Types of lamps for drying nails, how to choose a lamp for manicure, gel polish, extensions, list of popular lamps for manicure

Lamps that emit UV rays are used to dry nails. Only with their help can you dry gel polish. The remaining liquids dry in the air due to the evaporation of moisture. Shellac does not have this property, so it dries only under the influence of UV rays.

Craftsmen cannot always figure out which lamp is better: Ice or UV, since they have few differences. The main difference between them is the principle of operation of the devices. Led devices also operate in the UV spectrum, but powerful SMD LEDs are installed here.

How to choose a lamp for manicure

UV and LED lamps are the most common types of lamps. Such lamps are used by manicure lovers both at home and in beauty salons. The device is quite easy to use and does not require any special skills from its owner during operation.

Some lamps may become warm during use, so caution should be used, but with a quality model this should not happen.

The price category of lamps is quite diverse. The cost of each lamp depends on its technical characteristics and functionality. But among all the variety of lamps for manicure, each master will be able to find his ideal price-quality ratio, based on the conditions in which the lamp will be used.

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a lamp for working with gels and gel polishes is its power and type. But the size of the lamp is the master’s personal preferences, and they do not affect performance in any way. The best option for work is a lamp that is designed to dry the fingers of the entire hand at the same time.

The best UV lamps for nails

Sanitas SMA 25

This model is made in Germany and is in the middle price segment. Its power is 9 W. The device is very practical to use and has a mirror coating, so the varnish dries smoothly and evenly. The warranty on the device is 1 year. The device has a special fan that protects the lamp from overheating. Girls note that this model is reliable, easy to clean and safe.

Advantages:

Reliable assembly,
Ease of use,
Long warranty,
Absolutely safe.

Flaws:

High price.

Dona Jerdona UV D990B

Dona Jerdona UV D990B is a budget model that is produced in America. It has a power of 9 W and polymerizes any type of varnish in 2 minutes. The lamp life is calculated for 3 thousand hours, after which the radiation source must be replaced with a new one. The device is unique in its small size, which not all UV lamps have. The device has a built-in special timer, which can be set to continuous operation so as not to distract your attention from the process.

Advantages:

Compact,
Inexpensive,
The timer is set to endless mode.

Flaws:

Fixed bottom.

TNL Professional Mood 57951

This UV lamp model is made in South Korea and is in the mid-price segment. It is hybrid, which means it can polymerize any composition. The device has 2 light sources, thanks to which the varnish dries evenly and saves time. It is suitable for both professional use in the salon and at home. Lamp life is 50 thousand hours. It has a convenient timer for half a second, 1 minute and 2 minutes.

Advantages:

Copes with any type of varnish,
Suitable for extension and drying,
There is a timer
Can be used in any conditions.

Flaws:

The gel takes a long time to dry.

Irisk Professional Tango

The lamp from the popular Russian manufacturer Irisk Professional Tango has a power of 36 W and 4 light sources. Thanks to this, it easily dries any varnish marked “UV”. The device can operate in 2 modes: 120 seconds and endless operation. This device is suitable for use at home and for use in a salon by a professional technician. The device comes with 3 types of removable light bulbs, so you won’t have to look for them for long.

Advantages:

Powerful,
2 operating modes,
Almost all light bulbs fit
Bright design.

Flaws:

Quite voluminous.

LOVE CRAZY smart 2.0

If you are looking for a lamp that has a sleek design and can be used in a salon, then you will definitely like the LOVE CRAZY smart 2.0. Its power is 36 W. The timer is designed for 30 and 60 seconds. The body of the device is made of eco-leather and plastic, making the lamp look elegant. The radiators are made of thick aluminum, which means they don't get as hot.

Advantages:

Powerful,
Elegant design,
There is a timer
Almost does not heat up.

Flaws:

High price.

Holy Rose

This lamp is in the low price segment and is made in Russia. It polymerizes all types of gels in just 2 minutes. The power of the device is 36 W, there are 4 lighting sources. The bottom of the device extends, and you can use it not only to do manicures, but also pedicures. You can set the timer to 2 minutes or endlessly. This lamp is suitable for beginners who are just learning how to do manicure, because the model is easy to use.

Advantages:

Reasonable price
Ease of use,
Retractable bottom.

Flaws:

Designed for only 3 thousand hours.

PLANET NAILS BOOMBOX

PLANET NAILS BOOMBOX is an ultraviolet nail lamp, which is made in China and is in the high price segment. Thanks to the built-in timer, you can always set an automatic time mode lasting from 30 to 300 seconds. In addition, the device is equipped with a fan to keep the case cool. The inside of the model has a mirror surface so that the varnish dries quickly and evenly. Device power – 36 W, light bulbs – 4 pcs.

Advantages:

Smart control,
There is a fan,
Retractable bottom for pedicure.

Flaws:

High price,
Large volume.

Types of manicure lamps for drying gel and gel polish on nails

Ultraviolet lamp ( UV) is the most common type of lamp for manicure.
The device is equipped with fluorescent light bulbs that emit ultraviolet radiation. Such lamps have a fairly affordable price, but are not durable to use. About once every 3 months, fluorescent lamps need to be replaced with new ones, otherwise the gel polish will not dry well. Suitable for drying gel polish, but not all are suitable for working with gels, only more powerful models. Photo: UV lamp for manicure
Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL). The operating principle is similar to the operation of ultraviolet lamps.
CCFL lamps operate using a gas that emits light. They polymerize any gel coating well. As a rule, CCFL lamps are equipped with only one bulb in the form of a spiral, and this is precisely their first and main drawback. This arrangement does not always allow the material to polymerize evenly. They do not have a filament, so they generate less heat, but save more electricity. Currently, CCFL lamps are most often produced in symbiosis with LED. Photo: CCFL lamp for manicure
Light-emitting diode (LED - lamp) is the most common type of lamp today.
The lamp works thanks to the LEDs built into it. The main features of such devices are low temperature during operation, high speed of material drying and durability. Suitable for drying any material for manicure: gel polish (shellac) and various types of gels. This lamp is absolutely safe for the skin of your hands. As a rule, such lamps do not require replacement of bulbs after a certain service life, and the average operating time of LEDs is 50,000 hours. If the lamp has been in use for quite a long time and one LED burns out, then this, as a rule, is not a problem and does not require urgent replacement of the lamp, the power of the entire lamp is simply reduced slightly! LED lamps are much more expensive than UV lamps. Photo: LED lamp for manicure
Hybrid lamp (LED + CCFL) or ( LED + UV). This type of lamp combines two types of LED, UV or CCFL lamps, which can be used to work with different coatings, such as gel polishes and gels of different densities.
Hybrid lamps are different from regular UV lamps because they can dry a surface in just 30 seconds. In addition, hybrid lamps are small in size and have an excellent appearance. As a rule, this is a very professional and expensive type of nail drying device. Photo: Hybrid CCFL/LED lamp for manicure

What is a UV lamp

The UV lamp is equipped with fluorescent tubes that emit ultraviolet light, which affects the nail polish. This type of dryer appeared before LED devices, but still sells well to this day. The device consists of a control panel, timer and fan. The power of these lamps is as follows:

9 W. Suitable for home use;
36 W. Provides fast drying of varnish, therefore it is often used by professionals;
54 W. Maximum power. Models have a built-in fan to protect against overheating.

Fig. 4 – classic UV lamp.

Fluorescent light bulbs have a wide spectrum of radiation. Thanks to this, they can be used to dry not only gel polish, but also hard gel, bio and regular polish. Also, UV devices are not as expensive as their LED counterparts. One of the significant disadvantages is the possible damage to the nail plate when using a high-power device due to overheating.

Fig.5 – relative spectral power distribution.

If you work with a low-power device, you should be prepared for the drying time to increase. Also, fluorescent light sources gradually lose their emission power, so manufacturers recommend changing the device every 3-6 months. Moreover, these devices are unsafe: if the lamp ruptures, toxic mercury vapor will be released. Shelf life – up to 3000 hours.

Power

The main criterion that determines the price of a lamp. A nail dryer with a higher power significantly saves time spent on manicure.

There are several lamps of different power:

6 - 9 W. The most common and simple lamp that is very inexpensive. This model has only one UV lamp or from 3 to 6 LEDs and is suitable for working exclusively at home, for learning the basics of manicure using gel polish coating. Gels or gel polishes with high pigmentation cannot be dried with such a lamp.

18 - 36 W. The model is also inexpensive, and, as a rule, has from 2 to 4 light bulbs or 10 to 24 LEDs. It is also better to use such a lamp only at home, but unlike a 6-9 W lamp, this one can be trusted with gel polishes with a higher density, but such lamps are also not very suitable for drying gel, so they are suitable for use in beauty salons no good.

45 - 72 W. Lamps with such power are great for use not only at home, but also in beauty salons. They dry any material perfectly and are suitable for nail extensions. Naturally, such lamps are very expensive, so not everyone can afford them, but as the famous proverb says, “The miser pays twice.” Once you buy such a lamp, you will use it for a very long time, and the increased number of clients, thanks to high-quality manicure, will quickly pay for the cost of the lamp.

Where can I buy

UV lamp JESSNAIL 36 W

A large number of different models are available in specialized online stores. There you can choose a device with any characteristics.

If you don’t want to wait for the lamp to be delivered from another city, you can look for it in your own. In many cities there are professional manicure shops that sell such equipment.

Size

The bodies of almost all manicure lamps are made of high-strength plastic of various colors; some models contain metal elements, but this does not affect the operation of the lamp itself. The sizes of lamps for manicure are very diverse. They can be:

very tiny, U-shaped, the size of two matchboxes, designed for drying several fingers - such devices have a low price and very low power, so they are suitable exclusively for home use or learning the basics of manicure.
Only the most ordinary gel polishes with low pigmentation can dry. U-shaped manicure lamp
Rectangular in shape, about the size of a small shoe box.
Such devices are designed for drying one hand - this is the size of a standard lamp, both for home and professional use. Rectangular manicure lamp
Most modern devices for home and professional use have the shape of a closed hemisphere.
Such lamps look very aesthetically pleasing and take up relatively little space. Lamp for manicure in the shape of a closed hemisphere
Lamps in the shape of an open hemisphere usually have medium power and are mainly used for home manicures, and are also very convenient when performing pedicures.
Lamp for manicure in the shape of an open hemisphere
Lamps for drying two hands.
They are the size of a large shoe box. Such lamps are mainly used in professional salons. However, we consider their convenience to be rather questionable, since it is much easier to work with one client’s hand at a time. Therefore, we think that the “lamp for two hands” is a simple marketing ploy by manufacturers (since such lamps are more expensive than standard ones), designed for salon professionals who do not have time to logically think about the purchase. Manicure lamp for two hands

Rating of mid-price segment models

ArtStyle TL/209/B

A beautiful lamp on a stable supply. The height of the base is adjustable. You can select a lighting point and direct a stream of bright light there. The device supports three color temperature modes: 5500 K, 4200 K and 3000 K. The manufacturer has equipped its brainchild with a USB charging port. The model does not use infrared and ultraviolet rays. There are also no hazardous substances that can harm the health of the master and the client. The design has a positive effect on vision and eliminates fatigue. There is an LCD display, thermometer, calendar and alarm clock.

You will have to pay 3,700 rubles for the goods.

ArtStyle TL/209/B

Advantages:

safety;
ease of use;
compactness;
reliability;
practicality;
functionality;
environmental friendliness;
excellent ergonomics;
there is a charging port;
power 10 W.

Flaws:

the price is high.

SUN UV/2, 48 W

The device is very popular among professional manicurists. Power – 48 W. A distinctive feature is a high-quality removable bottom and simple touch controls. The appearance impresses with its stylishness and attractiveness. Customer reviews online are only positive. The reliability, practicality and durability of the device are noted. The timer operates in four modes: 90, 60, 30 and 10 seconds.

Purchase price – 2500 rubles.

SUN UV/2, 48 W

Advantages:

value for money;
ease of operation;
high power;
excellent timer;
Suitable for both manicure and pedicure.

Flaws:

none.

Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp EU MJTD/01/YL

LED - the lamp is designed for 42 LEDs. Durable plastic is used in the manufacture of the lampshade and lampshade. The weight of the product is only 800 grams. Power – 6 W. Color temperature indicator – 6500 K. Controlled remotely. Can be connected to a Wi-Fi system. Purchased for installation in prestigious beauty salons. Helps the master to make a manicure of high quality and attractive. It does not negatively affect vision, the eyes do not get tired from bright light. There are no complaints about the build quality.

Purchase price – 2300 rubles.

Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp EU MJTD/01/YL

Advantages:

excellent brightness;
pleasant appearance;
light weight;
compact dimensions;
ideal power;
long service life;
simplicity in use.

Flaws:

not installed.

SUN UV 2/C

The purpose of LED lamps is to dry nails. Used in the extension process, it prevents nails from peeling. Equipped with a hand motion sensor. The design is classified as ergonomic; blind spots are completely eliminated. The timer is high quality. The presence of two plates of different types allows polymerization to be carried out in a matter of seconds. Completely safe for the health of both the master and the visitor.

The average price is 2500 rubles.

SUN UV 2/C

Advantages:

long service life;
reliability;
practicality;
ergonomics;
functionality;
versatility;
stylish appearance.

Flaws:

none.

TNL Professional L/48

Despite the reasonable price, the product has good functionality and reliability. Enjoys enormous popularity among masters of their craft. Often purchased by novice manicurists for home use. Versatility is the difference. Copes with any nail coating: gels, permanent varnishes and so on. A double light source helps you dry your nails quickly and efficiently. The manufacturer guarantees 50,000 hours of working life. Users note complete safety for health, including vision. Power – 48 W. The structure's own weight is 850 grams. The manufacturer provides a six-month warranty for its creation.

Purchase price – 2500 rubles.

TNL Professional L/48

Advantages:

high polymerization rate;
compactness;
light weight;
huge working resource;
quality assurance;
excellent power;
functionality;
ease of use.

Flaws:

There are questions about the build quality.

Additional functions

It is worth understanding exactly what functions and needs are needed to work with the lamp. For comfortable work, you can choose lamps with the following functions:

Timer. This basic and very convenient function allows you to set the drying time of gel polish (shellac, gel). With a timer, you don't need to be distracted from the manicure process and time the drying time; the lamp will do it for you. Different lamps have different numbers of time buttons, they can be: 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 sec.
Touch trigger mechanism. This function allows you not to be distracted by constantly turning the device on and off. In order for the lamp to work, you just need to put your hand in the lamp. If you remove your hand from the lamp, it will turn off.
Countdown display. A convenient function that displays the remaining time of the timer.
Built-in fan. It blows the nails during drying, which significantly reduces the risk of burning during polymerization of the material. In addition, the fan performs the cooling function of the heating elements, which will help increase their service life.
Removable bottom. Improves the quality of cleaning the lamp from materials that have fallen on it. And also, this is a very convenient function when performing a pedicure.

OPILED light lamp

The leader among devices for professional use. OPILED light has 32 powerful LEDs that polymerize the coating in a very short time (from 10 to 30 seconds). Controlled by sensor.

There is a stopwatch for counting down the time. It consists of a durable metal body and a mirror coating inside the body , which increases its efficiency significantly compared to other models. The disadvantages of the application, in addition to the high cost, will also be a certain list of coatings acceptable for drying and a Euro power plug, which requires a special adapter.

Manufacturer

The manufacturer plays a big role when choosing a lamp for manicure. The highest quality devices for drying gel and shellac are made by a European or American manufacturer. Chinese lamps are a budget option for amateur craftsmen; they are not of good quality, and therefore cannot boast of durability. Some of the most popular manufacturers that produce high-quality lamps are the following brands:

SUN
TNL Professional
RuNail
Planet Nails
Velena
Pierre Rene
Elle by Beurer
Dona Jerdona
Global fashion

Tips for choosing a lamp for manicure

The type of lamp must be selected based on the scale and conditions in which it will be used. For example:

To teach amateur manicure to girls with gel polish, budget UV or LED lamps from 9 to 18 W are suitable.

For rare home use, both UV and LED lamps from 24 W to 36 W are suitable. Allows you to dry the main brands of gels and gel polishes and learn the basics of extensions.

For more frequent and high-quality use at home, LED and hybrid LED/UV lamps from 36 W to 48 W are suitable. A manicure using such lamps will be of higher quality and more durable, which will allow you to apply the coating not only to yourself, but also to others.

To work with a large client base at home or in a salon, it is best to use LED lamps or LED/UV hybrid lamps with a power of 48 W or more. They have greater power, high drying speed and durability, and given the large flow of customers, this is very important.

Tip: If you are still a beginner, but want to do professional shellac coating in the future and do not know which lamp to choose, choose an LED or a hybrid LED/UV lamp with a power of 24 W or higher. Such lamps will allow you not only to master the basics of the technique of applying gel polish or extensions, but also to fully use it in the future for home manicure. The price for them is slightly higher than for primitive lamps with a power of 6-9 W.

What is an LED lamp

At first glance, it is difficult to understand how an LED lamp differs from a standard UV lamp for nails, since they are assembled from almost the same components. The main difference is the elements that are used as a radiation source. There are 2 types of LED devices:

indirect lighting. In this case, the light from the chips is reflected an infinite number of times from the vertical walls, which creates an intense glow. This type of design is used to create powerful devices;
localized lighting. Here the stream of light is directed to one place where the hand is placed to dry the nails.

Fig. 1 – localized lighting.

Fig. 2 – reflected lighting.

Based on power, LED lamps are divided into 3 types:

45 W – high class. They are bought by professionals to work in salons;
18 W – middle class. Purchased for drying nails at home;
9 W. For personal use only.

Fig. 3 – lamp with LEDs.

Studying the reviews, you can see that LED lamps for drying gel polish have practically no disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is UV radiation in a narrow wavelength range. Also, some complain about the high price compared to competitors, but this lamp will last much longer.

Among the advantages are the following:

SMD diodes provide fast drying. For example, a mid-range device will dry the varnish in about half a minute, while a fluorescent lamp will take about 2 minutes;
The light emitted by LEDs is harmless to humans. The lamp may be disposed of together with household waste;
service life - 50,000 hours, that is, 5-6 years.
LED products consume much less energy compared to their fluorescent counterparts;
During operation, the diodes do not heat up, so the nail plate will also not suffer from overheating.

Terms of use

All manicure lamps are quite easy to use. Even a beginner will not have much trouble understanding the rules of its operation.

The first and most important thing to do is to connect the device to an outlet.
Next, if the lamp is equipped with a timer, select the required time and press the power button; if there is a sensor, then the lamp will turn on itself when your hand is immersed in it.
The hand should be completely immersed in the lamp so that all nails are dried evenly. Perform the procedure with both hands alternately as you apply the coating to the nails.
Upon completion of work, unplug the device from the outlet and clean off any gel, gel polish, etc. that has fallen on it.

Tips: Be careful with the lamp, do not let it fall, this is fraught with consequences, ranging from the fact that the lamp breaks and stops working to the fact that substances harmful to human health begin to be released from the heating elements inside the lamp (typical for UV and CCFL lamps) .

When using ultraviolet lamps, it is not recommended to look at the light inside the lamp; it is not safe for the retina.

It is recommended not to leave gels and gel polishes (shellacs) and other materials near the switched on lamp to avoid their polymerization. Especially next to open nail dryers.

Some UV lamp housings can reach temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius during use, so be careful not to get burned.

How to properly care for a lamp

Before starting work, you need to wipe the lamp from dust with a dry cloth.
Do not operate the device if there are burnt out bulbs. This will affect the quality of the manicure. The replacement period for light elements is indicated in the operating book.
If gel polish gets on the body, it should be removed with a sharp object. Do not clean stains with solvent. It can corrode the body.
If water gets on the lamp, you need to wipe it with a paper napkin or cloth, and then do not turn on the device until it is completely dry.
The device is disinfected using alcohol. It is applied to a piece of cloth and wiped over the lamp.
If problems occur (drying time increases, cracking appears), you should take the device to a workshop.
The lamp should not run continuously, otherwise it will overheat. It is recommended to take a break from working for 10 minutes.

Not only the quality of the manicure, but also the health of the skin of the hands and nails depends on a properly selected UV lamp.

The device should be selected based on the tasks: simpler models are suitable for the home, but for the salon it is better to choose lamps with additional functions. The main thing is not to forget about safety measures and care rules so as not to damage the equipment and your health.

Are lamps harmful to health?

When used correctly and carefully, all modern lamps for drying nails are absolutely safe for human health. It does not matter which lamp model is used - ultraviolet, hybrid or LED lamp. The design of each of them is designed in such a way as not to harm a person in any way.

As you can see, there is currently a huge selection of lamps for drying nails. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages and therefore, when choosing a lamp for manicure, you should take into account the individual characteristics and working conditions that are necessary to create a high-quality, durable manicure.

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