Choose a lamp for nails

Fast and effective polymerization is an important condition for creating a stable and even manicure. So that the nail polish does not peel off ahead of time, you must use a high-quality drying device. Such devices are universal and suitable for both conventional varnish and gel, biogel, and acrylic. Of course, the denser the material for coloring or building, the more powerful the apparatus should be. Today we will tell you what kind of manicure machines are and how they differ from each other.

How the lamp works and why it is needed

The table lamp for nails is a compact device, inside of which powerful LEDs or UV tubes are built. Outside, there is a touch control panel or universal switch, depending on the model. Some devices may be equipped with additional timers, built-in fans, mirrors, or other useful devices. The principle of operation is simple: hands with painted nails are placed under the lamp for a while. The higher the density of the varnish or gel, the longer the polymerization process takes. There are devices for the polymerization of manicure on one hand or immediately on two hands at the same time.

Types of devices

There are three main types of varnish dryers: UV lamps (or fluorescent), LED lamps (or LED) and combined (gas and LED simultaneously). They differ in cost, power and efficiency. We discuss each view in more detail:

Ultraviolet

Inside such lamps there are small ultraviolet tubes that emit light and with it help fix the gel. Most people believe that under fluorescent lamps the varnish dries, but this is not entirely true. The coating simply changes its structure and hardens. The process can take from two to five minutes for each hand. Such devices are suitable for most biogels and gel polishes, not including some products marked LED.

Pros:

• low price in comparison with similar devices;
• a large selection of models on the market;
• Suitable for both professional and amateur use.

Minuses:

• you need to buy and change bulbs every six months;
• not suitable for girls with sensitive skin.

LED

The principle of LED or LED lamps is the same as for fluorescent devices, but the drying process is much faster (about 10-30 seconds on one hand). Such devices consume less power and are more durable. The only significant drawback of LED models is that they are only suitable for LED-labeled gels.

Pros:

• varnish hardens faster;
• longer service life;
• economical power consumption.

Minuses:

• expensive, when compared with UV;
• can not be used with any kind of shellac.

Hybrid

Combined type devices appeared on the market relatively recently. They combine immediately two technologies - LED and CCFL emitters. This allows you to dry any type of coating in literally 10-20 seconds (including thick constructive gels). Also, good hybrid lamps are considered the most economical in terms of energy consumption.

Pros:

• combination lamps are universal;
• long service life;
• low power consumption;
• Suitable for high density construction gels.

Minuses:

• high cost in comparison with other models;
• not common in the market.

Which lamp is best for gel polish

It’s hard to say which device is better. Shellac has a polymer composition, so it can harden only under the influence of luminescent or LED radiation.Both types are suitable for gel, but have different effectiveness. The polymerization process in UV devices takes from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the power of the bulbs, and LED devices cope with the task faster - within 20-30 seconds. However, before buying, it is worth considering the fact that LED models are only suitable for varnishes and gels marked LED. A universal option for all types of gels are hybrid devices.

How to choose

Devices for the polymerization or drying of manicure differ among themselves not only in radiation, but also in power, the number of tubes or LEDs, the presence of a timer and additional functions. What factors should be considered when choosing a device:

1. Power. This is the main criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the device. The device must be powerful if you do not want to spend a lot of time on manicure. There are lamps with a power of 9 to 54 watts. Models below 18 watts are the most inexpensive and have a long drying time. However, they are compact and lightweight. Lamps at 36 and 54 watts are more expensive, but work more efficiently. An ideal option for a house is 36 watts, because it takes up little space and is suitable for drying two hands (if you put one on the other).
2. Type of lamp. There are three types of lamps - ultraviolet, LED, CCFL (also called gas light) and hybrid. They differ in drying time. If you use dense constructive gels or many layers of gel polish, then it is better to choose LED, gas-light or hybrid models, as they polymerize faster than ultraviolet. But here, too, has its own nuances. For example, LED lamps are suitable for gel labeled LED, and in fluorescent rays this can crack, bubble or harden for too long.
3. Timer. A nice addition to the main functionality can be a timer. When the process of drying the nails is completed, the device will notify you with a short signal and turn off. This is convenient if you don’t have a watch or smartphone on hand to count the right time.
4. The number of bulbs. The more light bulbs and LEDs, the faster the manicure will harden. But it also depends on the power of the device.

In addition to the basic characteristics, a removable bottom can also be useful. It is easier to clean from excess varnish and disinfect. This is especially important when choosing a device for the salon.

Rating

It is quite difficult to choose the right lamp for varnish. We have compiled a rating of the best drying devices, based on reviews and customer ratings:

Diamond Quick 36 W CCFL + LED

• Device Type: CCFL + LED
• Number of bulbs: 1 to 12 W
• Ultimate Power: 36 W
• Built-in timer: yes, for 10, 30, 60 seconds
• Service Duration: 50,000 hours
• Made of material: metal

Universal lamp for gel polish or construction gel, combining CCFL and LED emitters. Of the features of the model are reflectors, which help to focus the rays on the nail plates. It is recommended to change the ultraviolet light bulb once a year, even if it still works.

Professional Nail 48 W CCFL + LED

• Device Type: Hybrid CCFL + LED
• Number of bulbs: 1 to 12 W
• Number of LEDs: 15 to 36 W
• Ultimate Power: 48 W
• Timer: yes, for 10, 30, 60 seconds
• Service Duration: 50,000 hours
• Case material: metal and shockproof plastic

Hybrid lamp for drying varnish and gel with gas and LED emitters. It has a high power of 48 W and is suitable for salon use. Thanks to the removable magnetic tray, the lamp is quickly washed and disinfected.

Planet Nails UV LampAV-36W-4 Level-Up

• Device Type: UV
• Number of Lights: 4
• Ultimate Power: 36 W
• Timer: yes, for 10, 30, 60 seconds
• Service Duration: 50,000 hours
• Made of material: metal

Multifunctional professional lamp with ultraviolet glow for gel polish. A convenient timer with a time regulator from one minute to infinity is provided. The features of the model include a fan and a comfortable foot panel.

Runail Professional LED / UV 24 Watt

• Device Type: LED / UV
• Number of LEDs: 18
• Ultimate Power: 24 W
• Timer: yes, for 30, 60, 120 seconds
• Service Duration: 50,000 hours
• Made of material: metal

Universal lamp with LED / UV technology, which is perfect for any gels and varnishes. It has a sliding panel for pedicure and a functional timer for 30, 60 and 120 seconds. Of the features - a new generation of dual-source radiation.

Solomeya LED, 3 W

• Device Type: LED
• Ultimate Power: 3 W
• Service Duration: 50,000 hours
• Case Material: Plastic

Simple LED lamp for the polymerization of gel polish. Suitable for both building biogel and ordinary shellac. Power is supplied through a stationary power supply network or USB-connector, which allows you to take the lamp with you on trips and trips.

To summarize

Whatever lamp for varnish you choose, it is worth considering not only technical characteristics, but also external integrity. The device case should not creak or bend from pressing. You should not buy lamps that emit a loud extraneous noise during operation. For effective polymerization, ultraviolet lamps should be changed at least once every 6 months. Subject to these rules, the device will last a long time.