The trouble with doing your own nails at home is that they take so long to dry! When you’re at the salon you have the time set aside to sit under a nail dryer, relax, and maybe enjoy some tunes or a massage while you wait. But when we’re at home and the kids are calling or the chores seem innumerable, we need to speed things along. Who really has all that time to sit and be still? And add that to if you get up too quickly, you run the risk of messing up your nails after you’ve just done them. Luckily, there are plenty of tricks throughout the manicure process that can speed up drying time. From proper prep to TikTok-famous hacks, three nail pros are spilling their secrets for how to make nail polish dry faster. Here, the simple strategies that are sure to upgrade and smudge-proof your at-home mani or pedi.
Things that can affect nail polish dry time
Nails can stay tacky for longer than you think, even when they don’t look like they’re wet. In fact, without any intervention, “a regular polish manicure generally takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully dry,” says Rianna Basurto, director of marketing and brand development for Bellacures. “While it may seem dry sooner, it can still be dented or smudged during this time.” That’s why doing everything you can to shorten the drying process can be beneficial to both your busy schedule and the end result of your mani. Read on for a few things to keep in mind the next time you paint your nails
The way you prep your nails for polish
When it comes down to the factors affecting dry time, proper prep may actually be the biggest time saver. “To speed up drying time, proper prep is essential,” says Jan Arnold, the co-founder of CND, a global professional nail, hand, and foot beauty brand. “Ensure nails are clean, dry, and free from oils.” According to Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of sundays nail salon, oils and residues are what can interfere with proper polish adhesion. For a quicker drying time, think of your nails like mini canvases for color and buff them once they’re residue-free. “Buffing the nails lightly can also create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to,” says Lin.
How you apply nail polish
Your method of polish application matters, too. “Make sure to apply thin coats of nail polish in each application,” says Lin. “Thicker layers take longer to dry and are more prone to smudging. Applying thin, even coats will help the polish dry faster and more evenly.” Waiting a few minutes in between your coats is time well spent; applying another layer of polish over a “dryer” base allows it to go on easier and can prevent streaking, which saves more time in the long run.
The polish formulas you use
What you choose for your base, top coat, and polish can play a role in dry time as well. Specifically, you’ll want to search for “quick-drying” variants when time is of the essence. “These products provide a smooth surface for the polish and help speed up the drying process,” says Basurto. “Quick-drying” polish is also available in a range of shades and at different price points; if you’re looking for drugstore brands, Essie Expressie is an option as is Sally Hansen Insta-Dri.
How to make nail polish dry faster
Now that you know how to properly prep and polish your nails for a speedy dry time, you’re halfway to your quickest manicure ever. These pro-approved tricks, though, can shave even more minutes off the process. Give a few of these methods a go to find what works best for you.
1. Try a DIY ice bath
The ice water trick you might have seen on TikTok is super simple, and it really can be effective. All you have to do is fill a small bowl about halfway with cold water (adding a few ice cubes if you want). When you’re ready to dry your nails, submerge your freshly-painted finger tips into the bowl, one hand at a time, for five minutes each. Lightly touch the nail on a corner when you’re done to make sure the nail polish has set. “Cold temperatures can assist in the drying process by hardening the surface of the nail polish,” says Basurto on the science behind why this works. For best results, you might want to wait a few minutes before you submerge your tips, or, at the very least, be gentle with your motions. “Submerging your fingertips in an ice bath can also work by hardening the surface, but it’s riskier, since water exposure can potentially ruin a fresh manicure,” says Basurto.
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2. Use quick-dry spray and drops
“Quick-dry drops and sprays work by forming a barrier that speeds up solvent evaporation,” says Basurto. “These products often contain ingredients like silicone and alcohol. They are both effective for shortening drying time but should be used sparingly.” That’s because overusing these ingredients not only can change the texture of your polish, making it thick or sticky, but they can also dry out your nails, which Lin says “ultimately leads to all chipping, peeling and breaking.” She suggests finding sprays or drops with hydrating ingredients, like avocado oil or the coconut oil found in sundays quick dry oil to offset any potential moisture loss. CND SOLARSPEED SPRAY, a quick-dry mist used by many salon pros, has vitamin E and sweet almond oil in its formula for the same reason.
3. Turn your blow dryer into a nail dryer
Don’t be afraid to break out your blow dryer; on a low to medium “cool” setting, it can function like a fancy air-powered nail dryer you’d find at a salon. “This works because air flow speeds up the evaporation process of the solvent in the polish, helping to harden the surface faster,” says Basurto. “It’s crucial to use cool air, as heat can cause the polish to bubble, ripple, and slow down the drying time.” Lin suggests focusing the dryer on the nails—as opposed to the entire hands—to avoid dehydrating your cuticles.” You can also try a small hand fan for this method if you have one.
4. Pick a lighter polish color
“Lighter shades tend to dry faster than darker ones,” says Basurto. That’s because they contain less pigment, says Lin. Sticking to a sheer or light nail hue can save you a little bit of dry time instantly if you’re in a rush.
5. Reach for baby oil or hand sanitizer
Certain common personal care items can cut dry time somewhat. “Applying baby oil on your nails can help speed up drying time and also prevent your nails from getting smudged,” says Lin. Basurto suggests using a tiny amount, say, carefully applying a drop per finger tip, to avoid creating smudges. And if you’re really in a pinch, hand sanitizer can help. “It contains alcohol and can help speed up the drying time as well,” adds Lin. Again, it’s best to just use a tiny bit.
For more nail care tips and tricks, click through these stories:
Polygel Nails: The Trending Manicure Technique That Makes Nails Look Longer, Stronger and Youthful
The Easy Way to Do an At-Home Pedicure That Pampers Your Feet — For Less
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