If you’re an experienced nail tech, you’ve probably noticed that some days your acrylics just don’t behave the way you expect them to. One moment, your application is flawless, and the next, your acrylic is setting too fast or too slow. What gives? The culprit is often the temperature or humidity in your work environment. Let’s break it down and talk about how you can keep your acrylics perfect, no matter the weather.
Why Temperature and Humidity Matter
When you’re working with acrylics, the monomer (liquid) and polymer (powder) combine through a chemical reaction called polymerization. This reaction is super sensitive to the temperature and humidity around you. Too hot or too cold? Too dry or too humid? These conditions can completely change how your acrylic behaves.
1. High Temperature:
What happens? The acrylic sets too fast.
Why? Heat speeds up the polymerization process. If it’s hot, your acrylic might harden before you’ve had time to shape it properly.
What to do: Use a slow-setting monomer like 16oz EMA Monomer to give yourself more time to work. You can also keep your workspace cool by using a fan or air conditioning.
2. Low Temperature:
What happens? The acrylic sets too slow.
Why? Cold air slows down the polymerization process. This can make your application sticky and frustrating.
What to do: Warm up your monomer slightly before use—but never overheat it! Keep your workspace at a comfortable room temperature, around 70-75°F.
3. High Humidity:
What happens? The acrylic might get sticky or cloudy.
Why? Moisture in the air can interfere with the acrylic’s ability to cure properly.
What to do: Invest in a dehumidifier for your nail station. Make sure to use a high-quality Acrylic Primer to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Low Humidity:
What happens? The acrylic might set unevenly or crack after curing.
Why? Dry air can pull moisture from the acrylic, leading to brittle results.
What to do: Use a hydrating hand lotion to minimize dryness around the nail area. You might also consider adjusting your mix ratio slightly to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Tips for Managing Your Workspace
1. Control Your Environment:
Keep your workspace at a consistent temperature. A thermometer and hygrometer can help you monitor conditions.
2. Choose the Right Tools:
High-quality brushes, like those in our Acrylic Nail Brushes collection, can make a huge difference. A good brush helps you work faster and more precisely, even in tricky conditions.
3. Use High-Quality Products:
Not all acrylic powders and liquids are created equal. Explore our Acrylic Powder collection for formulas designed to perform beautifully in all conditions.
4. Don’t Skip the Basics:
Always use a reliable Acrylic Primer to prep the nails and prevent lifting.
Adjusting Your Technique
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the weather will mess with your acrylics. That’s when you’ll need to adjust your technique:
If it’s hot: Work in smaller sections to avoid the acrylic hardening too quickly. Keep your brush clean by following tips from our blog on Why Do I Have So Much Product Build-Up on My Acrylic Nail Brush?.
If it’s cold: Use slightly more liquid in your mix ratio. A wetter bead can help counteract the slower setting time.
If it’s humid: Make sure to finish with a top coat, like our Velvet Matte Top Coat, to seal the design and protect against moisture.
If it’s dry: Pay extra attention to your filing and buffing to prevent cracks or splits.
Learn and Adapt
No two days in the salon are ever the same, especially when you’re working with acrylics. Whether you’re managing the heat of summer or the dryness of winter, understanding how temperature and humidity affect your materials is key to keeping your clients happy.
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks, check out our blog on How to Price Your Acrylic Nail Services for Maximum Profit. And don’t forget to explore our full range of Acrylic Nail Supplies to stock up on everything you need for success!