How to dry nail varnish quickly: 6 of the best nail polish drying tips
Have you applied your nail polish but don't have time to wait for it to dry completely? Whether you're in a rush to get to a meeting or just don't want to risk a smudged manicure, these tried-and-true tricks will help you dry your nail polish much faster. We're sharing 6 of our top 6 best tips to speed up the drying process and keep your nail polish perfectly coated.
1. Hair dryer on cold mode
Switch your hairdryer on cool air mode and hold it over your nails for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to use exactly the cool stream - hot air, on the contrary, will slow down the drying process and can ruin the coating. By the way, this is one of the most effective and fastest ways of drying nail polish.
2. Cold water
After applying your nail polish, wait 1-2 minutes, then dip your fingers into a bowl of very cold water (you can add ice cubes) for 2-3 minutes. The low temperature helps the polish to harden faster, forming a hard film. Just don't touch your nails before immersion - let the nail polish ‘set’ a bit.
However, please note: this method should be used only in emergencies - it is not recommended to use it regularly. The fact is that under the influence of cold the nail plate shrinks, and when it returns to its normal state, it can lead to peeling of the varnish. A more gentle option of drying with cold is to place your hands in the freezer for 1-2 minutes. Cold air is less aggressive than ice water and doesn't put as much stress on your nails.
3. Thin coats
Apply the varnish in 2-3 very thin coats instead of two thick coats. This way each coat will dry faster and the finish will be more stable and neat. You should wait at least 1-2 minutes between coats. By the way, this is the technique recommended by all leading experts.
4. Apply oil
In this case, any oil will do - both baby oil and ordinary vegetable oil. Pour some oil into a bowl and dip your fingers into it for 2-3 minutes. As soon as oil droplets start to form on the surface of your nails, gently blot your nails with a napkin.
5. Quick-drying polish
There are many quick-drying nail polishes on the market from different brands. Those labelled “60 seconds” are particularly handy - you can carry them in your handbag to quickly refresh your manicure at any time, even when you're out and about.
6. Specialised nail polish dryers
Cosmetic brands offer special products for accelerated drying of nail polish. First let the coating dry for 2 minutes, then apply a couple of drops of drying agent to each nail. Gently swirl with your hands so that the product is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the nail. In just a few minutes, the lacquer will have a strong, almost ‘granite’ resistance - without smudging or indentation.
With these tips, you won't have to sit with your fingers outstretched in fear of ruining your manicure. Quick drying is easy if you know the right techniques!
Read also: 5 nail artisan tips to make your manicure last longer on a seaside holiday
Published: 24.06.2025 17:56
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