14 Ways to Make Nail Polish Dry Faster

We’ve all been there: you’ve just finished painting your nails, they look perfect, and then… smudge! It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel. But don’t worry.

After years of trial and error (and more than a few ruined manicures), I’ve compiled 14 foolproof ways to make your nail polish dry faster. 

1. Apply Thin Layers

Ever noticed how thick coats of polish take forever to dry? Here’s the secret: thin layers are the way to go.

Instead of applying one thick coat, apply two or three thin ones. Each layer will dry much faster, and you’ll end up with a smoother finish. Win-win!

Pro tip: When you’re dipping the brush back into the bottle, wipe one side of it on the bottle’s neck. This removes excess polish and helps you apply a thinner coat. 

2. The Cold Water Trick

This may sound weird, but trust me, it works. After you’ve painted your nails, dip them in a bowl of cold water for about 3 minutes. The cold temperature helps the polish set quickly. Just make sure the water isn’t too cold.

Pat your hands dry with a soft towel. Don’t rub, or you may smudge your polish. You’ll notice your nails feel harder to the touch. It’s like magic, but it’s actually science.

3. Blow Dryer Magic

Your hair dryer isn’t just for your locks. Set it to the coolest setting and give your nails a quick blast. Keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating in any one spot. 

This is perfect when you’re in a hurry. Just be careful not to use hot air, or you’ll end up with bubbles in your polish.

One word of caution: If your dryer doesn’t have a cool setting, this method isn’t for you.

4. Quick-Dry Drops 

If you haven’t tried quick-dry drops yet, you’re missing out. These little bottles of magic can cut your drying time in half. 

To use them effectively, wait about 60 seconds after applying your last coat of polish. Then, let a single drop fall onto each nail. 

Don’t brush it on, instead let the drop spread naturally. In about 5 minutes, your nails will be dry to the touch. After an hour, they’ll be fully hardened.

5. Cooking Spray Surprise

This one may sound crazy, but hear me out. Cooking sprays often contain oils and silicone, similar to quick-dry drops. These ingredients help the solvents in your nail polish evaporate more quickly. 

To use this method, wait until your polish is about 60% dry. That’s usually about 2-3 minutes after your last coat. Hold the cooking spray about 12 inches from your nails and spray lightly. 

You don’t need much, a one-second spray is plenty. Wait another 2-3 minutes, then gently wash your hands with soap and cool water.

6. The Fan Technique

No fancy tools? No problem. A regular old fan can work wonders. Set up a small fan on your table and let it blow over your nails for about 10 minutes. 

The science behind this is simple: moving air helps the solvents in your polish evaporate more quickly.

For best results, set your fan to the lowest setting. Position your hands about 6-8 inches from the fan, and keep them there for about 10 minutes. 

7. Ice Water Bath

Similar to the cold water trick, but with a twist: Fill a bowl with cold water, then add a handful of ice cubes. Let it sit for a minute to get really cold. 

After you’ve painted your nails, wait about 2 minutes to let the polish set a bit. Then, take a deep breath and submerge your nails in the ice water.

When you pull them out, gently pat your hands dry with a soft towel. The cold shock has helped your polish set super fast.

8. The Power of Baby Oil

After your nails are about 60% dry, grab some baby oil. Carefully brush a thin layer over each nail. The oil helps the remaining moisture in the polish evaporate faster. 

Why does this work? The oil creates a barrier over your polish, which allows the solvents to evaporate quickly. Plus, you don’t need much. A drop is enough for 2-3 nails. 

Bonus tip: If you don’t have baby oil, you can use olive oil or even cuticle oil instead. The effect is the same.

9. UV Light Magic

If you’re willing to invest a little, a UV lamp can be a game-changer. UV light interacts with the chemicals in your nail polish to dry faster.  

While it won’t dry your nails instantly like it does with gel polish, it can reduce drying time.

Word of caution: Always use sunscreen on your hands when using a UV lamp, or get an LED lamp to avoid UV exposure.

10. The Freezer Method

This one’s for the brave. Once your nails are painted, stick your hands in the freezer for a couple of minutes. The extreme cold helps the polish set super fast. Just don’t leave them in there too long.

When you take your hands out, let them warm up slowly. Don’t run them under warm water as they could crack.

11. Hairspray Hack

Why does this work? The alcohol in the hairspray helps the polish dry quickly. Here’s how to do this: Hold the can about 6 inches from your nails and give them a light spray. 

Just make sure your nails are almost dry first, or you may end up with a sticky mess. And a pro tip? Use an unscented hairspray if you can.

12. Drying Drops DIY

Don’t want to buy drying drops? Make your own. It works almost as well as the store-bought stuff, and it’s great for your cuticles too.

To make your DIY drying drops, mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil with 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. You can pierce vitamin E capsules to get the oil. 

To use, apply one small drop to each nail after your polish is about 60% dry. Let it spread naturally and don’t rub it in.

13. The Tea Tree Oil Trick

Tea tree oil isn’t just for skin care. A tiny drop on each nail can speed up drying time. Just don’t overdo it because a little goes a long way.

To use this method, wait until your polish is about 70% dry. It’s usually about 3-4 minutes after your last coat. Then, use a small brush or toothpick and apply a tiny amount of tea tree oil to each nail. 

When I say tiny, I mean it. A single drop is enough for all ten nails. Then, let it spread naturally over your nails.

Word of caution: Tea tree oil has a strong scent that not everyone loves. If you’re sensitive to smells, you may want to skip this method.

14. Patience is a Virtue (But These Tips Help)

Okay, this isn’t really a trick, but it’s worth mentioning. Sometimes, you just need to give your nails time. Here’s why patience matters: No matter what tricks you use, nail polish needs time to harden fully. 

Your New Nail Plan

Remember, the key is to find what works best for you. Maybe you’ll love the cold water trick or the DIY drying drops. 

Whatever you choose, you can now achieve quick-drying, flawless manicures every time. So go ahead, and try out these tricks. Happy painting, and may your nails always be smudge-free.