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Sally Hansen Maximum Growth® Nail Strengthener and Base Coat

Curated from 99 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: October 4, 2024

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth® Nail Strengthener and Base Coat

Brand: Sally Hansen
Price: $6
Snoop Score:
7.2
Sentiment
7.0
Popularity
7.6
Technical
6.7

Snoop's Take

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth® is a dual-purpose nail product designed to act as both a strengthener and a base coat, reinforcing thin nails while preparing them for polish application. It tackles nail fragility with a triple protein and silk formula that promises quick-drying benefits and improved adhesion, ensuring nails are less prone to breakage and split. Consumers have a lot to say about its performance: many praise its effectiveness in strengthening nails—one user noted, “Honestly my nails have never felt or looked healthier”—while others appreciate the quick-drying formula and smooth application. However, some users are skeptical, pointing out issues like drying irregularities and concerns over its dual functionality as both base and top coat. The feedback reflects a bit of a tug-of-war, with opinions ranging from enthusiastic endorsements of its nail growth benefits to frustration over its inability to serve dual roles perfectly. In summary, while Sally Hansen Maximum Growth® excels as a nail strengthening base coat for many users and garners strong approval for quick drying and effective reinforcement, potential buyers should be aware of mixed sentiments regarding its versatility. Overall, it comes recommended especially for those focused on nail reinforcement and at-home manicures who can accept a few caveats regarding its dual-use limitations.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Base Coat

Found some cute Sally Hansen colors at dollar tree!

Positive Feedback

Of the two 'functions' it claims to serve, it would likely be a better top coat than base coat.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.2
Sally Hansen Maximum Growth® Nail Strengthener and Base Coat
At-Home Manicures
4 / 10
Nail Protection
9 / 10
Enhanced Nail Art Longevity
3 / 10
Strengthening Treatment
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Base Coat

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Cute color options available
Found some cute Sally Hansen colors at dollar tree!
That gold is super cute.
Dollar Tree has Sally Hansen.
It's really nice to know that they might have some gems there occasionally.
Effective nail strengthener
I have that same sally Hansen bottle and I love it.
Base/Top coat recs Hey! I'm looking for any good base/top coats that sre preferably under $10 I've s
Honestly my nails have never felt or looked healthier.
Polish stays on til I take it off, & the stains are gone from my nails.
Effective for thin nails
2-in-1 products do neither job well, as they simply cannot perform the same functions as a standalone product.
Quick-drying formula
So, good choice, OP!
It’s like $4 and it dries so quick, absolutely amazing.
its done wonders for my nails, self levels well and dries quickly.
Plumper finish than competitors
The SH seems plumper too than Essie which I like.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel lasts better than other nail polishes
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel lasts better for me than any other nail polish ever has.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat is a favorite among users
Essie's gel setter hides texture really well and dries very shiny.
Gorgeous color options
Pleasantly surprised with how gorgeous this shade is.
It’s my favorite drug store brand too 🥹.
Smooth application with great brush
The brush is fantastic and it seriously goes on so smoothly and dries nearly instantly.
Helps with nail growth and strength
Nail hardeners are a godsent for me, apparently.
My nails are longer than they have ever been.
I've been very happy with it!
Effective for severely damaged nails
I'm finally getting some length on it XD I love using it under my mani!
Her channel changed my life, nail-speaking.
Improves nail condition with regular use
Different people’s nails having different needs is the key, just like there’s no one skincare regimen that would work for everyone’s skin.
I'm intrigued...I have the same exact nail type/condition as OP and I just started using Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus as a basecoat.
Works well as a base coat
This is actually one of the base coats that works well for me.
I love it as a base coat, but I don't like it as a top coat.
Effective nail strengthener with noticeable results
its crazy how much my nails are able to grow because of these wraps, especially with a nail strengther as the base.
This seems like a great alternative!

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Base coat may cause drying issues
Of the two 'functions' it claims to serve, it would likely be a better top coat than base coat.
Long drying times can be problematic
I have ordered the Seche Vite and Seche Clear now from your list and since everyone seems to recommend those.
I use Vibrant Scents Fast and Hard for my top coat and I LOVE it.
Ineffective for nail splitting
Absolute garbage. It dries fast, but has loads of tiny bubbles and doesn't help with the splitting at all.
May not work for all nail types
I haven't noticed great improvement of my peeling with Repair Mode :(
I'm feeling hopeful, I was just learning to live with the peel and giving up on having nails that were super long.
Does not work effectively as a base coat
I would never suggest this product to a client. It is old, outdated, and does not work as expected.
I tried it for the first time two days ago but one gel polish has peeled off.
May cause nails to snap or break
I’ve heard it makes your nails hard enough that they just…snap.
Ineffective as a combined base and top coat
The Double Duty base and top coat is not a good product, unfortunately.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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8.7
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KUPA GelFinity - Soak Off Gel - Base Coat 0.5 Fl OzKUPA GelFinity - Soak Off Gel - Base Coat 0.5 Fl Oz$9
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GLOBAL FASHION Professional Global Fashion Strong Rubber Base CoatGLOBAL FASHION Professional Global Fashion Strong Rubber Base Coat$13
7.7
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ZOOIAL 15ml Gel Base CoatZOOIAL 15ml Gel Base Coat$6
7.6
DetailsBuy
wet n wild Nail Polish Wild Shine Protective Base Coat Nail Colorwet n wild Nail Polish Wild Shine Protective Base Coat Nail Color$1
7.4
DetailsBuy
Beetles Gel Base Coat 15ml for Gel Nail PolishBeetles Gel Base Coat 15ml for Gel Nail Polish$6
7.3
DetailsBuy
Sally Hansen Maximum Growth® Nail Strengthener and Base CoatSally Hansen Maximum Growth® Nail Strengthener and Base Coat$6
7.2
DetailsBuy
GAOY Gel Base Coat for Gel Nail PolishGAOY Gel Base Coat for Gel Nail Polish$6
6.8
DetailsBuy
Makartt Base Coat Nail PolishMakartt Base Coat Nail Polish$9
6.3
DetailsBuy
Essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Strong Start Base CoatEssie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Strong Start Base Coat$9
5.8
DetailsBuy
ZOOIAL Gel Base Coat 15mlZOOIAL Gel Base Coat 15ml$6
5.1
DetailsBuy
ORLY Bonder Nail Polish Base CoatORLY Bonder Nail Polish Base Coat$8
4.8
DetailsBuy
Seche Clear Base Coat .5 ozSeche Clear Base Coat .5 oz$7
4.0
DetailsBuy
modelones Gel Nail Polish Base Coat 15mlmodelones Gel Nail Polish Base Coat 15ml$8
3.9
DetailsBuy
Mineral Fusion Nail Treatment Strengthening Base CoatMineral Fusion Nail Treatment Strengthening Base Coat$13
3.5
DetailsBuy
Gelish Gelish Foundation Flex BundleGelish Gelish Foundation Flex Bundle$54
3.3
DetailsBuy
OPI Natural Nail Base CoatOPI Natural Nail Base Coat$11
3.1
DetailsBuy
Organic Nails Organic Nails Gel Color Base CoatOrganic Nails Organic Nails Gel Color Base Coat$21
1.1
DetailsBuy
iFancer Nail Polish Base Coat Quick Dry Long Lasting Clear Nail PolishiFancer Nail Polish Base Coat Quick Dry Long Lasting Clear Nail Polish$19
0.3
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on personal experiences with nail products
the OPI seems to have worked better for me.
I’d love something even better 🙃

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about nail wraps and their application process
I could be the nail equivalent of the makeover recipient, although in truth, I'd probably qualify for both lol.
Discussion on using it as a base for swatch sticks
My pleasure! If it doesn't end up working for you, you can also use it as a "base" for swatch stick
Discussion about using with UV gel nail polish
Wow I’m gonna have to check that out! Your nails look *amazing* OP!

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison with Essie base coat
Is Sally Hansen base coat as good as Essie's?
Discussion on other brands like OPI
I stan hard for OPI Natural Nail Base Coat.
Finding the right base and top coat is a personal trial and error process
The best base & top coats are the ones that work best with *your* body chemistry.
Discussion about budget brand alternatives
which brand would be good? I am planning on buying both white and black nail polish, and also a base and top coat.
So they're not as cheap as wet n wild, but Orly Bonder base coat and Essie Good to Go quick dry topcoat are both drugstore brands you can pick up on Amazon and do a great job.
I wouldn't cheap out on base and top.
Wet N' Wild's base coat is not up to much.
Discussion on various base and top coat combinations
Your favorite base & top coat?
This is my combo for every mani.
Seconding the Orly Bonder, it's excellent.
a thin layer of rubber base will smooth out even the most ridged nails :)
Discussion on flexibility of long nails
Long nails need flexibility else they are more likely to break.
Comparison with OPI and Duri products
I've never been very fond of Sally Hansen's treatments.
Comparisons to other products like OPI and Mavala
No issues so far :)
Discussion on application techniques to reduce chipping
by getting polish on your cuticles and skin around your nails, the polish chips a lot faster since it's not sealed onto your nail.
Just a quick wipe of alcohol or acetone would also remove debris and oils from our nails which would also help products adhere better.
Personal experiences with nail product combinations
I use OPI nail envy original nail strengthener and OPI plumping volumizing top coat :)
Discussion about recommendations for better hardeners or strengtheners
Quite sad it was a waste of money.
Recommendations for other nail products
Holy grail Base coat - Orly Rubberized Bonder.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Personal experiences with polish longevity
My polish lasts for literal weeks with a glossy finish, and about 5-7 days when matte.
Discussion about drying times affecting performance
It's like candle wax
Haven't used the base coat, but have used the color and top coat without issue many times.
I go outside in the sun for like 5 minutes between each coat.
Frustration with gel polish confusion
Nail polish lines that have Gel in the name are so annoying, it leads to this kind of confusion 😓
Potential impact of matte top coat on peeling
Probably the matte top coat which wasn’t fully dry.

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