Okay, so I’ve been on this quest to find a nail polish that’s both affordable and doesn’t chip the second you look at it funny. I’ve heard a lot about Sally Hansen, so I figured, why not give it a shot? I mean, it’s everywhere, right? Drugstores, supermarkets…you name it.

First things first, I grabbed a couple of different types. I picked up one of their “Hard as Nails” polishes, because, well, that’s the dream, isn’t it? I also got one of their “Insta-Dri” ones, because sometimes I’m just way too impatient to wait for my nails to dry.
The “Hard as Nails” Test
I applied two coats of the “Hard as Nails” polish, following the instructions.
- The color was pretty good, nice and opaque.
- It went on smoothly enough.
- Not the fastest drying time, but not terrible.
Then came the real test: daily life. I did dishes, I typed away at my keyboard, I rummaged through my purse… you know, the usual stuff that tends to destroy manicures. And I gotta say, I was pretty impressed. It held up pretty well! I got a few minor chips after a couple of days, but nothing major. Definitely better than some other polishes I’ve tried.
The “Insta-Dri” Showdown
Next up, the “Insta-Dri”. This one promised super-fast drying, which is a huge plus for me. I swiped it on, and whoa, they weren’t kidding! This stuff dried in like a minute, maybe even less. It was amazing!
- I’m the kind that messes up wet nail immediately!
- Seriously, this stuff dries to being totally usable FAST.
- Color was nice, application smooth.
However… and this is a big “however”… it didn’t last as long as the “Hard as Nails”. I noticed chipping within a day. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it was definitely noticeable. So, it’s a trade-off: speed versus durability.

The Verdict?
So, is Sally Hansen nail polish good? I’d say, yeah, it is! It’s not some magical, unicorn-tears-infused potion that will never chip, but it’s pretty darn good, especially for the price. If you need something that lasts, go for the “Hard as Nails”. If you’re in a hurry, “Insta-Dri” is your friend. Just be prepared for a few more touch-ups. I mean, I will definitely keep using both, depending on what I need that day. It’s a solid drugstore option, that is for sure!