Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Does temperature have an effect on the way acrylic sets up?

October 5, 2006

Temperature has an effect on most types of services performed in the salon. That’s why hairstylists will often put clients under a hair dryer, not to dry the hair, but to speed up action of the chemical service. The reverse is true, as well. Most chemical reactions happen more quickly when warmed and slow down dramatically when cooler. This is true for all artificial nail products.

For this reason, it’s best to keep the salon (and products) between 68°-72°F. At lower temperatures, artificial nail products will set much more slowly and may not be as durable. You can find more about the chemistry behind artificial nail products in my book Nail Structure & Product Chemistry-Second Edition, 2005, Thomson Learning. — Doug Schoon is vice president of science and technology for Creative Nail Design (Vista, Calif.).

Topics:acrylics

More FAQ

Is there a particular type of “pencil” that is white that I could use to mark a smile line?

I am trying a new approach to creating the perfect salon smile line, and I was wondering if there was a particular type of “pencil” that was white that I could use to mark a smile line that could later be covered with the white acrylic powder?... read more

What causes my acrylic brushes to leave a yellow residue on the paper towel?

I have what’s starting to become a serious problem with my acrylic brushes. I have purchased three different brushes at three different price ranges, all of which have started to leave a yellow residue behind on the paper towel. What could be causing this? Please help!... read more

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?... read more

What is the health issue with nurses wearing enhancements?

I have several clients who are nurses, and the hospitals they work at have put policies in place stating they can no longer have artificial nails because of the bacteria that can be held under the nails. Is there a real possibility that this is a health issue? And wouldn’t the same bacteria be under natural nails?... read more

What is the proper way to treat an ingrown toenail during a pedicure?

What is the proper way to treat an ingrown toenail during a pedicure?... read more

How do I properly apply gel sealer?

How do I properly apply gel sealer (in detail, please)?... read more

Why does the acrylic get hot sometimes, causing my client’s finger to burn?

When I am applying an acrylic full set on a client, why does the acrylic get hot sometimes, causing my client’s finger to burn? Once I spray it with water or alcohol it cools off instantly.... read more

I like to use opaque pink acrylic to elongate the nail bed, but when it comes time for a fill, I have trouble blending the acrylic. Any suggestions?

I like to use opaque pink acrylic to elongate the nail bed, but when it comes time for a fill, I have trouble blending the acrylic. Any suggestions?... read more

Could you tell me how to prevent gels from lifting from the nail tips?

I am doing gel nails and they keep lifting from the nail tips. Could you please tell me why I keep getting this problem and how to prevent it from happening again?... read more

Why does it take me an hour and a half to do a gel fill? How can I get my time down?

Why does it take me an hour and a half to do a gel fill? How can I get my time down?... read more

When doing backfills on my gels, why am I having a problem with the white separating and coming off?

When doing backfills on my gels, I am having a problem with the white separating and coming off. Sometimes it comes off in one piece, or the natural nail will peel away from the gel. I am being very thorough with my prep work. What causes this?... read more

How can I avoid fill lines without filing too much on the natural nail?

I always have fill lines when I do fills. How can I avoid this without filing too much on the natural nail?... read more