Are you feeling frustrated because your nail polish won’t dry? You must be tired of getting to the end of your manicure, only to find that your nails are still soft and tacky. Drying your nail polish is an essential part of the manicure process, and it’s essential that you get it right. But why won’t your nail polish dry? Don’t worry, there are some troubleshooting tips and tricks that you can use to help you out. From proper application techniques to help nail polish drying products, we’ll go over all the different ways you can get that nail polish to set. So grab your favorite shades and get ready to learn how to make sure that your nail polish stays put.
Why Won’t My Nail Polish Dry?
- Maybe the polish is too thick or too thin. Try using a thinner or thicker coat of polish, respectively.
- Maybe the polish is old and needs to be replaced.
- Maybe the nails are dirty and the polish won’t adhere to them. Clean the nails with a brush and water, then apply the polish.
- Maybe the nails are dry and can’t absorb the polish. Apply a topcoat over the polish to help it adhere better.
- Maybe there is too much humidity in the air and the polish won’t dry properly. Try leaving the bottle of polish open in a cool, dry place for a few hours to see if that helps. If not, try using a different type of nail polish that is known to dry faster in high-humidity environments.
- Maybe there is something blocking the nail from absorbing the polish properly, such as a cuticle tear or hangnail. Remove any obstructions before applying the polish and wait until it’s dry before doing anything else with your nails (including wearing them out).
- Maybe you’re applying too much pressure when you put on your nail polish, causing it to chip or start peeling prematurely. Be gentle when applying your nail polish!
- Maybe you’re using the wrong type of nail polish. For example, acetone-based polishes should only be used on a clear base coat and should never be used on natural nails.
- Maybe the nail polish is too hot or too cold. Keep the bottle of polish in a cool area and avoid applying it to extremities that are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, such as your fingers and toes.
- Maybe you’re not using a topcoat. A top coat is essential for long-term protection and helps the polish to adhere better to the nails.
What Causes Nail Polish Not To Dry?
It could be that your polish is too thick or too thin. It could also be that the polish is faulty, or that your nail Polish is not properly sealed. If you’re using a top coat, it could be that the top coat is not dry enough. To fix a faulty polish, try adding a second coat of polish. If the polish is too thick, you can thin it with water or acetone. If the polish is too thin, you can add a drop of polish to a tablespoon of oil or Vaseline, and apply that to your nail. Finally, make sure your nails are properly sealed with a top coat before you go to bed.
Use A Quality Base And Top Coat
- Use a quality base and top coat. Base coats help to protect your nails from polish damage, while top coats help to give your nails a glossy finish. Look for polishes that are made with UV protection and anti-fade properties.
- Choose the right color. Make sure to choose a color that matches your skin tone and style.
- Apply thin coats of polish. A thicker coat of polish can cause your nails to become brittle and discolored over time.
- Wait for each coat to dry before applying the next one. Overdrying can cause your polish to chip or peel off your nails.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails. These chemicals can damage your nails and cause them to become brittle and discolored over time.
- Avoid using too much polish at one time. Too much nail polish can make it difficult to remove later on, leading to nail damage and frustration.
- Use a cuticle pusher occasionally when applying polish to avoid pushing too hard on the nail and causing damage or breakage of the nail bed below the cuticle area
- Keep your nails clean and dry. Washing your hands regularly and using a quality nail polish remover can help to prevent polish from staining your nails and causing them to become brittle.
- Avoid wearing artificial nails if possible. These nails can also damage your natural nails over time.
- Use a light hand when applying nail polish. Too much pressure can cause your nails to split, chip, or peel off.
Other Tips For Drying Nail Polish
1. Moisture is the Enemy
Moisture is the number one enemy of nail polish. If you have any moisture on your nails, it will cause your nail polish to become waterlogged and will start to chip and peel. To prevent this from happening, make sure to dry your nails thoroughly after applying your nail polish.
2. Don’t Overdo It with the Base Coat
Applying a base coat can help your nail polish last longer, but make sure to only use a light coat. Too much base coat can make your nails difficult to apply and remove later on.
3. Don’t Skip the Top Coat
A top coat is essential for protecting your manicure from chipping and peeling. Without a top coat, your manicure will eventually start to wear away due to the elements and everyday wear and tear.
4. Don’t Skimp on the Colors
Choosing the wrong color for your nails can be disastrous. Make sure to choose a color that matches your skin tone well so that the color will look consistent throughout the entire mani/Pedi.
5. Be Patient while they Dry Time
Although drying time may vary depending on the type of nail polish you are using, it should generally take around two hours for regular nail polishes to dry completely.
6. Don’t Try to Remove Them with Water
Water can cause damage not just to your nails, but also to the surrounding areas of your nails if you try too hard to remove them with it. Instead, use a remover that is specifically designed for nail polish removal, or try using acetone or ethyl acetate instead
7 . Give Them Some Time in the Sun
If you don’t have access to a UV lamp, you can still speed up the drying process by leaving your nails out in direct sunlight for a few hours
8 . Use an Acetone-Free Remover
Acetone-free removers are more gentle on the skin and are less likely to cause damage
9 . Try Using an Accelerant
Using an accelerant can help speed up the drying time by increasing the evaporation of the solvent
Conclusion
At the end of the day, drying your nail polish properly is an essential part of the manicure process. You can keep your nails looking fresh and fab with the right nail polish application techniques. Make sure that you’re using a high-quality base and top coat to help your nails last longer and prevent staining. You can also use a variety of quick drying techniques to help speed up the drying process. At the end of the day, you don’t have to be frustrated by a wonky manicure. With the right nail polish application techniques and nail polish drying products, you can get your nails to set faster.
