An ultraviolet lamp for “drying” gel polish during manicure or pedicure in a certain period made a “splash” with its appearance in the nail industry. Today, manufacturers offer their customers alternative nail dryers, in particular LED lamps, which differ from UV devices in their mechanism of action. Today we will figure out what distinguishes the usual gadget models, the active element of which is ultraviolet, from their diode counterparts. And also on the basis of the revealed differences, we decide that it is more advisable to choose a modern consumer - a traditional UV lamp or its "follower".
Content
About product
The design of the device, which uses UF rays in its “work”, externally is a compact plastic case, equipped in most cases with four ultraviolet lamps located on the inner surface of the lamp. The external area of the device for manicure and pedicure traditionally involves a control panel that includes a power button, a timer and, in some cases, power adjustment.
A feature of the inner surface of the gadget in question is the presence of a high-quality "reflector" on it. The role of such an element, as a rule, is polished metal or a special foil with a high density index. Such a distinctive characteristic allows you to send the vast majority of the available ultraviolet rays to a coating that requires polymerization.
The direct principle of operation of UV lamps is based on the operation of the simplest ignition scheme, traditionally classified into:
- electronic (low weight of the device; high sensitivity to voltage drops);
- induction (overall design; durable material used in their manufacture).
In addition to the above classification, a similar division into subtypes can be traced among the variety of ultraviolet lamps used in devices for manicure and pedicure. Often used among them are:
- luminescent;
- gas light.
In the first case, the rational reason for choosing this type of lamp for home and professional use is their efficiency in energy consumption. It is worth noting that with careful and moderate operation of fluorescent UV lamps, their service life can reach even a year. For devices of this segment, this is an infrequent indicator. It is also worth noting that, understanding the existing imperfections of their product of this type (excessive heating of the case, sensitivity to changes in the power supply network, harmful materials used for their production, etc.), manufacturers do not “overstate” the cost, making it affordable for the vast majority buyers.
Gas light, or cold cathode lamps, are a functional element filled with gas. The polymerization of gel polish in this case occurs precisely due to the "glow" of the substance that fills the inside of the ultraviolet light bulbs. This type of device is even more economical than the luminescent option, and also much more resistant to wear and mechanical damage. By purchasing an LHK gadget for a considerable amount of money, the user gets the opportunity to “forget” about the need for frequent maintenance, as well as not to worry about the harmful effects of the device used on his health.
Despite the existing types of UV lamps for manicure, the modern nail industry does not stand still and recently offers its users LED lamps for both home and professional use. To provide the buyer with the opportunity to formulate a personal opinion on the advisability of acquiring this type of device, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following comparative table of the main indicators of diode and traditional ultraviolet lamps.
| Characteristic | LED lamp | Ultraviolet lamp |
| Duration of "drying" | high | average |
| Gel Polish Compatibility | led only - type or universal | without Borders |
| Energy Efficiency | high | average and lower |
| Compact design | average and lower | medium and higher |
| Functional period | replacement of the entire device on average once every 5 years | replacing individual UV bulbs every six months on average |
| Cost | high | average |
How to choose
Having decided on the need to buy exactly UV lamps for the polymerization of the coating applied to the nails, it is important to keep in mind the possible disadvantages most often encountered by users of this type of device:
- the period of correct operation of the functional elements of the gadget design (it is necessary to purchase new bulbs at least once every six months. Otherwise, the lamp power is significantly reduced, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of the coating obtained “at the exit” and an increase in the duration of the polymerization process);
- the fragility of the bulbs and, as a consequence, the need to handle them as carefully as possible (this item is especially relevant when using a device with luminescent elements. When they are not carefully installed or removed, as well as possible mechanical damage, vapors harmful to the user's health, in particular, mercury contained in UV lamp designs, mixed with indoor air);
- possible burning of the skin of the fingers inside the device’s body, due to the high heat transfer rate with an ultraviolet gadget.
Do not assume that due to the above negative aspects of using the device of the segment in question, you should refuse to purchase it. It is advisable to analyze the positive aspects available for user evaluation of UV lamps for “drying” the gel coating:
- reasonable cost, ranging from 1500 - 3000 rubles;
- a huge range of models that differ in a set of functional capabilities, dimensions and so on;
- universal compatibility with all types of gel polishes, most often used by both professionals in beauty salons and amateurs at home.
To structure the algorithm for assessing the quality of the selected device, we recommend that you rely on the following criteria.
- Power. The optimum power of a stationary lamp for “drying” the gel coating should be 36 - 54 watts. This indicator provides an opportunity to make the process of varnish polymerization relatively quick, especially with traditional “processing” of all 5 fingers at the same time. If you choose a portable portable UV lamp option, you should give preference to a device with the considered characteristic of at least 18 watts.
- Type of lamp. When deciding to purchase a device of a traditional ultraviolet type, it is advisable to opt for gas-luminous functional elements, due to their greater safety and resistance to external mechanical influences.
- Timer. It is highly appreciated not just the presence of a built-in timer in the design of the selected lamp, but also its variations, namely 15, 30 and 60 seconds. The standard set of “temporary options” is due to the different duration of “drying” of coatings that differ from each other.
- The number of lamps. In this case, equipping the apparatus with 4 lamps with a power of at least 9 watts can be considered the best indicator. It is important to remember that the recommended characteristics apply exclusively to traditional “stationary” UV lamps for manicure and pedicure.In portable devices, due to their small size, as a rule, 1-2 lamps of lower functional power are used.
To make an informed decision about buying a really high-quality ultraviolet “drying”, it is advisable to first consider the models listed in the list of the best devices for purchase.
The best models
SUN UV / SUN 9x (LED)
- the presence of a sensor that responds to hand movement
- quick "drying" of gel polish
- "Compatibility" with any type of coating
- lamp heating during operation
- discrepancy between the actual power of the device declared
- build quality of individual body elements
The thought-over lamp design is suitable for both a professional and a beginner. Ease of use, high speed of polymerization of the gel coating, as well as versatility - something that every user can appreciate using this device.
Planet Nails UV Lamp AV-36W-4 Level-Up
- “Advanced” equipment
- removable bottom
- appearance
- the need for frequent replacement of UV lamps with regular use
- dimensions
- cost
A unique multi-level UV lamp for “drying” nails will become an indispensable “helper” in creating and maintaining the beauty of arms and legs, thanks to built-in functions and various variations of its design.
Sun UV / SUN5 48 W (LED)
- compatibility with all types of gel coatings
- variety of auto timer options
- function cable length
- the quality of the material used to manufacture the case
- possible overheating of the device
- inability to replace a separate diode
High-quality LED-lamp at an affordable price, suitable for the fast polymerization of any type of gel polish, thanks to the modern functionality built into its design of light diodes.
Sunone x 36 W (LED)
- sensor responsive to hand movement by turning on the lamp
- appearance
- uniform and quick “drying” of the gel coating
- lack of rubberized legs for structural stability on the lower surface of the housing
- "Burning" on the skin inside the lamp
- quality of individual fasteners
A modern UV lamp with a stylish design fits perfectly into any interior, and its rich functionality will satisfy the requirements of both a professional user and a novice "amateur".
UV - Lamp For Drying Nails
- build quality
- high power
- cost
- need for frequent lamp replacement
- lack of touch sensor
- lack of automatic timer options
The simplest, time-tested, lamp design will perfectly cope with the "drying" of any type of coating, without requiring additional manipulation by the user.
Given the continued existence of ultraviolet lamps for nails in the consumer market, we can judge about their practicality in use, which significantly saves the time of a modern “fashionista”. With a competent approach to the selection of such a device, you can purchase at your disposal the ideal automated "manicure and pedicure masters" who are ready to do their job at any time convenient for you at home.
