How To Thin Nail Polish & Fix Dried Out Bottles in 3 Easy Steps

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 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.

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.

To prevent your nail polish from getting gunky, you need to follow a few preventative measures. Here are some important preventative measures:

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.

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.