As a girl who will smear even the quickest drying nail polish before it sets and chip it right after that, I’m always testing new nail polishes that promise quick-drying and long-lasting wear.
So, I was very excited to learn about the new Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. These aren’t the like the nail stickers of childhood, i.e. stick-ons of flowers or stars. Sally Hansen strips are made with real nail polish, and are supposed to look like they were painted onto your nails.
The nail strips come in 24 different styles ranging from bright solids like orange and yellow to a multitude of patterns including animal prints, glitters, camo, and denim. I chose the Collide-o-Scope pattern, a bright rainbow of colors in a funky print. Want to see what I thought of them? Read on for my experience with the Sally Hansen Real Nail Polish Strips.
The Application Process:
Step 1: Prep
The kit, as pictured above top, includes 16 nail polish strips, a mini nail file/buffer, and a cuticle stick. It also includes basic, illustrated instructions. First, it’s necessary to prep your nails for application which includes pushing back cuticles, shaping the nails with the file, and smoothing the nail surface with the buffer. The instructions also suggest giving your nails a final swipe of polish remover to clean off any remaining polish or residue.
Step 2: Apply the polish strips
After prepping my nails, I was ready to begin applying the polish strips. The instructions included in the kit explains the process very well, so application wasn’t too challenging. When I first counted the 16 strips included with the kit I was confused, but I soon learned the extra strips include a wide variety of sizes to fit everyone’s nails. I had no problem finding correctly sized strips for my nails.
To apply, all you need to do is remove the two covers from each side of the strip. The ends of each strip have different shapes so it’s easy to match them to your natural nail shape. Then, simply attach the strip below your cuticle and lightly (and I mean very lightly) stretch the polish strip over your nail. I actually tore one strip from stretching it too hard over my nail – another reason the extra polish strips are useful! You then use the cuticle stick to press each polish strip down onto the nail.
Step 3: Shape the polish strips
I found it best to use my fingers to push the polish strips down around the tip of my nail, then use the nail file to gently tear off the excess.
Overall, the application was a breeze, which was impressive to me, considering I’m not the most dexterous person. From start to finish, the entire application process took around 30 minutes.
Although the package directions do not mention adding a top coat, upon reading reviews on the Sally Hansen website, I did apply a clear topcoat over the strips because so many others mentioned this made the strips last much longer. This made my application take a little bit more time.
Final Advice + Review:
The Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips kit does live up to its claims. The strips were relatively simple to apply and obviously needed no “drying” time. In addition, the patterns are beautiful, and are so much more graphic than anything you could achieve using nail polish from a bottle.
However, the SH Nail Polish Strips did fall short when it came to long-lasting wear. The product claims it can last up to 10 days chip-free, but I ended up removing mine within 7 days. I will say, though, that thanks to my part-time job as a server, my nails do go through more than your average wear and tear. So at around $10 per kit, these nail strips could be expensive to maintain.
I rate the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips a 3 out of 5.
Overall, the SH Nail Polish Strips are a great way to achieve gorgeous, unique nails without much effort. Even though I don’t think they are particularly cost effective since they aren’t so long lasting, I still adore all of the amazing prints and patterns available. They would be great for a special occasion when you want to do a little something “extra”, but probably aren’t practical for weekly wear.
Your Thoughts?
Have you ever tried the Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips? What were your results and do you have any application tips to share? Do you think the nail polish strips are worth $10? Are there any nail trends you are dying to try out? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know!
I tried these in the floral print a while ago. What I loved was the pattern and that you could cut the strips in half and use them twice if you have short nails. However for me the application process was messy and annoying! I had to cut the pieces with scissors (and then they would stick to the scissor blades…etc…) because the file wouldn’t file down the excess sticker. However once they were applied, I loved the way they looked! They chipped after a few days, so I removed it after a week, but was satisfied with the results. I don’t think I’d be purchasing again though, because the application process was tedious and it would have been much quicker to just paint my nails. Also, they were a little expensive; I paid almost 11 dollars for one package and that’s what I’d pay for about two bottles of nail polish!
I bought a package of these a while back just to see if they worked. Since they were so expensive, I used them just on my ring fingers and then painted the rest of my nails a solid complimentary color. The strips lasted so long that I ended up needing to repaint the rest of my nails but I was able to keep the strips intact. I loved the way they looked and I felt like doing only two nails in the pattern was a much more cost effective way to use these. I got tons of compliments on them, too!
Some of these designs (especially the lace!) look so cute. I have used similar Avon nail strips and loved the results. I am also one of the girls that smudges nail polish every time without fail. These seem a little expensive, but I look forward to giving them a try for a special occasion.
after reading this I’m thinking of buying this product. If I like it, I may continue using it 🙂
It would be easier if you grew out your nails and made them look the same ( file them, ofc ) 🙂
I love painting my nails, but I do also love these nail strips. To save money, and because my nails aren’t that long, I cut the strips in half and just use half the set so it’s like 2 in one for me! Definitely worth trying out and very simple. I also put a top coat on the tips so they don’t chip.
I used these once without a top coat or base coat and they lasted me 4 days but I’m a bank teller so I’m very rough with my hands the second time I used them I put on a base coat to ensure my nails are smooth before applying the strips and they have lasted a lot longer I still didn’t use a top coat though… I get bored with them easily and change them weekly but I only use 1/2 the strips in the box per manicure.
I love them!
They work really nicely even though I have a few oddly shaped fingernails and it’s great since I can’t do them on my own (can only do simple nail stuff for now).
I love these! 🙂
It was much easier to do the second time around, though. It was a completely foreign concept when I first tried. I love featuring it on my ring finger and wearing a different color on all the other nails
the plain colors and glitter ones are a waste of time. the other patterns are so cute. they last longer with a top coat. i love using these and have gotten many compliments. a nice quick fix if you don’t have time to get nails done ! i’ve purchased the lace and colorful floral so far and they are superrrrr cute
I have many different patterns of these and love them to death! Because they are a bit expensive and in order to make them last longer, I do what some of the other girls recommended and cut the strips in half since they provide your with more than enough polish in each strip. I also only use one strip for each manicure and place the strip on my ring finger to make it more of an accent nail. I then pick a complementary color to paint my other nails. I get tons of complements on them <3
I have had mine on for over three weeks! The first two times I used them, at least one nail came off after my first shower. THis most recent time, iIput clear nail polish on top & they DO NOT CHIP!! I’m obsessed : )
I love these! Although because im a nail biter they did not last very long. They are expensive but sometimes if you look around flee markets you can get them for like 3 dollars. I got me a box full of 6 for 15 because I buttered up the lady =]
I have tried these strips and they do work. I love the patterns they come in! They are a bit pricey for everyday wear but there are other companies out there that also make nail strips that are less expensive and just as pretty and simple to apply. So those alternatives may be better for those on a budget who want to try out the trend.
I love these! They even work great on your toes!
I love these nail strips! When I use them I actually cut them in half, and cut some of them into thirds and I’m able to do hands and feet with just one of the packs of strips. My favorite pattern is the Leopard
These are actually fabulous for me! I’m a swimming instructor/coach and I’m at the pool IN the water at least 5 hours a day and, with a top coat, these have lasted on my nails for just over 2 weeks! I love the different patterns and colors they come in as well!
They Have Nail Stickers Like That At Five Below For Half The Price. & I Think They Work Just As Well.
I have used these and I love them. I’ve had mine on for TWO WEEKS! they look great. My normal manicure lasts only a week so these are amazing. They look awesome except for the fact that my nails have grown so around the base of my nail looks bad (but only if you’re looking really closely) I HIGHLY suggest trying these out.
i tried these and they are adorable and so fun! however, mine lasted seriously 5 days before they started peeling around the edges and when i would do my hair & stuff hair strands would get caught underneath. maybe i didnt apply them neat enough but it looked like i did! and they are not worth 10..maybe $5!!
I wish there were more colors and patterns. I bet once a competetor starts making them they’ll have more options and hopefully bring down the price.
$9 is a GREAT price when compared to at least $15 plus tip for a basic salon mani. If you’re cutting the strips in half, that’s only $5 … if you’re only doing your ring fingers, that’s only $1 … doesn’t seem too expensive to me at all. I would go for one of the patterns and use at least a top coat…not too difficult, and it seems like the result is great!
Omg, I put these on my 9 year old daughter for her first day of school. A month later they look almost perfect. Her nails grew faster than the polish strips came off or chipped. I’m going to have to take them off myself so we can try another pattern. They are really expensive but lasted a really long time for us.
Thanks for posting this. I have been wanting to try these for a long time and I just saw they came out with special halloween and holiday designs which I am definitely going to try!
I use a clear coat of sally quick dry nail polish and it lasts muuuuuch longer. I love these and am so glad they got new colors 😀
Thank you for this post. I will use it in my job!
Is there a way to protect your nails? I found after removing the stickers my nails were damaged as it took off a layer of my nails. I don’t want to use them because of that but I love no chipping fir 7 days and the cool patterns. Have you experienced this or now someone that has and if there is a way to prevent that from happening?
Thanks for the tip. I just bought and used these for the first time last night. So far, I like them a lot. It was very easy to put on. I will def add a top coat to make them last longer, I thought about it but was worried I would damage the strips. Glad to know its ok to do.
I always eye these at the store but couldn’t ever bring myself to paying the $12 price for one application. I waited and some of the patterns went on clearance at Target. So I got a box for $3. Application went just fine, no problems at all. The excess and extra fingers I used on my daughter so we match! It’s only been 1 day so I can’t comment on how long they will last. If I find them on clearance again I will definitely buy them because they are really fun. I still can’t pay the full price though.
I’m not sure if you’re born in the mid 50’s…but that style is definitely out…unless you were at least in your teen years when that style was in…as in…during the 70s…which is old fashioned and just not my type of taste to me…
I personally love the strips. With a top coat I am able to keep them on forever! & I do use my nails a lot with three kids ages 2 & under. I do however focus on sticking the tips of the strip down on my nail after being filed off. Too me thats the biggest task. I apply around two coats of top coat nail polish and as its drying on each coat I press down at the tip with my cuitcle pusher on any lifting part. I just put on this cala bling brand of nail strips and I have to say I dont like them as well as SH strips. They seem to wrinkle a tad with the top coat and are harder to keep down at the tip. Also their thicker, even though i love the design ill have to stick with SH. 🙂
i loved the idea of these strips, but not the price. mom of 2, working from home. i meet people a lot for home shows, and i need to keep a good hand clean appearance. i tried the dollar tree’s knock off version, only 10 strips. I have false nails, and i hate to pay someone to paint them when i’m not due for a fill. i base coated white, and used a floral pattern with white background. i did whole sticker on ring finger and cut down a half moon shape to do tips only on the others. because of the advice here i will be using a top coat for protection as well. didn’t have any issue cutting strips with my cuticle scissors, and used my finger tip to flatten after sticking. rolled end over tip of nail and the sticker cut cleanly off. Used emery board to get rough spot on sides, but very lightly so as not to tear. thanks for all the useful advice!
Can the nails be set with a hair dryer instead of buying their dryer?
Can they be set with a hair dryer instead of buying their dryer
I adore Jamberry wraps/strips.
http://570.jamberry.com
I find that adding a top coat to the nail polish tabs makes them peel and chop off faster, depending on how thick the tabs are. Also, if you still want to use a top coat, use a vinyl one and make sure that you wrap it under the edge of your nails. I have been using these tabs for years. I love polish, but it never fails, that somehow I mess them up. So this has been a godsend for me. Blessings.
When I tried the sally hansen nails stickers, I was greatly disappointed. When I was putting them on, within minutes 3 fell off. After two days, all of them had fallen off. I wouldn’t buy these again
I’ve tried these and they lasted a long time for me because I put top coat over them. I actually ended up getting sick of them after a while and the hard part was getting them off of my nails.
Hmm, $10 seems expensive for just one set. I’d rather invest in some nail art pens and make as many designs as I liked. It wouldn’t be as quick but it would be fun all the same!
Aryn
Driftwood and Daydreams
I’ve used these several times before and I like them a lot. I just don’t buy them too often because I can’t stand having the same nail color for too long so I usually end up taking them off after a few days.
I’ve wanted to try these! But the price, and the fact that I always get bored with my manicures after a few days, kept me away. Maybe for a special occasion though!
They can be set with a hairdrier. Blow the hairdryer at the nail polish strips for about 5 seconds. It will melt the sticker a little bit and it helps to stick your strips better, which is equal to a longer mani. 🙂
I’ve been using these for years. I swear by them. Here’s some tips for those of you who haven’t regularly used them:
1. ALWAYS swipe your nail with polish remover before applying nail strip. This takes the natural oil from your skin off of your nail & keeps the strips on longer.
2. Only buy the printed strips. The plain ones with no designs tend to always chip.
3. Do not apply a top coat! Despite what others have said or recommended, this is not only unnecessary, but won’t keep the integrity of the nail strip. It will actually make it not last as long.
4. Practice! These guys are easy! Be gentle! Read & follow exact directions.
5. There are limited edition nail strips available for around $5. They come without the file & cuticle stick & a few less strips, but for someone like me who uses these frequently I didn’t need or want to waste the extras. They come in a flat package instead of the box. The nail strips are exactly the same.
6. You can’t reuse these! Once these are open from their air sealed package, that’s it. Use them right away & throw away the rest. They are real nail polish & will dry up within hours of air exposure.
7. Have warm hands when applying. If you’re cold & your hands are not warm, the nail strips will harden & be harder to apply. When your fingers are warm they warm up & soften the strip & makes them more pliable.
8. Have a little bit of nail growth! These look & work best when your nails have a little over-hang. The excess is much easier to file off & looks more suffice.
9. Get rid of those cuticles! Cuticles are the nail strips’ enemy! Make sure they are gone or pushed way back & don’t let the strip her on anything other than the nail or it will not stick.
10. Avoid getting fingers on the syrup that’s going to be applied to the nail. Unless you have really long nails, there should be enough room for you to avoid touching the main part of the strip.
SH-LOVE them! Easy easy & quick application. I buy in bulk when on sale. I get sooo many compliments on them! Adding SH top coat gives me 9-10 days. Jamberry are horrible. Difficult & time consuming application & they start peeling @ tips. Also too expensive. Will always use SH products
I bought mine at five below for 3 for $5. I end up using one box for two applications to save money. They can be a bit hard to put on if you are like me and your nail beds are a bit strange. Either way they are fun but I wont be using them all the time since they can get expensive and take time for me. I like painting my polish on personally and I love my colors so I will still be using them. My number one complaint is the price. They are way too expensive for what they are depending on where you get them. Even at Walmart they are $8. I will use them on special occasions but that is it.
I love these nail polish strips! I also use a gel top coat and they last up to 3 weeks for me. I found a new company that sells them and has a lot of cute styles https://nailcolorstrips.com
I use these strips on my toenails because I have a hard time painting my toenails and not making a mess. I have to remove them because they grow out…that’s how long they stay on my toes! I love the solid colors, especially the red. I’ve been using these for years and would highly recommend to anyone.