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Are you a nail polish hoarder? Then you’re certainly going to relate to this.
Ever went back to your favourite shade of polish only to find it dry, sticky and impossible to apply? Heartbreaking, isn’t it? Especially when there is more than half of the polish still left inside the bottle. Well, the good news is that we’ve found a way to fix thick nail polish problems. You no more have to deal with uneven consistency that comes with thick and clumpy polish.
Why Nail Polish Thickens
Before we discuss the solutions, let’s understand the reason behind this nail polish problem. The primary reason for thickening is simple—it’s evaporation. Nail polish is a volatile mixture of solvents, which keep the colours and film-forming agents in a liquid state. When exposed to air, these solvents evaporate, leaving behind a thicker polish. This is why leaving the bottle open, even for a short period, can contribute to the issue. Other reasons, such as extreme temperatures and incorrect storage, can also speed up the drying process.
How to Thin Nail Polish: Best Methods to Fix Dry, Thickened Polish
01: Fix Dry Nail Polish with Hot Water
How to revive nail polish? How to make nail polish thinner? If your nail polish has become dry and thick, then all you need is a bowl of hot water to fix it. Immerse your nail polish bottle in a bowl filled with hot water and leave it there for about 3 minutes. Next, gently roll the bottle back and forth between your palms to shake the polish in it. Keep in mind that the glass bottle can get very hot, therefore, handle it with care. If the polish still doesn’t reach the desired consistency, then repeat the process for a few more minutes.
02: Fix Thick Nail Polish Using Pure Acetone
How to fix old nail polish? Is your favourite nail paint starting to harden? Don’t worry! All you need is just a single drop of pure acetone to thin out your polish. The key is to use just one drop because any more than that will break down the nail polish and lessen its lifespan. So, be very careful with the amount of acetone you use to fix your thick and clumpy polish.
03: Prevent Nail Polish from Drying Out
To prevent your nail polish from getting gunky, you need to follow a few preventative measures. Here are some important preventative measures:
1. The Tight Seal:
Always, always make sure the lid of your nail polish bottle is tightly closed after each use. This obvious step is the most effective way to prevent evaporation. It’s essential that you don't keep the bottle open any longer than necessary.
2. Cool and Consistent:
Store your nail polishes in a cool, dark place. Don’t keep them in spaces with extreme temperatures, like the bathroom or near a large window. A drawer or a dedicated nail polish cabinet in a cool room is perfect.
3. Upright and Ready:
Store your nail polish bottles standing up. When kept on their sides or upside down, the polish can settle and dry around the neck of the bottle, resulting in sticky chunks.
4. Don’t Shake it Before Use (Unless Thick):
While shaking is necessary for restoring thick polish, it’s typically best to avoid shaking polishes that are in good condition. Shaking can let in air bubbles, which adversely affects the application and drying time. Instead of shaking it, slowly roll the bottle between your hands to mix it.
When to Throw Away Old Nail Polish
While these ways can restore thickened polishes, there comes a time when even the most dedicated efforts won't be enough. If your polish has become extremely thick and sticky, or if the hue has noticeably changed, it’s advisable to not use it anymore.
FAQs on How to Fix Dry & Thick Nail Polish
Here are some frequently asked questions about reviving nail polish answered by experts:
Q: Can I use nail polish thinner instead of acetone?
A: Yes, nail polish thinner is designed to revive the consistency of nail polish. It’s often a better option than pure acetone. While using polish thinner, always read the instructions on the thinner’s packaging.
Q: How often can I add acetone or thinner to my nail polish?
A: It’s advisable to add acetone or thinner cautiously and only when necessary. Repeatedly adding solvents can eventually alter the polish’s formula and affect its colour.
Q: My nail polish is thick and clumpy. What should I do?
A: Try the warm water bath method first. If that doesn’t work, carefully add one drop of acetone or nail polish thinner at a time. Clumpiness sometimes indicates that the polish is starting to wear down, so be careful.
Q: Why is my nail polish bubbling when I apply it after reviving it?
A: Bubbles happen if you shake the polish aggressively after adding acetone or thinner. Try slowly rolling the bottle between your hands instead. Also, make sure that nails are clean and dry before applying polish.
Q: How long does restored nail polish last?
A: Restored nail polish lasts for numerous months, but it may not last as long as a brand new bottle. Correct storage and preventative measures are key to maximising a bottle of nail polish.
Restoring thick nail polish is a careful balancing act. Patience is important, and it’s advisable to begin with less and add more if needed. So, don't give up on those seemingly dried-out polishes just yet. Give these easy DIY methods a try, and you might be surprised at the results. Your favourite nail polishes deserve a second chance! Bookmark this guide and thank us later.
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