How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry? We Got a Definitive Answer
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Reviewed by Evelyn LimFact checked by Anna Harris
We've all been there: A last-minute date pops up and you can't bare the sight of those naked cuticles or, possibly far worse, that once-fresh manicure is chipped or smudged. It's almost inevitable, the natural order of universal law. And it leaves you wondering just what it will take to get budge-proof varnish.
We did the research and spoke with three nail experts—Cyndi Ramirez, Georgia Rae, and Jessica Tong—to get a definitive answer to an age-old question: How long does it actually take for nail polish to dry? Keep reading to find out how patient you'll need to be for a dent-free mani.
Meet Our Expert
Cyndi Ramirez is the founder and CEO of the New York-based spa Chillhouse.
Georgia Rae is a London-based manicurist known for her work in the fashion editorial industry.
Jessica Tong is a brand ambassador for nail and beauty brand Smith & Cult.
How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry Completely?
It should take 45 minutes to an hour for your nails to dry completely if you've applied a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat, Rae tells us. "Formaldehyde-free polishes may take more time to dry," she notes. However, most nail polishes with dry enough for you to resume normal tasks like texting after about 20 minutes.
"Polishes can dry in a timely fashion as long as they are applied thinly and evenly on a clean surface and topped with a proper topcoat," says Tong. The operative words here are thin and evenly. She recommends Smith & Cult's Basis of Everything ($18) base coat and Above it All ($18) top coat for a swift dry.
How to Dry Nails Faster
Wash off extra cuticle oil: "Don't leave your hands too greasy or oily before you apply polish," advises Ramirez. "It will most definitely chip or start bubbling."
Always apply a base coat: Rae emphasizes that no matter what is needed for your desired look, don't skip your foundation.
Keep the application as thin as possible: If you're short on time, Rae swears by a sheer manicure. "You can apply less product, which means quicker drying time," she notes.
Don't use old, sticky polish: Ramirez says to avoid using polish older than six months. If it has a thick consistency, this usually indicates that it is past its prime.
Rely on a good top coat: "If you are very short on time, I recommend the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($8)," recommends Rae.
Use a quick dry oil or a nail drying spray: Both products lock in moisture and protect your nails from smudging.
Run nails under cold water: You can also submerge your fingers in ice water for about three seconds; the manicurists say the temperature difference will keep the color in place. But be sure to take care when drying your hands and nails afterward—use paper towels rather than a hand towel, as the fabric may still stick to your nail polish.
Related: 14 Ways to Make Nail Polish Dry Faster, Directly From Nail Techs
Byrdie Tip
Choose fast-drying, long-lasting nail polish enriched with vitamins. A manicure will always last better on healthy nails.
How to Maintain Your Manicure
Making it safely on the other side of a two-hour drying time doesn't always guarantee smudge- and dent-free nail polish. To help your manicure last longer, Rae suggests wearing gloves when cleaning. "The chemicals in detergents can dry out the polish, causing it to crack, and will also dry out the natural nail," she explains.
She also recommends applying cuticle oil or balm two to three times a day or as much as possible. "It keeps the nail, cuticle, and surrounding skin hydrated, especially [after] excessive hand washing and sanitizing," she says. "I recommend the Navy Professional Cuticle Balm ($17)." To maintain a nice color and shine, refresh your top coat every few days until your next mani.
The Final Takeaway
There's one tip nearly all nail artists agree on: Don't rush. Manicures are a great time to relax and enjoy some self care. "Some people take showers or go to the gym afterward. Don't do that," Ramirez says. For best results, polish your nails when you have time to let them dry completely.
Learn More: 14 Ways to Make Nail Polish Dry Faster, Directly From Nail Techs
