Are you tired of waiting for your gel nail polish to dry but don’t have access to a UV light? Fret not!
In this article, I am going to share practical techniques to dry your gel nail polish at home without the need for specialized equipment.
Whether you’re looking to save time or prefer a DIY approach, these methods will have your nails looking flawless and ready to show off in no time.
How long does it take for gel polish to dry without UV light?
When using an LED light, gel polish typically takes around 30 seconds to 2 minutes to cure and dry thoroughly. The LED light activates the photoinitiators in the gel polish, allowing it to harden and set faster.
How do you dry gel nail polish without UV light?
Suppose you find yourself in a rush and lacking a UV light. If you are still eager to hurry the drying process of your gel nail polish at home without seeking professional help, fret not! There are several solutions you can try to achieve faster drying times right in the comfort of your own home.
Methods for Drying Gel Nail Polish without UV Light:
1. Using a Hairdryer
If you are without a UV light, you can still expedite the drying process using a hairdryer.
• Set your hairdryer to the ‘cool’ setting and hold it approximately 6 inches from your nails.
• Move the hairdryer around in a back-and-forth motion, ensuring all sides of your nails receive excellent airflow.
• Continue drying with the hairdryer for 3-5 minutes or until the gel polish is thoroughly dried. The cool air helps evaporate the solvents in the gel polish, promoting faster drying.
2. Dipping Your Nails in Cold Water
A practical method to speed up drying involves submerging your nails in cold water.
• Fill a bowl with cold water and add a few ice cubes to make it more complicated if desired.
• After applying the gel polish, please wait for a few minutes to let it partially air dry.
• Submerge your nails in the cold water for 2-3 minutes, allowing the low temperature to harden the gel polish and speed up the drying process.
• Repeat the process every few minutes until your nails are dehydrated.
3. Using a Fan
Harness the power of airflow with a fan to dry your gel nail polish.
• Position a fan in front of your nails, ensuring it is set to a low or relaxed setting.
• Hold your nails in front of the fan and allow the constant airflow to dry them.
• Keep your nails in the path of the fan for 5-10 minutes or until the gel polish is thoroughly dried.
• The consistent airflow helps evaporate the solvents in the gel polish, aiding in faster drying.
4. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol as a drying agent to expedite the drying process.
• After applying the gel polish, soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol.
• Gently rub the alcohol-soaked cotton over each nail, ensuring thorough coverage.
• The rubbing alcohol acts as a drying agent, assisting in moisture evaporation from the gel polish.
• Allow the nails to air dry thoroughly, ensuring that the alcohol is fully evaporated before considering them dry.
5. Applying a Gel Top Coat
• After applying the gel polish, apply a thin layer of gel top coat over the nails.
• Follow the instructions provided with the gel top coat for application and drying time.
• The gel top coat adds shine and protection to your nails while aiding in speeding up the drying process.
Video: Gel nail polish drying tutorial
Watch this helpful tutorial to learn different techniques for drying gel nail polish without UV light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drying Gel Nail Polish without UV Light
1. Insufficient Drying Time
One of the most prevalent mistakes is not allowing the gel polish to dry enough time. Rushing the process can lead to smudging or uneven drying. Be patient and follow the recommended drying times for each method you use.
2. Thick Application of Gel Polish
Avoid applying thick layers of gel polish to hurry the drying process. Wide applications take longer to cure, resulting in extended drying times and a higher risk of an uneven finish. Instead, opt for thin and even coats for faster and more consistent drying.
3. Skipping the Base Coat
Skipping the application of a base coat is a common oversight that can compromise the longevity and quality of your gel manicure. The base coat enhances adhesion, allowing the gel polish to adhere better to the nails. Don’t underestimate the importance of this crucial step.
4. Using Old or Expired Gel Polish
Using outdated or expired gel polish can yield disappointing results. Over time, the quality and effectiveness of gel polish can deteriorate, affecting its drying properties. Focus on checking your gel polishes’ end dates and replacing any past their prime.
5. Neglecting Proper Nail Preparation
Preparing your nails sets the foundation for successful drying. Neglecting this step, such as failing to clean the nails, remove oils, or buff the nail surface.
This can hinder the adhesion of the gel polish and impede the drying process. Take the time to prepare before applying the gel polish.
6. Applying Gel Polish on Wet or Damp Nails
Moisture on the nails can interfere with the drying process of gel polish. Ensure your nails are dehydrated before application to avoid smudging or prolonged drying times. Take a moment to dry your nails before initiating the process.
7. Excessive Application of Gel Top Coat
While a gel top coat can hurry to dry, applying too much can result in extended curing times or a sticky residue.
Opt for a thin and even layer of the gel top coat to achieve optimal results. Avoid excessive application that may hinder the drying process.
Bottom Line: Recommended Method
I would say the best method is to use a gel top coat. It’s quick, easy, and effective. Plus, it will help protect your nails from smudging. I hope this article was helpful. Thanks for reading!
Maya serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Beauty section of HealthMagazineLab.com, bringing decades of industry expertise to uphold standards of accuracy and reliability for the publication’s millions of monthly readers seeking the latest beauty insights.