OPI nail polish is one of the most popular brands in the market. With a wide range of colours and finishes, OPI nail polish is a favourite among nail enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most common questions asked by users is, “how long does it take for opi nail polish to dry?” This article aims to answer that question and provide tips on how to speed up or slow down the drying time.
Knowing how long it takes for OPI nail polish to dry is essential to achieving a perfect manicure. Applying another coat of polish or doing other activities before the polish is dry can ruin the finish and cause smudging. Therefore, understanding the factors that affect the drying time is crucial.
Factors Affecting Drying Time
Several factors affect the drying time of OPI nail polish. Understanding these factors is essential to achieving a perfect manicure.
Type of OPI Nail Polish
The type of OPI nail polish you use can affect the drying time. For instance, OPI Infinite Shine dries faster than regular OPI nail polish. The drying time for regular OPI nail polish can range from 10 to 20 minutes, while Infinite Shine can dry in just eight minutes.
Number of Coats Applied
The number of coats applied can also affect the drying time. Applying multiple coats of nail polish can increase the drying time. It’s essential to allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next coat.
The temperature and humidity of the room can also affect the drying time. High humidity can cause the polish to take longer to dry, while low humidity can cause the polish to dry too quickly. The ideal temperature for drying nail polish is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Application Technique
The application technique can also affect the drying time. Applying a thick coat of nail polish can increase the drying time, while applying a thin coat can decrease it. It’s essential to apply the polish in thin, even coats and wait for each coat to dry before applying the next one.
Normal Drying Time
The average drying time for OPI nail polish is between 10 to 20 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s essential to let the polish dry fully before doing any other activities to avoid smudging or ruining the finish. Waiting for an additional five to ten minutes after the polish appears to be dry is highly recommended.
It’s also essential to avoid touching anything or using your hands during the drying process. Doing so can cause the polish to smudge, and you will have to start the process again.
Ways to Speed Up Drying Time
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for the polish to dry naturally, several ways can speed up drying time.
Use of Quick-Drying Topcoat
Using a quick-drying topcoat can help speed up the drying time of OPI nail polish. Quick-drying topcoats contain ingredients that help the polish dry faster. Applying a thin layer of quick-drying topcoat over the nail polish can help it dry in a matter of minutes.
Applying thin coats of OPI nail polish can help speed up the drying time. Thick coats of polish can take longer to dry, and the polish may not dry evenly. Applying thin coats of polish can help the polish dry faster and result in a smooth, even finish.
Use of a Fan or Blow Dryer
Using a fan or blow dryer on the cool setting can help speed up the drying time. The cool air helps the polish dry faster, but it’s essential to keep the dryer or fan at a safe distance to prevent the polish from smudging.
However, using a blow dryer on the hot setting is not recommended as the heat can cause the polish to bubble or crack. It’s also essential to avoid using a fan or blow dryer on high settings as the force of the air can cause the polish to move and ruin the finish.
Ways to Slow Down Drying Time
If you find that your OPI nail polish is drying too quickly, there are a few things you can do to slow down the drying time.
Adding a Drop of Nail Polish Thinner
Adding a drop of nail polish thinner to your OPI nail polish can slow down the drying time. Nail polish thinner is designed to thin out nail polish and make it more manageable, which can help slow down the drying time.
Applying Thick Coats
Applying a thick coat of nail polish can also slow down the drying time. However, it’s important to note that applying a thick coat can also make the polish more prone to smudging and chipping. If you choose to apply a thick coat, make sure to allow it to dry fully before applying the next coat.
Using a base coat can also slow down the drying time of OPI nail polish. A base coat provides a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to, which can help slow down the drying time. Additionally, a base coat can help protect your nails from staining and damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how long it takes for OPI nail polish to dry is essential to achieving a perfect manicure. Several factors affect the drying time, including the type of nail polish, the number of coats applied, room temperature and humidity, and application technique. It’s important to allow enough time for the polish to dry fully before applying another coat or doing other activities to avoid smudging and chipping. If you need to speed up or slow down the drying time, there are several tips you can follow, including using a quick-drying topcoat, applying thin coats, using a fan or blow dryer, adding a drop of nail polish thinner, applying thick coats, and using a base coat. By following these tips, you can achieve a perfect manicure every time.
