If You Do Your Own Manicure. . .

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

. . . how long do you wait in between coats of nail polish?

I get pedicures, but I do my own nails. I use a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat. I let my nails dry 5-10 minutes between coats.

A few times a year I will get a manicure. I noticed the technician does not let any time lapse between coats. She may use different products, but I don't think so.

TIA!

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

I use OPI Dri Drops. Not instantly dry but sure does speed up drying times.

I take them with me to the salon so I can get out faster.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

@beach-mom I do exactly what you do. About 10 minutes between coats. I feel the polish lasts longer. I noticed when I used to get manicures and she had to redo a nail she let the nail polish dry between coats. I think they obviously cannot do this as they have to get to the next person.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

@beach-mom I just read that you should let dry 2-5 minutes between coats to prevent smudging and bubbling of polish. I like to let the last coat dry longer so the top coat brush does not get polish on it.

shoesnbags · ‎03-10-2010

@beach-mom I do the same number of coats as you do, with a 10 min wait between coats. I finish with a spray of DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer, holding my breath because it's so strong.

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

My nail tech does not wait between any of the coats either.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

My nail salon has that DeMert Dryer spray out on the counter but I never use it. I bring my own top coat to the salon, Poshe, it is the best !!!

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I do my own mani and pedis. I let the base coat dry, then do two coats of polish and let that dry, then I do the top coat.

When I did mani's and pedis in my shop professionally, I didn't wait for any coats to dry. I just applied them in order.

The coats take longer to dry if you do not dry between coats and I always managed to get a smudge.. if you use a salon nail dryer, they will dry faster.

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

I always do my own nails and pedicures too .

i mainly use ZOYA and it drys very fast . Base coat, 2 coats polish , no wait time in between, once I polished the pinky on the second hand I started 2nd coat again. I dont do a top coat till hours later or next day to be sure polish was good and dry.