Why You Shouldn’t Apply Gel Polish Outdoors or close to windows: The Effects of UV Light 💅☀️

With beautiful, warm days ahead, it can be tempting to paint your nails outside in the garden while enjoying the sunshine.
But did you know that applying gel polish outdoors—even under an umbrella or canopy—can cause unwanted problems?
In this blog, we explain why it’s better to stay indoors when applying gel polish.

The impact of UV light on gel polish

Gel polish cures through UV light, which hardens the polish, creates shine, and ensures long-lasting results.
However, when you apply gel polish outside, **direct sunlight—or even filtered daylight—**can cause the gel to start curing too quickly.
This may lead to hardened particles in the bottle or on the brush, resulting in uneven application and an imperfect finish.

Uneven curing caused by sunlight

Applying gel polish in the sun prevents the gel from curing evenly.
UV rays accelerate the curing process, meaning the polish can dry too fast and form hard pieces that are difficult to smooth out or remove.
This can create an unnatural texture and ruin the final look of your manicure.

Temperature and humidity also matter

Outdoor application is affected by temperature and humidity as well.
High temperatures may cause gel polish to cure faster, while cold conditions can slow the process down—making it difficult to achieve a smooth, even layer.
A controlled environment is essential for the best results.

Why applying gel polish indoors is better

The best place to apply gel polish is indoors, in a well-lit room without direct sunlight.
This ensures even curing, prevents premature hardening, and helps you achieve the long-lasting shine and durability gel polish is known for.

Conclusion: Avoid applying gel polish outdoors

Although painting your nails in the sun sounds relaxing, direct UV exposure can damage the application process and final result.
For the best manicure, always apply gel polish indoors, away from direct sunlight.
This keeps your polish smooth, flawless, and perfectly long-lasting.