Gel nail polish: how to use, apply at home, which brand is better to choose, pearl rub, mirror shine with and without lamp, drying

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It is impossible to make gel nail polish without special tools and devices. The most important stage of gel manicure is drying , which is carried out with a special device with ultraviolet radiation. The variety of such devices today is very large and it depends on what type of lamp is used in the device.

Which gel polish is better to choose: companies

The company often determines the quality of the varnish.

And the quality of the gel polish used directly depends on:

ease of use (correct consistency and shape of the brush, uniform application);
appearance of the manicure after drying (color, shine);
shelf life of manicure;
convenience of further removal of the coating.
Read also: Experts' Choice: 50 Best Nail Polishes of All Time

Among the wide range of gel polishes, there are several brands that are recognized by the best professional nail service professionals:

"SHELLAC" – an American brand, considered the best professional varnish for its high quality, wide selection of shades, ease of application and ease of removal. Belongs to the premium category of cosmetics, one of the highest quality and most expensive varnishes. The only negative is that it is not suitable for thin, brittle nails. The price for 1 bottle (7 ml) is about 1000 rubles.
“GELISH HARMONY” is also an American product, in terms of its characteristics it is absolutely not inferior to “Shellac”, in some respects it even wins - it is considered the safest for nails, it is available in larger volume bottles (15 ml each) for the same price - about 1000 rubles. The disadvantages include a more liquid consistency; it often has to be applied in several layers.
“KODI PROFESSIONAL” is considered the best gel polish for beginners: it has a rich palette, is easy to apply, and also attracts with its low price (about 500 rubles for 7 ml). The only negative is that it is quite difficult to remove, with the top layer of the nail being filed off.
“BLUESKY” is one of the best budget options (about 250 rubles for 10 ml), produced in China. It is considered one of the most popular, widely used in beauty salons, and stays on the nails for quite a long time (about two weeks). According to reviews from experts, it is easy to apply, but is too liquid in consistency and does not have a very rich palette.
“CANNI” is a cheap but good quality Chinese gel polish (about 150 rubles for 7 ml), sold on Aliexpress. Ideal for absolute beginners and non-professionals: there are about 200 colors available, it is easy to apply, and lasts on average 10 days.

Classification

The first indicator you should pay attention to is the power of the lamp. Depending on the number of lamps used, there are 9, 18, 36 and 54-watt devices. The power of one lamp is 9W, therefore, this parameter is the easiest to determine, just find out the quantity.

The drying time will depend on the power of the device, so relatively weak ones at 18 W are not used in the professional field. 9 W devices are the most compact, but even for home use they are practically no longer produced.

There are also devices for home and professional use. The latter are characterized by a long service life and the ability to be used for several sessions per day.

What tools are needed?

Gel polish manicure is performed using professional tools:

manicure scissors;
cuticle tweezers;
files;
buff for treating the nail plate;
orange sticks;
UV or LED lamp.

Manufacturers and prices

The previous information related exclusively to the technical characteristics of the equipment, but an equally important indicator is its cost. When choosing a lamp for home use, you can choose small models with relatively low power. If you plan to use it in the future for commercial purposes or for a large number of users, it is better to focus on professional lamps, although they will be much more expensive.

Estimated cost

UV lamp 9 W from 450 rubles.
UV lamp with a power of 18 W from 780 rubles.
UV lamp with a power of 24 W from 910 rubles.
UV lamp with a power of 36 W from 1050 rubles.
UV lamp with a power of 54 W from 1350 rubles.
LED – lamp with a power of 2 W from 1210 rubles.
LED – 4 W lamp from 1730 rubles.
LED – 6 W lamp from 1900 rubles.
LED – lamp with a power of 12 W from 2100 rubles.
LED - lamp with a power of 24 W from 3860 rubles.
LED – lamp with a power of 36 W from 6750 rubles.
Hybrid lamp with a power of 36 W from 5800 rubles.

The most popular are 36 W lamps, so there are the most options in this segment. Prices are approximate, as it depends not only on the type of equipment, but also on the brand itself and the presence of additional functions.

Lamp for drying gel polish

Gel polish is completely polymerized under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, so drying it requires a special device - an ultraviolet or LED lamp.

LED lamp is a professional device for drying gel coatings in the shortest possible time – 30-40 seconds;
UV lamp 9W is a portable device, drying each layer of coating takes up to 120 seconds;
UV-36W lamp - a professional device for drying different types of gel coatings, as a rule, allows you to dry two hands at the same time.

According to experts, a compact UV lamp is quite sufficient for home use: it copes well with its intended purpose, takes up little space and has a minimal cost (about 500 rubles).

The only caveat is that drying the nails will take quite a long time - 2 minutes for each layer. For professional work, you need a lamp that allows you to dry the coating quickly and efficiently; in this case, the best option is an LED lamp (price about 3,000 rubles) or a 36 W UV lamp (price about 2,000 rubles)

They quickly accomplish their intended purpose, but they are much more expensive and also require a separate space in the work area. The process of drying gel polish using a lamp is carried out as follows: after covering the nails, the hand is completely immersed in the lamp (or one nail at a time), the timer is turned on (the time must be set according to the instructions in the materials used).

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: How to extend nails with gel polish. Nail extension instructions for beginners. Photo.

LED lamp

This type of lamp is more modern. Ultraviolet radiation comes from the LED. This technology allows the gel to harden in half a minute . Drying time is significantly reduced. The varnish is applied in a similar way, in three stages, between which drying takes place.

LEDs, unlike UV lamps, are practically harmless. In addition, they work much longer. The service life of such a lamp can reach 40-50 thousand hours.

Important! Unfortunately, the device is not capable of drying all materials. Some gel polishes are neutral to the effects of LEDs.

Dryers with this type of emitters are slightly more expensive than their UV counterparts. LED lamps, as a rule, cannot be replaced due to their durability. If the lamps burn out, the device is simply thrown away.

Main differences:

UV uses a fluorescent light bulb, LED uses a light emitting diode;
The UV lamp has a shorter lifespan and is harmful to the skin and eyes;
LED does not work with all types of gel polishes;
LED dries much faster;
Low power UV units do not dry the gel properly.

Advice! Experienced users know that for optimal performance it is better to choose a hybrid device that contains both LED and UV technologies.

Additional materials

Performing a manicure with gel polishes requires the use of a special set of products, which includes:

degreaser;
base and top coats;
gel polishes directly;
coating remover;
lint-free wipes;
decor (rhinestones, rubbing, stencils - optional).

Safety regulations

When using such a delicate device as a UV lamp, certain safety rules should be followed:

Before use, wipe with a dry cloth or remove dust with a special brush - the accumulation of dust interferes with radiation.
Do not use the lamp if several units of light elements burn out, since in this case the power of the device will not be enough to completely harden the gel layer, and the drying period will take a long time, and the quality of the coating will not be too high. To quickly troubleshoot this problem, you should always have a supply of UV nail lamp bulbs on hand. And replacing them is simple, just like ordinary lamps on luminaires.
Do not use lamps that have been used for 2 thousand hours - this reduces the intensity of the emitted ultraviolet rays and may be unsafe, as there is a risk of cracking and injury to your hands.
Always clean the device after use to remove any adhering varnish particles.
Disinfect regularly with alcohol-containing liquids.
Do not use wet wipes to remove dirt.

How to prepare your nails

Knowing how to use gel nail polish is not enough for a perfect manicure. The quality of preparation of nail plates for coating directly affects the appearance and lifespan of the manicure.

It consists of several stages:

Cleaning nails (removing previous coating or varnish).
Removing cuticles, adjusting the length and shape of nails using a classic trimmed or European manicure.
Treatment of nail plates with a buff (sanding file): it is necessary to remove the shine for a more uniform distribution of the coating.
Degreasing nails with a special substance or medical alcohol.

Terms of use

In order for a manicure to last longer, delighting the eye with impeccable execution, it is necessary to follow certain rules, without which even the most innovative lamp will be just an expensive toy. First of all, it is necessary to correctly master the coating application technique. Unlike regular varnish that everyone is used to using, modern gels cannot just be applied.

First, you need to treat the nail plate mechanically, as well as with special base coatings. This procedure is not as simple as it might seem at first glance, which means it is very important to learn this as a professional.

Video on how to choose a lamp for drying nails:

Now there are many courses where you can learn the basics of nail art in a matter of weeks. Video tutorials are also a great help, but you need to watch them after you have acquired basic knowledge. Like any business, such an activity requires time and effort, so it is impossible to describe all the nuances within the framework of one article. When you successfully learn to create your own masterpieces, such skills can also become an additional opportunity to earn money, because manicure at home is also in demand now.

However, there are basic rules for using a lamp to dry a coating. By following these simple recommendations, you will be able to perform the job flawlessly and, what is also important, extend the life of expensive equipment,

Recommendations for using a nail lamp:

Before turning on, carefully read the instructions and study the main points of control.
Use only a device that is in working order, without visible damage or interruptions in operation.
The bright glow of the lamp negatively reflects on the retina of the eyes, so you should not look inside and use the device for other purposes.
The equipment is designed for drying polymer coatings, so it will be useless for ordinary varnish and other compositions.
Even home use requires regular cleaning and disinfection of the lamp. If it is used by several people or for salon procedures, such events should become regular and mandatory.
If particles of varnish get on the body or inner surface, you should disconnect the device from the mains and immediately remove it with special means.
Burnt-out batteries must be immediately replaced with similar ones so that the quality of the coating does not decrease. If the lamps have already “outlived” their useful life, they should also be replaced. The use of bad and old lamps can lead to insufficient polymerization of the coating.

The nuances of choosing the mode and drying duration for each coating may vary depending on the model. If it is possible to clearly see the lamp in action, it is better to use this chance. You should also not choose a device solely based on cost; the main thing is to first decide on priority tasks, and only then choose the design, additional functions and brand.

Technique for applying gel polish with drying in a lamp - step by step

When performing all subsequent actions, it is important to ensure that the nail plates do not come into contact with any other surfaces, because even the smallest particles of fat, dust particles, etc. get on them. will noticeably spoil the appearance of the manicure and affect its durability.

Applying the base coat: the entire nail plate, as well as its outer edge, is carefully coated with a thin layer of a transparent product. Then the base is dried under a UV lamp for 2 minutes.
Apply gel polish of the desired shade. It may be necessary to apply one or more layers (depending on the thickness of the varnish and its color), each of which should be dried under a lamp for 2 minutes. It is very important to apply the product carefully; excess varnish should be immediately removed with an orange stick (before the drying process).
Top coating: carefully cover the nails with a thick layer, “sealing” the sections. The top is also dried under a lamp for 2 minutes, the sticky layer is removed with a degreaser.

Lampless methods

Girls, what do you think, is it possible to dry gel polish without a lamp? Just a few years ago this would not have been possible. However, the nail industry does not stand still. And nowadays, many manufacturers offer products that will help create the perfect gel polish coating without a lamp. For example:

Light insensitive gel polish. Usually the manufacturer indicates “Gel No-Light” on the label. This product dries well outdoors. There are brands that work in conjunction with a special monomer. It comes in the form of a transparent gel and accelerates the polymerization of gel polish.
Water. Most popular. As you already understood, it hardens in water, but only in cold water. You will have to keep your hands in a basin of cool water for about half an hour.
Brigitte Bottier. This is a new product in the nail industry. The special formula does not require drying nails under a lamp. Apply like regular varnish (and remove in the same way). However, the coating is quite durable - the manicure lasts about a week.
Light sensitive gel polish. It doesn't dry well and usually requires drying in a lamp, but some ladies manage to get an even coating in direct sunlight! Polymerization time is from 20 minutes to an hour.
With the help of a catalyst. This is a new product in the nail industry. Such substances are available in the form of an ointment, gel or spray. To dry the gel polish, you just need to spread the catalyst a little over the nail surface and wait 1-2 minutes.

Alternative methods

There are at least 3 more “folk” methods for drying gel polish without a UV or ice lamp:

Using cold gel polish. The container with the dye is kept in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then applied to the nail plate. Drying time – 10-15 minutes.
Hair dryer. Dry at high power and with cold air. It is important here that the coloring matter is distributed over the surface in a thin layer. Otherwise, the manicure will be ruined (unevenness will form).
Medical blue lamp. Yes, some girls manage to dry gel polish with its help. Drying speed depends on power.

Attention! None of these methods can guarantee you a high-quality manicure, which is obtained with an ultraviolet or LED lamp.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are not so many specific advantages of lampless drying of gel polish - they are mainly compensated by the quality of the manicure done using special lamps. Among them are:

It’s a little easier and possibly cheaper to do a manicure at home;
the coating also lasts for 2-3 weeks (depending on proper care of the handles);
less need to use special means;
washes off well with nail polish remover;
hands are not exposed to UV radiation.

The disadvantages are the following:

takes longer to dry and as a result, the time spent on manicure increases many times over
there is less chance of getting a result close to ideal;
fades faster;
chips and cracks are more likely to appear;
Some products may contain harmful components.

Attention! Before choosing a varnish that polymerizes without a lamp, you need to pay attention to the product packaging. It should contain the designations “3-free” or “5-free”. This means that such a product does not contain harmful substances (formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, synthetic camphor, etc.). “5-free” can be used even by pregnant women.

Practical advice

Still decided to create the perfect coating without using a lamp to dry gel polish? Recommendations from professionals will help you in this matter:

How long the gel coating will take to dry depends on the manufacturer of the dye. Always read the instructions before applying. In a lamp, polymerization takes an average of 60-90 seconds, and without it, the time can increase to half an hour.
If you are using water-based varnish, then it is better to use purified water that is suitable for drinking for drying. Don't forget to add ice cubes for quick drying.
Buy gel polishes only from a trusted place. Subway passages, markets and kiosks often offer counterfeits. Your result will primarily depend on the quality of the product.
If the color saturation does not suit you, then apply gel polish in several layers. However, do not forget to dry the previous layers well. Be prepared for this to take a lot of time.

I suggest you watch the video on how to do a gel manicure without a lamp:

How to apply gel polish at home without a lamp

There are two types of gel polishes on sale: photosensitive and not. The first of them harden exclusively under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Those that are insensitive to light harden after applying special catalysts; the tube with this type of varnish is marked “No-light gel”.

Using this gel nail polish yourself is as easy as using regular nail polish. After preliminary preparation of the nails, an even layer of varnish is applied and then covered with a catalyst. After which the hands are immersed in cold water for 5 minutes, during which time the varnish should completely harden.

UV lamp: advantages and disadvantages

Like any other device, a UV lamp has its advantages and disadvantages. The positive aspects of using a UV lamp when creating extended nails or designs using gel polish include:

low consumption of electrical energy by the device;
service life 5-10 thousand hours of operation;
availability.

Also among the advantages of ultraviolet lamps is a wide range of similar devices of different power and brand. This allows you to easily purchase ultraviolet lamps in any city or even order them online.

If we talk about the disadvantages of UV lamps, they include:

dependence of service life on the frequency of switching on and off;
a significant increase in temperature in the working area during operation (up to 50 degrees), which, if used incorrectly, can lead to overheating of the device body and burning of the gel;
dependence on the stability of the voltage in the network - changes can damage the UV lamp;
sensitivity to ambient temperature - working at +12 degrees and below, the UV lamp may break;
the light emitted by the UV lamp is harmful to the eyes;
The lamps contain mercury vapor that is harmful to humans.

In addition, once a removable UV lamp has completely failed, it must be disposed of with special precautions.

How to do a French manicure with gel polish: instructions

For French manicure with gel polish, the following materials are used:

manicure instruments for hygienic manicure;
buff;
degreaser;
white and light gel polish of natural color;
top and base;
stencils for French;
Ultraviolet lamp.

Nails are tidied up through a regular hygienic manicure - removing the previous coating or nail polish, getting rid of cuticles, and adjusting the length and shape of the nails.

Only after this can you proceed to performing the French:

Use a soft buff to remove shine from nails.
Wipe your nails thoroughly with a degreaser.
Cover the nails with a base and dry under a lamp.
Apply natural color, hold hands for 120 seconds. under UV rays.
Fix the stencils and paint the tips of the nails white. Dry it. If necessary, repeat the procedure again, then carefully remove the stencils.
Cover the nails with top coat. Dry for 120 seconds. under the lamp.
Use a cloth with a degreaser to get rid of the sticky layer.

Reviews

Veronica: “I’ve been using my lamp for a long time, its cost has probably gone back ten times over. I usually apply the coating to myself and my loved ones; I can’t use it to earn money. I already have a fairly old model of an ultraviolet dryer, but in all that time I only had to change the lamps twice, and there were no serious breakdowns. If I buy a new one, I’d like to try it with LEDs, although I’ve heard quite contradictory reviews about them.”
Lisa: “My sister gave me my first lamp; it worked for me for quite a long time, but when the bulbs burned out, I was faced with the problem of purchasing. After that I was disappointed for a long time, but then I still bought myself a new one. This model is much more convenient; in addition to a retractable armrest, it is also equipped with a built-in timer, which is simply wonderful. We have heard a lot about LED lamps, but the cost is not suitable for home use.”

Maybe

Mirror manicure with gel polish

Mirror manicure is one of the most stylish modern trends. To create such a design with your own hands, you can use two methods - apply gel polish of the appropriate metallic shade to your nails, or create a mirror surface using a special rub.

The second option looks the most impressive; it will require the following tools and materials:

manicure instruments for hygienic manicure;
buff;
degreaser;
base and top;
gel polish;
mirror rubbing;
fan brush, sponge;
orange sticks;
Ultraviolet lamp.

They remove the old coating, perform a hygienic manicure - adjust the length and shape of the nails, get rid of the cuticle:

Then the nail plate is treated with a buff; it must be well leveled, otherwise the mirror coating will lie unevenly.
Wipe the nail plates with a degreaser.
Cover the nails with a base and dry under UV rays.
Apply gel polish of the selected color and dry the layer.
Apply an even layer of powder with a brush, then gently rub it in with a sponge. Achieve uniform distribution. Excess is removed with an orange stick.
Cover the nails with top coat and dry under a lamp.

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: How to draw monograms on nails step by step for beginners. Instructions with photos.

Tips and tricks

To summarize, we can give the following recommendations regarding the process of using and selecting LED lamps:

any material, it must be checked for compatibility with a certain type of lamp, since some are intended exclusively for ultraviolet devices. Information about this is always contained in the attached instructions, and there should also be an LED mark.
It is not recommended to purchase equipment that was manufactured in Asian countries, since it is almost always of low quality. This is due to the use of weak diodes, the service life of which usually ranges from 50 to 500 hours. At the same time, lamps made in Europe or America can last up to 50,000 hours.
Even before purchasing, it is necessary to clarify the dimensions of the drying chamber, since not all devices are designed for drying both hands at once.
It is best to buy lamps whose housing is made of metal, since plastic models are more sensitive to mechanical stress and usually last much less.

How to apply pearl rub

Pearl rub gives your nails an elegant, noble look thanks to its soft, warm, discreet shine and elegant shades.

Applying pearl powder to nails follows the same principle as mirror powder: it is rubbed into the dried gel polish with a sponge and then secured with a top coat.

Types of ultraviolet lamps by type of design

Based on the design of the device body, there are the following types of UV lamps:

Open. They are equipped with high-power bulbs that effectively destroy bacteria. They are used in medical institutions and kindergartens to disinfect premises. Before use, people must leave the premises, animals must be removed, and plants must be removed. Such lamps are usually not used at home.
Closed. Closed-type lamps are less powerful than open ones, their effectiveness is slightly lower, but they are also safer for people. Almost all devices for home use are made according to this principle. The closed type of lamps allows people to stay in the room while the emitter is operating.

How to achieve perfect coverage

It is recommended to follow professional recommendations when applying gel nail polish. The following list of rules will help you figure out how to use gel polish so that the coating turns out perfect (it looks aesthetically pleasing, hides imperfections, and lasts a long time)

High-quality preparation : careful removal of the cuticle and pterygium, adjustment of length and shape with the obligatory removal of the exfoliated part, treatment of the plates with a soft buff.
High-quality degreasing is a guarantee of long-lasting manicure.
The base should be applied as carefully as possible , it is important to prevent it from coming into contact with the skin. In addition to the nail plate itself, it must also be applied to the end, this will ensure the durability of the manicure. Experts recommend drying the base coat one nail at a time in a lamp.
The correct technique for applying gel polish will ensure a beautiful, even color and neat manicure. You should pick up a small amount of varnish with a brush, apply a wide stroke, stepping back 1 mm from the base, from top to bottom, carefully bring it to the bottom, then paint the side parts. It is very important not to catch the skin around the nail; if this happens, you need to immediately remove the excess with an orange stick.
The topcoat must be thoroughly dried.

Harmfulness

Are gel polishes and UV lamps harmful? On the way to the desired beauty, you should also not make compromises to the detriment of health. History has countless examples of women torturing themselves by conforming to the canons of beauty. Now, fortunately, naturalness and, above all, a healthy appearance are becoming fashionable. Therefore, even such a device should be selected taking into account possible health effects.

Fluorescent lamps, after much research, have been recognized as safe for humans, especially since the total drying time is no more than five minutes.

With this regimen, even regular use cannot cause harm. It is also advisable to use special protective gloves that will minimize the impact on the skin of your hands. The recommendations also concern the time of the procedure, so that the coating is durable and uniform; you should not reduce or increase the required period; it is better to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your own experience.

How to make designs on nails with gel polish

To make drawings with gel polish, additional tools are required - brushes of different shapes and sizes, dots, stencils. The drawing is applied before the very last stage - applying the top coat; it also needs to be dried under a lamp. You can complement your manicure with original patterns or drawings at home, even with minimal drawing skills.

A few simple ideas:

dotted drawings : made with a special tool (dots), dots can be used to draw “polka dots”, flowers, fantasy patterns and many others. etc.;
geometric patterns of stripes and various shapes can be easily made using ordinary adhesive tape; just cut out the blanks of the desired shape, glue them to the nail, apply varnish on top, and then remove them after drying;
special stencils allow you to decorate your nails with the most complex, intricate designs in a matter of minutes: the blank is glued to the nail, gel polish is applied and dried on top, the stencil is removed.

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 your gel-covered nail evenly and quickly. The operation of this device is not affected by voltage surges, however, the 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 compounds and 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.

How to glue decorative elements onto gel polish

Another simple way to make a manicure more impressive and interesting is to complement it with decorative elements such as rhinestones, sparkles, and stickers.

The sequence of performing a gel polish manicure using decor will be traditional. Decorations are attached to the nails after applying and drying the base color. If the rhinestones do not have an adhesive base, they are fixed in the desired position with tweezers and special glue. A top coat is applied and dried over the decorative elements.

How to choose the right model?

Before purchasing, you should clearly define your budget and answer the following questions:

How long (ideally) should the procedure take?
Will you be working with the device permanently or are you planning to move it on the road?
How stable is the electrical system in your home?
What gels do you usually work with and do they have restrictions on light sources for polymerization?
What parameters are your priority - power, dimensions, service life?

In addition, we recommend not to skimp on convenience. Take a closer look at devices with a timer - this will allow you to avoid stressing the client’s hands longer than necessary. Another good element of the structure will be a fan - it will be useful if you are going to work with ordinary varnishes. The retractable panel ensures easy disinfection.

If you are going to carry the device from place to place, be sure to buy a bag for it. There are products that come with a bag, but more often you have to buy a new one.

Application errors

The main mistakes when using gel nail polish, which spoil both the appearance of the manicure and affect the duration of its wear:

Insufficient preparation of the nail plate with a buffer - the coating does not adhere well to a smooth surface.
Treating the cuticle with greasy products before manicure - this procedure must be performed after all layers have been applied and dried.
Poor degreasing, including the use of cotton pads, which can leave lint on the plate.
Uneven application of layers, as well as too much colored varnish.
Shaking bottles of gel polish before use leads to the formation of bubbles.
Cleaning the sticky layer between coats.
Poor drying.

If you use and apply gel nail polish incorrectly, then after just a day such consequences are possible

Knowing such mistakes when using gel nail polish will allow you to learn how to do a neat and long-lasting manicure at home, like a specialist, in the shortest possible time.

Gel polish is an indispensable find for women who care about the beauty of their hands and nails. If until recently such a manicure was considered exclusively a salon procedure, today, thanks to the availability of the necessary means and tools, you can master it at home.

Is there any harm from a nail lamp?

Many women wonder whether a nail drying lamp is harmful. Often, concerns can discourage a user from purchasing a dryer or visiting a nail salon. Fears for your health are far from unfounded. The question arose when the story of two women who were diagnosed with skin cancer was widely publicized. They both used UV nail dryers frequently. However, in a subsequent study of a larger sample of patients, no such deviations were identified. From which we can conclude that the occurrence of such diseases can be attributed to a special case and characteristics of the body, and not to the potentially harmful effects of UV rays.

Some experts continue to argue that even more intense exposure to UV rays on human skin and eyes is completely safe, and in some cases even beneficial. Of course, even with a minimal probability of developing terrible diseases, some people will experience justified fears.

To minimize negative consequences, doctors recommend using a dryer at a certain interval: do not change the nail polish more than once a week. This intensity can be hazardous to nail health, regardless of the potential harmful nature of UV exposure. On average, a well-made varnish coating lasts from two to three weeks. Even if you dry your hair 1-2 times a month, you most likely won’t have any serious consequences.

On a note! Some salons have recently offered special gloves that protect the skin from direct UV rays.

What you need to know about the dangers of using nail dryers:

Frequent use of any procedure can harm the body;
fixed time and local exposure to a small area of skin minimizes possible harmful effects;
the harm from a lamp for drying nails has not been proven, but is only a hypothesis, the correctness of which everyone assesses for himself;
if you maintain a certain interval and do not overexpose your nails under the dryer, and also use special gloves, the harm from exposure to UV rays is practically reduced to nothing;
LED lamps are less harmful due to their low light intensity.