UV lamp: characteristics, disadvantages, features of choice

The skill of manicurists today has been raised to the level of art. However, the success of the procedure is more than half determined by the class of equipment used. One of the main tools is a drying lamp. This article talks about the features and advantages of LED, UV, and hybrid lamps. Each of them has its own technical nuances and a set of useful properties.

What is a UV lamp

An ultraviolet lamp is a special device for polymerizing long-term coatings on nails in manicure. A closed type device with a cavity for the hand. There are fluorescent lamps inside.

The quantity may vary, it is directly related to power. The body is made of plastic, with a mirror coating inside.

What other types of lamps are there?

Hybrid lamp

UV lamps appeared first, but are still actively used. At the same time, other, more modern options are appearing on the market. They differ in speed, price, and have their own nuances.

Main types of lamps:

• LED _ They operate on LEDs, dry materials very quickly, are compact in size, and often have an unusual appearance. Power from 3 to 66 W. Not for all materials, there must be a corresponding mark on the material packaging. If the gel dries even in LED, then UV will definitely handle it.
• CCFL . A gas lamp with ultraviolet radiation has a spiral shape. In fact, it can dry all gels, but often the power is only 12-18 W, and a single spiral cannot dry the nail from all sides. Therefore, it is often used in hybrid models.
• CCFL+ LED+UV . Hybrid devices, economical and durable. Works with all materials, including shellac, gel, biogel. Most often they have a power of 48 W and good speed. The disadvantages include the high cost.

Lamps for manicure, pedicure: types, features, popular brands

Additional functions

It is desirable that the device has useful options. They make the service better.

Timer

Several buttons on the outer area of ​​the device indicating the time will make operation comfortable and calm. The master will not have to constantly look at the clock and be nervous, since over-exposure to nails is just as harmful as under-exposure.

Starting the timer will give you the opportunity to calmly work with your other hand. Intervals that determine the duration of polymerization: 60, 30 or 10 seconds. A sound signal will indicate the end of this stage of work. Along with him, the light inside automatically goes out.

Display

A miniature screen will make the device more stylish. On an intuitive level, clients trust the specialist more when they see modern equipment in front of them.

The practical benefit of it is that it displays the auto-on icon. The master can work with his left hand and control the drying time with his right. This is convenient even with a built-in timer.

Power reduction button

Customers will definitely appreciate this feature. At the slightest discomfort, the specialist will be able to instantly reduce the heating power. The button also allows you to reduce the flow of light.

Motion Sensor

The device is brought into working position by traditionally pressing a button. It begins to heat up as soon as you bring your hands to it. In the era of viruses, the possibility of contactless control of equipment seems especially relevant.

Fan

The working elements located inside require periodic cooling. The built-in fan handles this perfectly.

However, it should not be overestimated. It is not intended to reduce the burning sensation during the procedure. This moment is regulated only by reducing the voltage.

Energy saving mode

This is the best way to save energy. Devices with this mode are indispensable in rooms with weak electrical wiring.

Lamp power

The power of the device determines what materials it will dry and how long it will take. The advantage of UV lamps is the ability to independently determine the emitted power. You just need to count the number of lamps. Usually one, two, four are used. Each is equal to 9 W.

The relationship between lamp power and coating material:

• 9 W device. It contains one standard light bulb. Suitable for liquid and transparent gel polish, shellac. Ordinary gel, biogel does not polymerize at this power. Colored gel polish may also not dry out.
• 18 W device. It has two light bulbs. This option is rare, it costs more, but it also dries only gel polish and shellac. A standard gel requires a minimum of 24 watts of power.
• Lamp 36 W. The most common, popular option. Dries absolutely any materials: expensive, cheap gels, biogel, shellac.
• Power over 36 W. Such devices are used by professional craftsmen in salons to efficiently dry all types of coatings.

One lamp is not installed in a large housing. Consequently, when purchasing a miniature 9 W device, you will have to dry one or two fingers at a time, and the manicure will take several hours.

Where to buy a lamp for polymerization

Whatever lamp you prefer, remember that you need to buy them only in trusted stores that sell certified products.
This way you will 100% protect yourself from counterfeits and problems that can be caused by low-quality materials. Welcome to our manicure paradise!
The products mentioned in the article can be purchased at the ParisNail multi-brand store, because we provide the best conditions:

• all products are certified and we guarantee their originality and quality,
• because we work with suppliers directly;
• We have many options for delivery and payment terms;
• We deliver orders all over the world!

In addition, ParisNail is also a licensed manicure school with famous teachers. Our graduates today are highly paid masters in demand in the most famous salons.

If you want to learn everything about the art of manicure and not just follow trends, but also create them, then come to our manicure courses!

Lamp price

The cost depends on the manufacturer and the power of the device. But today prices for lamps are much lower than 5-7 years ago. This is due to availability, a large assortment, and the emergence of new models and types. A simple UV lamp can be bought for 1,000 - 1,500 rubles. The cost depends on the place of purchase, brand, quality, and can reach up to 5,000 rubles.

Lowest prices on AliExpress, Joom, eBay. Similar devices in stores are more expensive. But when buying online, there is a risk of getting a faulty item or a different power. Another option is to buy second hand; there are a lot of offers on message boards. There the price tag starts from 300 rubles. There are other risks here. There is a high probability of buying a device that does not dry well and requires lamp replacement.

pros

UV lamp is the most popular for home manicure. The lamp can be easily found and inexpensively purchased. A starter kit will cost no more than 3-5 nail treatments from a specialist.

What are the advantages of a UV lamp:

• prevalence, accessibility, can be found even in small towns;
• with a power of 36 W or more, it dries all materials;
• The classic case is roomy, suitable for manicure and pedicure;
• you can change light bulbs;
• subject to repair, not all other types can boast of this.

A plus is the variety of colors. On sale there are lamps with blue, pink, red and any other shades of the body, designs, and unusual stickers.

comparison table

The list of best nail lamps includes combination devices. They are suitable for working with all types of coatings and can be used for polymerization of gel polishes, acrylic gels, shellacs, biogels and other cosmetics. When choosing models, their technical characteristics, cost, reviews from customers and manicurists were taken into account.

*Prices are valid for January 2022

Minuses

UV lamps have many disadvantages. When doing home manicures for yourself and your friends, the device is well worth the money spent, but professional nail technicians have already stopped using it.

What are the disadvantages:

• large, massive body, difficult to store, inconvenient to transport;
• takes a long time to dry, one of the most significant disadvantages;
• old models without timers, motion sensors;
• lamps burn out quickly, 2-3 replacements are equal to the cost of the entire device.

Another significant drawback is that you need to carefully monitor the light bulbs, otherwise you can notice the problem only during work, when the coating on the nails shrinks and does not dry out.

How to choose

A lamp is a long-term purchase; for home use, the device lasts for 3-5 years, so you should be careful when purchasing. It is advisable to choose a device that can dry all modern coatings. Often girls start with shellac, get a taste for it, and begin to master biogel and other materials. Buying a good lamp will save you from unnecessary expenses. UV is one of the universal options.

What to look for when choosing a lamp:

• Bottom . It’s good if it’s removable, this will make it easier to care for the case, clean it from random stains, and allow you to do a pedicure.
• Timer . It is present in all modern models. This eliminates the need to keep track of time and use a separate timer.
• Light bulbs . It is worth choosing a classic model so that it is easy to find in stores.
• Motion Sensor . It will eliminate the need to press the button every time, which is also not always located in a convenient place.
• Size . In order not to delay the manicure time, the body should completely fit an arm or leg if a pedicure is being done. Compact models are more convenient to store, but they are inferior in use.

As for the form, there are no difficulties with it. These diode devices have different designs, with UV everything is much simpler, 99% of models are in the form of a parallelepiped.

Frame

For a manicurist, a lamp is a working tool that is constantly needed. It is always at hand and never “stands idle”. Therefore, it is important that its body is made of durable and safe material. When purchasing a product, you should make sure that there is a special certificate confirming the quality of all components.

Due to the heavy load that the lamp withstands every day, it makes sense to pay special attention to the housing. It is made of durable plastic or metal.

• Advantages of metal-coated products:
• Possibility of disinfection using chemicals.
• No cracks or chips (metal is quite difficult to damage).
• Long service life.

If for some reason the product is subjected to mechanical stress, it will retain its functionality. The metal protects all internal components even when dropped.

How to use

The device does not require assembly; in classic models, the cord is attached to the body; nothing needs to be inserted. The light bulbs are initially in their places. Before work, you need to check their serviceability; to do this, simply plug in the plug and press the button. Only after this can you start applying coating or nail extensions.

Rules for using a UV lamp:

1. The device cannot be installed on a straight, hard surface, on a sofa or bed.
2. Plug in. Don't forget about safety rules.
3. Apply a thin layer of coating to the prepared nails and distribute.
4. We send our hand into the lamp. If it has a motion sensor and is automated, then everything will turn on itself. If not, then press the button and timer.
5. We dry the first layer, the time depends on the material and the power of the device. On average 2 minutes.
6. After the signal, remove your hand, apply a second layer of coating, repeat.

After use, unplug the lamp, but do not rush to put it in the box. Let it sit and cool down. If the housing gets dirty, remove all dirt immediately. If you need to use a solvent, gel polish remover is suitable.

The lamp must be disinfected. It is enough to wipe the inside and outside with a cloth soaked in a special product or alcohol or chlorine solution.

How and with what to disinfect, sterilize and clean manicure instruments

Flaws

What are these disadvantages? Firstly, the SUN 5 does not have a reflective surface on the bottom cover.

This means that with mirror correction, the nails underneath will not dry immediately. You will have to turn your palm over again and go through another drying process.

But the most important drawback is the large dead zone, almost class=”aligncenter” width=”720″ height=”481″[/img]

Not all clients put their hand far into the lamp.

And if at the same time the nails fall into this “dead zone,” then big problems arise. Especially with modeling gels.

Also check the tightness of the lid at the bottom. They often have large gaps.

What does this mean? Since the light breaks through, nothing should be placed next to the lamp. Otherwise, the brush or materials may polymerize randomly.

True, some people consider additional holes to be a good thing. They supposedly help prevent the LEDs from overheating and provide greater cooling. However, this is not the case.

It is not recommended to work with such a lamp for more than 2 minutes. For long corrections they are far from an ideal option. Moreover, they do not have a built-in fan.

Some craftsmen drill additional holes in the case and mount their own fan, just like on computer processors.

But even with such modernization, the heating temperature of the LEDs doubles in just a couple of minutes of illumination. From room temperature 20 degrees it instantly rises to 40!

What happens without forced airflow and only natural cooling? In this case, even the plastic begins to heat up and deform.

Also keep in mind that when overheated, the emitted ultraviolet spectrum may shift to longer wavelengths.

What does this mean for the client and for you? And the fact that some gel will begin to dry out worse than with a “cold” lamp.

It turns out that the first clients will leave satisfied, but the subsequent ones will not like the result of your work at all. At the same time, you will never understand what this is connected with. It seems that the gel is the same, and the lamp is the same, but the result is different.

After this, reviews appear on the forums that Sun lamps for manicure are not reliable and often burn out.

On AliExpress there are, of course, replacement diodes, but they are sold as a set and cost from 2 thousand rubles.

It is best to work with such lamps in 4-4-2 mode. That is, dry 4 fingers and let the lamp cool as much as possible while the other four are painted.

And only then move on to your thumbs.

Also, Chinese models do not always correspond to the declared power of 48W.

If you connect such a lamp not directly to a socket, but through a special wattmeter, you will be unpleasantly surprised.

Actual figures may differ by almost twice!

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Those who actually faced all these problems gradually began to choose and try other models.

Here, for your convenience, is a comparative table of characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the most popular manicure lamps produced under the SUN brand.

Here are SunOne, Sun5, Sun9s, Sun 9c plus:

How long to dry different coatings

Since 9 and 18 W lamps are not very popular now, we will consider the time for a device with a power of 36 W, the most popular in home use.

How long to dry different coating materials:

• Gel polish, shellac. Each layer takes two minutes. It is important to apply the materials thinly. If the layer is thick, it is recommended to double the time
• Gel, biogel. When applied in a thin layer, polymerization occurs in two minutes. When leveling, removing the bend and applying thick drops, it takes three minutes.
• Top coatings for gel polish, shellac. They are responsible for the strength and durability of the manicure, so it is important to dry for 3-4 minutes.
• Base for gel polish, shellac. It is also responsible for strength, but dries in a minute. If a rubber base is used and used for leveling and removing glare, it is recommended to increase the time to 2-3 minutes.

Black and white coatings differ in pigmentation, are complex shades, polymerize less well, it is recommended to increase the drying time.

LED UV/Led lamps for nails

Low-power and miniature models can only be considered as a travel option for long trips on vacation. They have very small lighting angles and not all fingers can be dried equally well.

You will have to constantly twist your palm and look for a more or less comfortable position to grab the little finger.

The undisputed leader in sales among high-power UV/LED lamps is the SUN brand.

They have a great variety of models. And even masters sometimes get confused in the assortment.

According to the manufacturers, the LEDs here last up to 50 thousand hours during continuous operation.

However, these indicators should be treated with some skepticism.

As practice has shown, such a duration can be achieved only in two cases:

• economical operation with long cooling breaks

• modernization and integration of additional fans into the case

Without these conditions, your vaunted SUN lamps will last on average about 6 months.

UV lamps from different manufacturers

Most often there are unnamed rectangular lamps in a plastic case made in China. There is no name on them, they rarely come with instructions, and information about the manufacturer is given. But this does not mean that there is no choice. You can find devices from well-known brands on the market.

Kodi professional

Convenient lamp with a power of 36 W, induction ignition system, built-in fan. The weight of the device is 1.3 kg. The case has a classic rectangular shape. The bottom is removed. Dries all types of gel and gel polish. The average price is about 2,000 rubles.

RuNail GL-515

An inexpensive lamp with a power of 36 W, a timer, a classic shape, but the bottom is not removable, presented by the manufacturer in bright and rich shades. Electronic ignition system, weight 1.3 kg. The cost of the lamp is around 1,000 - 1,200 rubles. Dries all types of long-term coatings.

TNL

The brand pleases not only with high-quality coatings, but also with drying devices. 36 W lamp, suitable for gel, shellac and other coatings, has a retractable bottom and a streamlined shape. It costs around 1,200 - 1,400 rubles.

MS 906

A budget baby with a power of only 9 W, but an induction ignition system, without a fan, and the bottom cannot be removed. It weighs a little more than 400 grams and costs around 500 - 700 rubles. Suitable for manicure with transparent gel polishes.

AmoreShop 828

Power 36 W, induction ignition system, shape resembles a classic rectangle with smoothed corners, but on top there are shaped elements with a step. The bottom is removed. The weight of the device is almost two kilograms. Costs from 1,500 to 2,300 rubles, excellent for home use, polymerizes all materials.

UV Planet Nails AV-36W-1 Fantasy

Stylish body, unusual design, removable bottom and 36 W of power. The timer can be set to 3, 2 and 1 minutes. The inside surface is completely mirror-like, which ensures reliable drying of nails from all sides. The cost is around 1,800 - 2,000 rubles.

AmoreShop 705

An elegant lamp in delicate shades with a power of 36 W, suitable for all gels and varnishes. The weight of the device is 1.3 kg. The disadvantages include the fact that the bottom is not removable. The ignition is electronic, there is a fan. The cost is around 2,500 rubles.

Mirage LP-818

Lamp with a power of 36 W, a classic rectangular shape, a retractable bottom and an automatic timer. Weight 1 kg, suitable for all modern gels and shellac. Costs about 800 - 1,200 rubles.

Planet Nails Modern

This lamp has a fancy shape and two-tone body design. Power 36 W, the bottom extends, there is a timer, a fan, suitable for all gels, biogel, shellac. The highlight is the sound signals, but for some they may be a disadvantage. This device also differs in cost, the price ranges from 4,000 to 4,500 rubles.

Jess Nail

Another version of the classic look, with a power of 36 W. The case is plastic, the bottom extends, weight 1.1 kg. Suitable for biogel, regular gel, shellac. There is a timer for 2 and 3 minutes plus an infinity mode. The price is around 1,000 rubles.

SUN 5 lamp and others - comparison

One of the most popular models of UV/Led lamps is SUN 5 with a power of 48W.

It has an unusual capsule shape and four timers for 10-30-60-99 seconds.

The bottom is removable, with magnets. This is a great help for cleaning dirt and minor repairs.

Also, options with a removable bottom or without it at all on other varieties allow you to use them for pedicures.

Inside, in addition to LEDs, there are ventilation holes. True, there is no built-in fan.

But Sun One has it.

Many people are mistaken in thinking that it is necessary to air out the fingers and prevent the unpleasant burning sensation on the nails. The fan in powerful lamps primarily performs the task of cooling the LEDs. No more.

The lamps from this manufacturer are powerful and bright.

Almost everything is dried - extension gels, shellac, ice gels.

Many manicurists praise it without pointing out its shortcomings. And they also exist.

Which lamp is better for drying nails: UV or ICE

The most common question that plagues people when choosing is UV or LED. On the one hand, you don’t want to overpay, UV dries all materials perfectly, on the other hand, you don’t want to spend 2-3 hours on a manicure, waiting at least two minutes for each layer to dry. If we add to this complex manicure designs, the process of completing the work can take up to 4 hours. Therefore, an LED lamp is better for work; the layers dry in it in 15 - 30 seconds, but there are some nuances:

What you need to know:

• Devices with UV operate no more than three thousand hours without replacing bulbs; LED devices are designed for an average of 30 thousand hours of operation.
• Not all gels dry with LEDs, which can be an unpleasant surprise when performing a manicure with a new material. You need to pay attention, the packaging must be marked “LED”.
• LEDs are difficult to repair, and replacing burnt-out light bulbs costs almost the same as purchasing a new device.

LED wins if it is of high quality. Unfortunately, cheap Chinese dryers fail much earlier than sellers claim, and high-quality lamps cost several times more.

Differences between CCFL, Led, UV and hybrid

Although they are different, they all emit ultraviolet light.

The main difference is with what intensity and what wavelength they do this.

Light in general is a very interesting thing. And many things that seemed an axiom to us in school can be quite surprising in adulthood.

The first two types of lamps are more or less clear. They use well-known fluorescent and LED light bulbs.

What is CCFL? In CCFL models, as a rule, there is one spiral-shaped cold cathode lamp, without an incandescent filament.

Its upper location does not always allow uniform polymerization. Often, the spiral does not dry UV gels well on the sides of the arched fingers.

CCFL+Led combines two technologies at once. Here we already have a hybrid lamp. But we’ll talk more about this a little later.

Hybrid UV/LED are assembled entirely using LEDs, but with different emission spectra.

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What is the fundamental difference between UV and LED bulbs? To understand this, take a look at the image below.

Here is the range of radiation and the difference in intensity and wavelength of these types. UV lamps have a wavelength from 280 to 400 nm. The ice is much shorter.

It turns out that ultraviolet lamps cover the entire range from mark 1 to mark 2 (see figure), but diode lamps do not.

A simple rule follows from this: if some material dries well in LED copies, then it will dry 100% in ultraviolet copies as well.

When this does not happen, look for an explanation in insufficient UV power or in a bulb that has lost its properties.

Replacing light bulbs

When in active use, UV lamps require replacement every three months, to a maximum of six months. If the device is used exclusively at home, and is turned on 3-5 times a month, then there is no such need. We just monitor the quality of his work. If the polymerization of materials is delayed, they dry worse, peel off, or sag on the nail, then it’s time to replace it.

When purchasing replacement light bulbs, they must be marked UW-9W.

The cost of one 9 W light bulb is approximately 150 rubles. Consequently, a complete update of the device to 36 W will cost 600 rubles. There will be no problems with changing, especially if there is a removable bottom. Everything is pulled out and inserted very quickly and easily.

Final rating table for manicure lamps

Based on the results of the rating, one conclusion can be drawn: most of the most popular lamps are in approximately the same category in terms of quality. The location higher or lower in the ranking is determined, rather, by price or popularity. We wish you to find your ideal model!

Is UV lamp harmful?

There is an opinion that ultraviolet rays cause skin cancer, accelerate aging, and reduce turgor. Also, many say that girls who regularly get manicures have worse hands, and often have pigment spots on them. These are myths.

To get a large dose of damage from a manicure device, you need to sit with your hands in it for several months, which is theoretically impossible. If you want to keep your hands youthful longer, or have any concerns, then before the procedure you can use a cream with SPF 30-50. Or buy special manicure gloves with open fingertips.

Gloves for manicure

By the way, scientists conducted a study, calculated the effect of rays on the skin and obtained interesting statistics. According to the data presented, a year of using a manicure device is equal to 10 minutes of exposure to the open sun at noon.

Is there an allergy to a UV lamp?

An allergic reaction occurs not only to coating materials or nail extensions. If gel or gel polish from different manufacturers is not suitable, then you should take a closer look at the device. High power ultraviolet rays can cause photodermatosis. The symptoms are classic: redness of the skin, itching, swelling, small rash.

What increases the risk of photodermatosis:

• presence of diabetes mellitus;
• tendency to allergies, bronchial asthma, hay fever;
• use of photosensitizers, which include hormonal and insulin-containing drugs, tetracycline, antipsychotics;
• fair and sun-sensitive skin;
• endocrine disorders;
• diseases of the kidneys and excretory tract;
• genetic predisposition to allergies.

Diagnosing photodermatosis is simple; you just need to place your hand under the direct rays of the turned on device. No coatings may be applied. If a reaction occurs, it is recommended to use an LED device. Hybrids in this case can also provoke a reaction, since they contain an ultraviolet light bulb.

Design features

The developers offer several ways to technically implement the device. Although the options are similar, different models may have different designs.

Removable bottom

Such models are considered multifunctional. They are also used for pedicures. Most often it is attached with magnets. Retractable type options are also available. But it is more convenient to use a lamp without a bottom when treating toes.

The advantages include the ease of cleaning the product.

Back wall

It makes the procedure more private. Its absence is undesirable. In addition, it is possible that UV rays will hit bottles with varnishes located nearby - in the work area. The polymerization process can begin uncontrollably inside them. This will cause lumps to appear or the gel polish to thicken.

Inner surface of the lamp

Judging by the reviews, the most convenient models are those with a mirrored “inside.” It automatically enhances the light output. But more importantly, the mirror promotes a balanced distribution of light.

Blind area

This is the name of the area in which there are no heating elements. This does not complicate the operation. Just place your fingertips a little deeper, and not at the edge.

For two hands

Devices that allow you to dry nail polish on both hands at the same time are intended for salon use only. This is the largest model. It is not suitable for home sessions.