Nail polish is a product used to decorate fingernails. Nail polish is made of a solvent, acetone, and a pigment. The solvent dissolves the pigment, which forms a film over the nails when it dries. However, a question is circulating “why is my nail polish still soft, especially after drying?
There are a few reasons your nail polish may still be soft or sticky even after it appears to dry. It may be because you applied the polish too thickly. Also, your polish may take longer to dry if you don’t use a base coat.
Lastly, the polish is old or has gone bad. Nail polish can go bad over time, especially if it’s not stored properly. If your polish is old or exposed to extreme temperatures, it may be more prone to staying soft or sticky even after it appears dry.
4 Possible Causes of Soft Nail Polish
There are several possible causes of soft or sticky nail polish, even after it appears to be dry:
1. The polish is old or has gone bad
Nail polish can go bad over time, especially if it’s not stored properly. If your polish is old or exposed to extreme temperatures, it may be more prone to staying soft or sticky even after it appears dry.
2. The humidity or temperature in the room is too high
Humidity and high temperatures can affect the drying time of nail polish. If the air is too humid or the room is too hot, the polish may take longer to dry and remain soft or sticky.
3. You didn’t allow the polish to dry fully before applying a top coat
If you apply a top coat too soon after applying the polish, it may cause the polish to remain soft or sticky. It’s important to allow the polish to dry before applying a top coat.
4. The polish was not allowed to dry completely
It’s important to give the polish plenty of time to dry completely before attempting to do anything that might cause it to come into contact with water or other substances. If the polish is still wet or partially wet when you attempt to wash your hands, it may remain soft or sticky.
What Causes Nail Polish to Remain Soft or Sticky After It Has Dried?
One of the most common problems with nail polish is that it remains soft or sticky after it’s dried. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to apply another coat of polish or use a topcoat and find that it just won’t stick to your nails. Several factors can contribute to this problem:
1. Your nail polish is too thin or thick
If you apply too thin a coat of polish, it may not dry properly, while a thicker coat will take longer to dry and may remain tacky.
2. You are using low-quality nail polish
Some brands have more additives than others, so if your brand has fewer additives and more natural ingredients, it may not dry as fast as other brands.
3. Not allowing enough drying time
You didn’t give your nails enough time to dry before applying another coat of polish or using a topcoat. If you don’t let your nails dry completely before applying another layer of polish or using a topcoat, they’ll be too wet for the new layer to stick properly.
How Can I Fix Soft or Sticky Nail Polish?
If your nail polish is soft or sticky even after it appears to be dry, there are a few things you can try to fix it:
1. Apply a quick-drying top coat
A quick-drying top coat can help seal in the polish and make it dry faster. Simply apply the top coat over the polish and let it dry completely.
2. Use a nail polish drying spray
Nail polish drying sprays are specially formulated to help your polish dry faster. Spray the product onto your nails after applying the polish, which should help the polish dry more quickly.
3. Allow more drying time between coats
If your nail polish is soft or sticky, you might haven’t allowed enough drying time between coats.
For example: if you’re applying a first coat of nail polish and then immediately applying a second coat without waiting long enough for the first to dry, your manicure will become soft or sticky.
To avoid this issue, allow more drying time between coats.
4. Remove the polish and start over
If none of the above methods work, you may need to remove the polish and start over. Use a nail polish remover to remove the soft or sticky polish, then apply a new coat of polish and be sure to use a base coat and top coat to help the polish dry faster and stay in place.
What Can I Do to Prevent Soft or Sticky Nail Polish in the Future?
Soft or sticky nail polish can be a real problem. If you’ve ever had to take your polish off before it was fully dry, or if you’ve had to deal with goopy layers of paint, you know what we’re talking about. But there are some things you can do to avoid this problem in the future. They are:
1. Use high-quality nail polish
The best way to prevent sticky nail polish is to use high-quality nail polish. If you use cheap nail polish, it won’t have the same ingredients that help keep it from getting tacky and clumpy. Try to find a brand with fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients, like those that are made with beeswax or other plant waxes.
2. Apply thin layers of polish
Apply thin, even layers of polish. You don’t want a thick layer of polish on your nails. Your nail polish should be as thin as possible so that it can dry quickly, and you don’t have to wait around for it to dry before applying another coat.
3. Don’t apply too much pressure when brushing on your nail polish
The brush should glide smoothly over your nail without leaving behind any streaks or bumps. If you get any bumps or streaks, take a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover and rub out the problem area until it’s smooth again.
Is It Possible to Speed up the Drying Time of Nail Polish?
Yes, it is possible to speed up nail polish drying time. Conventionally, your nail polish takes 20-60 minutes to dry completely. But if you want to speed up the process, then you try one of the tips below:
1. By painting your nails in light, thin layers to enable each layer to dry
Ensure you wipe off polish pieces from your applicator container and apply 2 or 3 light layers. Allow your polish to dry for about 2-3 minutes between each coat. Know that nail polish will not completely dry if you apply it in multiple layers.
Of course, we know it may take longer to apply the whole polish. However, the drying will be significantly less. Ensure you paint each nail one after the other. If you are patient in painting each nail, the first nail will be ready for its second round of coat by the time you finish painting the last nail.
2. Use a blow dryer to blow cool air for 2-3 minutes
Put on your hairdryer and select the cold air setting. Then use the dryer to run across your painted fingers for 2-3 minutes.
The cold air will effectively dry your nails quickly. Repeat the process for each nail to dry quickly. But make sure the dryer is set on the low setting before starting.
As you dry your nails, ensure you hold the dryer approximately 12 inches (30cm) above your nails to avoid damaging the nails.
If you make the mistake of holding the dryer too close or using a warm heat setting, your polish may start to ripple.
3. Place your fingers in a bowl of ice-cold water for 2-3 minutes
Give your nails at least 60 seconds to dry. Then fill a small bowl halfway with very cold water. You should also place 3-5 ice cubes for it to be effective. Then hold your painted fingertips in the ice water for 1-2 minutes before you take them off the bowl.
The cold hardens the nail polish. The reason why dipping your fingers for a brief moment is that it is a good way of getting your polish to stick.
4. Apply quick-drying nail polish products
There are numerous brands advertising nail polish as fast drying. If you use these products to paint your nails, it may speed up the drying.
5. Avoid contact with water or other substances immediately after painting
It’s important to give the polish plenty of time to dry completely before attempting to do anything that might cause it to come into contact with water or other substances.
Can the Quality of the Nail Polish I Use Impact Its Ability to Dry Properly?
Yes, the quality of the nail polish you use can impact its ability to dry properly. Nail polish comprises several different ingredients, including pigments, resins, and solvents. The quality of these ingredients can affect the performance of the nail polish.
For example, if the pigments used in the nail polish are of high quality, the polish will likely have a more vibrant color and be more resistant to fading. If the resins used are high quality, the nail polish will be more durable and chip-resistant. And if the solvents used are of high quality, the nail polish will be more effective at drying and will not become thick or clumpy over time.
It is also worth noting that the application process can impact nail polish drying time. If you apply the polish too thickly or do not allow enough time for each layer to dry before applying the next, the nail polish may take longer to dry or may not dry properly. Using a fast-drying topcoat can also help to speed up the drying process.
Is It Important to Use a Base Coat When Applying Nail Polish?
Yes, it is important to use a base coat when applying nail polish. A base coat serves several purposes:
- Protects the nails: A base coat helps to protect the nails from the potentially harmful ingredients in the nail polish, such as pigments and solvents. It can also help to prevent the nail polish from staining the nails.
- Improves adhesion: A base coat helps the nail polish to adhere better to the nails, which can improve the durability of the polish.
- Evens out the surface: A base coat can help to even out the nails’ surface, making the nail polish appear smoother and more even.
- Enhances the color: A base coat can also enhance the color of the nail polish by providing a more even canvas for the polish to be applied on.
Can Dry or Damaged Nails Affect the Drying Time of Nail Polish?
Yes, dry or damaged nails can affect the drying time of nail polish. Dry or damaged nails can be more porous and absorb the nail polish more readily, making the polish take longer to dry. In addition, if your nails are damaged or have a rough texture, the nail polish may not be able to adhere as well, which can also affect the drying time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why your nail polish may still be soft even after drying. These can include using low-quality nail polish, applying the polish too thickly, not allowing enough time for each layer to dry before applying the next, or having dry or damaged nails.
To help ensure that your nail polish dries properly and has a long-lasting finish, it is important to use high-quality nail polish and to follow proper application techniques. This includes applying the polish in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry fully before applying the next, and using a fast-drying topcoat if desired.
Read also: Do nails grow faster in water?
