Applying gel polish is supposed to be a nice beauty treatment, but sometimes curing it in the UV or LED lamp can cause an unpleasant burning sensation. Why is this and – more importantly – how can you prevent it?
During the curing process, heat is released through a chemical reaction. Normally, this happens gradually and without any problems. However, if the reaction occurs too quickly, a lot of heat can be released at once, which can cause a painful or burning sensation. The faster the gel hardens, the greater the chance of this discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this, and we share the best tips with you!
1. Too thick layers of gel polish
One of the most common causes of a burning sensation with gel polish is applying too thick layers. The thicker the layer, the more molecular bonds are created at once, which causes a sudden heat development.
💡 The solution: Always apply gel polish in thin, even layers. It's better to apply an extra layer than to apply too thickly at once. This way, the polish hardens gradually and you avoid that burning sensation.
2. Too warm environment
Did you know that temperature affects how gel polish hardens? In a warm room, the process goes faster, which releases a lot of heat in a short time. This explains why you are more likely to experience a burning sensation on summer days. Not only does the gel polish get warmer, but also your hands, which enhances the effect.
💡 The solution: Preferably work in a cool room and make sure your gel polish is not too warm. On extremely hot days, you can put your hands (or those of your client) on an ice pack shortly before the treatment to prevent overheating.
3. The formula of the gel polish
Not all gel polish is the same! Cheaper formulas can cause you to experience a burning sensation more quickly, as they often contain harsher ingredients or have less controlled curing.
💡 The solution: Opt for a quality gel polish that has been carefully formulated, such as our OMG! Nails Gel Polish. This way, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable manicure without unnecessary heat reactions.
4. Thin nail plate
Do you have naturally thin nails? Then you are more likely to experience a burning or painful sensation when curing gel polish. This is because a thin nail offers less protection to the nail bed - and that is sensitive, because it consists of living tissue.
💡 The solution: Strengthen your nails to make your nail plate thicker and stronger. This provides extra protection and prevents discomfort when curing gel polish. Good nail care, such as regular use of cuticle oil , helps with this! ( Also read our blog: “ Why Cuticle Oil? ” )
5. Damaged nail plate
A damaged nail plate offers less protection to the sensitive nail bed. This can not only make the curing of gel polish feel unpleasant, but can also further damage the health of your nails. Excessive filing or milling is a common cause of thin and fragile nails.
💡 The solution: Be gentle when filing your nails and never remove too much of the nail plate. Choose a soft file and avoid aggressive techniques to keep your nails healthy and strong.
