Question about a glitter gel manicure that went a bit too far

I had a client last Friday who wanted a full glitter gel manicure, so I used a new chunky glitter gel from a brand called Glitz Glam. I applied it like normal, but when I put her hand under the LED lamp, the glitter started to spark and pop like tiny fireworks. She just laughed and said 'Well, that's festive!' but I was a little worried. I learned that some glitters can have a weird reaction with certain lamps if they're not fully cured between layers. Has anyone else had glitter act up under the lamp?

3 comments

3 Comments

davidwright1mo agoMost Upvoted

Ever had that happen with a really old pot of glitter? I had a similar thing a while back where some super fine, craft-store type glitter I mixed into a clear gel just fizzed under my lamp. I switched to a glitter gel polish made for nails (like from a proper nail brand, not a craft jar) and cured each layer for a full 90 seconds, even if it looked done. That extra time seemed to stop the weird sparking.

the_derek1mo ago

Glitter turning into a light show is a new one for me. At least your client had a sense of humor about the free fireworks. Maybe just stick to the boring, non-explosive glitters from now on.

grant.jade2d ago

Honestly @the_derek, my whole craft table looked like a tiny rave for a second there. I was using this cheap chunky glitter from a dollar store kit, the kind that feels more like plastic confetti. Next thing I know, little pops of light under the lamp like I was curing a sparkler. Switched to a basic cosmetic-grade mica powder and the drama stopped. Guess some glitters just have a need for speed, or in this case, heat.