When my manicurist applied gels to my nails I felt like they were on fire! What causes this, and do I need to give up wearing gel nails?

You don't need to give up wearing nail extensions, but there are steps you can take to reduce heat spike with gel nails. The burning or heat sensation that you felt under the light is what is called photosensitivity and we sometimes refer to this as a 'heat spike.' If this happens again, just take your hand out from under the light, wait a few seconds, then put your hand back under the light. You will find the burning sensation is gone. You can also see if the UV/LED light has a 'low heat mode' this will cure the gel longer at a lower light setting to reduce heat spikes. There are also gel systems that are called "No Light" gels or dip powder nails. These systems use a thicker viscosity glue and cure or "dry" the glue with an accelerator.