Ever since I discovered the meticulous nature of the gel-based Russian manicure, I’ve been hooked. The super-detailed manicure always leaves my nails perfectly shaped and glossy for weeks on end, with nary a chip or crack in sight. But now and then, I need to give my nails a break from gel (especially hard gel) and let them “breathe.” So I unenthusiastically turn to traditional nail polish for the time being.
I’m the first to admit that I’m not a huge fan of straight-out-of-the-bottle nail polish. Every time I switch from gel to regular lacquer, I encounter the same issue: the polish chips off my nails within a matter of days, leaving them feeling weak and flimsy, as if they could snap in half at any second. Even though I feel like I’ve tried what seems like virtually every brand of nail polish, this time around, I upgraded to the fast-drying, long-wearing four-step Dazzle Dry system.
I put the polish through a rigorous nine-day wear test that included tapping away at my computer for hours, typical household chores known to break down nail polish, and even prepping Thanksgiving dinner for ten. Much to my surprise, Dazzle Dry passed the test despite one broken nail and a few chips here and there. Keep reading for my full review (plus pics of my nails along the way) as well as key info about the Dazzle Dry system (including how it works, how to use it, and how long it lasts) below.
FAQ
What is so special about Dazzle Dry nail polish?
Unlike traditional nail polish, Dazzle Dry lasts anywhere from 10 to 14 days and dries completely in just five minutes—all without fans or LED and UV lights. It also easily comes off with acetone or nail polish removal (no tedious gel removal process required).
Silva Nahabedian, a celebrity manicurist and director of education at Dazzle Dry, explains that the non-toxic polish features a proprietary blend of ingredients that enables it to dry fast. “It goes on with a flexible base coat that expands and contracts with the nails,” she says. “This is important because lack of polish flexibility is typically what causes chipping, peeling, and cracking.” Exactly how Dazzle Dry works is a trade secret, and while the brand doesn’t disclose the specific mechanisms that make the polish dry so fast, Nahabedian says it all comes down to the exclusive formulation. Hmm.
What are the cons of Dazzle Dry?
Unlike a single-step quick-dry polish, Dazzle Dry comprises four steps designed to work together for maximum results, which naturally adds more time to the manicure. It’s sold both as a kit and individually. For newbies, the full kit, which costs $100, is the best place to start, but it makes for a pricey DIY manicure.
It’s critical to use the Nail Prep (step 1) to clean the nail plate and hydrate the nails. Skipping it can affect the polish’s wearability and results. Plus, Dazzle Dry can’t be used with regular nail polish, since Nahabedian says combining the two can compromise the system’s durability, adhesion, and quick-drying benefit. “It’s recommended not to use any other products with the Dazzle Dry system.”
The color lacquer tends to dry a bit on the thinner side, so while the nails won’t feel brittle while wearing it, the nails also won’t look thicker, which is sometimes the case with gel and dip manicures.
Do salons use Dazzle Dry?
Plenty of salons offer Dazzle Dry manicures with a slight upcharge for the polish. In fact, the nail salon I visited to remove my old Russian manicure had a full wall of Dazzle Dry nail polishes in virtually every shade of the rainbow.
How long does Dazzle Dry last?
Whether you do a Dazzle Dry manicure at home or have it done professionally, the results can last up to 14 days for a manicure and up to 30 days for a pedicure. "Can" is the keyword here; the longevity of your Dazzle Dry manicure will largely depend on your application process and the state of your nails.
How to use Dazzle Dry nail polish
Although the multi-step system may seem a bit intimidating, it’s anything but. According to Nahabedian, the best results come from using the system correctly. First, apply Nail Prep to clean the nail plate and remove oils and residue. Next comes two coats of the Dazzle Dry Base Coat, which she says helps the polish adhere to the nails while protecting them. Once the base coat is dry, paint on two coats of the colored nail lacquer (there are more than 150 colors to choose from) and let each layer dry to a matte finish. Finally, finish everything off with one coat of the quick-drying Top Coat to seal in shine and add durability.
Shop the Dazzle Dry system:
Dazzle Dry Step 1 Nail Prep
Dazzle Dry Step 2 Base Coat
Dazzle Dry Step 3 Nail Lacquer
Dazzle Dry Step 4 Top Coat
My Dazzle Dry review
How I used it:
After professionally removing my three-week-old gel manicure, I had clean, bare nails to start with. It’s been a minute since I did my nails myself at home (I think my last DIY mani was during COVID), so I gave myself a full hour and took my time, going as slowly as I needed.
Since my nails were already professionally prepped and shaped, I was ahead of the game. All I had to do was the four Dazzle Dry steps. First, I soaked a cotton round with the Nail Prep and rubbed it onto each nail.
Next came the nail polish part of things. After a thin layer of the Base Coat, I was torn between a bright red polish and a pearlescent white one that came with my kit (there are so many different colors and finishes, including sheer, creamy, and shimmer, to choose from). I went in with two coats of a classic, pigment-rich cherry-red color and slowly began painting it on. I first painted the polish in a thin layer down the center of my nail, then added another on each side. It went on smoothly and was easy to apply. The colored polish quickly dried down to a matte finish.
After my nails were coated in red polish, it was time for a layer of the Top Coat, the last step. I sat completely still and let my nails dry. Five minutes later, my nails were dry and smudge-proof—no need to sit under a dryer, or use a light to cure them. So back to my day I went.
My results:
If I’m being completely honest, the Dazzle Dry polish didn't go on totally streak-free and smooth on my nails. Maybe it would have been different had I gotten it done professionally at a salon. I like my nails to feel smooth and slick when I touch the polish or run my fingers over them, but with Dazzle Dry, that wasn’t the case. I could feel every ridge and nook and cranny of my nail plate under the polish. However, I was totally impressed at how durable and strong my nails felt with the polish on.
Around day four, I noticed some wear and tear, and by day seven, I decided to book myself a salon manicure. While Dazzle Dry claims to last up to two weeks, I knew there was no way it was lasting that long on me. I could see the polish slowly disappearing from the edges of my nails, exposing a little of my natural nail beneath the red polish. The nail on my right pointer finger took a beating, sporting a few areas where the polish was chipped and missing. Still, I left everything alone and let the manicure continue to ride out on its own.
The longer I wore Dazzle Dry, the more obvious the inconsistencies became. Oddly enough, I started noticing indentations in the polish, leaving an almost wavy-looking texture on a few nails. That I’ll chalk up to user error (I mean, I rarely do my nails at home). One thing I didn’t experience was dulling. I had read some reviews that Dazzle Dry starts to look dull and matte after a few days, but mine looked shiny until the end. Finally, by day nine, it was time to remove Dazzle Dry from my nails (I used Remove, which came with my kit).
The bottom line:
After taking Dazzle Dry for a test run, I can see why someone would become a convert, especially if expensive gel manicures aren’t doing it for them anymore. While I love the gel-like durability and the mostly chip-free wear, I didn't love how the polish didn't look ultra-smooth and glossy on my nails. Will I break up with my much-loved Russian manicure for a Dazzle Dry one? Probably not. But will I break out my Dazzle Dry system, give my nails a break from gel, and feel confident knowing I’m not causing unnecessary damage while wearing it? Absolutely.
Overall, Dazzle Dry lasts way longer than other regular nail polishes on the market. I’m happy knowing there’s an option that stands up to the daily wear and tear I put my nails through, while still looking good and not sacrificing the health of my nails in the least bit.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and expert with 20 years of experience. She started her career in public relations before shifting to editorial. Elise rose the ranks at NewBeauty magazine from an editorial assistant to Executive Beauty Editor, overseeing and reporting on all things beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health, and wellness. A prolific content creator and trendspotter, Elise always knows what’s new, what works, and who’s the best to go to for treatments and procedures. She contributes to media outlets including InStyle, NewBeauty, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Beauty Independent, The Aesthetic Guide, Bazaar, and more.
