Every nail technician uses a specially designed manicure lamp in his work. Nowadays, fluorescent (UV) and light-emitting diode (LED) nail lamps are a real helper for those who like to do manicures using shellac. But among the large selection of lamps, you can simply get confused. Therefore, it is important to know what equipment to choose, how certain models differ from each other, and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.

How to choose a lamp for manicure

UV and LED lamps are the most common types of lamps. Such lamps are used by manicure lovers both at home and in beauty salons. The device is quite easy to use and does not require any special skills from its owner during operation.

Some lamps may become warm during use, so caution should be used, but with a quality model this should not happen.

The price category of lamps is quite diverse. The cost of each lamp depends on its technical characteristics and functionality. But among all the variety of lamps for manicure, each master will be able to find his ideal price-quality ratio, based on the conditions in which the lamp will be used.

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a lamp for working with gels and gel polishes is its power and type. But the size of the lamp is the master’s personal preferences, and they do not affect performance in any way. The best option for work is a lamp that is designed to dry the fingers of the entire hand at the same time.

Types of manicure lamps for drying gel and gel polish on nails

1. UV lamp (UV) — is the most common type of lamp for manicure. The device is equipped with fluorescent light bulbs that emit ultraviolet radiation. Such lamps have a fairly affordable price, but are not durable to use. About once every 3 months, fluorescent lamps need to be replaced with new ones, otherwise the gel polish will not dry well. Suitable for drying gel polish, but not all are suitable for working with gels, only more powerful models.

   

2. Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL). The operating principle is similar to that of ultraviolet lamps. CCFL lamps operate using a gas that emits light. They polymerize any gel coating well. As a rule, CCFL lamps are equipped with only one bulb in the form of a spiral, and this is precisely their first and main drawback. This arrangement does not always allow the material to polymerize evenly. They do not have a filament, so they generate less heat, but save more electricity. Currently, CCFL lamps are most often produced in symbiosis with LED.

   

3. Light-emitting diode (LED - lamp)- The most common type of lamp today. The lamp works thanks to the LEDs built into it. The main features of such devices are low temperature during operation, high speed of material drying and durability. Suitable for drying any material for manicure: gel polish (shellac) and various types of gels. This lamp is absolutely safe for the skin of your hands. As a rule, such lamps do not require replacement of bulbs after a certain service life, and the average operating time of LEDs is 50,000 hours. If the lamp has been in use for quite a long time and one LED burns out, then this, as a rule, is not a problem and does not require urgent replacement of the lamp, the power of the entire lamp is simply reduced slightly! LED lamps are much more expensive than UV lamps.

   

4. Hybrid lamp (LED + CCFL) or (LED+UV). This type of lamp combines two types of LED, UV or CCFL lamps, which can be used to work with different coatings, such as gel polishes and gels of different densities. Hybrid lamps are different from regular UV lamps because they can dry a surface in just 30 seconds. In addition, hybrid lamps are small in size and have an excellent appearance. As a rule, this is a very professional and expensive type of nail drying device.

   

   Photo: Hybrid CCFL/LED lamp for manicure

Power

The main criterion that determines the price of a lamp. A nail dryer with a higher power significantly saves time spent on manicure.

There are several lamps of different power:

6 - 9 W. The most common and simple lamp that is very inexpensive. This model has only one UV lamp or from 3 to 6 LEDs and is suitable for working exclusively at home, for learning the basics of manicure using gel polish coating. Gels or gel polishes with high pigmentation cannot be dried with such a lamp.

18 - 36 W. The model is also inexpensive, and, as a rule, has from 2 to 4 light bulbs or 10 to 24 LEDs. It is also better to use such a lamp only at home, but unlike a 6-9 W lamp, this one can be trusted with gel polishes with a higher density, but such lamps are also not very suitable for drying gel, so they are suitable for use in beauty salons no good.

45 - 72 W. Lamps with such power are great for use not only at home, but also in beauty salons. They dry any material perfectly and are suitable for nail extensions. Naturally, such lamps are very expensive, so not everyone can afford them, but as the famous proverb says, “The miser pays twice.” Once you buy such a lamp, you will use it for a very long time, and the increased number of clients, thanks to high-quality manicure, will quickly pay for the cost of the lamp.

Size

The bodies of almost all manicure lamps are made of high-strength plastic of various colors; some models contain metal elements, but this does not affect the operation of the lamp itself. The sizes of lamps for manicure are very diverse. They can be:

• very tiny, U-shaped, the size of two matchboxes, designed for drying several fingers - such devices have a low price and very low power, so they are suitable exclusively for home use or learning the basics of manicure. Only the most ordinary gel polishes with low pigmentation can dry.

  

  U-shaped manicure lamp

• Rectangular in shape, about the size of a small shoe box. Such devices are designed for drying one hand - this is the size of a standard lamp, both for home and professional use.

  

  Rectangular manicure lamp

• Most modern devices for home and professional use have the shape of a closed hemisphere. Such lamps look very aesthetically pleasing and take up relatively little space.

  

  Lamp for manicure in the shape of a closed hemisphere

• Lamps in the shape of an open hemisphere usually have medium power and are mainly used for home manicures, and are also very convenient when performing pedicures.

  

  Lamp for manicure in the shape of an open hemisphere

• Lamps for drying two hands. They are the size of a large shoe box. Such lamps are mainly used in professional salons. However, we consider their convenience to be rather questionable, since it is much easier to work with one client’s hand at a time. Therefore, we think that the “lamp for two hands” is a simple marketing ploy by manufacturers (since such lamps are more expensive than standard ones), designed for salon professionals who do not have time to logically think about the purchase.

  

  Manicure lamp for two hands

Additional functions

It is worth understanding exactly what functions and needs are needed to work with the lamp. For comfortable work, you can choose lamps with the following functions:

• Timer. This basic and very convenient function allows you to set the drying time of gel polish (shellac, gel). With a timer, you don't need to be distracted from the manicure process and time the drying time; the lamp will do it for you. Different lamps have different numbers of time buttons, they can be: 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 sec.
• Touch trigger mechanism. This function allows you not to be distracted by constantly turning the device on and off. In order for the lamp to work, all you have to do is put your hand into the lamp. If you remove your hand from the lamp, it will turn off.
• Countdown display. A convenient function that displays the remaining time of the timer.
• Built-in fan. It blows the nails during drying, which significantly reduces the risk of burning during polymerization of the material. In addition, the fan performs the cooling function of the heating elements, which will help increase their service life.
• Removable bottom. Improves the quality of cleaning the lamp from materials that have fallen on it. And also, this is a very convenient function when performing a pedicure.

Manufacturer

The manufacturer plays a big role when choosing a lamp for manicure. The highest quality devices for drying gel and shellac are made by a European or American manufacturer. Chinese lamps are a budget option for amateur craftsmen; they are not of good quality, and therefore cannot boast of durability. Some of the most popular manufacturers that produce high-quality lamps are the following brands:

• RuNail
• Planet Nails
• Velena
• Pierre Rene
• Elle by Beurer
• Dona Jerdona
• Global fashion

The type of lamp must be selected based on the scale and conditions in which it will be used. For example:

To teach amateur manicure to girls with gel polish, budget UV or LED lamps from 9 to 18 W are suitable.

For rare home use, both UV and LED lamps from 24 W to 36 W are suitable. Allows you to dry the main brands of gels and gel polishes and learn the basics of extensions.

For more frequent and high-quality use at home, LED and hybrid LED/UV lamps from 36 W to 48 W are suitable. A manicure using such lamps will be of higher quality and more durable, which will allow you to apply the coating not only to yourself, but also to others.

To work with a large client base at home or in a salon, it is best to use LED lamps or LED/UV hybrid lamps with a power of 48 W or more. They have greater power, high drying speed and durability, and given the large flow of customers, this is very important.

Advice: If you are still a beginner, but want to do professional shellac coating in the future and do not know which lamp to choose, choose an LED or a hybrid LED/UV lamp with a power of 24 W or higher. Such lamps will allow you not only to master the basics or extensions, but also to fully use it in the future for home manicure. The price for them is slightly higher than for primitive lamps with a power of 6-9 W.

Terms of use

All manicure lamps are quite easy to use. Even a beginner will not have much trouble understanding the rules of its operation.

1. The first and most important thing to do is to connect the device to an outlet.
2. Next, if the lamp is equipped with a timer, select the required time and press the power button; if there is a sensor, then the lamp will turn on itself when your hand is immersed in it.
3. The hand should be completely immersed in the lamp so that all nails are dried evenly. Perform the procedure with both hands alternately as you apply the coating to the nails.
4. Upon completion of work, unplug the device from the outlet and clean off any gel, gel polish, etc. that has fallen on it.

Adviсe: Be careful with the lamp, do not let it fall, this is fraught with consequences, ranging from the fact that the lamp breaks and stops working to the fact that substances harmful to human health begin to be released from the heating elements inside the lamp (typical for UV and CCFL lamps).

When using ultraviolet lamps, it is not recommended to look at the light inside the lamp; it is not safe for the retina.

Some UV lamp housings can reach temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius during use, so be careful not to get burned.

Are lamps harmful to health?

When used correctly and carefully, all modern lamps for drying nails are absolutely safe for human health. It does not matter which lamp model is used - ultraviolet, hybrid or LED lamp. The design of each of them is designed in such a way as not to harm a person in any way.

As you can see, there is currently a huge selection of lamps for drying nails. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages and therefore, when choosing a lamp for manicure, you should take into account the individual characteristics and working conditions that are necessary to create a high-quality, durable manicure.

To apply shellac at home, we have a UV (ultraviolet) lamp with simple fluorescent bulbs. Therefore, there is no need to buy a ready-made LED UV lamp, but I’m curious what will come out of it. At first glance, all I could find on the Internet was this:

The main part of my lamp is UV LEDs, ordered from aliexpress.


In appearance and size, they are not much different from ordinary 1-3W bead-type LEDs; unlike LEDs for lighting, we can clearly see the crystal under the transparent cap.

The indicated characteristics of the LED on the seller’s page can be trusted, but unfortunately I do not have drivers with a rated current of 700mA, so I used those that were on hand.

To test the operation of the process, I used a 3x3W driver (I don’t describe which one, since it was used for testing) and UV LEDs soldered to the heat sink:


Characteristics of ultraviolet LEDs declared by the seller:

Emitting Color: UV/Ultra-Violet
Light Intensity: 6-10LM
Luminous flux angle: 120 degrees
DC voltage forward (VF) : DC 3.2V ~ 3.6V
Constant forward current (IF) : 700mA
Wavelength: 395nm~400nm

- Shenzhen OT-LED Technology Co.,Ltd

I would not like to write nonsense, so I will keep the information I found and not verified about the necessary exact data on the wavelength for polarizing ultraviolet shellac to myself, and I will issue a conclusion only after careful testing.

The “scheme” assembled on my knee looked like this:

. Within a few seconds I had a completely cured varnish. This prompted me to continue the test.

It was decided to create an experimental model or prototype (whatever you want) of a UV LED lamp, sorry for the “bullshit”)))

To cool and remove excess heat, I used the metal profiles previously mentioned in the article ():

.
Attention! This profile is not sufficient to cool constantly switched on LEDs, so their use is limited to short-term operation only. The time before heating to 60 degrees and cooling to room temperature will be found experimentally in the article testing a UV lamp (in development).

A moisture-proof soldered box is used as a housing. The modification to this box is not very big, I only had to level the bottom by placing fiberboard and gluing the top side with double-sided tape for a layer of foil (reflector).


From the front wide part, cut a large hole for the arm.


Since this is a test sample and not the final version, the moment the light falls from the side is not taken into account, for uniform polarization of all nails, but as you can see in the photo:


And of course, let’s not forget about powering our lamps. As I said above, as a driver I use the existing 9x3W, ready-made heat sink plates soldered to LEDs and connected in series. Unfortunately, that's all. We will continue to test the operation of the lamp, as well as the reliability and wear time of shellac after polarizing this lamp.

The first photos of the assembled lamp and the result of application. 10 days later:

Your face reminds me of Paris, it makes me want to go.

- Positive of the day)))

Continued testing, second 2 weeks of wear in the article: .

While the factory-bought UV lamp for professional manicure is gathering dust on the shelf, I decided to improve the assembled one. DIY UV lamp for nails. For starters...

The beauty and tenderness of women's hands have been glorified by many authors around the world for many years. Today, as before, a woman’s hands are associated with warmth, tenderness, care, and beauty. The modern development of the beauty industry makes it possible to carry out hand care procedures easier, better, and faster.

The most popular decoration for this part of the body today is considered to be a manicure, an integral part of which is a lamp for drying nails.

Types of lamps

Depending on the type of lamps built into the unit, several types of devices can be distinguished:

Lamps may vary in size and be calculated:

• on two arms or legs, if you wish;
• on one hand, that is, all 5 fingers;
• for 4 fingers, with the thumb then dried separately;
• one finger.

There are also non-professional, semi-professional and professional lamps. Non-professional models are represented by low-power, budget devices that polymerize varnishes and even shellacs well. The dimensions do not allow drying both hands at once. Semi-professional models can dry gels, bio-gels, and varnishes, but with colored varnishes from some companies there may be difficulties, so you should pay attention to the labels and look for the LED or UV mark, which guarantees drying under a lamp. Professional models have good power, but their dimensions are also large. The prices are not affordable for every pocket, but they save a lot of time by cutting the drying process in half. Professional lamp for drying gel nails, for nails coated with shellac, biogel, used mainly in beauty salons.

What is a UV lamp?

An ultraviolet lamp for drying nails is a simple design consisting of a body, the light bulbs itself and a small control panel on the body. Such a simple device promotes the polymerization of the nail coating, without damaging the nail plate and skin of the hands. And most importantly, it saves women from having to sit for half an hour or more on the sofa with their fingers outstretched, waiting for the polish to dry. Additionally, the lamp for drying nails can be equipped with an automatic on/off timer, a fan, a mirror surface, a retractable panel and other additional functions that slightly affect the nail drying process.

A UV lamp for drying nails is good because it can create not only a neat manicure, but also treat fingernails or toenails, because ultraviolet waves are excellent at fighting fungi and bacteria.

Power mode: influence on the drying process

The variety in power of devices makes the choice even wider. The numbers start at 9 W and end at 54 W. Power of 9 W and 18 W is suitable for home use. They dry just as well as more powerful ones, but they will take a little more time. They are compact and convenient and will find their place even on the smallest shelf.

If the process of creating a manicure/pedicure is streamlined and every minute counts, then it makes sense to spend money on powerful devices, for example, 54 W. In such devices, the drying process of the coating will take no more than a minute. The optimal lamp for drying nails, the prices of which directly depend on the power and the number of built-in additional functions, is a 36-watt lamp that can handle any type of polish and gel.

Advantages of ultraviolet units

A UV lamp for drying nails has an affordable price for many. A decent device can be bought within 1500-2500 rubles. A huge selection of varieties, powers, and functions allows you to choose a device that is suitable for everyone in each specific case. Buying it in a specialized store or on the Internet will not be difficult.

Disadvantages of a fluorescent device

Unfortunately, the shelf life of fluorescent lamps is not long. The continuous operating period can be 7 thousand hours. And many devices do not accept lamp replacement, since a violation of the factory calibration of the mirror arrangement can lead to the fact that the nail drying lamp will no longer cope with its main function. Although often the lamps do not burn out, but simply begin to dim, which affects the time required to dry the coating. You should be extremely careful when disposing of ultraviolet lamps, since if the lamp is damaged it can release mercury vapor.

UV lamp care

Before use, the lamp, if it is not used every day, must be wiped clean of dust. Otherwise, the layer of dust will affect the intensity of the waves and the drying process will be of poor quality. The device should be cleaned regularly after use, especially if there are traces of varnish on it. The use of solvents is not recommended. It is better to try scraping the dried varnish from the surface with a sharp object.

The device also needs regular disinfection. To do this, alcohol-containing substances are applied to a rag and the device is wiped. Under no circumstances should anything be sprayed inside the device, as the substance may penetrate the contacts, which will cause them to short out and burn out the lamp.

If crackling noises are heard during operation, this is a reason to take the lamp to a technician or replace it, since this sign indicates that some element requires replacement.

Liquid should not come into contact with the lamp. If this happens, the device should be thoroughly blotted with napkins and left for several days until the moisture has completely evaporated, then try to turn it on.

The lamp should not overheat. This means that you periodically need to unplug it from the network during prolonged use so that it cools down a little.

New technologies

An LED lamp for drying nails is a new stage in improving the system of hand and nail care. But in this case, the source of ultraviolet light is LEDs, which are economical and do not consume energy. This type of nail drying lamp polymerizes any coating in less than a minute.

LED technologies are absolutely safe even for the most sensitive skin of the hands; they do not dry it out, making the process of creating a manicure even more comfortable. The power range of LED lamps, like their UV counterparts, is wide.

Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps

The first and main advantage is the durability of the device, which is ready to work continuously for more than 5 years. Heating of the workplace is minimal and does not cause discomfort even to the most sensitive clients. The size and weight of the device is often small, which is very convenient for craftsmen working at the client’s home. LED lamps are resistant to damage, but the lamp body is made of plastic, so it is still worth handling with care. The device does not require special disposal, since it does not contain harmful chemical elements. Like a UV lamp, its LED counterpart may have a number of additional built-in functions that make the process more convenient.

No matter how paradoxical it may sound, the main disadvantage is a consequence of the main advantage. Long-term operation of the device is expensive. This means that it will not be available everywhere yet. LED lamps, aimed at speeding up the process of creating a neat manicure, have a narrow wavelength range, which limits the choice of materials that can be used for extensions and manicures.

Caring for this type of lamp is no different from caring for UV lamps: we also disinfect it, make sure it doesn’t overheat, and clean it as necessary.

A UV and LED lamp for drying nails, reviews of which indicate the popularity of both devices, will become your indispensable assistants in the process of creating a standard manicure.

Probably, many women have at least once had a permanent manicure, which uses a special lamp, the so-called nail drying. This product has long ceased to be associated only with beauty salons. Today, this device has become an indispensable assistant for lovers of long-term nail art. Many fashionistas have a nail dryer in their home arsenal. Reviews, differences between models, advice on choosing equipment - in order to make the right choice and not be disappointed in the purchase, all these points must be studied thoroughly. The information in this article will help you with this.

Specifications

May have different dimensions. This is a very important point that must be taken into account when choosing a device. There are models that allow you to dry two hands at once. This nail dryer is bulky, heavy and quite expensive, but with its help you can save a certain amount of time. Such models belong to professional equipment; more compact options are suitable for personal use.

Another factor that requires attention is the “filling” of the lamp, which determines the power of the equipment. The light bulbs inside the device can be fluorescent or LED. The type of lamp itself depends on their type: in the first version it will be ultraviolet, in the second - ICE (LED).

Ultraviolet nail drying

Reviews indicate the popularity and availability of this particular type of device. The main parameter of the equipment, regardless of the manufacturer, is the power of the device. A UV lamp for drying nails can have a power of 9, 18, 36, 54 Watt. How long the nails will remain in the lamp and how high-quality the polymerization of the coating will be directly depends on the power of the device.

Models for 9 and 18 Watts are fading into the background today, as they require quite a lot of time for high-quality drying. However, such lamps also have positive aspects: they are light and compact, so they are very convenient for transportation. UV nail dryers with 36 and 54 Watts are more in demand today. It is with the help of such a device that the coating on your nails will dry quickly and efficiently. Today's best seller is a 36-watt ultraviolet dryer. According to many, such a device is the best value for money.

Advantages and disadvantages of UV lamps

Consumers leave reviews of this device both positive and negative. UV nail drying has the following key benefits:

• Large selection of models of various designs, power, brand. A UV lamp can be purchased without any problems at a specialized store or ordered online.
• The versatility of the device. This nail lamp is used by both professional masters in their work and many lovers of manicures at home.

Despite the obvious advantages, this type of nail drying, according to reviews, also has certain disadvantages:

• Short service life of fluorescent light bulbs. They, as a rule, do not burn out, but weaken over time. As a result, nail drying will not be effective enough, which affects the final result: you get a poor-quality manicure. It is recommended to replace UV lamps every six months, and this is an additional, albeit small, expense.
• It must be handled with extreme caution. Particular care should be taken when using and disposing of fluorescent light bulbs, as when they break, they can release mercury vapor.
• When polymerizing nails in such a device, an unpleasant burning sensation may occur. However, this is likely due to individual skin sensitivity, so UV drying may not be suitable for everyone.

Innovative LED lamps

The operation of such nail dryers is based not on the action of special LEDs. Thanks to this, not only a safe and energy-intensive process is achieved, but also the drying time of various coatings is significantly reduced. So, if it takes 2-3 minutes to polymerize shellac or gel polish in a UV lamp, then in an LED it takes only 10-30 seconds.

Pros and cons of LED lamps for drying nails

Most consumers are satisfied with this device, and positive reviews confirm this:

• Maximum coverage and high power.
• Safety of LED rays for the nail plate and skin.
• The LED does not contain any chemical components (for example, mercury), which means that there is no threat to health and safety in the event of a device failure.
• No light pulsation.
• The power of LEDs does not decrease over time, and if some of them break, urgent lamp repair will not be required.

LED lamps also have disadvantages:

• Not all materials have a composition oriented towards LED lamps. This, of course, is a significant disadvantage, especially for the CIS countries, where high-quality gel formulations are not very diverse. For such a lamp, it is preferable to choose materials marked LED. For example, Gelish gel polishes are polymerized very well by LEDs.
• High price.

How much does nail drying cost?

The price of the device depends on the power, manufacturer and type of lamp. So, a high-quality UV lamp with a power of 36 Watts will cost between 1500-2000 rubles. This price is acceptable considering that this is a one-time investment.

LED lamps are proving too expensive for many consumers. The average cost of a device with good power is 5000-6000 rubles. Such devices, as a rule, are purchased not for use at home, but for prestigious beauty salons.

The choice of nail dryers today is huge. Almost every consumer can find a lamp that will meet all his requirements. When choosing a device, you must not only focus on your budget, but also have an idea of ​​the tasks that need to be solved with the help of a nail lamp. Before choosing one or another device, be sure to consult with specialists. Make your purchases wisely - and you are guaranteed an excellent result!

The main condition for high-quality and quick drying of gel coatings on nails is the use of a special device for manicure - a lamp. There are several types of professional devices: UV lamps, CCFL, LED or CCFL+LED.

Most of the negative results of manicure using lamps are associated with poor-quality or unsuitable device for a particular type of manicure, as well as its improper use.

Classification of lamps for manicure

A device for drying gel coatings is a fairly simple device, consisting of a housing with special lamps built inside, and control buttons on top. There are both professional devices designed for salons and options for home use.

There are lamps in which you can dry two hands at once. They are more bulky, but a manicure can be done in such a lamp much faster.

A manicure lamp can be equipped with a fan, a retractable panel, have a mirror surface, and also have other elements. Lamps may vary in size, shape and design.

The internal components of the device are important, on which the power and durability of the device depend. The lamps built inside the housing are of two types - LED and fluorescent. It depends on the type of lamp whether it will be LED or ultraviolet.

UV lamps

The absolute leader is considered to be a tabletop ultraviolet lamp for drying manicures, the power of which is 36 W. It is lamps of this power that are optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. They are not only suitable for home use; many professionals consider them ideal for work in the salon.

Various gel coatings are polymerized in such a lamp in two to three minutes. Many models have a built-in timer. The 35 W lamp will perfectly dry gel polish, shellac, and other gel coatings.

But models with a power of 54 W are more suitable for use in salons where there is a lot of customer traffic, because in such a lamp the coating polymerizes even faster. Due to the fact that the lamp has a built-in fan, it does not overheat and the client feels more comfortable and safer.

LED lamps

LED lamps today are considered innovative and constitute an alternative to UV rays. The peculiarity of this innovative equipment is that it works thanks to special LEDs. This makes it possible to reduce the drying time of some coatings.

Device for drying gels, bio-gels, gel polishes

Drying gel coatings in an LED lamp is reduced to 10-30 seconds, which significantly saves time spent on manicure.

CCFL lamps

These new generation table lamps for drying manicures have a built-in cold cathode. The device is a closed glass tube filled with an inert gas and a small amount of mercury.

Table lamp with ultraviolet

Such lamps are also used in televisions, monitors and other equipment. Therefore, if you need the coating to cure very quickly, then a CCFL lamp is what you need.

Faster hardening of the gel coating occurs due to more intense light radiation. The lamp contains only gas and no filaments, so it produces more light but less heat.

The CCFL lamp can be used to dry both gel and gel polishes. But we must remember that translucent coatings harden faster than highly pigmented ones. Today, there are two types of such devices: with one light bulb and with three.

When using a device with three bulbs, the radiation is distributed more evenly, therefore, they are considered more convenient. However, one lamp does an excellent job of hardening the coating.

Hybrid lamps

Mixed or hybrid lamps for manicure are a combination of UV, CCFL and LED lamps. Such devices are suitable for drying gels, bio-gels, gel polishes, permanent gels and other manicure materials.

Mixed or hybrid lamps for manicure

Such a lamp will be an excellent solution for a master who works with various types of coatings, which is considered economical because there is no need to purchase two different devices for drying hard gels and shellacs.

New generation hybrid devices are highly powerful. And the combined technologies make it possible to reduce the hardening time to 10-60 seconds, thanks to the increased radiation intensity. In addition, these devices are very compact and can easily be placed on any table.

What is the difference between UV and LED lamps?

Advantages and disadvantages of UV lamp

UV lamps have both their advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of UV lamps include:

• low cost of the device;
• large selection of models of different power;
• use of UV lamps, both at home and in salons;

Disadvantages of UV lamps include:

• short service life of fluorescent lamps, which do not burn out over time, but lose their power, i.e. become weaker, as a result of which drying the gels will become ineffective and may affect the quality of the manicure. In this regard, experts recommend changing the bulbs in the UV device every six months, which leads to additional costs;
• fluorescent lamps, when broken, can evaporate mercury vapor;
• When drying the gel applied to the nails in a UV lamp, some clients complain of a slight burning sensation in the nail area.

Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps

Modern LED lamps have their own positive traits:

• thanks to the high power of the device, the gel hardens faster;
• safety of LED radiation for the skin;
• if the lamp is damaged or broken, it will not cause harm to health, since such devices do not contain chemical compounds hazardous to humans;
• LED lamps do not have a pulsating light beam, and therefore do not harm the vision of the master and the client;
• LED light bulbs do not lose their power over time, and if some LED elements burn out, there is no urgent need to replace them, because drying will also cope well with polymerization.

Negative qualities of LED lamps:

• the high cost of the device, which is why they are most often purchased in salons and less often used at home;
• not all coatings can be dried in an LED lamp, which is also a disadvantage, because the choice of high-quality gel compositions in our country is limited, which is why you have to choose materials that are marked “LED” on the packaging.

How to dry your nails in a lamp correctly?

The power and type of device affect the polymerization time of the coating. But increasing the polymerization time cannot always compensate for the low power of the device. If the UV radiation is weak, then the polymerization process not only slows down, but also occurs unevenly, and sometimes does not occur at all. Shellac may not harden, but curl or bubble.

How to dry your nails correctly

The quality of a manicure can be negatively affected by both a reduction in the fixing time and an increase in it.

Gel polish that is not completely dried and not hardened will not adhere sufficiently to the nail plate, which is why it will later chip or peel off. A layer of color that is not fully set can stain the nail. Gel-coated nails that are overexposed under the lamp can also subsequently become noticeable or crack, even with light load.

When working with translucent and transparent compositions, we must remember that UV rays affect all layers of the coating, and not just the top layer. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the total time of exposure to the nail plate does not exceed 10 minutes. When applying the gel in several layers, it is better to use materials that dry quickly, and use an LED or hybrid device for their polymerization.

A manicure is performed in several stages on unvarnished nails. It should be remembered that the nails on the thumbs are coated and dried separately from the others, because the nail must be positioned strictly horizontally and parallel to the surface of the lamp in the lamp. You can dry two thumbs of both hands at the same time.

What depends on the power of the lamp?

The process of hardening the gel on the nails is influenced by the power of the lamp. Polymerization will occur faster under a higher wattage lamp.

It is also necessary to remember that the bottom layer of gel may not completely harden if the LED lamp is not powerful enough.

This can lead to deterioration in the quality of work and rapid chipping of the gel polish. For professional salons, a lamp with a power of 12 W or more may be the best option. When purchasing a lamp for manicure, pay attention to the power supply, where the voltage is indicated, but the power of the device is not indicated.

How to choose a reliable lamp for home use?

To perform a manicure at home, a table lamp with ultraviolet light is best suited. Among its positive qualities, one can note the fact that not all materials harden under an LED lamp, and some take a very long time to polymerize. Therefore, some gel manufacturers mark their products as “led”, which means that they are compatible with LED lamps.

Table lamps for manicure are a quick way to dry gel coatings.

For example, a company that produces shellac recommends using a UV lamp of its brand to dry the gel. Many manufacturers equip their devices with a timer, as well as a carrying handle. The mirror surface of the lamp promotes deeper polymerization.

When purchasing a lamp for personal use, choose models with a retractable bottom. This will make it easier for you to replace the light bulb when it breaks down. Therefore, a 36 W ultraviolet lamp is ideal for self-manicure.

ultraviolet light has an antibacterial effect, which has a positive effect on nails.

Review of popular models

Jessnail 36W

This is a fairly powerful UV gel drying lamp that is ideal for salons. Such models are chosen by top-class craftsmen. Jessnail 36W is suitable for working with any nail coating.

Table lamp for drying manicure – Jessnail 36W

They have a wide range of applications, which makes it possible to use such lamps for working with dense gel material, as well as for combined nail extensions, for example, aquarium design.

Thanks to its high power, this device will dry gel-coated nails evenly and quickly. The operation of this device is not affected by voltage surges, however, Light bulbs should be replaced on average every six months. Many lamps are equipped with a timer, a fan, and a removable tray. These models are produced in China.

OPILED Light GC 900

This LED ultraviolet device is recommended for working with various gel polishes, OPI gel polish and others, and is also suitable for working with LED gels. This lamp does not need to replace bulbs and does not have a negative effect on the skin.

Manicure lamp – OPILEDLightGC900 – suitable for various gel coatings

Gel polishes and LED gels harden under this lamp in a few seconds.

The energy-saving device OPILEDLightGC900 is designed for 50 thousand hours of operation. This lamp is equipped with 32 LED bulbs, each with a power of 1 W.

The inner case is mirror metal, the outer one is made of plastic. There is a touch display and a timer. The device is equipped with a sensor that turns on the lamp when fingers are placed in it, and turns off when they are removed. More suitable for professionals.

Jiadi 36WJD 818

This ultraviolet device is equipped with four light bulbs, each 9 W, white, which can be replaced if necessary. It works in 2 modes - constant light and a two-minute timer. The lamp operating time is 6000 hours. The Jiadi 36WJD 818 lamp has a retractable tray, which is covered with corrugated foil. If you remove this tray, you can dry your pedicure under the lamp.

Table lamp for drying manicure – Jiadi 36WJD 818

The device is suitable for working with shellac, gel polishes, acrylic and other coatings. Easy to use, suitable for home and salon use. External dimensions of the lamp are 10x23x25 cm, internal dimensions are 15x14x6 cm.

RuNail 12w

The RuNail 12w model is considered a universal professional model because it uses two types of lamps - LED and ultraviolet. Suitable for high-quality drying of gel polishes, two-phase and three-phase gels, as well as for polymerization of biogel. The lamp has two modes: UV mode and UV-LED.

UV mode is suitable for more aggressive chemical materials that polymerize better under ultraviolet light, are resistant to mechanical damage and have more saturated color shades.

Model RuNail 12w is a universal model using two types of lamps - LED and ultraviolet

When working with the UV-LED mode, the client does not experience a slight burning sensation, which is often encountered in the first mode, therefore, it is suitable for clients with sensitive skin. Power in UV mode is 18 W, and power in UV-LED mode is 12 W. The device has a built-in timer.

RuNail 36w

This lamp has ultraviolet radiation and is produced by the manufacturer in two shades - red and silver.

RuNail 36w - Used for drying various gels and acrylic varnishes.

Used for drying various gels and acrylic varnishes. You can dry one hand or one foot in the lamp. There is a retractable panel, which is convenient for replacing damaged lamps. It has two operating modes: manual on/off and timer.

DFS 6WLED Lamp

The small size of this model makes it possible to use it at home.

DFS 6WLEDLamp - small lamps for drying manicures

These LED lamps do not need to protect the skin before drying the gel and do not harm eye health like ultraviolet lamps. DFS 6WLEDLamp service life is 50 thousand hours, power is 6 W. Thanks to the open design of the lamp, it can also be used for pedicures.

CNDUV Lamp 36W

This device was created to work with Brisa compositions, as well as Shellac materials, therefore, it is recommended for use in salons.

CNDUVLamp 36W lamp for drying manicure on hands and feet

The lamp is equipped with a special timer, which can be set from 10 to 180 seconds for deeper polymerization of multilayer gels. This compact model is convenient for both manicure and pedicure. Duration of work more than 100 hours.

9W Mini Nail Dryer LED UV Lamp

This mini LED lamp with LEDs can handle the polymerization of multi-colored gels, shellac, and LED biogels in a short time. There is a timer, and its small size makes it possible to use the device not only for professional craftsmen, but also for those who work at home.

9W Mini Nail Dryer LED UV Lamp - mini lamp with LEDs

In addition to its compact size and weight of only 100 g, the lamp is very economical and consumes very little electricity.

Its service life is up to 20 thousand hours, modern design, compact size allows you to take it with you on any trip. The lamp power is 9 W, has a removable bottom, the country of origin is the USA.

LED+CCFL "Diamond"

This hybrid device is made in the form of a crystal and is suitable for working with any gels. It combines Led and CCFL technologies, thanks to which it has its advantages over other devices.

LED+CCFL “Diamond” - a hybrid device for all types of gels

The device polymerizes any hard coatings, gel polishes, bio-gels, and the hardening speed in a hybrid lamp is much higher than in a simple ultraviolet lamp. The surface of the device does not heat up, the lamp is economical and is designed for five years of continuous operation.

LED+CCFL “Diamond” has three control buttons, a timer (10, 30 60 s), LEDs and a spiral, retractable bottom. The power of the table lamp for manicure “Diamond” is 36 W, 12 W is CCFL power, and 24 W is LED. It is convenient to use both in salons and at home.

The choice of a lamp for drying gel materials should be approached responsibly, because an incorrectly selected device can disappoint with negative results. There are so many lamps for manicure on the modern market that choosing the device that the consumer needs will not be difficult.

Useful videos about table lamps for manicure:

How to choose the right table lamp for drying manicure:

How to make an LED lamp with your own hands: