What is gel flooding, why does it happen and how to fix it
When your gel application looks flawless, until you take the hand out of the lamp and notice it’s flooded into the cuticle or sidewalls - it can feel frustrating. But you’re not alone.
Gel flooding happens to every nail professional at some point in their career. It’s not a sign of poor technique; it’s simply the result of how gel behaves under certain conditions. Understanding the science behind it helps you stay in control, prevent it from happening, and know exactly how to fix it when it does.
What Causes Gel Flooding?
Flooding occurs when the gel flows beyond the intended area before curing. The key reasons are:
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Temperature changes - Warm environments or client hands lower gel viscosity, making it more fluid. Remember, when it's cold outside - you crank the heating up in the salon, making gel still behave as if it was summer!
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Product behaviour - Some gels self level faster than others due to their formulation.
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Application technique - Using too much product or taking too long to manipulate it gives the gel more time to move.
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Nail angle or gravity - If the client’s hand is tilted or uneven, gel naturally flows to the lowest point.
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Delay in curing - Waiting too long to cure gives the product time to flood into the cuticle or sidewalls.
The Science: Understanding Gel Viscosity
Viscosity is the measure of a gel’s resistance to flow - in other words, how thick or runny it is.
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High viscosity gels are thicker, hold their shape, and self level slowly. They’re great for structure work and for warmer climates.
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Low viscosity gels are thinner, move quickly, and self level fast - ideal for overlays or smoother finishes, but more prone to flooding in heat.
When temperature rises, gel viscosity drops. The molecules inside the product move faster and slip past each other more easily, making the gel thinner. This is why gels can behave perfectly one day and suddenly flood the next, especially if your salon is warm or you’re working close to lamps and heaters.
Why Some Gels Self-Level Faster Than Others
Self levelling occurs when surface tension and internal flow allow the gel to smooth itself out before curing.
The speed of this process depends on:
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The molecular weight of the oligomers (shorter chains = faster flow).
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The amount of reactive diluents or monomers added to the formulation.
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Additives used to modify texture and stabilise viscosity.
Fast self levelling gels can save time but in warmer conditions, they may run too easily. Slower levelling gels are more stable but might need extra brushing or manipulation to smooth out. Understanding your product’s behaviour in your environment is key to control.
How to Prevent Gel Flooding
1. Control Your Environment
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Work in a temperature controlled space where possible (ideally 20–23°C). Don't make this too warm, otherwise you will experience flooding.
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Store gels away from heat and light, ideally in a cool drawer or box.
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Avoid leaving open jars or bottles under lamps or near windows.
2. Manage Client Hand Temperature
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Warm hands transfer heat into the gel, lowering viscosity.
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Ask clients to rest hands away from lamps while you work on the other hand.
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If hands are warm, use a gentle desk fan, get them to wash their hands before application in cool water or cool pack wrapped in a towel for a few seconds before application.
3. Adjust Your Application Technique
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Work one nail at a time in warmer conditions.
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Use smaller beads of gel to reduce excess movement.
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Place the bead slightly away from the cuticle and guide it gently into position.
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Keep the nail slightly tilted downward to prevent the gel running backwards.
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If your gel flows quickly, flash cure each nail for 2–3 seconds to “lock” the shape before continuing.
4. Choose the Right Product
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Select gels formulated for your salon temperature or that maintain consistent viscosity.
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Use thicker viscosity gels or builder gels during warmer months.
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In cooler weather, choose medium viscosity products for smoother self levelling.
But, let's be real - you could do all of this and still sometimes get flooding! Perfect mistakes and accidents happen and perfection doesn't exist.
How to Fix Gel Flooding
Even with the best technique, flooding can still happen. Here’s how to correct it safely:
If It’s Still Uncured
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Tilt the nail so the gel runs away from the flooded area.
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Use Precision Perfector, Pro Prep Brushes or detail brush to gently remove or redirect the excess gel before curing.
If It’s Partially Cured
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Gently wipe away any uncured product using a clean brush dipped in cleanser.
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Flash cure again to stabilise before finishing the set.
If It’s Fully Cured
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Use a precision e-file bit, such as the Oopsie, Oopsie Large or Nicole Cuticle Refiner Bit, to safely remove the cured overflow.
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Rebalance and refine the surface using a fine buffer or file.
- Apply a small amount of additional product if required and top coat.
What speed should I use?
Oopsie and Oopsie Large - 7-15,000 RPM
The Nicole - 7-25,000 RPM
Watch the Oopsie Bit and Precision Perfector in action.
Watch the Nicole Bit in action.
How to Keep Products and Hands Cooler
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Keep products closed and stored away from lamps between uses.
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Use a small cooling tray or fridge drawer (10–18°C) for gels, not cold enough to harden them, but cool enough to stabilise viscosity.
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Offer clients a cool, damp towel to rest their hands on during prep or before application.
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Keep a desk fan nearby to circulate air and reduce surface temperature.
Remember,
- Gel flooding is caused by reduced viscosity and excess movement of product before curing.
- Temperature, product formulation, and hand warmth all affect how your gel behaves.
- Understanding your gel’s viscosity helps you choose the right one for your environment.
- Prevention comes from controlled product placement, environment, and flash curing.
- Flooding can always be corrected - with the right tools and a calm approach.
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Shop the Tools Mentioned