How to Dry Nail Polish Quickly

Have you ever decided to paint your nails, and then realized they are not going to be dry in time? Few things are as frustrating as rushing your nails, just to find you have smudged a perfect paint job because of an ultra-long drying period. However, now with seven methods of drying you will never have to suffer from messed nails again.

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Use ice water. Nail polish dries when it encounters cool temperatures, so try freeze-drying your polish in place by using ice water. Before painting your nails, fill a bowl with cold water and some ice cubes. Post-paint, submerge your nails in the icy water for 2-3 minutes.

Stick your hands in the freezer. The same way ice water works to freeze your nail polish dry, sticking your hands in the freezer will dry your polish completely as well. When you finish painting your nails, stick your hands in the freezer for a few minutes.

Use your hair dryer. Your blow dryer is great for drying your hair, so why wouldn't it also work on your nails? Adjust your dryer to the coolest setting, and blast your nails with the cold air. Using warm or hot air will soften the polish and keep it from drying.

Air dust your fingernails. You know those air-dusters that people use to clean out the nooks and crannies of their keyboards. These high-power canisters are great for drying your nails too. Blow your nails with the air duster for several minutes to dry the polish. Be sure to hold the spout far enough away from your hands: The pressure of the duster could cause your nail polish to run.

Mist your nails with cooking spray. Although it may sound strange, that can of cooking spray in your kitchen cupboard works great for curing nail polish. As soon as your nails have a top coat, spray them completely with your cooking spray. Let it sit for a minute or two, and then wash your hands of the oil.^[1]

Use thinner coats of polish. If you are painting your nails with only one or two thick coats of polish, the lacquer may be too thick to dry properly. Instead, paint three or more very thin coats of polish, allowing 3 minutes between each coat. Although it may sound like it will take longer, the total time will be less than the long waiting period you suffer with thick coats.^[2]

Add a fast-drying top coat. Those clear top coats of nail polish are popular for a reason - they help your nails to dry speedy fast. Finish off your nail polish with a fast-drying clear topcoat. Not only will it help the polish to cure faster, it will protect it longer from chipping.^[3]

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Make sure that you always have your method of drying prepared before painting your nails. Waiting until afterwards to grab your fast-drying supplies will likely result in smudged nails.

If your polish is old, it will take an incredibly long time to dry (if it ever does). If your nail polish has separated or changed colors, toss it out and opt for a new bottle.

If applicable, when using the freezer method, use a more industrial/bulk/extra freezer if you have one. Using one where you keep your everyday foods will put those foods at risk of contamination from the scent.