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Can You Fix Thickened Nail Polish?

Thick and goopy red nail polish.
Evtushkova Olga/Shutterstock.com

Have you ever reached for your favorite bottle of nail polish, only for it to break your heart by being thick and goopy? Like opening your makeup bag and noticing your compact powder has crumbled to bits, it’s a really sucky feeling.

The good news is there are ways to fix thickened nail polish that will have you sporting your favorite color in no time.

The best way to thin out nail polish is to use a nail polish thinner, explicitly designed for this dilemma. After adding a drop or two of nail polish thinner directly to the bottle, rub the bottle in your palms instead of shaking it to prevent air bubbles from forming.

OPI Nail Lacuqer Thinner

An essential addition to your nail polish collection.

For those who need a quick fix and don’t have time to buy thinner, a few drops of pure acetone nail polish remover works well too. Celebrity manicurist Shelly Hill told Byrdie that the “less is more” approach is essential to remember here, as acetone will break down the polish and lessen its lifespan.

To prevent your nail polish from drying out, store it in a cool, dry place, and ensure the cap is adequately tightened on the bottle.

If the acetone trick doesn’t work, your polish is probably past its expiration date, in which case, it’s time to toss it. Can’t say you didn’t try!

Lindsay Ray Lindsay Ray
Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. From beauty hacks to DIY home décor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. Read Full Bio »
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