There are many reasons why you may be rushing out the door right after your pedicure. You might have been invited to a last-minute gathering with your friends and loved ones, or you simply can’t bear to sit on the salon chair for longer than you need to.
Regardless of the situation, it can be absolutely unbearable having to wait for your pedicure to dry, especially when you have better things to do. How long does it really take for a pedicure to dry? Here’s what you need to know!
How Long Does It Take for a Pedicure to Dry?
For a pedicure that consists of a base coat, two layers of color polish, and a top coat, it will take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to completely dry. If the pedicure was done with formaldehyde-free nail polish and products, then this will take a bit longer. The number of coats and the thickness of each one are major factors that can affect how quickly your pedicure dries.
How Long Does It Take for Nail Polish to Dry?
Most nail polish will only take around 15 minutes to air dry, and that’s without other drying solutions salons may employ, such as fan dryers and UV light. There are also some nail polish formulas that have been created to have a much shorter drying time, only needing minutes to fully set.
How Long After Pedicure Can I Wear Shoes?
Even if your pedicure feels dry to the touch, professionals recommend waiting at least an hour before wearing close-toed shoes. This is because the movement of your close-toed shoes against your freshly done nails may leave imprints on your nails, ruining the smooth and glossy finish. If you have to wear shoes after your pedicure feels dry, then it’s best to stick with open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sandals.
How to Make Nail Polish Dry Faster?
There are a few things that can be done during your pedicure to speed up the drying process. Here are some things you can try:
- Rather than applying a single thick coat, it’ll be much easier to dry your pedicure if you instead opt for several thinner coats. Thinner coats dry much faster than thicker coats, and it may also help you achieve a smoother finish more easily.
- You can use either an electric or handheld fan to help your pedicure dry more quickly.
- There are many nail polishes out there that have been designed to dry more quickly, so opt for quick-drying products in your next pedicure session.
How Long Does It Take for Gel Polish to Dry?
Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish has a much shorter drying time of up to three minutes. This is because gel nail polish is formulated with photoinitiators that need to be cured underneath a lamp in order to harden. The exposure to these lamps significantly expedites the drying process, with gel polish taking two to three minutes under UV light and around a minute under an LED light.
How Long Should I Wait After Pedicure to Shower?
While your pedicure may feel dry to the touch after a few hours, it’s best to wait at least 12 hours after your appointment to take a bath or shower. This is because nail polish will need around 12 to 24 hours to fully dry and set to ensure that they won’t be damaged or ruined.
The Takeaway
Even after your pedicure session is completed, it’s still important to let your nails dry fully, while also taking certain precautions to ensure that the final look isn’t ruined. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to speed up the drying process, especially if you’re feeling impatient or need to go somewhere right after.
