How heatwaves are impacting nail techs & tips to adapt services

As global temperatures rise, we’re not just feeling the heat at home – it’s making a serious impact in the nail space. From runny products to skin reactions, recent UK heatwaves have put nail techs under pressure to rethink how they work, the products they use and how to manage salon environments.

This isn’t just a seasonal issue; it’s a sign of a changing climate that’s reshaping the professional beauty industry.

The problem: heat = product instability

Products like gel polish, builder gel, monomer and top coats are formulated to perform best within a specific temperature range – typically around 18-22°C. In high heat, their consistency and behaviour change dramatically:

• Gel products become more fluid, therefore can flood the nails and skin. This makes application more difficult and increases the risk of skin contact and overexposure.
• Liquid & powder polymerises quicker and can become hard to control. This can cause uneven results and lifting.
• Nail dust becomes airborne more easily, due to hot air causing convection currents which lift dust. This can affect breathing and cleanliness.
• The skin is often more sensitive in hot temperatures. This can lead to increased risk of heat spikes during curing, as well as reactions.

Adapting techniques and tools

Many techs are being forced to adjust their methods mid-service. This could mean working faster than usual, storing products in cooler environments, or tweaking UV/LED lamp times.

But these are only short-term fixes. Instead, pros need to adapt strategically and sustainably.

Here are some solutions I recommend:

• Switch to thicker viscosity gel products during warmer months.
• Use desk fans to regulate your workspace temperature, while avoiding blowing dust around.
• Keep clients’ hands and feet cool. You can do this by washing them in cold water, offer cooling towelettes and placing a cool pad underneath. If you cool your nail products but the customer is hot, when the cool hits the warm, it will cause issues.
• Upgrade your lighting to a flexible LED desk light that doesn’t emit heat.
• Use tools that give you more control, like precision E-file bits that reduce manual filing and contact.

The salon environment

Techs also need to rethink how they approach salon climate control. Air conditioning, humidity control and even the position of your desk can affect how products behave. Ensuring clients are comfortable, hydrated and protected from heat spikes is just as important as the service itself.

This is about recognising how climate change is affecting our industry – and how we can prepare, educate and innovate. From product formulation to tool design and salon layouts, the nail industry must evolve to meet new environmental realities.

We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we respond to it.

Have you changed the way you work in the heat? Join the conversation by sharing your warm weather working tips and tagging @scratchmagazine and @katiebarnestoolrange.

Love Katie x

Award-winning nail pro & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education.

www.katiebarnesacademy.com