A nail dryer speeds up the drying of regular nail polish: a spray or drops go on over the top coat, and a fan dryer blows air across the nails. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks drying sprays from DeMert and CND, drying drops from OPI, Nail Tek and Duri, and the Berkeley ThermaDry hot and cool air dryer.
Types of nail dryers
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Drying spray | Treating all ten nails at once at the end of a manicure or pedicure. | DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer 7.5oz, DeMert 7.5oz, case of 12, CND SolarSpeed Spray, 4oz or 32oz |
| Drying drops | Drying nail by nail with no overspray, and easy to retail to clients. | OPI AL711 Drip Dry 27mL, Nail Tek 10 Speed 15ml, Duri DROP'N GO |
| Fan dryer | Hands-free drying for hands and feet: sensors switch it on, and it blows hot or cool air. | Berkeley ThermaDry |
How to choose a nail dryer
- Regular polish only. Sprays, drops and fan dryers are for air-dry lacquer; gel polish cures only under a UV/LED nail lamp.
- Spray for speed, drops for precision. A spray covers ten nails in one pass; drops treat one nail at a time and stay off the skin and the table.
- Store aerosols with care. The DeMert can is marked extremely flammable: keep sprays away from flame and heat and use them in a ventilated area.
Related: Nail dryer machines, Lacquer top coat, Nail polish (lacquer), Mini fans, All lamps & dryers
Guides
Nail dryer FAQ
When should I put on drying drops or drying spray?
After the top coat. Wait about a minute so the top coat starts to set, then add one or two drops per nail or a light, even mist of spray from the distance on the can. Applying them too early can drag the wet polish. Then let the client sit while the polish finishes drying.
Can I use these nail dryers on a pedicure?
Yes. Drops and sprays work on toenails the same way as on fingernails, and Nail Tek describes 10-Speed as good for pedicures. The Berkeley ThermaDry has an opening for both hands and feet, so the client can dry toes before putting shoes on.
Does a fan dryer replace drying drops?
They work best together. A fan moves air across the nails and helps the surface set, while drops or spray treat the polish itself. Many salons apply drops after the top coat and then seat the client at the dryer for the last part of the service.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.