscreen or formulas that use other ingredients.

Mani update: As you can see, by day four Rosie’s mani is still looking flawless.

#5 Use a cuticle oil

Cuticle oil is a MUST for nail polish that lasts and for healthy nails. Massage the Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail & Cuticle Oil into your nails daily to nourish and restore nails and cuticles. It helps to prevent ragged cuticles, which can turn into peeling polish. Do it at your desk. Do it on your couch. Just do it!

#6 Stop digging around your handbag

We’re all guilty of digging around in our handbags right after having our nails painted. But even after your polish has well and truly dried, you can still do some damage rummaging around your purse. Keys, coins and even your phone can scrape your mani. Moral of the story: be careful.

#7 If you ever wanted an excuse to not wash the dishes…

Washing the dishes is no fun, but ruining your mani is even worse. Many household cleaners contain detergents and harsh chemicals that can quickly ruin a manicure. Always wear gloves when you’re doing the dishes or any cleaning that involves chemical-based products.

Mani update: It’s been seven days and Rosie’s polish is holding up well. There’s a small chip on her index finger, but the rest of the polish is unscathed.

#8 Write this down

If you write with pens or markers, you might be reducing the length of your nail polish. Ink is incredibly hard to get off nails, so if you smudge yours, you can pretty much say goodbye to your manicure. Be cautious when you’re writing with pens and make sure your nails are nowhere near the ballpoint and paper you are writing on.

#9 Your nails don’t like the cold weather, either

When the temperature drops, your nails and cuticles can become dry. Give them some extra TLC and treat yourself to a hand and nail massage every once in a while. Make sure your hands and nails are always hydrated by using a hand cream and the Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail & Cuticle Oil daily.

#10 We know it’s cold but…

Ok, we get that the urge to take long, hot showers is real, but keeping your hands under hot water for long periods of time can cause your polish to lift up and even peel off. Keep hot showers to a minimum and dry hands quickly after getting them wet.

Mani update: A few minor chips, but for 10 days of wear, Rosie’s mani is pretty impressive! Rosie also noticed that her cuticles felt nourished and her nails looked healthy while she was wearing the polish.

Which manicure tips do you swear by? Will you be trying the Sally Hansen Color Therapy range?

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Comments 3

  1. I just use any old facial/body oil for cuticles. Works the same. My nails are messed up after acrylics though so I wouldn't really know. Also hand cream doesn't dull nail polish. That's absurd. Just wipe it off your nail polish after, doesn't cause any permanent dullness though.