July 09, 2023
BEAT THE HEAT!
The Sizzling Truth: Heat Spikes and Gel Manicures - Beat the Heat!
Picture this: You're all set to pamper yourself with a fabulous gel manicure — choosing the perfect shade, prepping your nails, and getting ready to rock those flawless nails. But wait! Have you ever experienced a pesky heat spike that jeopardized your gel manicure? Fear not!
In this educational and fun article, we'll dive into the world of heat spikes and explore the issues they can cause during gel manicures. More importantly, we'll equip you with fantastic solutions to ensure your nail game stays strong even in the face of rising temperatures!
WHAT ARE HEAT SPIKES?
Heat spikes in the context of manicures refer to sudden bursts of heat or increased temperature that can affect the application and durability of nail products. These heat spikes can occur during the curing process when using UV or UV/LED lamps or when nails come into contact with high heat sources.
COMMON HEAT SPIKE ISSUES
NATURAL NAIL CONDITION
Over-filed, damaged, weak, or thin nails can be more susceptible to feeling the effects of heat spikes, due to their compromised structure and decreased resilience. Over-filing or excessive buffing can remove layers of the nail plate, making it thinner and more vulnerable to external factors, leading to weakened and compromised nails.
PREMATURE CURING
This happens when the gel or acrylic starts to harden before you have finished applying it, leading to uneven or messy results. It can be caused by a lamp that emits excessive heat or if the nail is exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
WRINKLING
Heat spikes can also cause wrinkling or bubbling of the gel or acrylic product. When the nail is exposed to sudden high temperatures, it can lead to the formation of tiny air pockets or wrinkles in the manicure, resulting in an unsmooth and less aesthetically pleasing finish.
THICK APPLICATION
When a thick layer of gel polish is applied, it becomes more challenging for the UV/LED light emitted by the curing lamp to reach the layers of the gel. As a result, the light energy can get trapped within the thick layer, causing a concentration of heat in that area. Thick layers of gel polish require a longer curing time to ensure complete and even polymerization. This prolonged exposure to the curing lamp can increase the amount of heat generated, leading to potential heat spikes.
LAMP WATTAGE & CURING
Overcuring or undercuring can lead to issues like premature curing or product instability. Lower-quality lamps may generate excessive heat, increasing the likelihood of heat spikes. If the lamp emits excessive heat, it can increase the likelihood of heat spikes during gel polish application. Over-curing, or exposing the nails to the lamp for longer than necessary, can also increase the likelihood of heat spikes.
HOW TO PREVENT HEAT SPIKES?
USE A LAMP WITH PROPER WATTAGEEnsure you are using a UV or LED lamp with an appropriate wattage for curing your specific nail products. The lamp should provide sufficient curing power without generating excessive heat. Consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional advice to determine the recommended lamp wattage for your gel products.
MG lamps include both LED & UV and you can use them for curing any product.
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UV LAMP
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LED LAMP
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EMITS A BROADER SPECTRUM OF WAVELENGHT
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PRODUCES A MORE NARROW TARGETED WAVELENGHT
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USUALLY COSTS LESS
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IS MORE EXPENSIVE
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CURES ALL PRODUCTS
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CURES SPECIAL LED-CURED PRODUCTS |
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TAKES LONGER TO CURE
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CURES PRODUCTS FASTER |
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NEEDS THE BULB REPLACED EVERY 3-6 MONTHS
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BULBS LAST MUCH LONGER |
FOLLOW RECOMMENDED CURING TIMES
Adhere to the recommended curing times provided by the nail product manufacturer. Following the specified curing times ensures proper polymerization without excessive heat exposure. Madam Glam’’s UV and LED lamps have a “low heat mode” option that can make your nail-process easier and safer!
If you notice excessive heat during the curing process, consider taking short breaks between curing cycles. Remove your hand from the lamp for a brief period to allow any accumulated heat to dissipate. This can help prevent heat spikes and promote more controlled curing.
APPLY THIN LAYER OF GEL POLISH
Aim for thin and even layers. Applying multiple thin layers allows for better light penetration and more efficient curing, reducing the chances of heat spikes.
USE HEAT-PROTECTIVE GLOVES
Consider using heat-protective gloves or finger covers specifically designed for nail applications. These protective accessories create an additional barrier between your nails and external heat sources, minimizing the impact of heat spikes.
OPTIMIZE NAIL PRODUCT QUALITY
Quality products often have better formulations and are less prone to heat-related issues. With ar Vegan, Cruelty-Free and 21-Free Formula, our gel products are specifically designed to minimize heat spikes during the curing process, and make sure your nails stay healthy and strong.
REMEMBER, each nail product may have specific instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer, so always follow those guidelines to achieve the best results and minimize the impact of heat spikes on your manicure.
Madam Glam
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