To dry nail polish faster, you can use several effective methods:
- Apply thin coats of polish rather than thick layers, as thin coats dry more quickly and evenly
- Use cold water or ice water : After painting your nails, wait a couple of minutes, then submerge your fingertips in a bowl of ice-cold water for a few minutes. The cold helps harden the polish and speeds drying
- Use a hairdryer on a cool setting : Blow cool air over your nails to help dry the polish without damaging your cuticles or smudging the polish
- Try quick-dry top coats or drying drops : Specialized quick-dry top coats or drying drops (like OPI Drip Dry) can significantly reduce drying time and add shine and protection to your manicure
- Avoid older, thickened nail polish and wash your hands before application to ensure better adhesion and faster drying
- Apply a quick-dry nail polish : Some polishes are formulated to dry in about a minute, such as Essie's expressie line, which can save time if you frequently need fast-drying polish
- Optional: Use baby oil or olive oil : Applying a small amount of oil on your nails after painting can help the polish dry faster by thinning the layer and preventing smudges
Combining these tips-thin coats, cold water dips, cool air drying, and quick- dry products-will help you achieve a fast, smudge-free manicure. However, it's still advisable to wait a little before using your hands extensively to avoid ruining your fresh polish
