One of the most frustrating parts of getting your nails done is thinking you have allowed enough time for them to dry, running out the door, getting in your car, only to find that you have smudged what moments ago was a beautiful manicure. It takes time and patience to sit in the salon after your nails are done waiting while your polish dries, and this is when times seems to pass incredibly slowly. Usually you decide to leave when your patience runs out, not when your nails are thoroughly dry. Here are four great tips to help nail polish dry faster:
- Super cold water: Before you start painting your nails, fill a small bowl up with ice cubes and cold water. Once nails are painted, dip your hands into the bowl of freezing water. This will help set the polish. If you are at a nail salon and do not have access to ice cubes, just place your hands under cold water for about a minute.
- Cold air: Your hairdryer works just as well as a salon’s nail dryer. All you have to do is set your hair dryer to the cool setting and blast your freshly painted nails with cold air.
- Spray: Nail drying sprays work extremely well. They are not hard to find and can be purchased at your local drug store. But what works just as well is any type of cooking oil spray such as PAM—yes PAM! Just be sure that you wash your hands a few minutes after you spray your hands with it.
- Thinner the better: Try doing three thin coats of polish rather than two thicker coats. Make sure you wait a few minutes in between coats. This allows the polish to dry evenly and faster.
