For fast and lasting manicure, special equipment is needed. Shellac has a high content of oligomers, which do not evaporate even when exposed to direct sunlight. Professional craftsmen use expensive lamps for curing, taking up a lot of space on the desktop. They are not always convenient and have large dimensions. For home use, mini-lamps with small dimensions and weight are better suited. Today we will tell you what criteria should be guided when buying a mini lamp for gel polish and how to choose a high-quality device.
Content
Characteristics and principle of operation of mini-lamps
The main difference between mini-lamps and full-sized devices for drying is the dimensions. If conventional appliances are multifunctional and can dry nails on two hands at the same time, then miniature lamps hold one or more fingers of one hand. Also, mini-dryers rarely have a lower tray and are made on the basis of the "bridge". Most of these devices have an open housing design, so that ultraviolet rays do not focus on the nail plate. This reduces the efficiency of the lamp and may harm the eyes with prolonged use. For this reason, many craftsmen suggest wearing glasses during polymerization.
The principle of operation of mini-lamps is the same as that of ordinary ones: under the influence of ultraviolet rays, the gel coating changes its molecular structure and quickly hardens. The duration of the polymerization depends on the type of radiation generation, as well as the power of the device.
Varieties of mini-lamps for gel polish
There are three main types of small lamps - ultraviolet (fluorescent or UV lamps), LED, hybrid (often called gas-light). They differ among themselves in the way they generate radiation. Let's consider in more detail:
- Ultraviolet. Lamps with ultraviolet light are suitable for all types of coatings (except gels marked Ice). They are the most affordable option on the market. However, UV tubes are short-lived and need to be replaced every few months. The gel hardening process can take from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the power of the device.
- LED light. More often they are called LED lamps. Such devices are more expensive than conventional ultraviolet lamps, because they do not need consumables and dry much faster. Polymerization occurs within 10-30 seconds, depending on the density of the varnish. However, this device is suitable only for gel coatings with the designation LED.
- Hybrid They are also called gas-light or combined. Hybrid lamps are the most advanced devices in terms of durability, safety and versatility. They have a cold cathode, which does not heat up during prolonged operation and allows achieving maximum efficiency. Hybrid mini-lamps are rare on the market.
The best option for infrequent home use are LED lamps. They are compact, consume little power and do not require diode replacement. With a more limited budget, you can use ultraviolet devices.
Advantages and disadvantages of mini lamps
Like any device, mini-lamps have their advantages and disadvantages. They mainly relate to ease of use and duration of polymerization. All features are indicated relative to conventional lamps:
Benefits:
- compact sizes;
- can be powered from a stationary network or from a laptop;
- easily fit in a purse;
- can be moved in the process;
- consume less electricity;
- You can take with you on trips.
Disadvantages:
- due to the small capacity, the polymerization process takes longer;
- no useful features like a fan or reflector;
- not as powerful as full-size lamps for manicure;
- do not have a pallet.
How to choose
To work with gel polish, the housing design and dimensions are not as important as the ultimate power, the principle of radiation and the number of diodes. Here are the main technical characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing mini-lamps:
- Power. Most mini-lamps are low power in the range of 3-18 watts. The higher this indicator, the faster the process of gel polymerization will take place. Ultimate power also affects the amount of power consumption.
- The principle of radiation. For home use, it is better to take LED models, since they do not require consumables and last much longer than ultraviolet ones. Also, the advantages of such lamps include the quick hardening of the varnish (within 20-30 seconds).
- The number of diodes. The more light bulbs or LEDs, the more efficient the device. A small lamp needs at least 10 LEDs.
- Dimensions There are mini llamas with a capacity of up to 5 fingers at a time. This is better than doing each nail individually.
It is also worth paying attention to the quality of materials. Mini-lamps are made of plastic, so their strength is low. Before buying, make sure that the case is made with high quality and has no gaps.
Rating
There are many mini lamps that differ in cost and workmanship. We have compiled a list of the best devices, focusing on reviews and user ratings.
LED Lamp 3 W Mini Runail
- Fits easily in your purse
- Durable plastic case
- The gel quickly hardens
- It is powered only from a fixed network
Compact LED lamp for the polymerization of gel coatings, permanent varnishes, biogels, etc. In the upper part of the case there is a convenient button for turning the device on and off. It has compact dimensions and is suitable for any handbag. A feature of the model is a bright red case with a matte finish. The lamp is powered from a stationary network.
RuNail, UV Lamp, Model GL-515
- Four ultraviolet light bulbs allow you to quickly dry any kind of gel polish, gel paint, permanent varnish, etc.
- It copes with extended nails.
- Available consumables.
- Heavy enough.
- Easily soiled body.
UV dryer for gel polishes and any UV materials. It is made of durable plastic with a special coating, thanks to which it is easy to clean and disinfect. There are two convenient buttons on the case - for turning on / off and activating the timer. Good power and the presence of 4 bulbs allows the device to quickly polymerize any kind of gel polish.
SUN Mini LED Nail Lamp
- Convenient folding design
- You can dry your nails with a lamp even when folded, because legs do not overlap diodes
- Works not only from a stationary network, but also from USB
- Includes adapter
- Short power cord
LED lamp for manicure drying with folding housing design. The average polymerization time is from 30 to 60 seconds.The device has a built-in timer for 45 and 60 seconds, which is adjustable using the universal button at the top of the case. It can work both from a stationary network and from a laptop or PC connector.
Solomeya LED, 3 W
- Low price when compared with other lamps
- Lightweight and compact folding housing
- Suitable for pedicure and manicure.
- Can be used on trips thanks to a laptop connector
- Holds just three fingers at a time
Compact LED mini lamp for gel polish curing. Suitable for both construction gel 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 long trips or trips. The polymerization process is only 30 seconds (60 with a thick coating).
To summarize
Mini-lamps are less functional than full-size devices, but they have lower cost and compact dimensions. LED devices dry gel polish faster than ultraviolet, and do not require consumables. When choosing, it is also worth considering the power of the device and its number of diodes. For the efficient operation of LED lamps, a small power of 3 W is enough, but it is better to take a UV lamp from 9 watts.
