Snowball sampling is a purposeful method used in qualitative research when target samples are hard to access. This method involves recruiting participants through existing study subjects, who then refer others, continuing until data saturation. It is particularly useful for reaching vulnerable or hidden populations, such as addicts, criminals, or homeless individuals. Snowball sampling is a non-probability method, allowing researchers to access hard-to-reach groups. It is cost-effective and efficient, enabling better communication with participants as they are known to the initial sample. However, it may introduce bias and lacks generalizability to the broader population. This review summarizes studies on snowball sampling in qualitative research, highlighting its applications in nursing and health education. The study found that snowball sampling is effective for community-based data collection and health education programs. It is recommended for research involving vulnerable populations. The review included 11 relevant articles, emphasizing the importance of clear sampling procedures and data saturation. Limitations include lack of homogeneity in methods and unclear explanations of sampling processes in many studies. Researchers are advised to choose sampling methods that are accurate, efficient, and consider privacy and confidentiality. Snowball sampling is a valuable tool for qualitative research, especially when studying hard-to-reach populations. It allows researchers to access and study populations that might otherwise be difficult to engage. The method is particularly useful in nursing research, where access to certain groups can be challenging. The study underscores the importance of using snowball sampling in qualitative research to gain deeper insights into specific populations. It also highlights the need for careful selection of samples to ensure thorough evaluation of the research topic. Overall, snowball sampling is a flexible and effective method for qualitative research, especially when dealing with hard-to-reach populations. It enables researchers to gather data from individuals who might not be accessible through other sampling methods. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of snowball sampling to ensure its effective application in research.Snowball sampling is a purposeful method used in qualitative research when target samples are hard to access. This method involves recruiting participants through existing study subjects, who then refer others, continuing until data saturation. It is particularly useful for reaching vulnerable or hidden populations, such as addicts, criminals, or homeless individuals. Snowball sampling is a non-probability method, allowing researchers to access hard-to-reach groups. It is cost-effective and efficient, enabling better communication with participants as they are known to the initial sample. However, it may introduce bias and lacks generalizability to the broader population. This review summarizes studies on snowball sampling in qualitative research, highlighting its applications in nursing and health education. The study found that snowball sampling is effective for community-based data collection and health education programs. It is recommended for research involving vulnerable populations. The review included 11 relevant articles, emphasizing the importance of clear sampling procedures and data saturation. Limitations include lack of homogeneity in methods and unclear explanations of sampling processes in many studies. Researchers are advised to choose sampling methods that are accurate, efficient, and consider privacy and confidentiality. Snowball sampling is a valuable tool for qualitative research, especially when studying hard-to-reach populations. It allows researchers to access and study populations that might otherwise be difficult to engage. The method is particularly useful in nursing research, where access to certain groups can be challenging. The study underscores the importance of using snowball sampling in qualitative research to gain deeper insights into specific populations. It also highlights the need for careful selection of samples to ensure thorough evaluation of the research topic. Overall, snowball sampling is a flexible and effective method for qualitative research, especially when dealing with hard-to-reach populations. It enables researchers to gather data from individuals who might not be accessible through other sampling methods. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of snowball sampling to ensure its effective application in research.