Why Are Nails Lifting More in the Heat? Summer Challenges Solved

Heatwaves. Sweat. Humidity. Melting gels. Clients showing up with SPF still on their hands. Summer might be great for a beach day but for nail techs? It can be a nightmare.

Many nail pros see an increase in:

• Lifting and bubbling

• Flooded cuticles

• Runny builder gel

• Client discomfort or irritation

If you’ve noticed your products acting differently this summer - it’s not you. It’s the heat. Let’s break down why this happens and how to stay in control when the weather is working against you.

1. Why Lifting Happens More in Hot Weather

Hot temperatures affect both product performance and client skin/oil levels:

Builder gels and base coats become runnier, flooding easily into the cuticle area before you’ve had time to control it.

Clients sweat more, increasing surface oil and reducing adhesion.

Skin is slick with SPF or moisturiser, even if they washed their hands.

The nail expands and contracts faster, especially between hot and cool environments, which stresses the overlay.

Result? More lifting, bubbles, and service breakdown.

2. How to Stop Flooding & Control Product Flow

The key is slowing your application while working more efficiently, especially when it comes to builder gels.

Here’s what helps:

• Use thinner layers and flash cure in a lamp or with a flash cure torch between nails (always follow with a full cure but a flash 10 second cure will prevent the gel from running)
  
• Cool your gel and clients hands before service (store away from sunlight or near a fan)
• Use KB Push and Prep Tool or 240 grit sanding bands for better retention
• Swipe the nail and skin with acetone prior to application
• Apply with a firmer, flatter brush for more control

3. How to Tackle SPF & Product Repellents

It’s not just heat that’s sabotaging your prep - SPF, hand cream, tanning products and even insect repellent can form a film over the nail that ruins adhesion.

Prep Checklist Before Every Summer Appointment:

• Wash hands with soap (not just sanitiser)

• Wipe thoroughly with IPA or acetone

• Scrub the nail plate with a stiff bristle brush such as KB Nail Dust Brush.  Avoid using a soft bristle brush such as a make up style brush as these just move dust round and cannot be sanitised and disinfected. 

• Use a dry, prep and e-file bit like the KB Tiny Bit or Erin Bit to gently exfoliate

• Avoid dehydrators that evaporate too quickly in the heat

• Remind clients not to apply cream or SPF before appointments and explain why!

4. Don’t Skip the Details: The Heat Magnifies Mistakes

Tiny errors in application, like slight cuticle contact, uncured pockets, or uneven apex can turn into big breakdowns in summer. So precision matters more than ever.

Use tools that help you work clean, fast, and consistent:

KB Curved Cuticle Scissors – for clean prep = better adhesion

KB 5-in-1 Straight Cut Bit in Fine Grit – for smoothing builder and sealing the cuticle zone

KB Desk Lamp – control shadows and visibility when products run faster

The summer heat doesn’t have to ruin your work or your schedule. By making small tweaks to your prep, tools, and product handling, you can stay in control even when the temperature isn’t.

Your best defence? Professional tools, controlled application, and clear client education.

Beat the Heat with Smart Tools

Shop the KB Oopsie Bit for accidental flooding

Clean up cuticle spills before curing with KB Pro Prep Brushes

Level Up with the KB Flexible Desk Light for Precision Application.