It takes 20-60 minutes for the polish to dry completely on the nails. If you want to speed up the time, you can apply a quick-drying nail polish in thin layers and apply a fixing spray. Also, you can try using a blow dryer, cooking spray, or ice water. With these methods you will be able to do any activity with lacquered nails without the risk of ruining your manicure!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Quick Dry Techniques
Step 1. Apply a light coat of nail polish so that it dries easily
Without overloading the brush, try to use a little product and spread it well in thin layers, waiting 1-3 minutes between one pass and the other. It won't dry completely if you apply too much.
- Even if you take longer to apply the polish, it will dry faster.
- Spread a first layer on each nail and repeat the operation in the same order. This way, when you finish the last one, the first will be ready for the second pass.
Step 2. Use the hair dryer
If you are in a hurry, turn on the hairdryer by selecting cold air. Then, hold it on your fingers for 2-3 minutes. Cold air will quickly harden the enamel.
- Do this on both hands, completely drying each nail.
- Before using the hair dryer, check that you have selected the lowest temperature. Once turned on, keep it 30cm away from your nails to avoid ruining your manicure.
- If you use hot air or hold the hair dryer too close, the nail polish may start to wrinkle or form bubbles.
Step 3. Dip your fingers in a bowl of ice water for 1-2 minutes
Let the nails dry for 60 seconds, then take a small bowl and fill it halfway with cold water, then put 2-5 ice cubes in it. Keep your fingertips in the water and remove them after 1-2 minutes. Cold usually hardens nail polish, so ice is a great way to get it to stick to your nails.
- Be careful when using this method, as you could ruin your manicure if you put your hands in the water too soon. The polish should be almost dry.
- Even if the enamel hardens quickly with this system, your hands will tend to freeze!
Step 4. Use a compressed air spray
It is a can that atomises cold air. Keep it 30 to 60 cm away from your hands so they don't get too cold. If you spray it on your nails for 3-5 seconds, the polish should practically dry out. This is an effective method because the compressed air is cold. Make sure you point the nozzle towards your fingertips.
- Make sure the nail polish is almost dry before you spray the can, otherwise it could spoil. There is a risk that the lacquered surface will deform.
- You can find this product in office supply stores.
Step 5. Apply cooking spray
Hold the can 15-30cm away from your fingertips and spray a light, even layer on each nail. It may seem a little strange, but the oil contained in the spray helps the nail polish dry. However, avoid using butter flavored one.
- Once the nail polish is applied to the last nail, wait 1-2 minutes before using the cooking spray, otherwise you could ruin your manicure.
- The oil contained in the can also helps moisturize the cuticles.
Method 2 of 2: Apply Quick Drying Nail Products
Step 1. Use a quick-drying nail polish
Numerous companies offer quick-drying glazes. You could speed up the times if you decide to use them.
Look for a product that says "dry fast" or "quick dry"
Step 2. Apply a quick-drying glossy top coat
Once the last coat of polish has dried, apply a thin but even layer of top coat all over the nail, from the cuticle to the tip. Choose a quick-drying one.
This product will also protect the enamel from smudging
Step 3. Try using a nail polish fixer in drops or spray
After applying the top coat, wait about 1-3 minutes, then pour a drop of fixer on each nail or apply the fixing spray to your fingertips. Wait a couple of minutes more, then put your hands under cold water. You can use these products to speed up drying times.
Many cosmetic and perfume shops sell nail polish fixers in drops and sprays
Advice
- Calculate how long it will take to dry your nails and which method you want to use before starting. If you guess once you've lacquered them, you could ruin your manicure.
- For best results, let the nail polish dry for about a minute before using a method that allows you to speed up the time. This way, it will adhere better to the nails.
- If the bottle is new, the nail polish dries faster.
- To find out if it is dry, simply touch the outer corner of a fingernail with a fingertip. If it leaves a slight imprint, it means that it is still wet.
