Getting a manicure using gel polish has become popular relatively recently. Gel polish was able to displace both classic coatings and acrylic ones. This trend has firmly established itself in the beauty industry. This is explained primarily by practical benefits: this coating remains on the nails for two or even three weeks, even if your hands are not protected by special gloves when doing household chores. At the same time, the possibilities of gel polish are wider and allow you to create entire design works, adding individuality to each manicure. However, additional equipment is required to cure this product, namely a drying lamp. Our guide will help you decide on its choice, telling you about all the varieties of such devices, their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of lamps for manicure and their purpose
Lamps for manicure and pedicure differ in the following parameters:
- by type of glow: LED, CCFL, UV and hybrid
- by radiation power: 9, 36, 24, 48, 50, 54, 66 W
- presence of a timer: for 5, 30, 60,90, 180 seconds
- presence of mode switch - UV, LED, combined
- the presence of an autostart sensor
- sizes and dimensions
- forms
- colors
- open or closed back wall
- removable magnetic or retractable bottom
Let's consider each of the characteristics in detail. Understanding the features will help you choose the right model for home or professional use, as well as figure out what materials and how to dry or polymerize. All drying materials are polymers that harden under the influence of ultraviolet or LED radiation. That is why the process of drying them is called polymerization. Sometimes you can see the term "baking". It refers to gel paints and gels.
Hybrid devices
TNL Professional CCFL-LED L36
It will look very interesting in the interior of a beauty salon due to its very original appearance. On the desktop, this device looks like a real gem due to its original configuration and interesting color design. The functionality here is quite decent: the power of the device is 36 W, so gel polish, biogel and other similar compositions will dry literally within a few seconds.
The device is universal, since it can dry five nails at once, regardless of the length of the fingers, the thickness and width of the palm. This approach to the manufacture of the device allows you to use it even if a limited amount of time is allocated for a manicure. The power cable is as long as 2 meters, which is very convenient when working.
Advantages:
- Very interesting and attractive appearance;
- Long service life;
- Can be used to create a manicure when you are short of time;
- Dries any coating efficiently.
Flaws:
- In the event of a breakdown, finding components is a real problem;
- The LEDs have a service life of 35,000 hours; they cannot be replaced, so after this time has expired, the device will have to be thrown away.
TNL Professional CCFL-LED L36
Solomeya UF/LED mini SUN 6W
An excellent option for use at home. First of all, this device is capable of operating both from the network and by connecting to a personal computer or laptop. These products are British made and offer superior quality and long service life. Despite the fact that this model is a hybrid, it is characterized by quite compact overall dimensions - the size does not exceed an ordinary matchbox, so if necessary, this device can be easily taken with you on a trip or business trip.
Although the appearance is not too serious, the device has excellent performance characteristics, in particular, the gel polish-based coating can be dried efficiently in just 30 seconds. The device is equipped with a convenient timer for 1 minute, but you can turn it off earlier.
Advantages:
- Quite reasonable cost;
- Very compact overall dimensions;
- Attractive and stylish appearance;
- Convenient to carry with you all the time;
- Dries varnish efficiently;
- Long service life.
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Flaws:
- Only one nail will fit;
- Weak power.
Solomeya UF/LED mini SUN 6W
3. Professional Nail 48 W CCFL + LED with sensor
In addition to 15 LEDs for drying nails, there is a spiral-shaped ultraviolet lamp operating on the basis of a cold cathode. Such a design solution allows not only to significantly save electricity, but also to reduce the drying time of any materials, including gel varnishes of increased thickness and density, biogels, and various kinds of multilayer compositions used for the so-called aquarium build-up. There is no burning sensation when drying the manicure.
These lamps are completely free of mercury, so they do not require special disposal conditions. The manufacturer advises changing the lamps at least once a year, but many users continue to use them until they have fully exhausted their service life, especially since each lamp is designed for approximately 50,000 hours of operation.
Advantages:
- Decent functionality of the device;
- Well thought out color schemes;
- The device configuration is convenient not only for the client, but also for the master;
- Reasonable price.
Flaws:
- It is unlikely that you will be able to repair the device yourself if it suddenly breaks down.
Professional Nail 48 W CCFL + LED with sensor
SUNUV LED-UV SUN 5, 48 BT
The device operates on the basis of hybrid lamps of the highest quality. The manufacturing company's products have been on the market since 2012. Initially, the company focused exclusively on the production of ultraviolet lamps and sterilizers, and then retrained to create devices for manicure and pedicure. This device is designed for use by experienced professionals in a salon or apartment. The device is capable of operating in two power modes – 24 and 48 W, respectively.
It polymerizes any type of artificial turf in a short time. The working life of the lamps is 50,000 hours, the product has all the necessary quality and safety certificates. The bottom of the device is removable, there is a motion sensor and a timer - the device turns on when you place your palm in it.
Advantages:
- Excellent workmanship and assembly quality;
- There is an accurate timer showing how much time is left until the coating finishes drying;
- A motion sensor is provided;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Easy to use.
Flaws:
- Quite a high cost.
SUNUV LED-UV SUN 5, 48 BT
Sun 9S UV/LED 24W
It features compact overall dimensions and low power consumption. The design is laconic and the functionality is advanced. The case is made from the highest quality plastic - it can withstand shock loads well. The lamp is placed in an arched body, so the device can be used not only for manicure, but also for pedicure. There is a motion sensor and a timer of 99 seconds.
The device can work with any materials; the working life of the lamps is 50 thousand hours. At the same time, it is rechargeable - you can charge it via the USB connector of a laptop or from the mains using the included adapter; the product also copes well with nail extensions.
Advantages:
- An original but very convenient form of the device;
- Significant supply of working resources;
- Can also be used for nail extensions;
- A reliable battery is provided;
- There is a display, timer and motion sensor.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Sun 9S UV/LED 24W
UV lamp for manicure
UV lamps for drying nails were the first to be introduced to the nail industry market. At first these were mini-devices with one 9 W bulb, which dried gel polishes and gels for 2-3 minutes. Such devices no longer meet modern power requirements and are rare. They are not suitable for beginners at home or for professional use.
Second generation - UV devices with a power of 36 W. These are most often rectangular, fairly voluminous devices with a retractable mirror bottom for 4 light bulbs of 9 W each. They polymerize all known types of coatings marked UV - gel varnishes, gels, acrylics, gel paints. Inexpensive models are equipped with an on/off button and a timer for 2 minutes and infinity. Newer options may also have a timer for 30 seconds, 2 minutes and 3 minutes. The time is set depending on the coating; the thicker it is in consistency, the more time is needed for polymerization. Regular gel polishes dry in 2 minutes. The same mode is required for drying castings.
Casting is a technique of applying designs to nails with the effect of aged metal, as in baguette frames. The drawing is done with gel, foil is applied to the gel with the colored side, pressed, and polymerized for 2 minutes in a UV device. Then the foil is removed and the effect is sealed with topcoat.
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It is recommended to change the bulbs in the UV device every 6 months if there is a constant flow of clients from 3-5 people per day. For home use, the replacement interval can be up to 12-18 months. The device itself will last up to 4 years if there is a dense flow of customers.
In salons, lamps are changed every 4-6 months, since they can continue to shine, but have insufficient power, which is not enough for the casting technique with its requirements of 2 minutes and 36 W or the polymerization of thick gels.
Transparent tops and bases with a liquid texture dry in 1 minute, gel polishes and gel paints - two minutes, colored and camouflage gels, especially when applied in a thick layer - from 3 to 5 minutes. Materials marked LED cannot be dried in UV lamps.
UV devices are equipped with fluorescent light bulbs, which are subject to special conditions for disposal with industrial rather than household waste in accordance with SanPiN 2.1.2.2631-10 for beauty salons.
UV lamp: characteristics, disadvantages, features of choice
There are two types of UV lamps:
- Electronic . Lightweight - about 1 kg, require stable mains voltage.
- Induction . For professional use. Weight about 2 kg. Easily withstand power surges. More reliable, but more expensive.
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 lamp for drying manicure
How does an LED lamp differ from UV models?
Ice lamps have one huge advantage over ultraviolet lamps - they polymerize coatings faster due to their greater power and radiation intensity. For comparison, a UV device takes 2 minutes to dry one layer of gel polish, while an Ice device will dry the same varnish in 30 seconds.
Some models of gel polishes dry in ice lamps in 5 seconds. An LED lamp will save the technician time when working in the salon and at home, and is also suitable for beginners in home use.
Ice devices can be called the latest generation of devices for drying polymer coatings on nails. They are suitable for all types of gels in multiphase systems, for gel polishes, strengthening biogel, ibx nail strengthening system, shellac, gel paints, bases and tops.
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Ice devices are already equipped with a timer for 5, 30, 60 and 90 seconds. Novice craftsmen often ask whether it is possible to replace the light bulbs in an LED device, and how long it will last if it is impossible to replace them. In modern models of ice devices, for example, the Sun line, you can replace diode bulbs or strips; one strip costs about 100 rubles. The original diodes will last up to 30,000 - 50,000 hours, then the glow intensity drops and the quality of polymerization of the material is lost. 50,000 hours is more than 5.5 years of continuous work. Impressive!
LED lamp - properties and use
Often LED models cause a burning sensation in the area of the nail plates during drying. This is due to the intensity of the glow and the speed of polymerization. The material hardens very quickly and can tighten the nail plate, causing a burning sensation. This happens rarely, only for clients with sensitive or thinned nail plates after extensions.
The problem is solved by replacing the LED device with an ultraviolet version. In this regard, professional craftsmen are recommended to use both types of lamps or a hybrid model with the option of switching modes.
Also, in ice lamps with the ability to switch power from 48 to 24 W, you can extend the time to polymerize the material and at the same time eliminate the burning sensation. It is important to tell the specialist if you have sensitive nail plates and have already had cases of unpleasant sensations during drying in ice lamps. Sometimes it is enough to periodically remove your hand for a couple of seconds during drying so that the nails have time to cool.
Some lamp models are equipped with a fan, which helps cool the polymerization zone and eliminate burning.
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LED lamps are being replaced by hybrid ones; there are fewer and fewer exclusively LED models left. Mostly LED + ultraviolet (UV or CCFL) models are on sale.
What is the difference between a UV lamp and an LED lamp?
Ultraviolet lamps are an indispensable tool for any manicurist, regardless of whether the work is done at home or in a salon. Today, the most popular on the market are uv (fluorescent) and led (light-emitting diode) equipment, which, although they have a similar principle of operation, have many differences.
Cheap UV devices are suitable for beginners: despite their low cost, they cope with the task perfectly.
Modern LED equipment allows you to save energy, it is comfortable to work with both the technician and the client, but its price is significantly different from simple uv devices.
It is worth saying that in the case of a UV or ice lamp for gel polish, the statement about the harmfulness of one or another instrument is incorrect, because both devices use ultraviolet radiation. The main difference between an ice lamp and a UV lamp is that it operates on light-emitting diodes, while the latter uses fluorescent bulbs. Only LEDs have a wavelength of 350-400 nanometers, and fluorescent light sources have a wavelength of 375-410 nm.
Important! For humans, the danger is posed by rays whose length does not reach 295 nanometers; accordingly, both the uv and led lamps used for the polymerization of shellac are not harmful.
CCFL lamp for manicure
An analogue of a UV lamp, equipped with cold cathode fluorescent lamps. This model does not heat the material during drying and avoids burning on sensitive nail plates. It polymerizes all types of materials. In this version of CCFL lamps, a power of 12-18 W corresponds to a 36-48 W UV lamp.
Light bulbs in CCFL models last twice as long as fluorescent ones and allow you to increase the period of regular replacement to a year or more with a dense flow of customers. We can say that they are more economical than UV.
Hybrid lamp for manicure
It combines two types of luminescence and is suitable for all types of coatings marked LED and UV or LED and CCFL. Such a device should be in the arsenal of a modern master. It is worth paying attention to the possibility of using separate modes. Some budget models launch both types of glow and there is no way to switch them to the desired type of coverage. Thus, the light bulbs burn out faster and their service life is reduced.
Hybrid lamps are the most modern solution on the professional market. These are the latest generation devices, characterized by functionality and durability.
Choosing a hybrid lamp for manicure
Lamp shapes
This criterion should be taken into account by masters who plan to work with clients and perform not only manicures, but also pedicures.
Medium-sized and small models are convenient for home use and as an outdoor option. Larger, overall models are convenient for pedicures and for drying both hands at once. Also, pedicurists should pay attention to semicircular open models without a bottom or with a removable bottom. It is enough to apply the coating, and then place the lamp over the nails and wait for a while. The bottom can be pulled out or attached with magnetic clips.
For working at a desk and doing manicures, it is better to choose closed models in the shape of a hemisphere or half-helmet. They are open only to the client's side, and from the back they do not reflect onto jars of varnish, gel and brushes. Through-cut semicircular cutlery has precisely this drawback when working at a desk.
Models equipped with a screen with a second timer are easy to use. Modern lamp models have a built-in motion sensor, when the light lights up when you bring your hand or foot into the sensor area, and the technician does not need to press the switch each time. This saves time and is convenient when working with a pedicure.
LED models
Solomeya LED 60S micro 3 W
Despite the fact that absolutely all LED lamps are characterized by very compact overall dimensions, this model has become a real leader in terms of its size, since it does not exceed a matchbox. This allows you to use this device on long trips or on vacation, when it is not possible to go to your master, but you need to update your manicure. The device is connected to the network via a USB cable, so it can even be connected to a laptop or a standard smartphone charger.
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It will take about one minute to dry thin layers of varnish; to work with a fixative, the time will need to be increased to about two minutes. Due to its small size, you can only dry one nail, but some girls adapt to putting two fingers into this lamp at once.
Advantages:
- Pretty good functionality;
- Quickly dries any type of varnish;
- Long service life;
- Can be connected to a computer or laptop;
- Reasonable price.
Flaws:
- The plastic of the case is quite flimsy;
- The kit does not include a case - it is not very convenient to carry with you.
Solomeya LED 60S micro 3 W
Kodi LED 9W
This model is characterized by minimal electricity consumption, compact overall dimensions and low weight. This device is used for polymerization not only of gel polishes, but also of gels made on the basis of natural and artificial rubber. According to the manufacturing company, this is the best LED device of the latest generation among all similar devices available on the market. During its development, all consumer requests were taken into account.
The model is made from reliable and durable materials, it is characterized by low weight and dimensions of 20x11x8 cm, and it will be possible to dry four fingers at once. Electricity consumption when working with this device is minimal, no traces of tanning remain after use.
Advantages:
- High quality production and assembly;
- There is a three-mode timer;
- The gel polish dries in less than two minutes, forming a long-lasting coating.
Flaws:
- Not enough power for high-quality nail extensions.
Kodi LED 9W
Popular brands of manicure lamps
One of the first to appear on the market were 36 W rectangular white UV lamps from Beauty Nail. Now the most popular is the SUN line - UV, LED and hybrid models. They are distinguished by their low cost, high power, ergonomic design and the presence of all the functions demanded by craftsmen.
Professional brands of manicure lamps - Harmony, OPI, Gelish - American brands. Often they only work well with materials of the same brand. Devices made in Russia and China have proven themselves well, working with all possible coatings. Among them are Irisk, RuNail, Polaris and Sun, Diamond. The latter could previously only be ordered in China, and now on the Russian market, with the possibility of warranty service.
When choosing a lamp model, it is worth determining whether it will be for home or professional use. Based on this, analyze the technical characteristics and take into account the minimum requirements for the most common coatings.
We will talk about choosing lamps for different types of use in the following material. Now you should choose a hybrid lamp.
Classification
Depending on the heating element used, lamps for drying gel polish come in three types: ultraviolet, LED and combined. To purchase the most suitable model, you need to study in more detail the description of the design of each type.
In the photo - an ultraviolet lamp for shellac
Ultraviolet lamps were the very first to appear; among the indisputable advantages is their versatility - they polymerize all known coatings. Also, ultraviolet models are distinguished by a more affordable price and a wide selection of suitable colors and configurations. An antimicrobial effect is also considered a “side” effect of ultraviolet radiation, so additional disinfection will be guaranteed.
The disadvantage will be rather inconvenient operation, which includes discomfort and burning of the skin of the hands, and there is also a high risk of damage to the heating element, which may result in the release of harmful mercury vapor. With prolonged and regular use, lamps can also fail or simply dry the coating much worse, which will inevitably affect its quality. When working with such a lamp, you should also take care of your eyes, because such a glow has a negative impact on their health.
LED - lamps work on the basis of light-emitting diodes and have less impact on the skin and nails. In addition, the drying time is actually reduced by about ten times, and even a beginner can replace a burnt-out battery. Disadvantages include cost and the inability to dry some types of acrylic coatings.
Hybrid or combined models are equipped with two types of batteries, which means they are universal devices. Among the disadvantages, only high cost and rather impressive dimensions are noted, because placing two types of lamps requires more space.
If the equipment is purchased exclusively for home use, it may make sense to abandon such an expensive purchase in favor of purchasing a lamp of lower power, which also affects its productivity and price.
Video on how to choose a lamp for shellac:
Classification by equipment power
This important indicator directly depends on the power source used and also affects performance. If for home use the lamp power is not a priority, then for professional work this is a very important factor.
Ultraviolet lamps usually have a power rating from 9 to 54 W, depending on the number of lamps in the device. The most popular are UV lamps with a power of 36 W, which allow you to quickly and thoroughly dry any coating. More power is not always better, as time control becomes a priority. Typically, lamps with power from 9 to 36 W are purchased for home use, and professional equipment is considered to be from 45 to 54 W.
LED lamps have a slightly different gradation, because the power of one LED is only 3 W. In this case, the rated power of a suitable lamp must also be at least 9 W, otherwise the coating will take too long to dry. LED lamps give more room for imagination, and the choice is becoming more diverse every day. At the same time, some negative reviews indicate that it is better to use ultraviolet models for drying shellac, otherwise there is a risk of poor polymerization.
The best shellac remover currently available is detailed in this article.
But the difference between gel and shellac is detailed in this article.
Why nails peel after shellac can be found out from the contents of this article: https://soinpeau.ru/spa/nogti/belye-pyatna-na-nogtyax-posle-shellaka.html
But you can understand how to cure nails after shellac if you read the contents of this article.
