Nail polish can take longer to dry than you expect, especially if you apply thick polish and try to paint your nails in a hurry. You may think it’s dry, only for it to then smudge all over your clothes!
The best way to help nail polish dry faster is to use thin coats, wait between layers, and choose simple drying products. You don’t need a huge kit, only a few basics such as a quick-dry top coat, drying drops, or a good top coat.
Why Does Nail Polish Take So Long to Dry?
Nail varnish can often take too long because the layers are too thick. It may be tempting to apply one thick coat for speed, but it often takes a lot longer to dry, so you are not really saving yourself time.
Polish may also dry slowly if:
- You apply too many coats
- You do not wait between applying layers
- You use polish that is old and gloopy
- The room is very warm or humid
- You put too much product on the brush
- You touch things too soon
What Slows Down Nail Polish Drying?
Common things that slow down drying include:
- Thick coats of polish
- Not waiting long enough between layers
- Using old polish that has become gloopy
- Using too many coats
- Applying too much top coat
- Touching objects too soon
- Painting your nails right before bed and expecting them to be dry
What Should Beginners Buy First?
Beginners can start with:
- A base coat
- A nail polish colour of their choice
- A quick-dry top coat
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton pads
- Drying drops (optional)
What Can You Skip at First?
Beginners can give these a miss:
- Lots of different drying sprays
- Multiple top coats
- Expensive gadgets
Simple Beginner Routine For a Quick Dry
An easy drying routine can be:
- Wipe your nails clean with polish remover.
- Apply a thin base coat.
- Apply a thin layer of colour polish.
- Wait a few minutes.
- Apply a second thin layer of colour polish.
- Finish off with a quick-dry top coat.
- Don’t touch things too soon!