If you’ve noticed clients experiencing stronger heat spikes during the warmer months, you’re not imagining it!
While heat spikes can happen at any time of year, they often seem more common throughout summer.
What causes a heat spike?
A heat spike occurs when gel begins to cure under the lamp too quickly. During polymerisation, the product releases energy in the form of heat. If this reaction happens too quickly, your client may feel a sudden burst of warmth or even discomfort.
The thicker the product application, the more noticeable the heat can become. This is why thicker product ranges can feel higher spikes too.
Why does summer make it worse?
There are a few possible reasons:
1. Higher body temperature
Clients naturally have a higher skin temperature during warm weather. Starting with warmer nails means it takes less additional heat before they notice the sensation.
2. Warmer salon environments
Hot salons mean your products are already warmer before application. A warmer gel can react slightly faster once curing begins, making the heat more noticeable.
3. Thicker applications
When creating extensions, repairing damaged nails or applying thicker products, thicker layers contain more product curing at once, increasing the amount of heat produced.
How to minimise heat spikes
Thankfully, there are several simple ways to keep your clients comfortable:
- Apply thinner layers wherever possible.
- Build strength gradually rather than applying one very thick bead.
- Use your lamp’s Low Heat Mode (90 second button).
- Turn the lamp off every few seconds for five seconds during the first ten seconds of curing, then continue curing.
- Ensure your curing lamp is compatible with the gel system you’re using.
Is it the product or lamp?
Heat spikes are a normal part of the curing process and don’t indicate there’s anything wrong with your gel or lamp. Factors like product thickness, application technique, room temperature and even your client’s individual sensitivity all play a part.
As temperatures rise, it’s worth reminding clients that they may notice curing feels warmer than usual and that’s completely normal.
It’s also worth remembering that different products cure differently. Highly pigmented coloured gels often cure more slowly than clear or builder gels because the pigments absorb and block more of the curing light, so they can sometimes feel like they produce less of a heat spike.
Equally, lower-powered or lower-quality lamps may appear to produce fewer heat spikes simply because they’re not delivering enough energy to cure the product as quickly or efficiently. While this may feel more comfortable for the client, it can increase the risk of under-curing the gel.
If you’re experiencing an increase in client feedback about heat spikes this summer, take a look at your application and management of heat spikes for your clients. A few small technique adjustments can make a huge difference to your clients’ comfort while still giving them beautiful, strong enhancements.
