Dazzle Dry 101: How it Works, How to Apply and How Long it Lasts (2025)

For decades, it seemed nearly impossible to find a nail polish that was long-lasting and fast-drying that wasn’t gel. While we love a gel manicure, sometimes it’s nice to give our nails a break from the harshness that can come from the gel polish process. Plus, if you don’t have an LED lamp at home, a gel manicure isn’t exactly feasible to do on your own—hence the desire for a regular nail polish that lasts just as long without the damage or high cost. Well, we have good news for you: it exists, and it’s called Dazzle Dry. Here, we get into this revolutionary nail system that you can do at home, with no LED lamps or special tools required.

What is Dazzle Dry?

So, what exactly is Dazzle Dry and why has it become such a phenomenon in the nail industry? Founded in 2007, Dazzle Dry became the first long-wear nail lacquer, absolutely changing the game when it came to nail polish. It’s not a gel, dip powder or other type of enhancement; it’s a regular ‘ol nail lacquer that you simply swipe on—except there’s nothing really regular about it, as it has 7+ days of wear and dries in five minutes.

Dazzle Dry works as a system, a process that involves a nail prep, a base coat, the nail lacquer and a top coat. However, despite it being four steps, it’s super fast, thanks to its quick drying powers. And you don’t need to count in the time it would take to dry under an LED lamp between each layer, like you would with gel polish.

“Dazzle Dry is a proprietary formula formulated to function as a system. The Dazzle Dry Base Coat utilizes proprietary polyurethane and flex technology to provide Dazzle Dry with long-lasting benefits. The Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquers and Dazzle Dry Top Coat formulations are the keys to the system’s quick-drying property,” explains Vivian Valenty, Ph.D., founder of Dazzle Dry. “Which ingredients help to do that? We cannot attribute the quick-drying property to a single ingredient. Our mindful choice of ingredients and their concentrations in the formulations provide Dazzle Dry’s coveted properties.”

Is Dazzle Dry non-toxic?

Yes, Dazzle Dry is clean and non-toxic. There are many nail polish brands on the market whose lacquers contain harmful, potentially damaging ingredients. “We are proud to say that from its conception, Dazzle Dry has always been free from harmful chemicals and skin-sensitizing ingredients such as toluene, formaldehyde, TPHP, nitrocellulose, camphor, formaldehyde resin, ethyl tosylamide, phthalates, xylene and MEK,” says Silva Nahabedian, Dazzle Dry Director of Education.

Plus, you can take comfort in knowing that Dazzle Dry practices sustainability efforts with its packaging, as well as its production. “We use eco-friendly shipping materials, employ rigorous recycling methods and provide a safe working environment for our employees,” the brand states on its website.

How to apply Dazzle Dry

As mentioned, there’s a four-step system involved with Dazzle Dry that helps your manicure last longer and dry quicker. Here is how each step works and some tips to try:

1. Apply the Nail Prep

The first step of the Dazzle Dry system is the Nail Prep. This step ensures a clean nail plate before any polish is applied. Grab some lint-free cotton pads (lint-free will ensure no lint or fuzzies get on your nail in the process) and saturate it with the Nail Prep. Swipe on each nail, removing any oil, debris, etc.

2. Apply the Base Coat

Next, apply two coats of Dazzle Dry Base Coat. Each coat should dry matte.

3. Swipe on the Nail Lacquer

Now comes the fun part! Choose your color (they have over 150 shades to choose from) and paint on two coats to each nail. Like the base coat, the nail lacquer will dry matte—this is normal, and the final product will not be matte—unless you purposefully use a matte top coat to get that desired effect.

4. Finish with the Top Coat

Last but certainly not least, finish off your mani with their top coat. You only need to apply one layer to your nails, then let them dry for just five minutes. The top coat will make your manicure glossy and ensure a longer-lasting finish.