How To Dry Nail Polish FAST!

This is how to dry regular nail polish fast when you are in a hurry. We are going to discuss ways to help dry regular nail polish faster and also explain whether you can use a UV or LED lamp to make the process quicker.

Regular nail polish seems to take forever to dry, especially when you’re in a hurry. But with these tips, you can make it dry faster and avoid any smudging disasters!

Is your regular nail polish taking forever to dry? Well, have no fear! We are here to teach you a few tricks so you can speed up the process.

Just follow these pro tips and you’ll be on your way to having perfectly polished nails in no time!

Keep in mind that a black nail polish will take longer to dry than a lighter color polish like white nail polish or jelly nail polishes.

How To Make Regular Nail Polish Dry Faster

1. Use a nail polish dryer fan

The sleek design is perfect for any countertop, and the powerful motor ensures evenly dried nails every time. Whether you’re at home or using it in your at home salon, this fan is a must-have for quick drying nail polish!

Watch the video on the product listing to see the features of this nail polish dryer.

2. Apply thin layers of nail polish

If you apply a thin layer of nail polish, it will dry faster than a thick layer. Some nail polishes require two or three coats for a full coverage.

So to help with the drying time, do apply the coats in very thin layers making sure that the cuticle areas do not get flooded with polish.

Also leaving at least two minutes in between the layers will also help with the drying time.

3. Let your nails air dry for a few minutes

Allowing your nails to dry in between light coats of nail polish is a crucial step in achieving a flawless and long-lasting manicure. Here’s why it’s important and how to do it the right way:

Prevents smudging and bubbling: When you apply a thick layer of nail polish, it takes much longer to dry fully. As a result, you risk smudging the polish if you touch something or accidentally bump your nails against something. Additionally, thick layers can trap air, leading to unsightly bubbles in the polish.

Enhances overall drying time: Applying light coats and allowing each one to dry before adding another promotes a faster overall drying time. While it might seem like this process takes longer, it actually saves time in the end because the polish dries more quickly and evenly.

4. Use a hair dryer on the cool setting

You can use a hair dryer on the cool setting to help your nail polish dry faster. Hold the dryer about 12 inches away from your nails and make sure not to concentrate the heat in one spot or you could damage your nail polish.

Choose the cool setting:

When using a hair dryer to dry your nails, it’s essential to select the cool setting. The hot air can actually prevent the polish from drying properly and may cause smudging.

Set the dryer on low:

If your hair dryer has multiple speed options, set it to the lowest speed. This gentle airflow will be sufficient to dry the nail polish without causing any disturbances.

Maintain distance:

Hold the hair dryer at least 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) away from your nails. This distance will prevent the polish from getting too hot, which could lead to smudging or denting.

Use in intervals:

Instead of continuously blow-drying your nails, use the hair dryer in short intervals. Blow-dry each hand for about 15-30 seconds and then give them a break for another 15-30 seconds. Repeat this process until the polish feels mostly dry to the touch.

Check the polish

While blow-drying, occasionally touch your nails gently with a clean finger to see if they are still tacky. If they are, continue blow-drying in intervals until they feel dry.

Avoid overheating:

Be cautious not to overheat the nails, as this can cause the polish to bubble or become distorted. The cool setting of the hair dryer should prevent this from happening.

Apply top coat after drying:

Once the nail polish feels dry, you can apply a quick-dry top coat to seal and protect your manicure. The top coat will also help speed up the overall drying process and add a glossy finish.

Remember that while using a hair dryer can expedite the drying time, it’s still essential to be gentle with your nails for the first hour or so after applying nail polish to avoid any potential damage.

Additionally, avoid using the hot setting on your hair dryer, as it can negatively impact the drying process. Using the hair dryer on the cool setting is the key to achieving quicker and more even drying results.

5. Use a quick-dry nail polish top coat

A quick-dry nail polish top coat can help your regular nail polish dry faster. When applying a quick dry top coat, it is best to brush it on with a very thin application for best results.

6. Dip your nails in ice water

Dipping your nails in ice water can help them dry faster. Fill a bowl with ice and water and let your nails soak for a few minutes. This method works best if you have already used a nail polish dryer or another drying method.

7. Use a fan to help circulate the air around your nails

Using a fan to help circulate the air around your nails can speed up the drying process. You can use a handheld fan to make your nails dry more quickly. Just make sure not to accidentally touch the fan onto your nails or you will damage your nail polish.

8. Use Isopropyl alcohol to help nail polish dry faster

You can use isopropyl alcohol to help nail polish dry faster. You can add a drop directly to the nail, or use a spray bottle to spray it right onto the polish and then let air dry.

9. quick dry nail polish spray

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A quick dry nail polish spray is great to use because you just spray it on and there’s no worry about damaging the manicure.

Try to get a spray that has added oils like sweet almond so that it not only dried your nail faster, it also leaves your cuticles moisturized.

regular nail polish vs gel polish

About Regular Nail Polish

Regular nail polish is a cosmetic product that is used to color and protect the nails. It is made up of a number of different ingredients, including resins, pigments, dyes, solvents, and plasticizers.

These ingredients work together to give nail polish its desired consistency and color.

Resins are one of the key ingredients in regular nail polish that give it its glossy finish. They also help the polish adhere to the nail and resist chipping. Common resins used in nail polish include nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, and polyurethane. 

Pigments are what give nail polish its color. A variety of different pigment types can be used, depending on the desired color of the nail polish. Some common pigment types include ultramarines, iron oxides, and manganese violet.

Dyes are another type of coloring agent that can be used in nail polish. They are typically used to produce very vibrant colors that are not possible with pigments alone. However, dyes can also be used to produce more subtle color effects.

Solvents are used to dissolve the other ingredients in nail polish and help them spread evenly on the nail. The most common solvent used in nail polish is ethyl acetate.

Plasticizers are added to nail polish to improve its flexibility and durability. Without plasticizers, nail polish would be very brittle and would chip easily.

So, let’s get back to how do you make regular nail polish dry faster if you can’t cure it under a light?

Here are some ways to help regular nail polish dry as quickly as possible.

Can you use a UV or LED lamp to dry regular nail polish?

No, regular nail polish has a different formula than a gel polish or builder gel and will not dry or cure in a UV or LED lamp.

When it comes to gel polish and regular nail polish, there are some key differences that you should be aware of. For starters, gel polish is made from a gel base, whereas regular nail polish is made from a lacquer base.

This means that regular nail polish does not cure, it dries.

See our guides: How to use gel polish & How to use cat eye gel polish

The light on a nail cure light will not speed up the drying time on regular nail polish.

In closing: Nail polish is a fun and easy way to add some personality to your look, but nobody likes waiting for it to dry. We hope these tips help you out with your manicures!