What's more startling than a horror movie jump scare? Not much, TBH, but one experience that does top it is the unexpected pain of a heat spike mid-manicure—a.k.a. that burning sensation you feel when curing your nails under a UV lamp (war flashbacks).
Chances are, if you're reading this, you, too, have been silenced (cc. Oprah) by the pain of a gel nail heat spike and are seeking answers. Well, look no further because with the expertise of nail technician Iram Shelton, we're spilling the (acetone-free) tea on what causes the discomfort and how you can keep your next mani from turning into a full-blown episode of Nailed It: Sinister Edition.
What is a gel manicure heat spike?
Simply, Iram says that a heat spike is that "sudden, intense warming or burning sensation you might feel when your gel or builder gel is curing under the lamp." Usually, she tells me, it happens with thicker gel products.
Are heat spikes bad for your nails?
Heat spikes are not "ideal," Iram says, "but don't panic because it doesn't automatically mean your nails are damaged. "However, repeated or extreme heat spikes can cause discomfort, sensitivity, and in rare cases, damage to the natural nail if it's been over-filed or already weakened. It's definitely something to flag with your nail tech if it happens often."
How to prevent/stop heat spikes
In short: Yes! Iram shares a few pointers that you (or your nail tech) can do to prevent or stop a heat spike:
- Apply products in thinner layers, especially with builder gels or overlays.
- Flash cure - Pop your hand in the lamp for just a couple of seconds, pull it out, and then cure again fully. This helps ease your nails into the heat.
- Tell your nail tech! A good tech will adjust the application and/or curing time to keep you comfy.
- If it starts to feel hot, pull your hand out immediately; don't tough it out! You can always cure in shorter bursts instead. (Generally, a nail tech will lower the heat intensity and, in turn, up the curing time. This slows down the reaction process and minimizes heat spikes.)
Ultimately, understanding and mitigating heat spikes in nails is essential, not just for preserving product quality but for ensuring the safety and comfort of every client. When it comes to your mani, remember: pleasure, not pain!
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
