A Nail Tech’s Guide to Heat, Runny Builder Gel and Heat Spikes

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for nail technicians, but it's also the season when many begin noticing changes in their products and services.

Your Builder Gel suddenly feels runnier. A product that's normally easy to control starts flooding towards the cuticle. Clients who usually have excellent retention return with lifting, and heat spikes seem more noticeable than ever.

So, what's actually happening?

The answer is simple: heat changes the way both your products and your clients behave.

Warmer temperatures will affect the viscosity/consistency of your gels, increase perspiration and surface oils, and create new challenges during application. The good news is that these are all things you can prepare for and for most you already know the answers. 

In this A Nail Tech’s Guide to Heat, we're answering the most common questions nail technicians ask every summer, helping you understand why these changes happen and what you can do to continue creating beautiful, long-lasting manicures all season long.

Why does my Builder Gel become runnier in hot weather?

As temperatures rise, Builder Gel naturally becomes a thinner. This is because heat lowers the product's viscosity, making it want to level more quickly.

While this isn't a fault with the product, it does mean you may have less time to perfect your structure before the gel begins moving.

You might notice:

• Builder Gel self-levelling faster than usual.
• Product flooding towards the cuticle or sidewalls.
• Less time to refine your apex.
• Increased risk of accidental skin contact.

The ideal working temperature for HONA Builder Gel is 20–25°C. Keeping your salon and products within this range will help maintain the consistency you're familiar with.

💡 HONA Tip

If your Builder Gel is moving faster than normal, try working one nail at a time & flash curing instead of applying a full hand before curing. It gives you much more control during warmer weather.

If you'd like to learn more about storing and working with your products, read our Temperature Control Guide.

Why are my clients experiencing more lifting during summer?

If you've noticed an increase in lifting during the warmer months, you're certainly not alone.

Summer introduces several factors that can affect adhesion and retention.

Clients naturally perspire more, meaning the nail plate may have increased moisture and surface oils before the service even begins. On top of this, SPF, hand creams and tanning products can leave behind residue that isn't always visible but can still affect adhesion if not properly removed.

Warmer temperatures also make Builder Gel more fluid, increasing the likelihood of product touching the surrounding skin if application isn't adjusted.

Outside of the salon, clients are also spending more time swimming, gardening, travelling and enjoying outdoor activities, all of which place additional stress on their nails.

Rather than one single cause, summer lifting is usually the result of several small factors working together.

💡 HONA Tip

Summer is the perfect time to slow your prep down. Spending an extra minute removing oils, SPF residue and moisture can make a noticeable difference to retention.

Can SPF or moisturiser affect gel retention?

Yes.

SPF, hand creams, body lotions and tanning products are all designed to leave a protective layer on the skin. Unfortunately, if any of that residue remains on the nail plate, it can interfere with adhesion.

This doesn't mean clients shouldn't wear SPF. In fact, we'd always encourage it. It simply means the nail plate should be thoroughly cleansed before beginning your application.

Encourage clients to arrive with clean hands and avoid applying hand cream or SPF immediately before their appointment where possible.

💡 HONA Tip

SPF isn't the problem! residue is. A thorough cleanse before application helps create the ideal foundation for long-lasting retention.

Why are heat spikes worse during summer?

Many nail technicians notice clients mentioning heat spikes more frequently during warmer weather.

A heat spike occurs during the curing process as the gel polymerises and releases heat. While summer temperatures don't directly cause heat spikes, warm nails combined with thicker product application can make them feel more noticeable.

Heat spikes are more common when:

• Builder Gel is applied too thickly.
• The natural nail is thin or damaged.
• A large amount of product cures at once.
• Clients have naturally sensitive nails.

Applying thinner, controlled layers and assessing the condition of the natural nail can help minimise discomfort.

If you'd like to understand heat spikes in more detail, read our dedicated Heat Spike Guide.

💡 HONA Tip

Thin, controlled layers don't just improve structure, they can also help reduce the intensity of heat spikes.

Should I change my prep routine in summer?

Your prep routine shouldn't completely change, but your attention to detail should.

During warmer weather, pay extra attention to:

• Surface oils.
• Perspiration.
• SPF residue.
• Hand creams.
• Tanning products.

Once the nail plate is clean, dry and properly prepared, continue with your usual HONA application.

For clients who regularly struggle with lifting, TrueBond can be a fantastic addition to your service. Applied after prep and scrubbed into the natural nail, it provides additional adhesion support before continuing with your chosen HONA system.

💡 HONA Tip

Think of TrueBond as extra support not a replacement for good prep. The two work hand in hand.

HONA Prep Guide 

Should I keep my Builder Gel in the fridge?

No.

Although cooling products down may sound like a good solution, repeatedly moving them between cold and warm temperatures isn't recommended.

Instead, store your gels:

• Between 20–25°C
• Away from windows
• Out of direct sunlight
• Away from radiators
• Never inside a hot car

A stable environment will always give you more predictable product performance.

Can hot weather affect Gel Polish too?

Absolutely.

Like Builder Gel, Gel Polish becomes thinner as temperatures increase.

You may notice colour flowing more quickly, making thin, controlled application even more important.

Always apply multiple thin coats rather than trying to compensate with thicker layers.

Summer Survival Essentials

When the temperature rises, remember these four golden rules:

✔ Keep your products between 20–25°C

✔ Remove SPF and moisturiser residue thoroughly.

✔ Work one nail at a time if your gel becomes more fluid.

✔ Consider TrueBond for clients who regularly experience lifting.

Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.

Quick Summer FAQ

Why is my Builder Gel suddenly runny?

Heat naturally reduces the viscosity of Builder Gel, causing it to self-level more quickly.

Can sunscreen make gel nails lift?

Yes. Any residue left on the nail plate can interfere with adhesion if it isn't properly removed during prep.

Are heat spikes more common in summer?

They can feel more noticeable because nails and surrounding skin are already warmer before curing begins.

Should I use more primer or bonder in summer?

Not necessarily. Focus on excellent preparation first, then consider products like TrueBond for clients who need additional adhesion support.

Can I still use Builder Gel during a heatwave?

Absolutely. Simply adapt your application, keep your products within their recommended working temperature and pay extra attention to prep.

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn't mean your products are performing differently because they're faulty, it simply means your working environment has changed.

Understanding how heat affects Builder Gel, Gel Polish and your clients' nails allows you to make small adjustments that keep your services consistent throughout the warmer months.

Whether that's working one nail at a time, controlling your salon temperature, spending a little longer on prep or introducing TrueBond where needed, these simple changes can help reduce lifting and improve retention all summer long.

For more summer nail education, explore our guides on Temperature Control, Heat Spikes and How to Use TrueBond, all available in the HONA Knowledge Hub.