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How much does a nail lamp cost the simplest. UV lamp for drying gel polish. Application of UV Lamp

And other motives, securely fixing fashionable nail art with a topcoat. If you want to do manicure and pedicure at home using gel polishes, then you need to purchase a special device for drying (polymerization) of nails. UV lamps (with fluorescent bulbs), LED lamps (LED, LED) and CCFL lamps (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) are used to dry the gel polish and polymerize the coating during gel nail extension.

In the photo: professional CCFL LED 48W

It is important to note that the main reason for unsuccessful coloring of nails with gel polish (including the popular shellac) is the wrong choice of lamp for drying the coating and incorrect use of the device. And this material will help you choose the right UV lamp for shellac and gel nails at home.

The best option for polymerizing gel polishes at home is a 36 W UV lamp, under the influence of which shellac hardens quickly and evenly. The base coat usually cures within 10 seconds, the base coat (colour gel polish) within 2 minutes and the top coat also within 2 minutes. Depending on the density of the gel polish consistency and the color palette (for example, black, red, white shellac), it takes a little longer to dry the base and base coat of the nails. The advantage of a 36 W UV lamp is also the ability to dry gel polish (or coating during extension) simultaneously on all nails of one hand. In addition, modern 36-watt UV lamps for nails are equipped with internal fans to speed up the polymerization, as well as timers, which are very convenient to set the right time for drying each layer.



♦ UV OR LED LAMP?

Before you buy a lamp for drying shellac or other gel polishes, it is important to decide how often you will do manicures and pedicures using a polymerization device. For individual use, an inexpensive 36 W UV lamp of a well-known brand is quite suitable, and if you are going to manicure your many girlfriends or serve clients at home, then you should consider purchasing an LED lamp with long-lasting UV-emitting diodes.

Main Features of 36W UV Lamp for Drying Coating, Nail Extension:

Drying of the acrylic layer: Yes;

Drying gel polish: Yes;

absent;

10-20 seconds;

2 minutes;

2 minutes;

Timer: present (in modern models - adjustable);

Portability: mandatory removal of bulbs from the device before transportation;

Replacing fluorescent bulbs: 3-5 months (replace according to instructions) for individual use;

Impact on the skin of the hands: it is advisable to apply sunscreen to the skin or wear special gloves to protect against overdrying and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

- in the photo: models of UV lamps with a power of 36 W, 42 W, 9 W

The main characteristics of the LED lamp for drying coating, nail extension:

Drying of the acrylic layer: No;

Drying gel polish: Yes;

Automatic motion sensor: present (turns on lamps, starts timer);

Base Coat Curing: 10 Seconds;

Polymerization of the main (shellac or other gel polish) coating: 1 minute;

 Polymerization of the finishing (top) layer: 1 minute;

Timer: with adjustable control;

Portability: no need to remove the LEDs from the fixture;

LED replacement time: 4-5 years of continuous use;

Impact on the skin of the hands: do not dry the skin as noticeably as luminescent analogues.

Modern UV and LED lamps are very compact and do not take up much space on the manicure table. . You can make a separate shelf on the table for a lamp, a box with files (glass, laser, disposable) and other tools for nail correction.

- in the photo: models of LED-lamps with a power of 45 W, 18 W, 9 W

♦ UV LAMP FOR NAIL EXTENSION

UV lamps with a power of 36 W have proven themselves in manicure for fast and high-quality drying of shellac and any other gel polishes. But the UV lamp is also very convenient to use for quick drying at home acrylic or gel coating in the nail extension process.

A 36 watt UV lamp will help you speed up the process of building nails on tips or on forms at least several times. The device must have at least two special fluorescent bulbs (with a power of 36 watts, the device is usually equipped with 4 bulbs). It is desirable that a fan is also installed in the device, which, in the process of drying extended nails, will cool the skin on the hands, reducing discomfort.

In the process of building nails, gel (or acrylic) is applied to tips (or forms), as well as to the upper part of the natural nail plate, then the shape of the free edge is corrected with manicure files, and then the fingers are placed in a UV lamp to dry the nail coating. The coating under the influence of ultraviolet radiation crystallizes and hardens in 30-40 seconds, after which you can start preparing for nail extension on the second hand.

♦ RANKING OF THE MOST POPULAR LAMPS FOR DRYING GEL POLISHES


- click on the photo and expand the rating and comparative characteristics of 8 lamp models for the polymerization of shellac and other gel polishes

♦ MOST COMMON QUESTIONS FROM BEGINNERS

Which fluorescent bulbs are suitable for a particular UV lamp?
What coatings can be dried in a UV lamp?
What power should the LED lamp for nail extension have?


- click on the photo and expand the questions with answers to them

♦ USEFUL TIPS

▪ if you plan to use a 36 W UV lamp not only for manicure, but also for drying nails after a hardware pedicure, then when choosing a model, pay attention that the top cover of the device opens slightly;

▪ when choosing a model of a UV lamp for drying gel polishes and acrylic layers on nails, be sure to ask the seller how easy it is to order consumables (special fluorescent bulbs, reflectors for this device) and how much they cost;

▪ there are UV lamps on sale that can accommodate two hands at once. But they are more expensive than standard devices for one hand and it is much more convenient to do a manicure in turn, and not immediately on 10 nails;

▪ when choosing a model of an ultraviolet lamp for drying nail coatings, pay attention to the ignition scheme of the device. There are 36 W UV lamps with an electronic ignition circuit, complete with lamps marked UV-9W. This option is quite suitable for individual use at home. If you plan to use the device for drying shellac and other gel polishes often (serve customers, for example), then pay attention to models of UV lamps with an induction ignition circuit. Such devices are equipped with bulbs marked UV-9W-L, which are not afraid of voltage drops, they are more reliable and durable;

▪ before putting your hand into the UV lamp, it is advisable to place a disposable napkin under it so that drops of the product applied to the nails do not fall on the inner surface of the device. Drops of gel polish that have fallen on the surface of the working area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe device are removed using a special tool that is usually included in the kit or gel polish remover;

▪ it is advisable to lubricate the skin of the hands before polymerization

Girls know how important it is to have beautiful and well-groomed hands. A good manicure plays a very important role in this. Gel nail polish is very popular. Some girls turn to specialists, others learn to do it on their own. The right choice of device is very important for creating a beautiful and high-quality gel polish manicure. Inexperienced nail service masters often have difficulty in choosing and acquiring such equipment. The lamp for drying gel polish has several important characteristics and features, so in order to make the right choice, you should understand them.

Peculiarities

There are devices that do not dry the gel polishes of some manufacturers, others cope with this task perfectly. Moreover, different instruments take different times to complete this task. All this is due to the characteristics of the units.

The device with LED-radiation has small dimensions and weight, lasts quite a long time, LEDs are not afraid of light blows.

Not all gel polishes harden under the influence of the light of this device. Gel polishes from some manufacturers do not polymerize at all, or this process becomes very long. This is due to the fact that LEDs emit ultraviolet light in a narrow range.

Under the rays of UV lamps, absolutely all gel polishes harden, but the drying time is longer than that of the previous sample. This is due to the fact that ultraviolet radiation is emitted in a wider range. The disadvantages include the fact that the lamps often require replacement. This entails additional costs for consumables.

A video comparison of three gel polish lamps is in the next video.

Kinds

Devices for baking gel polish can be classified according to many criteria, the most important are the format of the device, types of lamps, power.

LED

This product appeared not so long ago and became famous for the speed of work. For the polymerization of materials, 10-30 seconds are enough. In such a device, gel polishes of some companies and shellac dry. The speed of work affects the overall duration of the manicure, and this is an indisputable plus. Most models are quite large, powerful and expensive. Some LED lamps have sensitive sensors - the glow turns on automatically when you put your hand inside.

More recently, mini-options for 6 watts have begun to appear.

The price of such a device is much lower than that of a full-sized one. The unit is easy to transport. Manufacturers recommend it for vacation trips or craftsmen who go home to the client. Pay attention to the options for one finger or road lamps, flashlights.

LED lamps can last up to 100,000 hours. It will take about 10-30 seconds to dry the materials, provided that the gel polish is suitable for drying in this type of device. The whole process of applying gel polish to nails will take about 20 minutes. LEDs do not lose power during operation, the failure of one diode does not significantly affect the performance of the lamp.

UV

Such devices appeared first, therefore they are most popular among masters. Many design solutions and a wide price range ensure that everyone can find a device to taste and afford. Devices can have a power of 9W, 18W, 36W, 54W. This parameter varies from the number of lamps in the device, each of them has a power of 9 watts.

Appliances may have a timer. In cheap time is determined by 2 minutes or turned off manually. More expensive ones have timers in increments of 1 minute or 30 seconds. The UV lamp can have different dimensions. There are mini versions or travel lamps, and devices are also made for drying both hands at the same time.

Speaking of the shortcomings, it should be mentioned that ultraviolet radiation slightly dries the skin and negatively affects the organs of vision.

Such consequences can be avoided if precautions are taken during operation. The UV device also has such a drawback - the bulbs burn out with intensive use, which entails additional costs for the master.

Replacement will be required after 5000-10000 hours. The exact period depends on the operating conditions and voltage stability. Drying the gel polish will take about 2 minutes, and the top layer (top coat) will take at least 3 minutes. There are also CCFL devices that combine the previous types of lamps and a cold cathode.

CCFL lamp

Such devices combine cold cathode fluorescent lamps. In the nail service, the use of such devices is a novelty. Devices are more durable, because the radiation occurs as a result of the glow of gases in the tubes. The unit is able to work for about 80,000 without replacing lamps. CCFL dryers generate virtually no heat during operation.

CCFL & LED - hybrids, combine LED and fluorescent radiation. Such devices dry absolutely all materials within 30-60 seconds.

On what basis to choose

To work with gel polishes, the power and type of lamps matter. The size and shape affect only the comfort in work. The most versatile option can be considered a device that is designed to dry the fingers on one hand at the same time.

Such models are equally comfortable for both home and salon use. The largest UV devices of this type weigh about 2 kg. If you're working from clients' homes, it's best to get a portable mini LED lamp. Such a device has a lower weight and small dimensions.

Be sure to pay attention to the bottom and top of the drying design.

Many units have a retractable bottom or do not have a lower part at all (in the form of a horseshoe). For masters, this is very important. The ability to disinfect the bottom increases the level of cleanliness and safety. Flip-top UV, CCFL and hybrid instruments will be convenient to use. What's more, the collapsible design will make you happy when changing lamps.

For commercial use, a hybrid dryer with a total power of 36 W (12 W CCFL + 24 W LED), with a hinged lid and a pull-out tray, a timer and an on sensor, is perfect. Such a device is suitable for drying gel polish, shellac, gel. You can perform nail extensions and manicures of any complexity. If you have just started to master the profession of a nail master, then you should get not only a stationary hybrid dryer, but also a portable LED device. For novice masters, a device with a 6-watt ultraviolet glow will suffice.

In order not to regret the purchase, select a lamp exclusively for your needs. When choosing a lamp, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

  • Size.

The device for one hand is suitable for any kind of manicure, it is universal. Drying on two hands is suitable for commercial use in salons. It can also be convenient for craftsmen who work at home. Lamps for one finger - a travel option or for personal use. It will not be convenient to do a manicure, but it is very convenient to fix or renew the coating on vacation.

  • Type.

UV lamps are quite suitable for home use and for small salons. LED light sources need to be replaced less often, but such an acquisition limits the choice of materials. The versatility of hybrid lamps is attractive, but their cost is much higher than previous options.

  • Manufacturer.

If the quality of the lamp is important to you, then give preference to European or American manufacturers. Asian lamps will be more budgetary, but there is a high risk of a malfunction.

  • Additional functions.

Decide on your needs and choose a lamp with the right number of functions. Don't overpay for something you won't use.

  • Body material.

Metal cases are more reliable and durable, but their cost is much higher than plastic ones. The latter will also serve you for a long time, but require more careful use.

  • Power.

The cost of the lamp depends on this criterion. A more powerful unit will significantly reduce the time spent on manicure.

How to use

Drying materials in the device is the key to high-quality manicure. The time interval for solidification depends on the type and power of the lamps, as well as on the material used. The basic principles of using the devices are very simple. Read the instructions for the device to learn about its specific features. UV and CCFL lamps dry materials in 2-3 minutes, and LED and hybrid devices in 30-60 seconds. If you hold the material for less time, then the manicure will quickly peel off the nail.

For safe use, follow the rules:

  • Do not look at the radiation for a long time. This may damage your eyesight.
  • Service life of UV lamps– about 5 years. Do not use them after this period. Gel polish under such a glow will not dry out, but will curl up.
  • Remember that parts can not just be thrown away, they require special disposal.

Is it harmful

Some women deny themselves gel polish manicure because of fears for their health. The refusal of a durable and high-quality manicure is due to the fact that some doctors talk about the dangers of ultraviolet lamps. Girls are scared that radiation from devices for drying gel polish can provoke the development of skin cancer cells on their hands.

The basis for such statements was two cases when women found such an incurable disease after the systematic use of lamps for drying. Scientists decided to conduct many tests and refuted these hypotheses. During the tests, it was found that daily ten minutes of exposure to ultraviolet lamps for 25 years gives a low probability of developing cancer cells.

It takes 3 minutes to dry the gel polish, in return you get a reliable coating for 2-3 weeks.

It is worth noting that doctors have long used ultraviolet radiation as part of the complex treatment of many diseases. At the same time, doctors have not recorded a link between the use of UV lamps and the development of cancer.

It is worth noting that with each contact with the sun's rays, the skin is also saturated with ultraviolet radiation. In moderate amounts, such radiation is not only useful, but also necessary for the body. But an excess of ultraviolet radiation can lead to burns and even mutations, but no UV lamp can lead to such consequences. Manufacturers of lamps set a certain power and time of exposure to the skin for your safety.

If you are still afraid to do a manicure at the master, then take some security measures. Ask the master about the manufacturer of the equipment, the number of lamps used and the time of exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin during the procedure. You should also clarify how long these particular lamps are used to make sure that the recommended service life has not passed.

In order to secure and reassure yourself even more, consult your doctor.

A dermatologist or oncologist will help you with this issue. They can determine the tendency of your skin to form cancerous tumors. To do this, certain tests are carried out, the results of which you will know in 7-10 days. It is worth resorting to such counseling even if you have a lot of moles on your hands.

Thus, it becomes clear that the correct use of lamps during the manicure procedure is safe. As for LED lamps, their safety is not at all in doubt.

Reviews

According to consumer reviews, it was possible to rank the most popular lamps.

CND UV Lamp 36W

Masters claim that this is the best high-quality lamp for gel polishes. This model is perfect for commercial use. The girls say that the presence of 4 timers, a screen with a countdown of the time period, a fan, a power indicator, a tray with finger sections makes the lamp more than comfortable to use.

The lamp perfectly copes with all types of gel materials. Optimal eye protection from UV radiation minimizes the risk of eye damage. The authoritative and serious appearance of the case attracts the attention of consumers. Fast drying speed reduces overall treatment time.

Jessnail 36 W

The Russian manufacturer pleases its fans with versatility and affordable price. Such a device is preferred by novice masters and girls who do manicure at home. Craftswomen are pleased with the presence of three operating modes, the ability to turn on the lamp without a timer.

Some girls complain that timers for 2 and 3 minutes are not always convenient and there is not enough timer for 1 minute. The same girls notice that the affordable cost and high quality of the lamps smooth out this drawback. The lamp dries absolutely all materials with sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

opi led light

An excellent choice for commercial use, according to nail service specialists. LEDs (6 W, 32 led-lamps) dry materials at an incredible speed, and a high quality mirror coating will ensure even baking. The lamp has a stylish body, it does not have a tray. The timer and touch sensor make the lamp more comfortable to work with.

Girls say that the metal case is reliable and is not afraid of mechanical damage. Masters say that the original design and structure of the body makes the lamp suitable and convenient not only for manicure, but also for pedicure.

This type is considered road or home. For example, masters in the salon rarely use such lamps, since you can only dry one hand at a time, and it takes quite a lot of time. On average, a transparent gel polish or gel polymerizes in about 1-1.5 minutes. At home, this is enough, because there is nowhere to rush, and it is problematic to apply the material on both hands at once.

A travel device for drying gel polish is good because it takes up little space in your bag, you can take it with you on a trip to correct your manicure in a timely manner. Separately in this type of lamps are folding models. In general, they can be folded to the size of a small tablet, which will significantly save space in a bag or suitcase.

This model is considered professional, because it provides quick drying of the gel, gel polish, biogel. However, the lamp is still inferior to LED-devices. Firstly, although it dries quickly, the process takes about 40-50 seconds. Secondly, you need a lot of space. It is noteworthy that a 36-watt lamp still has an advantage over LED models.

Rating of the best lamps for drying gel polishes and nail extensions

So what kind of lamp do you need? For each nail service master, all indicators vary. For some, the “best” will seem like a passed stage, which is time to improve.

  1. Price. Novice masters choose cheap options that do not shine with technical aspects, but at the same time perform the main task - they dry the nail coating material.
  2. Power. The higher this indicator, the less time the client will spend at the lamp. How many watts should the machine have? For beginners, 18 watts (if we talk about UV lamps) or 9 watts (if we talk about LED lamps) are also suitable, but how much to dry depends on the coating - base, top, gel polish, finish, etc.
  3. Ease of use. Touch (turns on when you put your hand inside the lamp, often with a timer), mechanical (has a switch, not all have a timer). Additional conveniences - power modes, time indicator.
  4. Spaciousness. One hand, two or just a single finger - such a choice is provided by modern manufacturers of lamps for drying nail coatings. The drying chamber should also be comfortable. This is worth checking when choosing in the store or just trust the description on the online store page.
  5. Versatility of use. There are narrow-profile masters who are engaged in purely building / coating, and there are also “generalists”. For each case, both a lamp of a certain type and a wider use may be suitable.

There is no best lamp for all masters, everyone chooses according to their requirements. The difference is the speed at which the gel dries.

It is impossible to overdry the gel (and beginners are so afraid of this), this applies to any of the lamps - after polymerization is completed, it will remain unchanged on the nail.

Such lamps were pioneers. It was possible to grow nails with gel or acrylic only with such a lamp. On the inner walls of the light bulb is a phosphor - a substance that conducts UV rays.

  • Price. Such lamps for drying and hardening gel polish are relatively cheap, which is why they have earned their popularity.
  • Power. It happens differently - from 9 W to 54 W. Ratings less than 9 watts are not popular, although they still exist.
  • Control type. There are various types of devices - both sensory and manual. How many minutes to keep? Depending on the quality of the coating material. The time can vary from half a minute to several minutes.
  • Spaciousness. This indicator is varied. You can dry one hand, two at once, or each finger separately.
  • Versatility of application. Suitable for drying almost all materials that require polymerization.
  • Pros. Low cost, a good choice of design and additional characteristics, a wide range of uses (except for gels, where you can find the LED inscription).
  • Minuses. The closer the day to replace the lamps, the more problems you can notice during drying: the gel curls, bubbles. Any coating can also wrinkle and shrink.

LED lamps

LED lamps have become an absolute breakthrough. The principle of their work differs from ultraviolet. The radiation comes from the semiconductors of the LEDs, which form a stream of light with ultraviolet. Like all dryers, it has its pros and cons.

  • Price. Many times higher than UV lamps. But comparing its cost of buying maintenance, the led option is more profitable. Having once invested a certain amount in the unit, it will last up to 100 thousand hours without replacing elements.
  • Power. Even the lowest indicator of the lamp for drying and hardening (polymerization) gel polish is able to complete it in a few seconds. The speed of exposure is the main advantage for any master.
  • Control type. Lamps differ in control - mechanical, touch, size (from a pocket version to home stationary). All of them are easy to use, but the gradation of cost is precisely because of these indicators. The weight is small, lower than that of UV devices.
  • Spaciousness. Pocket options can accommodate one finger and several. For the ultra hardworking nail technicians who are able to cover their nails quickly, there are lamps for drying two hands at the same time.
  • Versatility of application. LED lamps cannot work with absolutely all materials, as they have a meager range of UV waves. Modern coatings can interact with LED radiation, but not all. If, for example, there is a LED mark on a shellac bottle, then it is suitable for such a lamp.
  • Pros. Drying of the gel - a matter of seconds. After the purchase does not require additional investment.
  • Minuses. High initial cost and small range of beams, which will not allow the use of extension gel.

Gas-filled tubes can be seen on the signs of clubs and shopping centers. But the fact that cold cathode fluorescent lamps will become gel coating dryers has become known only recently.

  • Price. Lamps such as CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) are rarely found in a "pure" form, the lion's share of devices that are on the market are hybrids that combine the radiation of fluorescent lamps and LEDs. Prices stay at the level of those indicated for led units.
  • Power. CCFL-devices are distinguished by high performance, the average value is 24 watts, and when combined with the LED, it increases - about 48 watts. But there is more.
  • Control type. As in all modern devices, there is a choice about control - you can manually or the sensor and timer help.
  • Spaciousness. Often have a standard capacity - for one hand.
  • Versatility of application. Most gel polishes dry under ultraviolet light from CCFL machines, as they have a wide spectrum of radiation. Particularly effective in addition to led options.
  • Pros. Large lines of service - up to 80 thousand hours. Interacts with many gels.
  • Minuses. Gels that are marked led on the package will not be polymerized in this lamp.

hybrids

They combine two sources of radiation - from CCFL and LED. In order for the extended nails to dry as efficiently as possible, a choice is made towards hybrid devices.

  • Price. Expensive lamps that differ not only in price, but in comfort of use.
  • Power. The indicator is about 48 watts. Professional models reach 66 watts.
  • Control type. "Advanced" models are provided with timers, where you can select the required time for the gel to dry.
  • Spaciousness. The released models do not differ much in variety, these are chambers for drying one hand.
  • Versatility of application. A truly versatile option that is suitable for making a quality manicure, despite the look of the gel.
  • Pros. Durability and versatility are the main advantages.
  • Minuses. High cost, which in the process of operation will be justified.

What kind of lamp should be so that when using it you can experience only pleasure? Not only are the characteristics of each copy different, but also the firms are incomprehensible.

Manicure lamps must meet the requirements: design, power, weight, price, additional features. By combining these qualities, you can get the best device for the job. The shape can be round, rectangular, square.

In the market of the nail industry, such brands are popular that offer lamps for drying: polaris, planet nails, gelish (gelish), sunuv, sunone, beauty nail lamp, runeil (runail), irisk, professional nail, jessnail, valori, san. They produce lamps of different types with different technical data. Here are the most popular ones.

Lamps from leading companies interact well with equally popular gels that are at the top of the rating - kodi, toffee, quick gel, amy, harmony, posh, crystal, diamond, cnd, opi, bluesky, vivienne sabo, dnl, heart, dryer. Such gels are called popular not only because they look spectacular and are available to any master, but also because of their quality (just apply, you don’t need to paint in many layers to get a rich color, they can be decorated with additional accessories, etc.) .d.).

Most manufacturers have their own line of both manicure tools (including lamps), as well as consumables - biogels, shellacs or simply extension gels. These are tnl, irisk, kodi, essie, which provide the masters with all the necessary tools for work.

The description on the box of a new lamp may not always give a complete picture of the device. Why are some buttons needed, is there a guarantee, can this lamp be repaired (there are one-time options that, after failure, cannot be repaired).

It is easier for the manufacturer to relieve himself of responsibility than to repair. Here is a mini-rating of those brands that nail service masters fell in love with (gained trust with a service life and ease of repair):

  1. Runail;
  2. iris;
  3. sunuv;
  4. gelish;
  5. Polaris.

Having decided on the technical characteristics and the company, you can safely proceed to the choice. There are life hacks about drying the gel at home, without a manicure lamp. An ordinary lamp is taken, an LED or UV lamp is screwed in, and thus a drying coating is made. But a home-made system is often not able to provide the expected result.

But, in addition to the fact that the nails need to be painted (built up), you will need to do a manicure. For the hardware you will need a machine - a milling cutter.

The necessary goods can be found on the alder in both new and used condition. When buying a used item, you need to remember that the lamp for drying gel polish may already be close to the expiration of its resource and fail immediately after purchase.

Velena

Velena is one of the most popular brands of specialty nail lamps. The name of the company comes from the name of the founder Elena Veretenko. The popularity of the brand is explained by the fact that the impeccable quality of all lamps is combined with accessibility to a wide audience of buyers. The equipment of this brand is suitable for both true professionals in their field and amateurs working at home.

Pierre Rene

Which lamp for drying gel polishes and nail extensions to buy

2. If you are interested in home use of nail lamps, then pay attention to the LED VELENA L3-1 5012 model, which was created specifically for this purpose. The lamp will not withstand constant salon loads, but individual use will not harm it. The low cost of the goods is also a great advantage.

3. If you are the owner of a start-up organization or a semi-professional who does not have enough money for an expensive device, but you constantly work with a large number of clients, then pay attention to the lamps: MPE 38 UV nail dryer, Dona Jerdona UV 45W lamp. You will be pleased with the ratio of the cost and characteristics of the models, and most importantly - they are available for self-taught.

How to use

If the model does not have a built-in timer, then you will have to time the clock separately. Gel polish drying lamp is easy to use. First, the material is applied to the nails, then the hand is immersed in the apparatus, the button for turning on the work is pressed. After the required time has elapsed (for different gel polishes it is different), the device turns off.

It is noteworthy that in ultraviolet devices it is sometimes necessary to replace the lamps. So, for example, a 9-watt model has no problems. You just need to remove one lamp, putting another. A device of 36 watts is somewhat more complicated, since you need to change all the lamps at once, otherwise the device will work unevenly, which will ultimately affect the manicure. It is better to purchase spare lamps in advance so that you do not have to look for a suitable model later.

Today, manicures using gel polishes have become quite popular, but to apply them, you need a special technique. After all, it is necessary not only to apply successively layer by layer, but also to dry the coating with a lamp. Of course, such a coating has a lot of advantages over ordinary nail polish. The most important thing is that it lasts quite a long time. In particular, this is why many decide to do such a manicure on their own. In addition to the fact that you need to purchase all the necessary tools and materials, there is another important point. You need to figure out how to choose a lamp for gel polish for home use.

Features of applying varnishes with a gel base

The process of coating nails with gel polishes is as follows:

  1. First you need to properly prepare your nails, namely, remove the remnants of the old varnish from them, remove the cuticles, use a nail file to give the desired shape.
  2. Degrease the surface of the nail plate so that the varnish holds well. You can do this with nail polish remover.
  3. Then a base coat is applied to the nails of all fingers of one hand. You need to dry it for about 40 seconds in the lamp.
  4. Gel polish of the desired color is applied to the nails. You need to paint in a thin layer so that it is easier to dry it later. Drying of this layer should be carried out for 2 minutes.
  5. Now the second coat is applied and dried again for 2 minutes. As a result, the color will be uniform and bright.
  6. Next, a top coat is applied and dried for a minute.
  7. The sticky layer is removed with a special liquid or ordinary alcohol.
  8. The same is done with the nails on the second hand.

Important! The drying time directly depends on which lamp is used, and this fact must be taken into account. The first time you may not get the perfect coverage, but everything comes with experience and you need to practice a little. Based on this, we conclude that it is very important to understand how to choose a lamp for gel polish.

Varieties of lamps for drying gel polishes

The modern nail service market offers several types of lamps designed for polymerization. They can be LED and UV. To determine for yourself which lamp is best for gel polish, you need to understand how they differ from each other. Their main difference is the type and principle of construction. So, in LED and ultraviolet models, the light sources are LED and fluorescent lamps, and there are models with electrodes that do not have incandescent filaments. Now let's take a closer look at each option.

Features of work and choice of ultraviolet lamps

The very first lamps of this type appeared, in fact, that is why they are so popular among many craftsmen. If you intend to purchase just such a lamp, then during the selection, consider the following points:

  • The case of these models can have the most diverse design, so anyone can choose the right option.
  • In terms of price, they are also quite diverse, and a buyer with any income level can purchase such a lamp.
  • When deciding which UV lamp is best for gel polish, you need to take into account its power. Today they produce models with a power of 54, 36, 18 and 9 W. At the same time, one light bulb has a power of 9 watts.

Important! The more light bulbs in your lamp, the more powerful it will work. In addition, the higher the power, the higher the quality of polymerization, respectively - the time required for drying the varnish is reduced.

  • The presence of a timer. It is better to choose a model with this important detail, so that you can set the timer yourself for a certain time, rather than setting it manually. Today, lamps with two timer modes are quite popular - endless and for 2 minutes, constant mode. The second mode is considered more economical.
  • Instrument dimensions. On sale there are both very miniature and large lamps. This factor is quite important, since it is much more economical to dry two hands at the same time. But in principle, a small device is enough for home use.

Important! They have some drawbacks, in particular, they have a bad effect on the organs of vision with their radiation. In addition, the nails and skin on the hands are a little dry. If you use the device often, the bulbs burn out quickly, so you have to constantly change them.

Why and how should you choose LED lamps?

If you prefer more modern LED models, then you need to decide how to choose a lamp for drying this type of gel polish. Their advantages include the following:

  • The most important advantage of these devices is considered to be a fairly high polymerization rate. They dry gel polishes much faster, respectively - it takes less time for a manicure.

Important! They cost more than ultraviolet models, but this difference in price is fully compensated by the durability of the LEDs. Even if one LED fails, the lamp will still work and be powerful enough.

  • Devices can have both large and very small dimensions. More recently, compact models have also begun to appear, designed specifically for use at home. These dimensions make them easy to carry.
  • They have LEDs both on top and on the sides, which allows for uniform and high-quality polymerization.
  • Many models are equipped with a touch on and off sensor, which reacts when your hand gets inside.
  • During drying, the coating does not heat up and no discomfort occurs. Therefore, their undoubted advantage is safety for nails and skin.
  • Such lamps do not harm eyesight, because during operation they supply a uniform stream of light, and not pulsating, as in ultraviolet models.

Important! It is very important to think about what specific coatings you will use before deciding which ice lamp to choose for gel polish, because models of this type can not be used with all types of varnishes. They emit the same ultraviolet light as the lamps described above, but it has a narrower range. Gel polishes dry only under the influence of light with the desired wavelength, and if it is not enough, then nothing will work.

How do fluorescent lamps work?

Many masters who have been providing manicure services for a long time agree that the best lamp for drying gel polish is fluorescent.

Practical and durable gel polish, always up-to-date biogel and fashionable colored gels cannot be fixed on nails without a special lamp. These small cute devices now "live" not only in beauty salons, but also at home with many craftsmen who want to do a beautiful manicure at no extra cost. Let's talk about which lamp for drying nails is better to buy.

Types of lamps for manicure

  • classic UV lamps. Many people think that this type of dryer is outdated. Indeed, they are bulky, dry the varnish longer than other, more modern devices, and light bulbs need to be changed on average once every six months. However, they also have advantages: such dryers are “omnivorous” (they polymerize extension gels, gel polishes, acrylics), are affordable and easy to care for. They are still good for beginners and home manicures.
  • LED drying work with LEDs. Such lamps provide uniform polymerization. In addition, LEDs have a service life of 50,000 hours and are designed for at least 5 years of operation. However, the emission spectrum of such lamps does not allow drying all types of materials. They are ideal for those masters who work only with gel polish and biogel.
  • LED+UV combine the advantages of the first two devices. This solution ensures fast and high-quality polymerization of any coatings for shellac and nail extensions. But it must be remembered that the UV elements in hybrid appliances must also be replaced frequently, otherwise the drying efficiency may decrease.
  • CCFL+LED. In them, the led elements are supplemented with a CCFL spiral tube emitting ultraviolet. It is filled with gas, so it does not heat up, consumes very little electricity and practically does not wear out over time. Such devices are the most progressive, provide fast and efficient drying of nails without requiring replacement of consumables. But they are also the most expensive.

The best nail dryer lamp manufacturers

With the development of the nail service industry, the range of drying lamps is becoming wider, and the devices themselves are becoming more productive. At the same time, today it is no longer necessary to pay big money for a good device, even if we are talking about professional drying for the salon.

We divide all manufacturers of lamps for manicure into three groups:

  • high-class professionals focused on status beauty salons. Basically, these are "Americans": OPI, Gelish, CND, Harmony and others. Their lamps for drying nails are expensive and prestigious. However, some of them work well only with materials of their own brand. And in general, they cannot compete with functional, efficient, "omnivorous" and inexpensive devices of Russian and Chinese production.
  • "Medium", the lamps of which are relatively inexpensive and suitable for both home and salon use. Basically, these are domestic or Russian-Chinese brands: JessNail, RuNail, Planet Nails, Polaris, Irisk. The British brand can also be attributed to them. Solomeya. Their advantages are good quality, nice design and the possibility of warranty service. Such lamps for drying nails are most often chosen by beginners and small salons.
  • Many Chinese manufacturers whose products can be purchased on Aliexpress and similar sites. With the function of drying gel polishes, they do a good job, but they are very cheap. However, among Chinese lamps there are leading brands that break all records in popularity: SUN/Sunuv and Diamond. They are reliable, efficient and affordable, have wide functionality, are purchased both for home and for nail salons. They can be bought not only in China, but also in Russia, with warranty service.