Nail Care
How To Make Nails Dry Faster
Because wet nails and a full schedule do not mix.
You did it. Two clean coats, zero smudges, you’re feeling good. Now comes the actual hard part: sitting completely still with your hands out until they dry. Nothing tests your patience like a fresh manicure and a to-do list that doesn't care if your nails are wet. We get it. Here's how to speed things up.
SHOP ALL QUICK DRY TOP COATS AND DROPS
Choose the right shade
Did you know that some shades dry faster than others? If you’re in the market for a super quick mani, glitter shades have the shortest drying time. But yellow polish? That one's going to test your patience.
Try RapiDry™ Quick-Drying Nail Polish
Kiss smudge-stration™ goodbye with our quick-dry nail polish that's smudge-proof in 60 seconds. This innovative formula dries quick and dries through thanks to built-in Drip Dry Drops and speedy solvents.
Try Drip Dry Nail Lacquer Drying Drops
Give your mani a couple minutes to breathe, then add one or two drops of OPI Drip Dry Nail Lacquer Drying Drops to each nail. Five minutes later, smudge-free nails and softer cuticles.
Try hairspray or a hair dryer
A hairdryer isn't just for your hair anymore. Cool setting, quick pass over each nail, done. Just give it 30 seconds after painting first, or you'll smudge everything and have to start over (we've been there). Hairspray works too—a light coat over your nails can speed things along. Warning: we only recommend this technique for nail lacquer unless you are looking for a matte look.
Invest in a quick dry top coat
Our RapiDry Top Coat isn't just fast, it also does double duty—strengthening and protecting your nails while it dries. End result: a long-lasting, non-yellowing, glossy finish that also happens to save you time. Win-win.
Try the ice water trick
Let your nails sit for a minute after painting, then dunk them into a bowl of ice water for about two minutes. Your hands will be cold, but your mani will be set.
Apply thin, even coats
This one's less a hack and more just... doing it right. Two to three thin coats beat one thick one every time. Give each coat plenty of time to dry between applications. Waiting between coats also helps prevent any air bubbles for a smoother finish.
