Nail Care
How To Make Nails Dry Faster
You’ve successfully applied two coats of polish without a smudge in sight. Now all you’ve got to do is sit still long enough for your nail polish to dry.
But when there are emails to write, kids to retrieve, and the need to get up and go, you can’t afford to be hands-free for long. This is why we’ve rounded up our experts to share how to make nails dry faster, no chips allowed.
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 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.
Head to the kitchen
Did you know that you can use cooking spray to dry your nails? This kitchen essential provides a protective layer of silicone to your manicure and moisturises your skin and cuticles at the same time. Simply apply a layer of cooking spray on top of your nails and leave for a minute or two.
This essentially works by soaking into the nail and thinning out the polish. Once you see it starting to bead at the top of your nail, you can gently wipe it off with a tissue and find strong, dry polish underneath.
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.
Alternatively, grab a can of hairspray and coat your nails with a good spray. 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.
