One of the most frustrating things about painting your nails is waiting for them to dry. It seems like no matter how long you wait, they always end up smudging or chipping.
If you’re tired of waiting around for your nails to dry, here are some speedy solutions you can try:.
1. Use a quick-dry top coat
A quick-dry top coat can be a lifesaver when you’re in a rush. Not only does it speed up the drying process, but it also helps to prevent smudging and chipping.
Simply apply a thin layer of the top coat over your nail polish and wait a minute or two for it to dry.
2. Dip your nails in ice water
This trick may sound strange, but it really works! After you’ve painted your nails, fill a bowl with ice water and dunk your fingers in for a few minutes. The cold water will help to set the polish and speed up the drying process.
3. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting
If you’re short on time, you can use a hairdryer to dry your nails. Make sure you use the cool setting rather than the hot setting, as hot air can actually make your polish take longer to dry.
Hold the hairdryer a few inches away from your nails and gently blow them dry until the polish is set.
4. Spray on a nail-drying spray
Nail-drying sprays are a quick and easy way to speed up the drying process. Simply spray the product onto your nails after painting them, and wait a few seconds for it to dry.
These sprays usually contain ingredients like alcohol and silicone, which help to evaporate the polish and set it quickly.
5. Apply thin coats of polish
If you’re in a rush, it can be tempting to apply thick coats of polish to speed up the process. However, thick coats take longer to dry and are more likely to smudge or chip.
Instead, apply thin coats of polish and wait a minute or two between each one. This will help the polish to dry faster and reduce the risk of smudging.
Related Article
Fast-drying hacks for your nails!
6. Avoid touching your nails
One of the biggest culprits of smudged nails is touching them too soon after painting. When you touch your nails, you transfer oils and dirt from your fingers onto the polish, which can cause smudging and chipping.
To avoid this, try to keep your hands still as much as possible after painting them.
7. Use a fast-drying polish
If you’re prone to smudging your nails, it may be worth investing in a fast-drying polish. These types of polishes are specifically designed to dry quickly, so you can avoid the frustration of waiting around for them to dry.
Look for polishes with names like “quick-dry” or “fast-drying” on the label.
8. Wait until the last minute to paint your nails
If you’re really short on time, try waiting until the last possible minute to paint your nails. This way, you won’t have to worry about smudging or chipping your polish while you’re getting dressed or doing other things.
Just make sure you give yourself enough time to apply the polish and allow it to dry before you head out the door.
9. Use a UV lamp
If you’re a fan of gel polish, a UV lamp can be a great investment. These lamps use ultraviolet light to cure the polish and set it quickly.
Simply apply the gel polish as you normally would, then place your fingers under the lamp for the recommended amount of time. You’ll be left with perfectly dry, chip-free nails in no time.
10. Be patient
As tempting as it may be to rush the process, sometimes the best thing you can do is be patient. If you don’t have any of the above tools or products on hand, simply wait it out and let your nails air dry.
It may take a bit longer, but it’s better than ending up with smudged or chipped nails.
