Waiting for your freshly painted nails to dry can be a real bore. If you have important errands to do or simply don’t have the patience to wait for long periods of time, this can be discouraging.

Luckily, there are several fast-drying hacks for your nails that you can try to speed things up. From using quick-dry polishes to implementing drying techniques, here are ten tips to help you dry your nails faster:.

1. Apply a Quick-Dry Coat

Often, people don’t pay much attention to the existence of quick-dry topcoats. However, using one can significantly reduce the waiting time for your nails to dry.

Apply it immediately after painting your nails and let it dry for 1-2 minutes – depending on the brand. Not only will this make your nails dry quickly, but it also helps prevent chipping or smudging.

2. Use Cold Water

You can also try immersing your freshly painted nails in a bowl or cup of cold water. This works best when you have painted only one layer of polish.

After keeping your nails soaked in the water for about three minutes, remove them and gently pat them dry with a towel. Be sure not to rub, as it can ruin the polish.

3. Apply Thin Layers

The thicker the layers of nail polish, the longer it takes to dry. Applying thin coats often dries quickly and prevents chipping. When painting your nails, ensure that the polish is adequately balanced between the brush and your nails.

Also, give enough time to dry each layer before adding another to avoid smudging.

4. Use a Hairdryer

Blow-drying your nails with a cool setting can also help you dry your nails quickly. A hair dryer with a cool blast of air is a handy tool for drying your nails.

Keep your blow-dryer at least six inches away from your nails and use it intermittently until your polish is dry.

5. Use Cooking Spray

Did you know that using cooking spray like Pam can help dry your nails faster? Not only does it work, but it also helps moisturize your cuticles. Apply the cooking spray on your paint immediately after application and let it dry for 30-40 seconds.

After the time has passed, rinse the nails with lukewarm water, then gently pat them dry with a towel.

6. Drying Drops

Drying drops are a game-changer when it comes to drying nail polish. They work like quick-drying sprays, but they are more convenient to use.

You apply them by putting one drop of the solution on each nail to leave a smooth, glossy, and dry finish in a matter of seconds.

7. Freeze Your Nails

This is probably the most unusual method of drying your nails faster. After painting your nails, stick them in the freezer for about two minutes. The cool air of the freezer helps the polish harden and dries quickly.

Remember always to take care not to bump your nails when doing this.

8. Clean Your Nails

Before painting your nails, entirely clean them with rubbing alcohol. Dirt, oils, or any debris makes the polish stick less effectively, causing it to rip off more easily.

It can prolong the drying time, increase the likelihood of smudges, and weaken nails. Therefore, it’s important to have clean nails that can take on polish without any difficulties.

9. Ice Bath

Sink bowl filled with ice and water could be a quick way for drying your nails. Immediately after painting your nails, keep them in an ice bath for around a minute or two. The cold temperature will help your nail polish dry faster.

Use this method only when the summertime is ending or during winter, not on chilly days.

10. UV Nail Lamp

Buying a UV nail lamp is useful not only for a faster drying time but also for a more polished and longer-lasting manicure. It works similarly to LED lights that you see in professional nail salons and dries the polish thoroughly.

Set your nails under the lamp for one to two minutes and enjoy a shiny finish.

Conclusion

Waiting for nail polish to dry can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially on busy days. By following these ten fast-drying nail hacks, you can enjoy your favorite nail polish without any extra time.

As with any product, be open to trying different techniques, and find what works best for you.