Do your freshly painted nails smudge before they dry? I know, it just ruins the look. But what if I told you there’s a simple, everyday hack to help your nail polish dry faster? Yep, it’s hairspray.
How Does It Work?
Hair spray works on your nails the same way it does on hair. It speeds up the drying process of nail polish by creating a thin, protective barrier on the surface. The alcohol in hairspray evaporates quickly, taking some of the nail polish solvent with it. This way, your nails will set faster and less prone to pesky smudges.
Steps to Use Hairspray for Drying Nail Polish
To avoid smudges and dents, here is how to use hairspray to properly dry out nail polish.
- Apply your nail polish as you normally would.
- Give your nail polish about a minute to settle.
- Hold the can of hairspray about 6-8 inches away from your nails and give them an even spritz.
- Allow the hairspray to dry for a minute or two.
- Wash your hands with cold water after your nails have dried.
Mistakes to avoid
These 5 mistakes can prevent the hairspray from drying out the nail polish quickly.
1. Using Too Much Hairspray
Over-spraying can create a sticky residue, making it harder for the nail polish to dry properly.
2. Spraying Too Close
Holding the hairspray too close to the nails can cause uneven coverage and bubbles in the polish.
3. Using Non-Alcohol-Based Hairspray
Alcohol-based hairsprays evaporate quickly. This means they dry out the nail polish quickly compared to the non-alcohol-based hairspray.
4. Being in a hurry
Spraying hairspray immediately after applying nail polish can cause smudging. It’s important to let the nail polish set for a minute before using hairspray.
Skipping the Final Step
Not washing hands after the hairspray has dried can leave a sticky residue, which can attract dirt and affect the nail finish.
How do you get the best results?
To get the best results, use an alcohol-based hairspray. A light, even mist from about 6-8 inches away should do the trick. After spraying, let your nails sit for a minute or two, then rinse your hands to remove any sticky residue.
Conclusion
Hairspray is a fantastic, quick solution when you need your nails to dry fast. Properly dried nail polish is less prone to chipping and peeling, making the manicure last longer. Just give your freshly painted nails a quick even spritz with hairspray, and you’ll notice the polish setting faster.