Tips for drying nail polish more quickly.

A simple method to speed up nail polish drying is to briefly dip the fingertips in cold water. The cold helps to promote the solidification of the polish by accelerating the polymerization process, that is, by promoting the transformation of the liquid polish into a rigid layer, due to the evaporation of solvents and the gradual hardening of the resins contained in the nail polish. Contrary to what one might fear, immersing freshly polished nails in water does not displace the material, provided that the layer is applied evenly and any friction is avoided. For good results, wait about 30 seconds after applying the polish, then dip your fingertips in a bowl of very cold water for about a minute. You can also simply run your fingers under a stream of cold water.

Ensure not to submerge your fingers in cold water for extended periods to avoid weakening your skin.

Less known but no less effective, the use of a fluid vegetable oil, such as the sunflower oil, the jojoba oil or even the olive oil, also helps to speed up the drying of the nail polish. Just like cold water, this action does not alter the freshly applied manicure, provided you wait about thirty seconds after applying the nail polish layer. Moreover, by forming a barrier against dust, the oil prevents accidental marks and reduces the risk of micro-bubble formation under the nail polish. It also protects the skin around the nail, often sensitized by nail polish removers, and nourishes it.

It is also possible to use a hairdryer to expedite the drying process of nail polish. This simple method accelerates the evaporation of nail polish solvents, which are responsible for the polish's fluidity. Their evaporation allows the material to gradually harden on the nail. However, there is an important point to consider: you must use cold air. Indeed, hot air could disrupt the structure of the still soft nail polish, cause bubbles, or even make it migrate. Cold air, on the other hand, facilitates the polymerization of the nail polish compounds. To speed up the drying of your nail polish with a hairdryer, hold the device about 20 cm from your hands and make circular movements to distribute the airflow. After one to two minutes, the polish should have dried.

If you're often in a hurry or lack patience, you might find "quick-drying" nail polishes appealing. These are formulated to form a dry film in just a few minutes, relying on a chemical optimization of their composition. The difference primarily lies in the choice of solvents. These polishes contain highly volatile molecules, such as butyl acetate or ethyl acetate, which evaporate very quickly when exposed to air. Their formula may also include accelerating agents that reduce the surface tension of the film, allowing for a uniform and rapid drying. Some quick-drying nail polishes even contain polymers that react to ambient humidity to harden more quickly.

Quick-drying nail polishes often contain a higher concentration of solvents that can dry out the nails. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a protective base beforehand.

The drying spray is one of those clever products that simplify the application of nail polish. With a few sprays, it accelerates the surface setting of the polish and promotes the evaporation of solvents. It is often a light mist containing volatile agents, such as hydrocarbons or silicones, which solidify the surface of the nail polish. These sprays do not act by modifying the chemical structure of the polish but by optimizing its drying. They temporarily reduce surface moisture and form a barrier that limits the adherence of dust. For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to wait a few seconds after applying the polish, then spray about four inches from the nails. The action is quick, contactless, and does not risk displacing the nail polish.

The golden rule for quick drying and a neat manicure: apply several thin layers of nail polish rather than one thick one. By applying thinner layers, the evaporation of solvents is promoted, which do not have to diffuse through a thick polymer matrix in formation, resulting in more uniform hardening, and better adhesion of the polish to the nail's keratin. This also promotes better durability over time, with less risk of premature chipping of the nail polish. Therefore, before applying the polish to your nails, it is good to lightly scrape one side of the brush against the bottle's neck then apply the material in three strokes, first in the center then on each side. Wait a few minutes before applying the next layer.