My nail polish dryers. Drying Nail Polish: Interesting Tips and Techniques

7 indispensable helpers for quickly drying nail polish.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

It copes even with heavily thickened varnishes, with complex textures and several layers applied, as if gluing them into one and drying in a few minutes. And it is better to use it precisely in these cases. On fresh and liquid varnishes, which themselves dry quite quickly, this drying can give a not very pleasant effect - slightly “pulling” the varnish from the ends.

Essie Quick-e Drying Drops

Drip drying is more convenient than drying with a brush - application takes less than a minute, and it works extremely quickly. The light oily texture additionally softens the cuticle and moisturizes the nail plate without changing the brightness of the polish. The only relative disadvantage is that such drying does not work as a varnish fixer and does not create additional coating effects.

EzFlow Speed ​​Finish

It was created for drying varnish in beauty salons using a special ultraviolet lamp. In this case, it works in literally a couple of minutes. But even at home, it noticeably speeds up drying - up to about 5 minutes. The composition contains UV filters, this could be a plus, although it is quite difficult to imagine a situation in which the varnish fades under the sun within the allotted 3-5 days of wear.

Orly Sec'n'Dry

A classic of the genre: transparent, colorless, with a special polymer that is able to “reach” the lower layers of varnish and dry them to the base. To strengthen the manicure, it is recommended to apply this drying in several layers. With this recommendation, it is better to be careful and stop at one layer - the drying goes on quite tightly, and the thicker the “layer cake” on the nails, the easier it is for the polish to chip off from their tips.

Jessica Quick Dry

The brand promises manicure durability for up to two weeks. We make an amendment: unless in compliance with all the rules that Jessica adheres to. This includes applying varnish to the inside and outside of the nail, securing the result with a coating for shine, and using drying, without which it would be quite difficult to dry fairly dense textures. Otherwise, drying does exactly what it should: it does not conflict with varnishes of other brands, speeds up the drying process and nourishes the cuticle with oil and vitamins.

INM Out The Door INM

Average winner: it took about a couple of minutes to dry two layers of varnish (this, of course, is not the promised “a matter of seconds,” but not bad either). The coating is applied in a thin and imperceptible layer, adding a slight glossy shine, but at the same time, by some miracle, it actually makes the varnish stronger. Comparing the durability of manicures with and without drying using the same varnish (Chanel), the results are encouraging: 4 days without drying, 6 with it.

Eva Mosaic Glass Shine

This coating is usually purchased to add extra shine, and already during the application process everyone is in for a surprise - it also involves drying. Moreover, it is quite effective even in comparison with venerable specialists. True, starting from about half the bottle, the texture begins to thicken and may apply unevenly, but this can be solved quite simply - the price of Glass Shine allows you to replace the thickened bottle with a new one without compromising your budget.

High tempo modern life In the metropolis, practically no free time is left for us. Therefore, every girl tries to find the most effective nail dryer so that it is convenient for her to use, there would be no unpleasant odor and, most importantly, you could save valuable time and not worry about accidentally erasing the varnish.

Cosmetic campaigns are doing their best. Hundreds and hundreds of different nail dryers are produced in the form of gel, liquid, oil; with brushes, pipettes, narrow neck dispenser. How can you choose the most useful and convenient drying option from such a variety?

It should be noted that the choice of nail dryer is a matter of taste, habit and preference. However, there are several general rules, which should be followed in order to choose the most “correct” product and make a high-quality one.

1. Drying should have a pleasant smell or no smell at all.

The fact is that we use this product at the final stage of manicure. The presence of a strong and unpleasant smell will make the entire manicure procedure unattractive. Therefore, it is important to take into account the smell, even if its presence does not directly affect the quality characteristics of the product itself.

2. The dryer should be easy to use, that is, it should have a suitable dispenser.

If liquid is poured into large quantities, then drying will be uneconomical and inconvenient to use. An ideal pipette that collects the required amount of product, easily distributed over the surface of the nail. Many people like the usual brush. In this case, the drying liquid looks like a regular one.

3. It’s more convenient if it’s two in one or even three in one, since drying can simultaneously replace both cuticle oil and a top coat that provides shine to your nails.

Such specimens already contain valuable oils in the liquid that have a nourishing and regenerating effect on the cuticle skin, softening it. This results in additional time savings.

The versatility of such a nail polish dryer will help you save a lot, since you won’t need to buy additional products for a spectacular manicure.

4. The product must be designed for at least two coats of varnish.

To achieve a spectacular manicure, we often use two layers of varnish. Not all dryers are designed for multi-layering. True, this quality can only be assessed after purchase, in practice. Ideally, a nail dryer should bond all layers of polish, including the base coat, together into a single piece.

5. Drying should have protective qualities, that is, prevent the rapid appearance of chips and peeling of the varnish.

What substances allow the liquid to act as a nail dryer?

Most nail dryers contain special polymers that penetrate the layers of polish and ensure they dry quickly. This drying creates a hard layer on the surface of the nail, preventing damage to the polish.

To help our nails overcome harmful effects chemical substances Vitamins, for example B5, as well as valuable oils can be added to the liquid. Often this is almond oil, wheat germ oil or grape seed oil.

Is it possible to do without nail drying liquid?

Of course, there are many ways to make your polish dry quickly without using it. However, their effectiveness is not 100% proven.

We list the main methods:

  • Using cold water to quickly dry the varnish.
  • Preliminary placement of a bottle of varnish in the refrigerator before starting a manicure.
  • Use a hairdryer with cold air to dry the polish quickly.

Such methods are suitable for those who are categorically against “all chemicals” and intend to use exclusively eco-friendly products in cosmetics and when choosing nail polishes.

  1. Oil drying "Essie Quick-e Drying Drops"

A fast-acting drop that not only maintains color saturation, but also cares for the nail cuticle, softening and moisturizing it. The disadvantage of this drying is that it does not fix the manicure and does not provide additional benefits to the coating.

The drying time is the same 60 seconds. The product not only performs a protective function, but also gives the manicure a shimmer due to the sparkles at the bottom of the bottle. In order for the varnish to sparkle, you just need to shake the bottle before applying drying. If it is planned classic manicure, use upper layer products without shaking.

  1. Spray from "Avon»

This minute-to-minute solution for quick drying of the coating is easy to apply, instant action and ideal protection against damage.

  1. "Quick Dry Drops"from"Oriflame"

The manufacturer assures that just one drop of this product will quickly dry the surface of the nail plate and give the manicure a salon look. This dryer is very easy to use: you just need to drop a little product into the center of the nail and wait until it spreads over the entire coating.

  1. "Insta-Dri-Anti-Chip Top Coat"from"Sally Hansen"

In addition to fast action (in three minutes you can return to your daily routine without worrying about your manicure) and ease of use (apply with another layer of varnish), the product also protects your manicure from chipping. Disadvantage – rapid change in drying consistency (thickens).

  1. « Top Coat» from LEtoile

The manufacturer of the product guarantees not only quick drying of the varnish, but also a perfectly smooth coating without bubbles or streaks. Using this dryer is the final touch to creating a flawless manicure with a glossy shine.

  1. Drying "Quick Dry" on oil based

The Jessica company invites women to use this product in order to create an impeccable manicure. The oily consistency of drying will fix each layer of coating, and the pipette-shaped brush will make the process convenient and quick.

  1. Drying from the company "Aurelia»

The product is applied as an additional coating and ensures the durability and shine of the manicure. In addition, drying will protect the varnish from cracks, chips and other damage. The color palette of the coating will remain unchanged from the moment of application.

  1. Means "Seche Vite»

It works especially well when using thickened varnishes and varnishes of complex structures. Drying time for manicure is a few minutes. It is not recommended to apply the product to fresh and liquid varnishes: drying may slightly move the coating from the edges.

  1. "Eveline-express"

The manufacturer guarantees that the coating will be fixed in exactly one minute and the manicure will last for seven days. According to numerous reviews from women, drying not only dries quickly and extends the “life” of the manicure, but also gives the nails a mirror shine and protects the coating from damage such as scratches and cracks.

  1. Drying from "Orly»

A colorless product based on special polymers, it quickly and efficiently dries even the lower layers of varnish. To consolidate the effect, you need to use drying several times.

  1. "Quick Dry Top Coat" from"OPI"

The main feature of this dryer is the non-standard hard brush, which, according to customer reviews, is very convenient to use. The product should be applied to the varnish one to one and a half minutes after applying the coating, the action time is 5 minutes.

  1. "Smart enamel" oil-based

This drying with pleasant smell not only speeds up the drying of the varnish, but also takes care of the cuticle, saturating it with the necessary moisture. True, despite the fact that the product comes in a bottle with a pipette, there is no need to talk about economical and convenient use: the oil spreads heavily over the nails.

And which one - read here.

Just recently, women never dreamed of such a thing as nail drying. It reduces the drying time of the polish and can dry even several layers of it on the nail. Today, products of this kind are available in the form of regular varnish, spray and drip.

How to use?
The drying coating is applied to the nails in the form of regular varnish. You need to put enough product on the brush so that it is enough to cover the entire surface. This clear liquid allows a woman to return to her normal lifestyle within a few minutes. It is also considered a good fixative and makes it possible to preserve the coating much longer. Other advantages include the mirror coating that forms on the nail plate and the smoothing out of imperfections that occur when applying varnish. At the same time, the price fully justifies all of the listed properties.

Spray nail drying is relatively inexpensive means. It must be sprayed onto the nail plate covered with varnish. There are sprays that dry one layer or several at a time. However, the second type, as a rule, dries only the top layer, while the rest remains soft, which breaks the coating.

Oil drying nail polish does not require precise application. The product must be applied to the last layer and wait a few minutes. It is recommended to dry each layer, and after drying, remove the oil in order to evenly apply the next one.

It is difficult to give a definite answer which nail dryer is better, since each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Seche Vite is effective with heavily thickened varnishes, as well as with complex structures and multiple layers, drying them in a few minutes. On very thin and fresh polishes, this product may slightly pull it off the ends.

Essie Quick-e Drying Drops are an oil-based drop dryer. It acts quickly, softens the cuticle and does not change the brightness of the polish. The disadvantage is that it does not have the properties of a fixative and does not create additional coating effects.

Orly- quick drying for nails, colorless, transparent, with a special polymer that can dry even the lower layers of varnish. To strengthen the manicure, it must be applied in several layers.

Insta-Dri-Anti-Chip Top Coat (Sally Hansen) - protects against chipping. It is very easy to apply (like regular nail polish). After 3-4 minutes you can already do something with your hands. The only drawback is that it starts to thicken quickly.

Smart enamel is a product with geranium oil that accelerates the drying of varnish. Instead of a regular brush, the bottle contains a pipette. The product itself has an oily base and smells pleasant. Dries quickly enough, neutralizes odor and moisturizes the cuticle. The only downside is that it is not economical and spreads a lot on the nails.

Many girls ask the question: how much does nail drying cost? The price depends on many factors. As a rule, it varies from 100 to 700 rubles.

Nail drying devices will help you avoid expensive experiments and save time. With their help, you can afford salon treatments, such as gel or shellac coating. And also after drying this way, the varnish lasts much longer and better.

An ultraviolet lamp for drying nails is considered one of the most necessary tools from nail extension specialists. Its use is relevant when it comes to gel extensions. The more powerful the drying gel nails, the faster it will harden. Ultraviolet lamps come in several types and differ in the presence (or absence) of a retractable table, fan, timer, as well as power and volume. In addition, UV professional nail drying disinfects the nail plate and adjacent skin, protecting it from fungi and infections.

An LED lamp for drying nails is an innovative device with which it is possible to achieve ideal curing of gel paints, gels, bio-gels, shellacs and acrylics. This machine is designed for a service life of up to 4 years. It does not heat up and does not have a negative effect on the skin. Its advantage is the increased polymerization speed, automatic switching on and off.

Where to buy nail dryer? These devices can be purchased in specialized stores or online stores.


A little background: I have very problematic nails. For unknown reasons, the varnish on them takes an extremely long time to dry and lasts very little (despite following all the technology)). Before, I simply didn’t paint my nails, but about a year and a half ago I was “struck” and started buying varnishes) But the problem did not go away, painting nails was a kind of ritual for me: on Sunday at 5 pm I started painting, then sat for 3 hours and watched some movie, drying the varnish (base + 2 layers), until the end of the evening I tried not to do anything serious with your hands, and still could wake up in the morning with a fabric imprint on the varnish. And even if everything dried out, it lasted for 1, maximum 2 days. You yourself understand that, in essence, this is a waste of time and I decided to try some someday special remedy for drying varnish.
My requirements: Fast drying of varnish and, if possible, prolongation of durability.

1. Smarl Enamel “Super Drying Booster”- Smart Enamel “Super-Drying” with geranium oil
This is the first product I tried. An oily liquid, uneconomical, spreads disgustingly over my fingers. It doesn’t work at all on my nails, the varnish took forever to dry. It only neutralizes the smell of the varnish as promised by the manufacturer. Not my product at all.
Grade: 2

2. Fast drying top coat essence quick dry topcoat
Second attempt and again a miss. The top coat looks like a transparent varnish, the brush is standard and comfortable. On my nails it just lays on another layer and does not help the varnish dry in any way, nor does it add durability.
Grade: 2

3. Eva mosaic glass shine mirror-like shine and durability of manicure
I read about it at a beautician, but otherwise I wouldn’t have paid attention to it, and on the packaging only somewhere in the back it says that in addition to shine, it also provides quick drying. The brush is wide, I don’t really like those. During the first minutes after application, the coating sets, but can be smudged by friction and other influences. The varnish dries completely in 20-30 minutes, which is very fast for me. Plus it gives the varnish an additional gloss. But unfortunately, it does not increase durability, and so the prices she wouldn't have it.
Grade: 5

4. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
I think everyone knows this drying. I read great amount rave reviews, which said that it dries the polish in minutes and prolongs the life of the manicure for a long time.
It has a very strong smell of some kind of glue, the brush is an ordinary, comfortable one. It can pull the polish off the ends, you need to paint the end of the nail thoroughly with it. It completely dries the polish on my nails in 30 minutes. The polish lasts a day longer (but for some reason not with all brands).
Grade: 4

This is how sad I am with my nails. In the future I plan to buy out the door from inm, if it takes 30 minutes to dry the polish, then I’m hopeless)
What kind of polish drying products do you use, and does anyone have the same problems as me?

Modern lifestyle often does not leave time for long-term care of your body. Therefore, women are looking for ways to simplify such procedures. This also applies to manicure, because nail polish takes a long time to dry, taking up valuable minutes. For this purpose, special dryers for varnish have been developed: electric or cosmetic. If we talk about manicure with gel polishes, then a nail dryer becomes simply necessary, because such a coating polymerizes only under ultraviolet or LED rays.

All electric nail dryers consist of a housing, lamps or fan and a control panel. They may differ in the presence of additional functions and systems: retractable bottom, touch display, cooling system, timer and others.

Among the main distinctive features nail dryers can be distinguished as follows:

  1. Drying principle:
    • UV lamp for drying gel coating;
    • LED lamp for some types of gel polish;
    • fan for cosmetic varnish;
    • gas-light drying (rarely used);
    • hybrid lamps: LED and CCFL (ultraviolet waves).
  2. Stationary or portable devices powered by a battery.
  3. Different power of fluorescent or LED lamps.
  4. Workspace size: for one or more fingers, one or two hands.

When choosing a nail dryer, you should pay attention to the listed features. For example, a professional manicurist needs a dryer that has high power, capable of working with different types coatings and having a spacious working area.

If at the same time he goes to the house, then portable models will be an excellent choice. For a girl who uses exclusively ordinary cosmetic varnishes, drying with a fan is necessary. And for those who prefer to do nail extensions and long-term manicures with gel polishes, you should select manicure lamps with UV or LED lighting.

Ultraviolet lamps.

The undoubted leader in sales of manicure nail dryers are UV lamps. They are built primarily according to the same type, with slight differences in functionality. The main distinguishing property of the device is the lamp power. It varies from 9 to 54 W, with the difference between them being a multiple of nine.

The time it takes to dry nails in a lamp is determined by its power. If the lamp power is low, the coating takes a long time to harden (the main layer takes up to 5 minutes). If the gel layer is not dried, the coating begins to bubble, acquire an unnatural color and peel off. In addition, exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin should not exceed ten minutes. Since the gel coating is performed in several layers, the total time of UV radiation should be considered. If sanitary standards are exceeded, the skin of the hands and nail plates may be harmed.

For home use An average power rating of 18-36 W is recommended. As a rule, such a lamp is enough to carry out a full manicure with gel polish, without exceeding the recommended nail drying time range. Ultraviolet nail dryer with a power of 54 W is often used in prestigious nail salons. The gel drying speed in these lamps is maximum, and the built-in fan prevents the device from overheating, eliminating finger burns and extending the service life of fluorescent lamps.

Advantages of UV lamps:

  • relatively low price of the device;
  • availability of various models of dryers - you can buy them even in small towns or order them online;
  • simplicity and versatility of the devices - they can be used by both professionals and amateurs.

Disadvantages of ultraviolet drying:

  • fluorescent lamps quickly fail, requiring replacement every six months or a year, depending on the frequency of use;
  • When the gel polymerizes, a burning sensation may be felt;
  • lamps require careful handling and disposal, as when broken they release harmful substances.

Is UV lamp harmful?

Many women are interested in the safety of using UV lamps. After numerous studies of ultraviolet dryers, no significant evidence of their harm was found. However, the topic is often raised that ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the skin and can cause cancer.

This controversy arose due to discussions about the dangers of UV radiation used in tanning beds. Experts say that the more powerful the lamp and the longer the exposure to radiation, the higher the risk dangerous consequences. If a woman is afraid of such a spectrum of light, then you can protect the skin of your hands with suntan lotion or use special gloves with open fingertips.

LED lamps.

An innovative gel polish nail dryer with LED lighting has a number of advantages over a device with ultraviolet radiation. Unlike conventional UV dryers, these devices do not need to change lamps, since LEDs are durable.

Another important feature is that they are absolutely safe for health and the environment. Otherwise, appearance, the functionality and operating principle of the device with LED lamps is similar to an ultraviolet dryer.

Advantages of LED lamps:

  • high speed of polymerization of the gel coating (3 minutes of UV radiation equals 20-30 seconds of LED);
  • safe for nails and hands;
  • no pulsation of light flux, safe for vision;
  • do not contain harmful chemicals and are disposed of in the usual way;
  • long term lamp services.

Disadvantages of LED lamps:

  • Not all gel polish compositions polymerize (you should choose shellac and gels marked LED);
  • high price of the device.

Dryers for regular varnish.

A nail dryer for manicures using conventional cosmetic varnishes works on the principle of a hair dryer. Conventional varnishes contain resins, film formers and pigments mixed in a solvent. When the latter evaporates in the air, a hard coating remains.

However, drying takes time, and given that the varnish is often applied in several layers, the process becomes lengthy. In order not to wait for each layer to dry, you can use special dryers, which, using cold or warm air, accelerate the process of weathering the solvent. Dryer designed for regular varnishes, not suitable for drying shellac or gel.

How to use nail dryer at home

Before starting to work with a UV or LED lamp, you should carefully read the instructions. Often the device requires connecting components. The lamps and connecting cord must be carefully inserted into the corresponding sockets of the dryer.

Before picking up an ultraviolet lamp, you need to wash them thoroughly with soap. The fat on your hands partially remains on the glass bulb of the lamp, which subsequently contributes to its overheating and failure. After connecting the nail dryer to the network, you need to turn on or make the appropriate settings for the functionality, for example, the timer.

Step-by-step guide for drying gel polish in a lamp:

  1. Before applying gel polish, you should prepare your nails for a manicure:
    • remove or push back the cuticle that has grown on the nail;
    • give the free edge of the nails the selected shape;
    • lightly sand the nail plates for better adhesion to the gel;
    • degrease the nails.
  2. The first base coat is applied in a thin layer. Dry with 18 W ultraviolet light for 1-2 minutes, with an LED dryer for 10-20 seconds.
  3. The second layer of colored gel polish is applied more thickly. Drying in a UV lamp takes 3-4 minutes, with an LED dryer - 30-40 seconds.
  4. The third layer of colored varnish is applied in the same way as the previous one.
  5. A thick top coat should be applied not only to the nail plate, but also to the ends of the nail, sealing them.
  6. Dry the coating for at least 4 minutes in a UV lamp and 40 seconds in an LED lamp.
  7. If necessary (depending on the gel polish), the sticky layer should be removed.
  8. The manicure ends with lubricating the cuticles with medicinal cosmetic oil.

Dry nails with regular polish.

This device works very simply. After the nails are painted, the dryer is turned on, which directs cold or hot air onto the surface nail plate. This way you can save up to 5-10 precious minutes for each layer. Prices for nail dryers can vary significantly. On average, the cost of UV manicure lamps and dryers with a fan is at the level of 1000-1500 rubles, and the price of an LED lamp starts from 2000 rubles.

How to quickly dry nail polish at home?

In addition to electrical appliances, you can use cosmetic or improvised products and methods that will reduce the drying time of the varnish.

Quick-drying coatings. Available in the form of sprays, smart enamel or special varnishes.

Apply to nails as a finishing coat.

Cosmetic nail dryers not only speed up the hardening time of the polish, but also give painted nails a beautiful shine. If you are allergic to such cosmetics, you can use traditional methods.

Olive oil. A well-known home method for reducing the drying time of varnish. Using a pipette, droplets of oil are placed on the painted nails. In addition to fast hardening decorative covering, olive oil promotes saturation of nails and cuticles useful substances and vitamins.

Hair dryer. As an alternative to a special device for drying nails, you can use a regular hairdryer which every woman is sure to have. When working with varnishes, you should choose a working mode with cold or warm air.

Cold water. This method was used by our grandmothers. To quickly harden the varnish, you need to put your hand in a container of cold water for 3-4 minutes.