Kayla Young
If you love having a perfect mani and/or pedicure, then you probably visit the nail salon to have gels or acrylics applied on a regular basis.
These days, nail polish comes in all sorts of shades and glittered formulations to make your nails dazzle
But how long do you wait between each coat of nail polish?
Most nail techs recommend waiting about 2 minutes between coats of nail polish. Read on for an explainer of how long to wait between coats of nail polish!
How Long To Wait Between Coats of Nail Polish
In order to keep your nail polish looking the best for longer, there are a few steps that you need to follow to avoid the disaster of having it not look shiny and smooth, as well as to stop it from chipping or peeling too easily.
For example, you should never give yourself a fresh manicure before taking a hot shower, because hot steamy water touching the surface of newly polished nails will cause them to smudge or bubble up.
If you need to take a bath or shower before getting ready for a big night out, for example, then you should definitely apply nail polish to your finger and toenails at least an hour beforehand to keep your manicure looking fresh.
As far as how long you need to wait between each coat of nail polish, most nail technicians advise that you wait at least two minutes before applying another layer.
The coats should be applied thinly. And while two coats should do the trick, some formulations may need three coats for the best effect.
Most nail technicians advise that you wait at least two minutes before applying another layer.
Although the color in the bottle may look really bold, and the thin layers that you apply appear really sheer, thicker coats don’t accomplish anything.
Those heavier layers will take much longer to dry, and can increase the chances of smudging your mani or pedicure.
Although the color in the bottle may look really bold, and the thin layers that you apply appear really sheer, thicker coats don’t accomplish anything.
If you choose to apply thinner coats, the polish will dry much faster, and the two-minute wait won’t test your patience! By the time you finish one hand, that time will have elapsed so that you can add another thin even coat to build up the color.
Also, even though you might think that skipping a base coat and top coat will save you time, they actually have a purpose.
Base coats help to smooth the surface of your natural nail to approve the adhesion of the polish, while also stopping your nails from absorbing the pigments and discoloring your nail beds.
Meanwhile, applying a top coat as a final step in the process will keep your nails looking smooth, shiny and chip-free for longer.
Sally Hansen Mega Strength Ultra Shine Top Coat will even strengthen your nails with its clear and shiny finish.
- It comes with a flexible brush for easy,...
- Formulated with platinum powder to...
- It provides shine and seal to protect...
- Easy-to-read label to see indoor and...
- Round bottle and cap, maximizing ease of...
Other Tips For Making Your Manicure Pop
Before you even begin your manicure, make sure that your nails are super clean. Be sure you have removed any surface dirt, natural oil, or moisture on the nail bed, even before applying your base coat to ensure that the polish won’t peel.
The polish won’t stick to a greasy surface.
After applying the base coat, and then the two to three coats of polish on your nail (and waiting for two minutes between each coat), it will take about 30 minutes for the nails to appear dry after your top coat. You can speed up this process by running your hands under very cold water for at least another two minutes.
It will take about 30 minutes for the nails to appear dry after your top coat. You can speed up this process by running your hands under very cold water for at least another two minutes.
You should be careful not to have the water run directly onto the nails, though, so as not to cause any unnecessary smudging.
With some polishes, depending on the formulation, it can take up to a full day for the polish to dry, especially if you don’t apply a top coat. So you should never give yourself a manicure before going to bed.
Final Thoughts
Polishing your nails should be a fun and creative process that gives you full control of one of your self-care routines.
And now that you know how long to wait between each coat of nail polish, you can relax and enjoy the quality of your manicures and pedicures for longer.
Just try to keep your layers thin, but with full coverage. Good luck!
