Tips for drying nail varnish more swiftly.

A straightforward method to expedite the drying of nail varnish involves briefly immersing the fingertips in cold water. The cold promotes the solidification of the varnish by accelerating the polymerisation process, that is, it aids in the transformation of the liquid varnish into a rigid layer, due to the evaporation of solvents and the gradual hardening of the resins contained in the nail varnish. Contrary to what one might fear, immersing freshly varnished nails in water does not displace the material, provided that the layer is applied evenly and any friction is avoided. For optimal results, wait approximately 30 seconds after applying the varnish, then immerse 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 too long to avoid weakening your skin.

Less well-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 varnish. Just like cold water, this action does not alter the freshly applied manicure, provided you wait about thirty seconds after applying the varnish layer. Moreover, by forming a barrier against dust, the oil prevents accidental marks and reduces the risk of micro-bubble formation under the varnish. It also protects the skin around the nail, often sensitised by nail varnish removers, and nourishes it.

It is also possible to use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process of nail varnish. This simple method accelerates the evaporation of nail varnish solvents, which are responsible for the fluidity of the varnish. 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 varnish, cause bubbles, or even make it migrate. Cold air, on the other hand, facilitates the polymerisation of the nail varnish compounds. To speed up the drying of your nail varnish with a hairdryer, hold the device about 20 cm from your hands and make circular movements to distribute the air flow. After one to two minutes, the varnish should have dried.

If you're often in a hurry or lack patience, you might find "quick-drying" nail varnishes appealing. These are formulated to form a dry film in just a few minutes, relying on a chemical optimisation of their composition. The difference primarily lies in the choice of solvents. These varnishes 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 varnishes even contain polymers that react to ambient humidity to harden more quickly.

Quick-drying nail varnishes 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 varnish. With a few sprays, it accelerates the surface setting of the varnish 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 varnish. These sprays do not act by modifying the chemical structure of the varnish but by optimising its drying. They temporarily reduce surface moisture and form a barrier that limits the adhesion of dust. For maximum effectiveness, it is advised to wait a few seconds after applying the varnish, then spray about ten centimetres from the nails. The action is quick, contactless and does not risk displacing the nail varnish.

The golden rule for quick drying and a neat manicure: apply several thin layers of nail varnish 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 varnish to the nail's keratin. This also promotes better durability over time, with less risk of premature chipping of the nail varnish. Therefore, before applying the varnish to your nails, it is good to lightly scrape one side of the brush against the bottle neck then apply the material in three strokes, first in the centre then on each side. Wait a few minutes before applying the next layer.