Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025
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Nail dryers are a popular tool used by individuals who want to quickly dry their nail polish. These devices are designed to accelerate the drying process, allowing users to avoid smudging or ruining their freshly painted nails. Nail dryers come in a variety of styles, including portable and salon-grade models, and use different technologies such as UV and LED lights to dry the nails. Some models even have additional features such as built-in fans or timers to enhance the drying process. Overall, nail dryers can be a convenient and time-saving tool for those who enjoy painting their nails at home or in a salon setting.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Nail Dryers
#TOP 1
SUNUV 48W UV LED Nail Dryer Light
SUNUV
B01N0BCN9B
A-rose
Upgrade your nail drying experience with the SUNUV Nail Dryer. This professional salon curing lamp features a 48W UV LED light that provides perfectly dry and smudge-free nails. With its four timer settings, you can choose the perfect drying time for your gel nails. The Smart Sensor technology automatically turns on the lamp when you insert your hand, making it convenient and hassle-free. Compatible with all gel nail polish types, including base coat, top coat, color gel, and more, this UV/LED lamp is a must-have for your home nail salon. Not only does it emit safe and comfortable non-ultraviolet light, but its lightweight design also allows you to enjoy manicures and pedicures anywhere in your house.
What We Like
Easy to use
Automatic on/off feature
Good for gel and builder gels
Detachable bottom for cleaning
Spacious for hands and feet
What We Don't Like
Could require multiple curing sessions
Timer buttons placement not ideal
What Cusomers Say
"I love the size and versatility of this UV/LED nail lamp. It’s very convenient that it turns on automatically when I place my hand inside. I found it easier to just set my phone timer instead of using the lamp's. The process was quick and easy, and the results for my first at-home gel manicure were impressive. I’m definitely going to use this gadget more often!"
"I’ve been using this lamp for about 10 months, and it still works like new! Cleaning it is a breeze since the bottom plate is detachable. I’ve tried various gel brands without any issues as long as I follow the recommended cure times. The cord length is decent, and I’ll definitely buy this exact lamp again!"
"This lamp is great quality for the price! I appreciate the option to either insert my hand for automatic activation or manually set the time. The heat management is fantastic, starting with a lower light level to avoid heat spikes with gel polish. I’ve used it for different colors and builder gels, and it has cured everything thoroughly!"
#TOP 2
SUNUV UV LED Nail Lamp with Sensor
SUNUV
SUN9C
Pink
1 Count (Pack of 1)
SUNUV SUN9C Nail Dryer is a UV LED dual light source lamp that cures all gel nail polishes in 60 seconds, with automatic sensor and 2 timers. It is lightweight, powerful, time-saving, and easy to use and clean. The lamp is safe and user-friendly, with no harm to eyes and skin. It is perfect for DIY nail enthusiasts, and a great gift for friends and family. SUNUV is a trusted brand providing salon-grade UV LED nail lamps for years, favored and trusted by nail lovers with 12 months of customer service.
What We Like
Easy to use
Great price
Long-lasting results
Multiple timer options
Compact design
What We Don't Like
Occasional automatic turn-on issues
Longer curing time for some
What Cusomers Say
"I had a frustrating experience at a local salon where my gels peeled off quickly. I decided to try doing my own nails at home with the Gelish products and the SUNUV 24W LED lamp. It was surprisingly simple to use! I cured each coat for about 2 minutes to be safe, and the warmth from the bulbs was reassuring. My nails looked fabulous on the first day, and after 5 days, there were still no chips despite doing housework. Now, after 10 months, it's still performing well, and I enjoy doing my nails while relaxing at home."
"I’ve had a tough time with Gel nail polish damaging my nails, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I ordered the SUNUV UV LED Nail Lamp and it was incredibly easy to set up—just plug it in and start using! It cured my Vishine gel polish perfectly. So far, it has kept my nails shiny for weeks, and I’m impressed with its performance!"
"As someone who's just started doing my gel manicures, I found that this lamp works wonderfully. I rated it 4 stars only because the automatic feature sometimes doesn’t activate, requiring me to press the button. However, my nails look amazing on day 11—no lifting or chipping, and they’re still shiny!"
#TOP 3
TOUCHBeauty TB-2130 Nail Dryer
TOUCHBeauty
TB-2130
White
The TOUCHBeauty Nail Dryer is an excellent choice for quick and effective nail drying. Its all-in-one LED lamp and fan make it perfect for both finger and toe nails, saving you the hassle of waiting around. You can enjoy fast drying results without worrying about harmful UV rays, ensuring your skin stays protected. Its compact size allows you to take it anywhere, and it operates on two AAA batteries, making it convenient for use at home or on the go. This product is a great gift option for kids and teens who love to pamper their nails.
What We Like
Fast drying time
Safe for kids
Quiet but powerful fan
Easy to use
Salon-quality results
What We Don't Like
Not very powerful
Small size
What Cusomers Say
"I think this nail dryer is adorable! My daughter is so excited to use it for her nails."
"I was looking for something to help my nail polish dry faster, and this fan has been a game changer! I can’t believe I used to mess up my nails before. It really works!"
"I absolutely love this nail dryer! It dries my nails quickly and evenly, which saves me so much time. The results are amazing and salon-quality!"
#TOP 4
MelodySusie Portable Kids Nail Dryer
MelodySusie
05-06-001-1017
Pink
1 Count (Pack of 1)
The MelodySusie Portable Kids Nail Dryer is a compact and easy-to-use nail dryer that is safe for children aged 5 and up. It operates on battery power and has no UV/LED lights, making it harmless to skin and eyes. With a press switch and specially designed finger plate, it is simple to use and can dry four fingernails or five toenails at once. This mini nail fan is perfect for quick drying regular nail polishes, making it an ideal gift for young girls interested in nail art.
What We Like
Effective nail drying
Portable and lightweight
Quiet operation
Easy to use for kids
Feels like salon experience
What We Don't Like
Small opening for hands
Button activation inconvenience
What Cusomers Say
“I have a 4-year-old niece who hates waiting for her nails to dry. I was a bit skeptical about this fan due to its reasonable price, but it really does what it promises. Now, my sisters and I find it useful too!”
“I bought this product for my daughter, and she absolutely loves it! It’s so easy for her to use, she just presses the button inside, and it dries her nails quickly. It’s lightweight and makes the process so much simpler!”
“I purchased this for my 4-year-old daughter to speed up her nail drying. While it was easy to use, I found it just wasn’t powerful enough to really do the job, even with new batteries. Waving her hands worked just as well.”
#TOP 5
LKE UV Nail Lamp for Fast Drying and Portable Use
LKE
HB888
Black
The LKE UV Nail Lamp is a professional nail art tool that offers fast drying with its 220W UV+LED double-bead design. It has a large space with a portable handle, temperature control monitoring, and automatic sensor for easy and safe use. The lamp is suitable for curing various nail polishes and is a great gift option for friends and family. Additionally, LKE offers reliable after-sales service with a 12-month customer consultation service.
What We Like
Efficient drying power
User-friendly design
Multiple timer settings
Compact and portable
Professional-looking results
What We Don't Like
Longer drying time for gel polish
What Cusomers Say
"I absolutely love this UV nail lamp! It's a 220W nail dryer with four timer settings that works perfectly for curing gel polish, giving me flawless results every time. The user-friendly design and the customizable timer options are a game-changer. I can't believe how professional my nails look now, and doing them at home has saved me so much time and money!"
"As someone who just started doing my own manicures, I find this nail dryer to be perfect! I highly recommend it for anyone looking to do gel polish or dip powder nails."
"I really enjoy using this nail dryer. It's compact and easy to travel with, unlike other bulkier models. The different settings work well, and it dries my nails nice and hard without any tackiness. It's a great tool for both beginners and professionals, and very easy to use."
#TOP 6
KISS Power File X Nail Dryer Kit
KISS
2464N
White
15 Piece Set
The KISS Power File X Nail Dryer Kit is an all-in-one nail care solution that includes a rechargeable handle with 12 interchangeable attachments for grooming, shaping, buffing, and shining nails to salon quality. The attached nail dryer completes the salon experience. The rechargeable handle can be used with or without the cord, providing convenience and flexibility to use it anywhere.
What We Like
Excellent delivery timing
Well packaged items
Ultra quiet motor
Convenient for home use
Includes all necessary accessories
What We Don't Like
Low power for some tools
Insufficient air from nail dryer
What Cusomers Say
"I love my manicure kit! It saves so much money and is incredibly convenient for home use. I can dry my nails and toenails, which is the best part. All the accessories are perfect for doing my own mani and pedi. I'm even considering getting one for my granddaughters!"
"I wanted to like this nail care kit, but the 'power' dryer has hardly any umph. Honestly, I'd get more air from my hair dryer. While I do like the nail care kit itself, it's probably better for me that it's not too powerful. I'm thinking of returning it."
"I bought this years ago and decided to get another one for my husband. It works great with its ultra quiet motor, making it perfect for a smooth job on nails. I truly love it!"
#TOP 7
Air Nail Dryer with Automatic Sensor
Gegong
AND-0104
Light Blue
This Air Nail Dryer is a salon quality, user-friendly device that can dry both hands and feet. With a powerful 300W motor, it can quickly dry nail polish, dip powder, nail primer, and more. It has both warm and cool air modes, and can be switched between induction and always-on modes. The device is safe to use and won't damage your skin or eyes. Its small and lovely appearance makes it a perfect gift for women who like manicure.
What We Like
Effective for quick drying
Easy to use
Versatile air temperature options
Wide enough for both hands
Good for nail designs
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for gel polish
Fan issues reported
What Cusomers Say
"My 3-year-old thinks she's getting the real deal like mommy! Great for kids!"
"I love this little dryer! It really helps cut down drying time for my teenage daughter's nails, especially when I want to make designs. I appreciate that it's not the blue light; I chose this one for that specific reason!"
"I purchased this as a go-between for times I can't get a manicure. I'm satisfied with this product; it dries nails in minutes without using lights, and it's easy to operate."
#TOP 8
Makartt Air Nail Dryer
Makartt
B00QV035SM
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
The Makartt Air Nail Dryer is a professional and user-friendly device suitable for both hands and feet. It features warm and cool air drying options, making it perfect for use in any season, and is safe for children with no LED light or harmful effects on eyes, hands, or feet. The device is easy to use with automatic double sensors and is designed for regular nail polish, dip powder, nail primer, and more.
What We Like
Cold and hot settings
Time-saving with sensor activation
Quick drying, flawless results
Easy to use at home
Great for professional use
What We Don't Like
Cheaply made construction
Finicky sensor functionality
What Cusomers Say
"I love getting my nails done at the salon, but I just can't spare a half day for it anymore. I decided to try this dryer I had seen in salons. With the sensor activation, it blows warm air as soon as my hand or foot is inside, which is a huge time-saver! By the time I finish painting one side, my nails are perfectly dry for a second coat. It has truly made my weekly at-home nail sessions a breeze!"
"This product has completely transformed my at-home nail routine. I was struggling with nail polish not drying properly, but now my nails dry quickly and look flawless. I am really pleased with this purchase!"
"As a professional, I use this dryer for my clients' nails, especially with the heat function. It has worked perfectly for over three years! Just a heads up, the product feels a bit cheap, and the sensor can be finicky, but it still does the job well for drying regular polish."
#TOP 9
Demert Nail Enamel Dryer Spray
Demert
52134
The Demert Nail Dryer Spray is designed to help you achieve a quick-drying manicure. This convenient spray not only speeds up the drying time of your nail polish but also conditions your nails and cuticles, thanks to its special blend of organic ingredients. You can easily spray each nail and, if needed, apply more for a flawless finish without smudging. Whether you’re in a salon or doing your nails at home, this product ensures a professional look with minimal effort.
What We Like
Fast drying results
No residue or bad smell
Works well with multiple coats
Reduces waiting time
Long-time user satisfaction
What We Don't Like
Strong chemical smell
Requires some waiting time
What Cusomers Say
"I've struggled with smudging after salon visits, but this spray saved me! I brought it to my appointment and sprayed my toes before getting in the car. Everything looked set and perfect when I got home—no bad smell, and my nails stayed glossy!"
"As someone who frequently paints my nails, I need a reliable quick-drying spray. This one does the trick! The smell is quite strong, but it dries my nails fast, allowing me to get back to my day quickly."
"Using this product has changed my nail routine! After applying a base coat and two thin layers of polish, I can spray this on and shower just 45 seconds later. I highly recommend it!"
#TOP 10
SAVILAND 300W Nail Dryer
SAVILAND
Pink
The SAVILAND Nail Dryer offers a powerful 300W motor that dries your nails quickly, saving you from long waits and smudges. With its dual air modes, you can choose warm air in the winter for speedy drying or cool air in the summer, making it perfect for year-round use. The intelligent dual sensor makes it easy to operate; just place your hands or feet inside, and it activates automatically. Plus, it's safe for everyone since it uses no harmful UV light, ensuring a gentle experience for kids and adults alike.
What We Like
Fast drying time
Quiet operation
Two temperature settings
Easy to use
Durable design
What We Don't Like
May not auto shut-off
Instructions could be clearer
What Cusomers Say
"I received this for Christmas from my hubby. It definitely gets the job done and has plenty of room for my hands and nails. It’s fun to do them at home!"
"This device sped up the drying time of my nail polish quite a bit. My preference is to use the heated air to dry my nails. I find it quiet and cute."
"It took a while to get, but it was well worth the wait! I’ve used it three times now for my nails, and I really like the warm setting. It's much better than blowing on my fingers! My only issue was that the instructions were a bit wonky, but it’s not tough to figure out."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the two types of nail dryers?
There are two types of nail dryers: LED and UV. LED nail dryers use LED bulbs to cure gel nail polish, while UV nail dryers use UV bulbs.
2. Do nail dryers work?
Yes, nail dryers are effective in drying nails quickly. They can dry your nails in just a few minutes, saving you time compared to air-drying, which can take up to half an hour.
3. What can I use instead of a nail dryer?
If you don't have a nail dryer, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting as a substitute. The cool air from the hairdryer will help dry your nail polish without smudging.
4. What are the disadvantages of nail dryers?
Using nail dryers, particularly UV nail dryers, may expose your skin to radiation and potentially increase the risk of DNA damage and mutations in human cells. This can potentially lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
5. What do nail salons do to make polish dry faster?
Nail salons often use fan dryers with UV lights to accelerate the drying time of nail polish. They may also use fast-dry nail polish formulas and topcoats that enable quicker drying within minutes.
6. Does heat or cold air dry nail polish faster?
Cold air is more effective in drying nail polish faster. Using a fan or blow dryer on the cool setting will help the polish harden more quickly. Continuous use of the cool shot button on a blow dryer is recommended for best results.
7. What are the disadvantages of UV nail dryers?
UV nail dryers emit long wavelengths of ultraviolet light (UVA), which can potentially damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells. This can increase the risk of skin cancer, making UV nail dryers potentially harmful to health.
Editor's Notes
During our nail dryer research, we found 48 nail dryer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 302,074 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nail dryers list. We found that most customers choose nail dryers with an average price of $16.42.
The nail dryers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nail dryers, including SUNUV, TOUCHBeauty, MelodySusie, LKE, KISS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 688 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Written by
Lisa Bechard
Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.
Nail Dryers Comparison Table
#TOP1 | #TOP2 | #TOP3 | #TOP4 | #TOP5 | #TOP6 | #TOP7 | #TOP8 | #TOP9 | #TOP10 | |
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Brand | SUNUV | SUNUV | TOUCHBeauty | MelodySusie | LKE | KISS | Gegong | Makartt | Demert | SAVILAND |
Item Weight | 2.3 Pounds | 7.84 ounces | 4.55 Ounces | - | 1.4 Pounds | - | 0.7 Kilograms | 2 Kilograms | 7.5 Ounces | - |
Material | Plastic | - | Plastic | Acrylic | Plastic | - | ABS Plastic | metal | - | - |
Color | A-rose | - | White | Pink | Black | - | Light Blue | White | - | - |
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Where to Buy | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart | Walmart |