Nail Knowledge: What are heat spikes?

‘Heat spikes’ can happen when using gel products.

A ‘heat spike’ to a client can be an intense sensation of heat that can feel like ‘burning’ or tingling when in the lamp. It is usually short-lived but can put many clients off due to the sensation and not understanding why

‘Heat spikes’ are also known as an exothermic reaction (a chemical reaction that gives off heat).

A ‘heat spike’ can occur due to polymerisation (curing of the product). This is where a gel product is going from a liquid to a solid and during this process, as the product is turning into a solid, you/your client may feel a ‘heat spike’.

How to prevent a heat spike?

Unfortunately, sometimes you cannot prevent it from being warm on the nail plate however, as nail techs, there are some things we can try to reduce this sensation;

• If a client has naturally thin, or damaged, nail plates, applying product in thinner layers can decrease the likelihood of a heat spike - thinner layers generate less heat.
• Do not ‘over file’ the nail plate. This can lead to thinning the nail plate which allows heat to flow to the nail bed causing ‘heat spikes’ and potential injury.
• Use the ‘low heat’/90s setting mode on your lamp.
• Use the correct lamp for your gel system. Usually the gel system you’re using will have been tested and verified in their lamp and recommended for use.