How Long Does it Take for Nail Polish to Dry
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How Long Does it Take for Nail Polish to Dry?

Ways to make your nail polish dry faster

You've spent time meticulously painting and crafting your nails with the perfect color. You know exactly how the pictures will look when you take them and post them, showing off how skilled you've become at doing your nails. But moments after they're done, you grab your phone or the remote the wrong way—and the beautiful color is smudged from your nails and onto whatever surface you bumped into.

Wet nails are a pain to deal with and it can be heartbreaking to see your hard work (or hard earned money) go to waste. But why did it happen? And why is it taking your nails so long to dry?

How long it takes for your nails to dry depends partly on the type of nail polish and nail polish dryer you use. Generally, it takes 1-2 hours before nail polish is completely dry on its own, especially if you've used a base coat, two coats of nail polish and a topcoat.

Formaldehyde-free polishes take more time to dry. Many nail polish dryers allow you to use your hands 5 to 15 minutes after polish is applied. For best results, polish your nails when you have time to let them dry completely.

In this article

Why Does Nail Polish Take So Long to Dry?

There are various reasons why nail polish may take longer to dry than you might expect. Dark nail polish typically takes longer to dry than lighter nail polish due to the darker pigment.Your nails may also be taking too long to dry because the layers are too thick. Adding multiple thick layers can slow the drying process because of the amount of polish that needs to dry.

We recommend applying thin, even layers of polish. Using good nail polish can help lessen the number of layers you apply, as well. For example, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color combines a top coat and base coat formula to dry in 60 seconds!

How to Dry Nail Polish Fast

There are a few different ways you can speed up the drying process for your nails. Using a UV lamp, accelerating spray, a quick drying top coat and other items can help fast drying for your nail polish.

  1. UV Lamp

    A UV lamp is similar to what most professional nail salons use. Getting your own can allow you to speed up your nail polish drying time. Simply plug in the lamp and place your hands underneath the light for the recommended time or until your nails are dry.

    Pro tip

    Not all UV lamps are created equal. Make sure to look up reviews for each UV lamp and choose one that is reliable. It is also important to choose one that suits the space you have for doing your nails.

    Why We Love It

    • Gives a professional feel at home

    • Doesn't require any more work than turning it on

  2. Accelerating Spray

    Once your nail polish coats are on, you may spray a bit of accelerating spray on top. This helps create a thin layer over your nails to help the nail polish dry faster.

    Pro tip

    Hold the accelerating spray at a distance and gently spray the liquid onto the tops of your nails after you've finished applying your final coat. Adding too much or spraying too closely can interfere with the nail polish you just applied.

    Why We Love It

    • Easy to use

    • Doesn't require another top coat

    • Often works quicker than other solutions

  3. Quick Drying Top Coat

    Some top coats are meant to be applied at the end of your nail polishing process in order to help your nails dry faster. You can use this in tandem with a UV lamp to help speed up the process. A top coat also protects your nails from chipping.

    Pro tip

    Gather a small amount of top coat onto the applicator brush and gently brush a single coat over the top of your nails.

    Why We Love It

    • Works quickly

    • You may already have it

    • Often used in salons

  4. Hair Dryer

    A simple and easy solution for quicker-drying nails is using your own hair dryer. As opposed to waiting an hour or more to dry, you can carefully use a hair dryer to dry your nails. Make sure to hold the dryer at a fair distance from your nails so the air doesn't cause ripples on your nail polish.

    Pro tip

    Make sure to have the hair dryer on a low setting so as not to disturb the actual nail polish.

    Why We Love It

    • You likely already have a hair dryer, so you don't have to spend money on additional tools

    • Allows you to move more freely than sitting in a UV lamp

  5. Ice Cold Water

    While you may instinctively want to keep your nails away from water, ice cold water can actually help your nails dry. Before applying nail polish, prepare a bowl of ice water. You can even add ice cubes to help cool it. After your polish is applied, place your fingers in the bowl. It should take your nails about five minutes to dry with ice water.

    Pro tip

    Do not run your nails under running tap water, as the pressure could smudge or ruin your nails. Keep the bowl cold in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

    Why We Love It

    • No additional tools needed

    • May be less drying for your skin than sitting beneath a UV lamp

Protect Your Cuticles

As your nails dry, so will your skin. Protect your cuticles and skin with cuticle oil and moisturizers before and after painting your nails. Gel polish can be especially hard on your natural nails, so make sure to moisturize and give your nails a break when they feel brittle.

How Do You Know When Nail Polish is Dry?

Gently touch the top of your nail with your finger. You should be able to feel whether the paint is still moist, damp or completely dry. Even after your nails feel dry, take care not to bump or scrape them, as there may still be wet areas of your nail.

It may take a while for your nails to dry, but there are plenty of ways to speed up the process at home without ruining the color. To keep your manicure looking great, make sure to use a base coat and apply thin, even coats of polish. No matter how long it takes for nail polish to dry, there are ways to speed up the process. Find the best process that's right for you to dry your mani and keep it looking amazing.

Are your nails chipping off a bit too fast? Check out How Long do Acrylic Nails Last? for tips on how to make them last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Nail Polish Take to Dry?

On average, nail polish takes about 1-2 hours to completely dry.

What is a UV/LED light drying system?

This could refer to gel nails that can only be cured or dried under an ultraviolet light, or one a quick-dry topcoat that is used in conjunction with ultraviolet light.

How can I prevent my nail polish from turning yellow in the sun?

Use a polish topcoat that contains an ultraviolet inhibitor to prevent nail enamel—especially pale shades—from changing colors or turning yellow in the sun.

How long should a professional manicure last?

Generally, a professional manicure will last from one to two weeks, depending on how fast your nails grow and your lifestyle.

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