This is of vital importance in creating quality nail art that will last. Besides allowing the initial layers of paint to fully dry, as you add nail art, each additional element needs to dry. For example, if you are painting flowers on your fingers with multicolored petals, allow each color to fully dry before adding the next. This will prevent the paint from running or smudging so that your nail art lasts for a long time. Taking the time to allow paint to fully dry each time you use a new polish is one of the most important things you can do to make long-lasting nail art. If your design is the same on each nail, it is best to apply one part of the design to each nail and then do the next part of the design on each nail, as opposed to fully painting one nail at a time. This ensures adequate time to allow each element to dry before adding the next part. A top coat adds great protection to your nail art. Consider adding two thin coats of top coat to your finished nail art for extra protection, letting it dry in between coats. Be sure to let your top coat fully dry before you do anything else. Top coat acts as a sealant for the polish, protects it from chipping and fading, and gives it a nice sheen.  Use a quick drying top coat. This is excellent for when you don't want to wait 20 minutes for your nails to completely dry on their own. Since the top coat isn't directly touching your nails, but rather is touching the other paint, you don't need to worry about it drying out your nails. It will protect your nails and speed along the process to avoid smudging.  Avoid using base coat as a top coat. Base coat is tacky for the purpose of adhesion and could harm your nail art rather than protect it. It is also pliable which makes it prone to indentations, which would distort your nail art. Top coat, on the other hand, creates a hard outer cover of protection. Consider applying an additional top coat every few days. This will help your nails to look freshly polished and stay nick free. This is the only way to allow your hands to dry without damaging your nail art. To fully allow nail polish to dry, wait at least a half hour before using your hands. It is tempting to check your phone or write a quick note, but forgoing these tasks for a half hour will ensure that no harm comes to your nail art. Play some music or turn the TV on before painting your nails so you'll have something to listen to or watch as your nails dry. This will help your nail art dry effectively and efficiently by helping them to set. Hold your nails in front of a fan for 5-10 minutes. Just don't use too high of a setting or it could cause your nail polish to ripple. These work by absorbing solvents in the polish to speed up the drying process. Simply apply a few drops or lightly mist your spray on each finger, and your nails will dry about 10-15 minutes faster. To use this method, fill a bowl with cold water and several ice cubes. Place your partially dry nails in ice water for about a minute. This will harden and dry your nails much faster than letting them air dry. Just make sure you don't hit your nail on the ice, which can mess up your nail art. Also make sure your nails are at least partially dry before submerging them so that the polish doesn't run. Alternately, you could even stick your hands in the freezer for a few minutes. The cold air will help the polish to set and the circulating air will help the solvent to evaporate. For several hours after your manicure, try to keep your hands out of hot water. You might normally wash your hands under hot water without even questioning it. But hot water will fade the color and weaken the layers of your polish. Be mindful of the temperature of water while washing your hair or hands. Wear gloves when you wash the dishes.

Summary:
Let your paint fully dry. Apply a top coat when your nail art is fully dry. Avoid using your hands. Place your nails in front of a fan. Use drying drops or sprays. Submerge your nails in ice water. Avoid hot water.