Here's exactly how to dry nails fast—not only do these tips cut down on drying time, but they can help keep your nails from smudging, too.

"The No. 1 rule to making your polish dry faster is thin coats," says Lim. It makes sense: The thicker the layer, the longer it'll likely take to dry. You don't want globs of polish on your nails, here. While you might think painting thin, light layers would make the whole project longer, it ultimately cuts down on overall drying time while offering the same color payoff. 

Two minutes is the goal, but don't feel obligated to time yourself to the very second: According to Lim, two minutes is typically the time it takes to paint your nails, pinkie to thumb. "You can go ahead and start the second coat after you're done with the last finger," she says. If you're an especially speedy polish painter, you may want to give it a few seconds before starting the second coat. 

Essentially, the frigid air can shock the top layer of polish dry, but you'll still want to be careful with your tips, as the layers underneath might not be completely set. Dipping your nails in ice water has a similar shocking effect, but again, you might only be effectively drying the top coat of polish.  

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"Certain factors can affect the drying time, including the color of your polish (darker colors could take longer because of the pigment)," says Lin. That said, if you're in a rush, you might want to reach for a lighter shade for your nails.

It sounds counterintuitive to apply more product on your nails, but quick-dry drops are actually key for cutting drying time: They're able to absorb the solvents in the polish without dissolving the color itself. Plus, the drops act as a barrier for any small particles that can get on the nail (like lint or dirt). "This way, it just slides right off instead of setting into the polish," Lim notes. Lin recommends drops that keep the cuticles shiny and moisturized simultaneously (like this option that includes both coconut and avocado oil). 

If you don't have any quick-dry drops on hand, you can opt for a few drops of baby oil (although, Lim says to reach for the professional product, if you can). That's because the oil can actually set into the polish and thin it out a bit—and as mentioned, thin layers tend to dry faster. Wait up to two minutes, then wipe off the oil with a dry towel. 

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Similar to drops, a quick-dry top coat is a low-lift way to simultaneously dry your nails and provide a sleek, patent leather finish. Bonus: Many top coat options include UV filters to absorb the sun's rays and keep your nails from UV-induced damage (like discoloration, ridges, or brittleness). 

"I find if you're putting your hands or toes in a tight space with heat (i.e., inside socks and shoes), they're bound to get indentations or crease marks," says Lim. She's even seen cases where socks actually fuse with the polish (yes, really), as the enclosed heat can "thaw" the lacquer, so to speak. That said, you'll want to keep your tips and toes away from those tight, warm spaces—socks, gloves, et al. 

If you can't bear waiting out the 10-minute window, we get it. You've got things to do, people to see, both of which require some dexterity. To make your nails dry faster (and keep them from bubbling, smudging, or denting during the wait time), mind these 10 tips: 

While you should definitely sit back and savor the process from time to time (nail care is a form of self-care—so enjoy it!), sometimes you just want a fast, polish-and-go sort of treatment. Good news is, there's much you can do to help your nails dry faster. Mind the above expert do's and don'ts, and you'll have set, shiny tips in practically half the time.