Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular type of nail polish that is made up of acrylic oligomers and monomers, which bond together when placed under UV light. This process, known as curing, turns the gel into a chemical-resistant and hard coating. While gel nail polish dries very quickly under UV light, there are no shortcuts to speed up the process. However, there are alternative methods to dry gel nail polish without using a UV lamp.
Characteristics and Values of What Dries Gel Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Lamp | LED or UV |
| Lamp Drying Time | LED: 30 seconds; UV: 2 minutes |
| Number of Coats | 2 |
| Drying Between Coats | 5-10 minutes |
| Curing | The process by which gel nail polish dries |
| Curing Time | 1-2 minutes |
| Curing Each Layer | Yes |
| Air Drying | Not possible |
| No-Light Gel Polish | Exists |
| Fan | Low setting |
| Blow-Dryer | Cool setting |
| Cold Water | Yes |
| Ice Bath | Yes |
| Quick-Dry Top Coats | Yes |
| Drying Drops | Oil-based |
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What You'll Learn
Using a fan or blow dryer on a cool setting
While gel nail polish typically requires an LED or UV lamp to cure and dry, there are alternative methods to speed up the drying process. One such method is to use a fan or blow dryer on a cool setting.
Using a Fan
According to nail experts, using a fan on a low setting can help the polish firm up and
Using a Blow Dryer
Some nail experts suggest that blasting your nails with a blow dryer on the cool setting can dry your manicure faster. However, it is important to note that this method may reduce the shine of your nails and even move the polish, resulting in an uneven finish. To avoid these potential issues, it is recommended to press the cool shot button continuously while drying your nails with a blow dryer.
While these methods can help speed up the drying process for gel nail polish, it is important to remember that the most effective way to cure and dry gel polish is still by using an LED or UV lamp compatible with your chosen gel polish.
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Dipping nails in cold water
Dipping your nails in cold water can be an effective way to dry your gel nail polish. However, it's important to note that this method only helps harden the top layer of polish, and the rest of the polish will still be soft and vulnerable to smudging when you take your nails out of the water. Therefore, it is recommended that you allow for at least 30 minutes after the ice bath for your nails to dry completely.
To do an ice bath for your nails, simply fill a bowl with cold water and add a handful of ice cubes. Then, submerge your freshly painted nails in the water for around 3 to 5 minutes. Be cautious not to use a heavy stream of water as this can lead to smudging. After removing your hands from the ice water, air-dry them for about 2 minutes.
While dipping your nails in cold water can speed up the drying process, it may not be the best solution for drying the bottom layers of polish. Additionally, this method may cause your manicure to look uneven or chip faster later on. Therefore, it is recommended to apply thin, even layers of polish and dry your nails after each layer to ensure a faster overall drying time.
If you're looking for alternative methods to dry your gel nail polish, you can try using a fast-drying top coat, drying drops, or a nail-drying spray. Another option is to use a lamp, such as an LED or UV nail lamp, to cure and dry the polish. However, when using a UV lamp, it's important to minimize the amount of skin you expose to the UV radiation.
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Using a no-light gel nail polish and top coat
If you want to avoid using a UV or LED lamp to cure your gel nail polish, you can opt for a no-light gel nail polish and top coat. These are designed to air-dry and do not require any additional curing methods.
When using a no-light gel nail polish, start by applying a thin, even layer of the polish. Allow this first coat to air-dry for 5 to 10 minutes. You can speed up the drying time by using a fan on a low setting, or by running your nails under cold water. Just be sure to use a gentle flow of water to avoid smudging.
After the first coat has dried, apply a second thin coat of the no-light gel nail polish. Again, allow this to air-dry for 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a fast-drying topcoat specifically designed for this purpose, such as Le Mini Macaron's Le Sweet Top Coat, which dries faster with sunlight.
Once your second coat has dried, you can finish with the no-light gel top coat. This will give your manicure a hard gel finish and a luminous gloss. Your nails should now be dry to the touch, but for the longest-lasting protection, it is recommended to apply another coat of the top coat every three days.
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Applying thin coats of polish
Prepare the Nails
Before applying any polish, it's essential to prepare your nails properly. Start by removing any old nail polish and cleaning your nails with a nail polish remover to eliminate dust and oils. You can use a lint-free wipe or a nail polish remover pen to ensure your nails are clean and ready for the base coat.
Apply a Thin Base Coat
When applying the base coat, opt for a thin layer, leaving a small gap between the gel nail polish and your cuticle. This step helps protect your nails from staining and ensures better adhesion of the gel polish, preventing early chipping or peeling. Allow the base coat to dry before moving on to the next step.
Apply Thin Coats of Colour
When it comes to the colour coat, less is more. Take a small amount of polish on your brush and apply thin, even layers. You should be able to see through the first two or three coats. This technique ensures a smooth and uniform finish. Remember to cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying the next coat.
Thin Top Coat for Longevity
After you've achieved your desired colour opacity, apply a thin layer of top coat. Seal the free edge of your nails with the top coat to prevent chipping. Cure the top coat under the lamp, and if needed, remove any sticky residue with an alcohol wipe or a gel cleanser.
Additional Tips:
- Always read the instructions on the product's packaging to ensure you're using the correct curing technique and duration.
- Store your gel polishes in a cool, dark place to maintain consistency and prolong their shelf life.
- If you're using a UV lamp, remember to replace the bulbs every 2 to 4 months with heavy use.
- If you want to speed up the drying process, you can try using a fan or a blow dryer on a cool setting, but be cautious as this can affect the shine and evenness of your manicure.
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Using a fast-drying top coat
When choosing a fast-drying top coat, look for a formula that is specifically designed for gel nail polish. Some top coats, such as Kokoist's Ultra Glossy Non-Wipe Top Coat Gel, are compatible with gel and acrylic polishes, providing a super-shiny and long-lasting finish. If you're looking for a vegan and cruelty-free option, try Totally Gelly by Lights Lacquer. This top coat offers a gel-like, ultra-glossy finish without the need for an LED or UV lamp.
To apply your fast-drying top coat, follow these steps:
- Allow your final layer of gel nail polish to air dry for a few minutes before applying the top coat.
- Swirl the top coat brush inside the bottle and wipe off any excess polish on one side of the brush.
- Paint your nails in 2-3 strokes per coat, being careful to apply thin, even layers.
- Allow the top coat to dry for 5-10 minutes between each coat. Some fast-drying top coats may dry in as little as one minute, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
- If needed, repeat the process to add another layer of the top coat for extra protection and shine.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish dries under a UV or LED light source. The UV light emitted by the light source will ensure your nails are hardened without any chipping or smudging. LED lights work in a similar way, but the wavelengths they give off are narrower and have more energy, making the drying process quicker.
LED lamps typically take about 30 seconds to cure, and UV lamps take about 2 minutes.
No, regular gel nail polish cannot air-dry. Oxygen gets in the way of curing gel nails. The air will stop the molecules in the gel from binding together and hardening. However, there are no-light gel nail polishes that can be air-dried.
Yes, there are many other ways to dry traditional nail polish. Some of these include using a fan, a blow dryer, or running your hands under cold water.
