Ava Monroe
There are several tricks to speed up the nail polish drying process, including using nail-drying products like drying drops or nail-drying spray, and dunking painted nails in ice water. One such trick that has been doing the rounds on the internet is to use cooking spray. But does it really work?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Reduces smudges and sets/dries nails faster than usual |
| Application | Hold the can about 1-2 feet away from the hand and spray each nail for about 3 seconds |
| Caution | May not dry the bottom layers of nail polish |
| Alternative Options | Quick-drying base and top coats, cold water submersion, nail-drying spray, and hairdryer with a cool setting |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking spray only dries the top coat
If you're looking for a quick fix to dry your nails, you may have come across the tip to use cooking spray. This hack has been doing the rounds on Pinterest and Reddit, but does it work? Well, it's a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.
When you spray cooking spray on wet nail polish, it doesn't actually dry the polish underneath. Instead, it seems to form an oily coating on the surface, drying the top layer faster. However, this doesn't mean that your nail polish is completely dry. The underlayers are still wet, so you can still dent or smudge your nails.
So, if you're thinking of using cooking spray, it's important to note that it's not a magic solution. It might help speed up the drying process a little, but it won't completely replace the need for patience or a proper quick-dry top coat. You also have to be careful not to get cooking spray all over your fingers, which can be unpleasant and messy.
If you want to give it a try, hold the can about 1 to 2 feet away from your hand and spray each nail for about 3 seconds. Then, gently wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residue. It's a good idea to test it on one nail first, as some people have reported that the top layer of polish can shift or become uneven after using cooking spray.
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Other oils work similarly to cooking spray
If you don't have cooking spray on hand, don't fret! There are other oils that can help speed up the nail-drying process. Coconut, olive, and baby oil can be used in a similar fashion to achieve faster drying times. Simply apply the oil over your nail polish, and it will get absorbed into the formula, thinning out the polish and aiding in quicker drying. Remember to hold the oil at a little distance from your nails and then wash your fingers with cold water afterward to remove any sticky residue.
Baby oil, in particular, has been recommended by nail experts for its effectiveness in drying nails quickly. It can be used as a substitute for cooking spray and applied directly to the nails. The oil helps to thin out the polish, allowing it to dry more rapidly.
Essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, or citronella, can also be used. Fill a small bowl with your chosen essential oil and dip your nails inside for about a minute. This method harnesses the power of lubrication to speed up the drying process, similar to cooking spray.
Additionally, cuticle oil is another option that can help reduce friction and make smudges less likely. While it may not dry your nails as quickly as cooking spray, it is a less greasy alternative that still aids in the drying process while providing nourishment to your cuticles.
It's important to note that while these oils can help accelerate the drying process, they primarily work on the top layer of the nail polish. The underlayers may still be wet, so be cautious and allow sufficient drying time before resuming your regular activities.
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Cold water can help nails dry faster
While some people have recommended using cooking spray to dry nails faster, there are other methods that can be used, such as cold water.
If you are using the cold water method, it is important to let the polish set a little before putting your hands in the water, otherwise, it may smudge. Some people recommend waiting about a minute or two, while others suggest waiting 5 minutes. It is also important to use a gentle to moderate flow of water.
In addition to cold water, there are other methods to dry nails faster. One is to use a quick-drying top coat. Another is to use drying drops, such as OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops, which are formulated with an oil and silicone blend that absorbs the solvents in nail polish.
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Nail-drying sprays are designed to dry nails quickly
While some people have tried using cooking spray to dry their nail polish faster, the results have been mixed. Some people report that it does help to set the polish faster, while others have found that it doesn't make a significant difference. Additionally, it can leave a residue on the nails and fingers, which can be unpleasant and may even cause the top layer of polish to shift.
Nail-drying sprays, on the other hand, are specifically designed to speed up the drying process for nail polish. These sprays are formulated with ingredients that help to absorb the solvents in nail polish, leading to quicker drying times. Many nail-drying sprays also have added benefits, such as hydrating and moisturising cuticles.
One popular nail-drying spray is the ONYX Professional No More Smears Nail Dry Spray. This spray is designed to significantly reduce drying time, leaving nails smooth and smudge-proof. It is infused with a refreshing island coconut fragrance and is enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, and Aleurites Molucca seed oil to moisturise cuticles and nails.
To use a nail-drying spray, simply complete your nail art, shake the can, and hold it about 6 to 8 inches away from your nails before spraying. This will help to ensure an even and effective application.
While nail-drying sprays can be very convenient, it's important to note that some people have reported mixed results with quick-dry products in general. Some people find that quick-dry top coats or drops work better for them, as sprays may sometimes lead to staining or uneven drying. Ultimately, the best method may vary from person to person, and it may be worth experimenting with different options to find the most effective solution for your needs.
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Quick-drying base and top coats can cut drying time
While some people have tried using cooking spray to dry their nails faster, it is not the best method. The cooking spray does not dry the nail polish itself but instead leaves an oily coating on the top layer of the nail polish, which can be washed off. This can lead to the top layer of nail polish shifting and sliding off the nail.
A better alternative is to use quick-drying base and top coats. While it may seem like marketing jargon, products labelled with "rapid speed", "fast-drying", and "express dry" actually work. These products can cut your drying time in half, making your manicures quick and easy.
If you don't have access to quick-drying nail polishes, there are other methods you can try to speed up the drying process. One method is to use drying drops, such as OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops, which are formulated with an oil and silicone blend that absorb the solvents in nail polish, causing it to dry faster. You can also use nail-drying sprays, such as Demert's Nail Enamel Dryer, which dries nails while hydrating cuticles.
Additionally, you can try running your nails under cold water or submerging them in a bowl of ice water. The cold temperature helps the thickeners in the polish settle faster, causing it to dry more quickly. Just be cautious when using this method, as it may not fully dry the bottom layers of polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cooking spray can help dry nails faster. However, it only dries the top coat, and the under layers may still be wet. It is recommended to hold the can about 1 to 2 feet away from your hand and spray each nail for about 3 seconds.
The oil in the cooking spray gets absorbed into the nail polish formula and works on thinning out the polish, helping it to dry more quickly.
Yes, there are several other methods to dry nails faster. Some alternatives include using a nail dryer, a hairdryer on a cool setting, or nail-drying drops.
