To make nail polish dry faster, you can follow these expert tips:
- Use fast-drying nail polish or quick-dry top coats designed to speed up drying time and add shine and protection to your nails
- Apply thin coats of polish rather than thick ones. Thin layers dry more quickly and evenly, reducing drying time and preventing smudging
- Dip your nails in ice-cold water for about 5 minutes after painting. The cold water hardens the polish and speeds up drying. Look for water beading on the nails as a sign they are dry
- Use a hairdryer on the cold setting to blow cool air over your nails for a few minutes. Avoid warm air, which can cause bubbles or smudging
- Try dry drops or oils (baby oil, olive oil, or cooking spray) applied in small amounts to thin the polish and speed drying. Remove excess oil once it beads on the nails
- Avoid older, thickened polish and wash hands before application to help polish adhere better and dry faster
- Wait a couple of minutes between coats to allow each layer to set before applying the next
These methods combined can significantly reduce the waiting time for your nails to dry and help you avoid smudges or damage to your manicure.
