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How to Dry Nails Fast (and How Long Is Fast?)

February 14, 2020

There is no better way to get some me-time than getting or giving yourself a gorgeous manicure. Whether you’ve been eyeing various beauty trends or prefer to keep things simple with a French manicure, nothing beats a chic set of nails. However, all the fun comes to a halt once it’s time to dry your nails. If you don’t wait long enough, you run the risk of ruining your manicure. And of course, waiting too long is out of the question with a busy schedule. So, you’re probably asking yourself how to dry nails fast. If you’re totally over dealing with a smudged manicure, look no further. Below, we’re sharing tips on how to make nail polish dry faster, including using a fast-drying nail polish. But first, let’s explore how long it should take for nail polish to dry.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR NAIL POLISH TO DRY

It’s time to answer the age-old question­: How long does it take for nail polish to dry? While it’s easy to think that your nails only need a good 10 to 15 minutes to dry, your past manicure sessions have shown that your nails can still get smudged after waiting it out. The truth is, it can take one to two hours for your nail polish to set. And since a few hours can seem like forever when you have a full agenda, it’s essential to get your manicure to set fast so you can go on with your day.

The reason you may think your nails dry faster than they really do is that the surface layer will be the first to dry. You might lightly touch your nails and have them feel dry, only to mess them up when you use your hands for something a minute later. That’s because your nails are only dry on the surface, the polish underneath is still wet and can be dented, smudged, etc.

HOW TO MAKE NAIL POLISH DRY FASTER

Ready to learn how to dry your nails fast? Keep reading for four tips to help you speed up the drying process so you can rock a flawless manicure in no time.

1. SWITCH TO FAST-DRYING NAIL POLISH

One of the easiest ways to help your manicure dry fast is to rely on fast-drying nail polish to get the job done. Unlike other nail polish formulas, fast-drying nail polish works to dry and set your nails within a few minutes. No lengthy drying time needed. With many color options and finishes available, you’ll be sure to find the perfect polish that tickles your fancy.

2. TRY QUICK-DRY NAIL DROPS

Ready to cut your drying time in half without the mess? It’s time to get acquainted with quick-dry nail drops. This product works wonders not only to dry your manicure, but it also helps protect your nails from dents, smudges, scratches. Some formulas also work to nourish your cuticles and nails. Basically, it’s a must-have! All you need to do is apply one to two drops onto your freshly polished nails. Wait a minute or two for them to dry, and you’re all set!

3. UTILIZE NAIL POLISH DRYER SPRAY

Speaking of preventing mess, a nail polish drying spray is a great alternative. Perfect for reducing your drying time, you can count on getting the perfect manicure with every use. Simply wait about a minute after painting your nails, hold the can a few inches away from your hands, and spray evenly over each nail. Now you have an Instagram-ready mani!

4. APPLY THIN COATS OF POLISH

If you’ve been applying thick coats of paint to your nails, consider this your sign to stop. Thick coats of nail polish take much longer to dry, which can lead to smudges and nicks. Instead, opt for thin coats to allow the paint to dry faster. Start with a base coat, follow up with two coats of your nail color, seal the deal with a top coat, and you’ll be good to go.

5. MAKE YOUR BLOW DRYER YOUR NEW BFF

Who would have thought that a blow dryer could come in handy for your manicures? Using your blow dryer on the cool setting speeds up your drying time for the perfect smudge-free mani. Simply hold your blow dryer six to eight inches over your nails and dry them for three to five minutes. Voila!

6. DIP YOUR MANI IN COOL WATER

While we’d advise against washing your hands after a fresh paint job, using cool water can help set your nails faster. Fill a bowl with ice water and after your nails have air-dried for a minute or two, place your hands into the water for a few seconds. When you pull your hands out, just remember not to dry off—rubbing a towel against your nails will definitely still mess up your manicure!

Next up: Ready to switch up your nail look? Head on over to our article, Jelly Nails Are Our New Favorite Nail Trend, for inspiration.

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