Exothermal Reactions (Heat Spikes)
or what I call - Why’s it spicy 🌶️
Every nail tech has heard the words “omg that’s burny!” at least once - but what’s really happening when things get spicy in the lamp?
Let’s lift the veil and shed a little light on the science behind the spell 🔮
🌡️ What Actually Happens
When gel cures, the molecules inside begin to link together to form solid polymer chains - a process called polymerisation.
This reaction naturally releases heat, and that heat is what we feel as a heat spike or exothermal reaction. The faster the polymerisation, the higher the heat spike - generally speaking.
For most clients, it’s mild. For others, it can be uncomfortable or even painful. BUT You can control it with knowledge, technique, and the right tools.
🌙 Common Causes & How to Prevent Them
✴️ 1. Semi-Sheer, Sheer or Clear Gels
Sheer gels allow light to penetrate faster, speeding up the cure and raising the temperature.
How to calm the reaction if necessary:
• Always use Low Heat Mode when curing builder gels.
• Try a distance cure - hold the nail just outside the lamp but still in the light stream for 10 seconds before popping in the lamp and restarting the timer.
This slows everything down to help avoid uncomfortable heat for your client.
💎 2. Gel Applied Too Thick
When too much product cures at once, the heat builds up quickly. A lot of the time - this is going to be your cause!
Apply thin and controlled with correct structure. A thick nail doesn’t mean a strong nail - check in with your mentor or maybe look at some extra training if you feel you need some extra guidance.
🔮 3. High-Intensity lamps
There are a lot of different types of lamps out there and some are more powerful than others - which in turn may cause a higher heat spike for your client!
Low Heat Mode, Distance Curing and Flash Curing will be your best friend when moving over to a higher powdered lamp.
🪶 4. Sensitive Nail Beds
Some clients are simply more sensitive thank others, simples.
Check in during the service, communicate, and adapt.
🌗 5. Product-Free, Damaged or Over-Prepped Nail Beds
Bare nails can feel warmth more intensely - there’s no protective product layer yet.
Heavily damaged or over-filed nails can amplify that feeling further.
Be cautious and use your professional judgment - sometimes the safest service is none at all until the nail is healed.
💫 The Final Word
Exothermal reactions aren’t something to fear - they’re proof that magic and science are at work.
Your job as a nail “alchemist” hehe, is to control the energy, channel it wisely, and keep your client comfortable every step of the way.
