how to dry gel nail polish without uv light
Drying your gel nail polish can be a challenge if you don’t have access to a UV light. However, there are still several ways that you can dry your nails properly without using a UV light. Let’s discuss some tips and tricks on how to dry your gel nail polish properly, even without a UV light!
What Is Gel Nail Polish?
Gel nail polish is a type of lacquer that requires UV or LED lamp to cure. Gel polish is thicker than regular nail polish, but it is also more flexible and resilient. Gel polish is available in a wide range of colors and can last for weeks without chipping.
Many people enjoy the long-lasting wear and high-gloss finish of gel nail polish. However, gel nail polish can be more difficult to remove than regular polish, and it generally requires a trip to the salon. Overall, gel nail polish is a popular choice for those who want their manicure to last.
Why Does Gel Nail Polish Need To Be Cured With A UV Light?
Gel nail polish has become a popular choice for both professional manicures and at-home pedicures. Unlike regular nail polish, which dries through evaporation, gel polish is cured by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. But why does gel nail polish need to be cured with UV light or LED lamp, and how does this process work?
Gel nail polish is made up of a type of synthetic polymer called polyurethane. This polymer is liquid at room temperature, but it can be hardened by exposure to UV light.
When the UV light hits the gel polish, it causes the molecules in the polyurethane to cross-link, or connect to each other. This cross-linking process turns the liquid gel into a solid, durable coating.
So why is curing gel nail polish with UV light better than letting it air dry? The main advantage of using UV light is that it helps the gel polish to harden quickly and evenly.
If you were to let gel nail polish air dry, it would take much longer for it to become fully cured and would be more likely to develop bubbles or imperfections.
Curing gel nail polish with UV light is also more efficient than using heat lamps, which were once a popular method for curing gel nails.
UV light can penetrate the polish more deeply, so it hardens the polish from the inside out. This helps to prevent bubbles and creates a stronger, more durable finish.
How To Dry Gel Nail Polish Without UV Light
How to dry gel polish without UV light? It’s happened to the best of us: we’re in a rush, and we accidentally smudge our freshly applied gel nail polish. Or, we want to change our polish color but don’t have time to run back to the salon, and do the whole curing process.
Whatever the case may be, there are ways to dry your gel nail polish without using a UV light. One way is to simply wave your hand in the air for a minute or two. The gel polish will begin to set/harden from the air flow and should be dry to the touch within minutes.
Another way is to use a household fan pointed directly at your nails. You can also try submerging your nails in cold water, as an ice bath, for a minute or so. This rapid change in temperature will cause the gel polish to harden and dry quickly.
Cold water ice baths are particularly popular as a method for drying your nail polish without a UV light. It’s quick and easy to do, and cold water won’t dry out your nails, and has a relatively quick drying process.
A strange recommendation, but did you know a spray cooking spray from your kitchen, can actually help with drying your gel nail polish? I know it’s random, but cooking spray is a popular solution for drying gel nails without a UV lamp.
Another option you can try, is by applying a much thinner layer of gel nail polish, so it dries quicker, without needing a UV nail lamps to cure it. The thinner the polish, the quicker the drying time.
There’s another recommendation, and that’s quick-drying nail polish sprays. They can be misted over the top of your nail polish, so you don’t need to use an LED nail lamp, and don’t need to visit a nail salon.
Can You Air Dry Gel Nail Polish?
Although it is possible to air dry your gel manicure, it is not the recommended method for several reasons. First, gel polish needs to be cured under a UV exposure light or LED light in order to harden and set properly, through the curing process.
If you try to air dry your gel manicure, it will take significantly longer to set and may not harden evenly. Additionally, the nails may be more susceptible to staining and smudging before the polish has fully set.
For these reasons, it is generally best to cure gel polish under a UV or LED light. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, you can try air drying your nails as long as you are willing to be patient and deal with potential imperfections.
How Long Does Gel Nail Polish Take To Dry?
How long does it take for gel nail polish to dry? The short answer is that it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. However, there are a few factors that can affect the drying time, including the type of gel polish being used and the environment in which it is being applied.
For example, UV-cured gel polish will usually dry faster than LED-cured gel polish. And if the air is humid or the temperature is low, the polish may take longer to dry. So if you’re in a hurry, it’s best to choose a gel polish that is designed to dry quickly.
And if you can, apply it in a well-ventilated space with moderate humidity and temperature. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your gel nail polish dries quickly and evenly.
Does Gel Nail Polish Last Well When It Hasn’t Been Cured With UV Lights?
When it comes to a gel nail manicure, the jury is still out on whether or not it lasts well when it hasn’t been cured with UV lights. Some say that it lasts just as long, if not longer, while others find that it chips and peels very quickly.
The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. It is true that gel nail polish is designed to be cured with UV light, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t last without it. The key is to make sure that the polish is applied correctly and that the nails are properly prepared before application.
When done correctly, gel nail polish can last for several weeks without chipping or peeling. However, if even one step is missed, the results can be disastrous. So, while it is possible for gel nail polish to last without UV light, it is important to be careful and make sure that everything is done correctly.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Gel Nail Polish without UV Light?
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those looking for a long-lasting manicure. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish is cured under ultraviolet (UV) light, which helps to set the polish and prevent it from chipping. However, many people are wondering how long they need to wait to dry gel nail polish without UV light.
The short answer is that it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours for gel polish to fully dry without UV exposure. The exact time will depend on the brand of polish, the thickness of the coat, and the humidity levels in the air. However, there are some things that you can do to speed up the drying process.
For example, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting, or place your nails under a fan. You can also try using a quick-dry top coat, which can help to accelerate the drying process. So if you’re in a hurry, there are ways to dry your gel nail polish without UV light – but be patient if you can, as it will give you the best results.
Summary
So there you have it, a few tips on how to dry gel nail polish without UV light. Can gel polish air dry? While it is possible to air dry gel polish, it is not the recommended method for several reasons.
The best way to ensure that your gel nail polish dries quickly and evenly is to choose a gel polish that is designed to dry quickly and apply it in a well-ventilated space with moderate humidity and temperature. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your gel nail polish lasts for several weeks without chipping or peeling.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!