We've all been there. Freshly painted nails, feeling fabulous...and then, the dreaded waiting game. How long *does* nail polish take to dry? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a simple one.
Typically, a standard polish takes around 20-30 minutes to become 'touch dry'. This means the surface is firm enough to handle light contact, but still susceptible to smudges. Complete drying, where your nails are truly chip-resistant, can take up to a few hours!
Several factors influence drying time: the thickness of the coats, the type of polish, and even the humidity in the air. Quick-dry top coats and drying drops can significantly speed up the process. Thinner coats dry faster than thick globs, and opting for quick-dry formulas is always a smart choice.
Pro Tip: After about 30 minutes, test a single nail by lightly tapping it. If it feels firm and doesn't leave an indent, you're likely good to go! Just remember to be gentle for the next couple of hours to ensure a long-lasting, flawless manicure.
