Salon customers often wonder when their nails will be completely dry after a manicure. The confusion arises from various experiences of smeared nails due to premature touching or contact with objects. To clear up the confusion, we consulted professional nail artists who provided us with valuable insights.
Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon Nail Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer Line, explained the composition of nail polish, which includes solvents, polymers, pigments, and resins. The drying process occurs as the solvents evaporate, starting from the outer layer and progressing inward. This is why nails may feel dry to the touch but still be vulnerable to damage.
Determining the exact drying time for nails is subjective, as different experts have varying opinions. It’s important to note that being “dry to the touch” and being completely dry are two different states. Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of Sundays Studios, emphasized the importance of allowing the layers underneath the surface to fully set. She advised against any activities that could imprint or damage the nails during this time.
Opinions on drying times range from 15 minutes to 24 hours. Thea Green, founder of Nails.Inc, recommended waiting 15 minutes before engaging in heavy-handed activities. Nail artist Hang Nguyen suggested that 10-15 minutes is enough for the polish to feel dry to the touch, but it may take 1-2 hours for it to fully dry. Britney Tokyo and Lin mentioned that 20 minutes is a good point at which nails are safe to touch. However, a proper manicure or pedicure usually takes around six hours to fully set. Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood, stated that regular lacquer may take up to 24 hours to be completely dry.
To achieve faster drying, certain techniques can be helpful. Begin by ensuring that your nails are free of any oils before applying polish. Storing the polish in the fridge can help create a smoother application. Apply two thin layers of polish, allowing each layer to fully dry before applying the next. Avoid using quick dry drops immediately after applying nail polish, as they can delay the drying process.
Some hacks may offer temporary solutions but have drawbacks. Quick dry sprays or oils, though they can speed up drying on the surface, may not fully dry the nail polish. Hair dryers on the coolest setting and slowest speed can be used cautiously to avoid air bubbles or smudges. Setting nails with hairspray may also be useful when time is limited. Alternatively, dunking nails in cold water or using a fan can help speed up drying.
There are also several quick-dry products recommended by nail artists. These include:
1. CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish: A fast-drying polish that doesn’t require a base coat.
2. CND SolarSpeed Spray: Sets nail polish in seconds.
3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat: Dries any nail color in 30 seconds and provides no-chip shine for up to 10 days.
4. Nails.INC 45 Second Speedy Gloss: Strengthens nails and extends wear time.
5. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat: Guarantees no yellowing, strengthens nails, and prevents chipping and peeling.
6. Orly Sec N’ Dry Quick-Dry Topcoat: Accelerates nail drying, delivers shine, and prevents smudging and nicking.
7. Dazzle Dry Nail System: A polish system that dries in five minutes, lasts 10-14 days, and is easily removable.
Remember to select products that work best for you and take into account the specific needs of your nails.
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