We all know that gel nail polish needs to be cured, but what happens when the LED lamp is broken or you can’t use a UV lamp because you are traveling, but still need to dry your gel nails? Well, let’s see if you can dry gel nail polish with a hair dryer. Or are there other methods to help you dry your gel polish without UV light?
I have all the answers you’re asking right here. Once you’ve read through this comprehensive article, you’ll have the knowledge you need to start making those nails beautiful from the comfort of your own home.
Table Of Content:
| How Does Nail Polish Work With UV Light? |
| Why Doesn’t Gel Nail Polish Dry Like Regular Polish? |
| How Does Gel Nail Polish Dry? |
| Can Gel Nail Polish Be Dried With A Hair Dryer? |
| What Is An Ice Water Dip Dry Gel Nail Polish? |
| What Can You Do To Cure Gel Nails Without An LED Lamp? |
| Will Sit In The Sun Help Dry Out Gel Nails? |
| How Long Does It Take For Gel Nail Polish To Dry Completely? |
| How To Make Your Gel Nails Dry Faster? |
| Do Quick Dry Nail Polish Sprays Speed Up The Drying Process Of Gel Nail Polish? |
| Are Gel Polish UV Lamps Harmful To Hands? |
How Does Nail Polish Work With UV Light?
When choosing a nail polish to cure under a UV lamp, make sure you buy gel polish. Gel polish is specially formulated with photoinitiators that allow it to set and harden when exposed to UV light.
When photoinitiators are exposed to UV light, particles called free radicals are released. It is then that these free radicals kickstart the reaction with the resins of the gel, a change called polymerization.
Without getting too scientific, in order for a UV lamp to cure a set of nails, it needs a specially formulated gel polish with these compounds within to be effective. Don’t go out and just buy any type of gel polish, not all contain these chemicals, however, most do so ensure you check the labels before you purchase.
Why Doesn’t Gel Nail Polish Dry Like Regular Polish?
Gel nail polish has become a popular choice for many women who want long-lasting, professional-looking nails. Unlike regular nail polish, gel nail polish is cured with UV or LED light, which helps to set the polish and prevent chipping, thanks to the UV light. However, this curing process also means that gel nail polish can take longer to dry than regular polish.
In some cases, the gel can take up to 30 minutes. nail polish to fully cure. However, most women find the wait worth it, as gel nail polish can last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling.
Also, gel nails are less likely to be damaged by water or detergents than regular nails. As a result, gel nail polish is a great option for those who want beautiful, long-lasting nails.
How Does Gel Nail Polish Dry?
Gel nail polish is a type of lacquer that requires a curing process under ultraviolet or LED light. Gel polish is thicker than regular nail polish, but is applied in a similar manner. When gel polish is exposed to light, it hardens and sets within minutes.
This makes gel polish a great option for those who want a long-lasting manicure. Gel polish can be easily removed with acetone, making it a more user-friendly option than traditional acrylic nails.
While gel polish has many benefits, it is important to note that it must be applied correctly to achieve the desired results. If you are new to gel polish, be sure to seek the help of a professional manicurist or nail technician at the nail salon, as, with proper care, your gel manicure on your natural nails can last for weeks.
Can Gel Nail Polish Be Dried With A Hair Dryer?
While traditional nail polish dries relatively quickly, gel nail polish requires a UV or LED nail lamp to cure the polish to achieve the desired effect. This can be time-consuming and many people are eager to find a faster way to dry their gel nails.
A popular method is to use a hair dryer. While this may speed up the drying process, it is important to note that blow dryers can cause gel nail polish to become brittle and crack.
The heat from a hair dryer can cause gel polish to lose its shine. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using a hair dryer to dry gel nail polish. UV and LED lamps may take longer but will result in a much better-finished product.
What Is An Ice Water Dip Dry Gel Nail Polish?
When you want your gel nail polish to dry quickly, you may be tempted to put your nails in a bowl filled with ice-cold water. However, using cold water or a container of ice cubes is not an effective way to speed up the drying process.
Ice water will actually cause the gel polish to harden too quickly, leading to a poor finish. Cold water can cause the enamel to crack and chip. If you need to speed up the drying time of your gel nail polish, try using portable UV lights or LED lights designed for curing gel nails.
These lamps emit ultraviolet or blue light, which helps speed up the curing process. By curing your nails under one of these lamps for just a few minutes, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure without the risk of damaging your nails, which is much more effective than ice water.
What Can You Do To Cure Gel Nails Without An LED Lamp?
Applying a fresh coat of gel nail polish is the perfect way to achieve a long-lasting manicure. However, curing polish under an LED or UV light can be time-consuming, and sometimes access to one is inconvenient.
Fortunately, there are a few methods you can use to dry your gel nails without a lamp. One option is to wait for the gel polish to air dry. This usually takes about 30 minutes but can take longer depending on the thickness of the polish and the humidity levels in the room.
You can also speed up the process by using a hair dryer in the cold setting or by holding your hands in front of the open freezer door. Another method is to soak your nails in ice water for 3-5 minutes. This will harden the gel polish and help prevent smudging. With a little patience, you can still achieve salon-worthy nails without an LED lamp.
Will Sit In The Sun Help Dry Out Gel Nails?
We all know that sitting in the sun can make our nails dry and brittle. However, you may be wondering if the sun’s rays can really help heal gel nails. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The sun’s UV rays will not penetrate through gel polish or cure it. In fact, exposing your nails to sunlight can cause the polish to turn yellow and fade. If you want to achieve a long-lasting manicure, it’s best to continue curing your nails under a UV or LED lamp.
How Long Does It Take For Gel Nail Polish To Dry Completely?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the thickness of the polish and the type of lamp you are using. If you are using a UV lamp, it normally takes about 2 minutes for the polish to fully cure.
For LED lamps, the curing process time is usually between 30 seconds and 1 minute. However, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your nails are properly healed.
How To Make Your Gel Nails Dry Faster?
One of the biggest complaints people have with gel nail polish is that it takes forever to dry. If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for your nails to dry, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. First, make sure to apply a thinner layer of gel nail paint.
Thick coats take longer to dry, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re in a hurry. Second, use a UV or LED lamp to dry your nails. These lamps emit high-frequency light that helps speed up the drying process.
Finally, keep your nails away from fans or other sources of airflow. This will help prevent the gel polish from drying out too quickly, which can cause it to crack or chip. Using a base coat can also help speed up the process and will protect your nail beds.
Do Quick Dry Nail Polish Sprays Speed Up The Drying Process Of Gel Nail Polish?
Yes, quick-dry nail polish sprays can help speed up the drying process of your gel nail paint. These sprays work by evaporating the solvents in the polish, which helps set the color and prevents it from running.
Quick-drying sprays are available at most beauty supply stores and drugstores. Simply apply a thin layer of polish to your nails, then hold the can about 6 inches away from your nails and spray evenly.
Avoid excess polish, as that will only slow down the drying process. You can also try using quick dry drops to speed up the drying time, or something like canola oil cooking spray, which has been touted as a miracle curing method for a gel polish manicure.
Are Gel Polish UV Lamps Harmful To Hands?
UV lamps are often used to cure gel nail polish, but there is some debate as to whether they are safe. Some studies have shown that UV exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, but it is not yet clear if this risk applies to UV lamps used for gel nails.
If you are concerned about the safety of UV lamps, you can try using an LED lamp instead. LED lamps emit a different type of light that does not penetrate as deeply into the skin, which is why they are believed to be safer than UV lamps. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can use a hair dryer to dry your gel polish. While drying it with a hair dryer will work for many people, there are a few downsides. You can end up damaging your gel nails by putting too much heat on them and you may end up with dried gel that looks gross and could eventually cause you to break off the nail. Additionally, if you put too much heat on your gel polish, it might end up staining your fingers and nails.
Learn More About Can You Use UV Light For Regular Nail Polish From BeautyBeaster