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The Sally Hansen brand dates back to 1946, when its founder, Sally Hansen, entered the beauty industry with a single product: a nail polish remover. A decade later, in 1957, the brand rolled out its game-changing product, “Hard as Nails,” one of the earliest nail strengtheners without formaldehyde, and it quickly gained popularity among consumers.

The 1950s and 60s were a period of continuous innovation for Sally Hansen. During these decades, the brand focused on pioneering new nail care technologies and securing multiple patents. In 1961, the brand took a significant step towards democratizing nail fashion by introducing fake nail kits for convenient at-home use, making styled nails more accessible and affordable as a luxury.

By the 1970s, Sally Hansen was ready to tap into the global market, expanding into Europe and Australia. A notable highlight of the era was the debut of the Complete Salon Manicure line in 1975, a collection that enabled women to replicate professional salon nail treatments at home.

In 1981, Sally Hansen was bought by Del Laboratories. Despite the acquisition, the brand preserved its identity and continued championing its female-empowerment ethos. The subsequent years saw the brand’s continued innovation in advanced nail-care formulas and leg and facial products.

A significant development occurred in 2007 with the launch of the well-received Salon Effects real nail polish strips. Today, under the ownership of the global conglomerate Coty Inc., Sally Hansen remains a leading brand in drugstores worldwide. Sally Hansen’s success can be attributed to its ingenious marketing strategies and commitment to delivering high-quality products, upholding its mission of making nail care attainable for every woman.