How long and how to properly dry gel polish in a UV lamp and LED lamp: type of device, criteria for choosing a lamp, required drying time, common mistakes. Is it possible and how to dry gel polish without a lamp?

In this article we will look at how to dry gel polish in a lamp correctly and for how long, and also talk about some nuances that affect the drying time of the coating.

Just a few years ago, an amazingly long-lasting manicure cost a lot of money, and it was done only by masters in professional salons or at home. Now you can make a high-quality gel coating at home, with your own hands. But the so-called “heart” of this manicure – the lamp – requires special attention. After all, it must not only be chosen correctly, but also used properly. This is what we will talk about today in this material.

How to properly dry gel polish in a lamp: type of device

By the way, a home manicure will not only provide an opportunity to save time and money, but will even provide guarantees regarding the quality of materials and the cleanliness of tools. After all, the fear of getting an infection due to insufficiently good disinfection of files, scissors, brushes and other accessories stops some women from getting their nails in order in front of strangers. But let's return to the lamps themselves.

What kind of lamps exist?

It is impossible to dry gel polish without a lamp! A little later we will look at radical and even slightly extreme methods of drying gel polish without a lamp. But these are only extreme options, which in no way guarantee high-quality coverage, and they also take a lot of time.
Let's take a look at the main division of lamps: the original assistant for extensions and coating with gel polish is an ultraviolet or UV lamp;
as well as an LED or LED lamp, which is increasingly finding fans on a larger scale.

Important: The indisputable advantage of ultraviolet light is its versatility, because this lamp can be used to dry almost any varnish and coating. True, the service life of fluorescent lamps is several months. The LED lamp has an impressive period of action, but can only dry specific LED gel polish.

Therefore, on a bottle of gel polish, usually on the front side of the label, manufacturers often mark “UV” or “LED”. You need to focus on these letters of the Latin alphabet when choosing a lamp.
However, progress always moves in the direction of elevation, so a new type of lamps has appeared - the so-called hybrid or dual devices. If he speaks simply and easily, then this is 2-in-1 of the two above-mentioned lamas. This means that they combine all the necessary characteristics and are suitable for any coating. Why, in terms of speed and service life, as well as other nuances, the hybrid surpasses all other analogues. By the way, what is important is high safety for the skin of the hands and the nails themselves. But they have one “but” - the price is a little steep, so sometimes it’s easier to buy two different lamps separately.

The type of lamp affects the drying speed

How a gel polish lamp works: where to start

Modern nail art specialists, as well as home craftsmen and handymen today know about the existence of new materials, such as extension gels, acrylic mixtures and even a variety of gel polishes that are durable and reliable. In order to dry such substances that create the perfect manicure, you will have to acquire special equipment, the main component of which will be a gel polish lamp, how to choose which can only be figured out after the principle of its operation is finally clarified.

Species and types

Contrary to misconceptions, lamps for curing gel coatings can differ not only in power, but also in the different types of radiation they emit. The quality and speed of work may depend on this. Let's figure out what the difference is, when any equipment is suitable, and when it is better to refuse to buy this or that device, which lamp is better for gel polish, and which one is better to get for working with acrylic.

UV lamps (ultraviolet) are the most popular and also the cheapest, which is important. Anyone who has ever visited a physiotherapy office is definitely familiar with such equipment first-hand. Such lamps will help dry absolutely any coating, be it gel polish, acrylic and other materials. Universal craftsmen prefer this type of equipment, and replacing spare parts (light bulbs) in such devices is available to everyone.

The cost of such lamps is not high, but it is better to protect them from power surges in the network, and handle the fluorescent elements gently and carefully. But there are also disadvantages, since the polymerization period of coatings in such lamps is quite long, they tend to heat up and can even cause burns. They say that UV rays also have a harmful effect on vision, but this fact has not yet been proven, because the exposure time per month is negligible, so such a device is unlikely to cause any particular harm.

ICE.

The second most popular are LED devices, that is, those that emit light of a certain spectrum. Light bulbs in such equipment can last much longer without replacement than in the previous one, but their cost can be much higher. The coatings polymerize under such a lamp in a couple of seconds, and burns and problems with vision cannot be expected from such devices.

The disadvantages in this case are more price-oriented. If at least one light bulb burns out or their efficiency weakens, everything will have to be changed together, otherwise the lamp will lose its qualities and properties. In addition, LED lamps only work with coatings that are specifically designed for this purpose and have the appropriate marks on the packaging.

Such devices are also called cold glow lamps, so there is no need to worry that they will cause burns or damage the retina. It is permissible to use such equipment for any type of coating, unlike LED models, which is their undoubted advantage, however, the polymerization time will need to be extended quite significantly, up to several tens of minutes.

The cost of such a lamp is much higher than those presented above, but its service life is longer. Replacing light elements will also cost more, so many people deny themselves such purchases precisely for this reason. After all, besides the long polymerization time and price, the device simply has no other disadvantages, since they are considered safe and environmentally friendly.

Hybrid.

This type of equipment for nail services combines the properties of CCFL and LED structures. This gives a new range of possibilities and allows the use of more high-quality and new materials. Different radiation affects gels, varnishes and acrylics, significantly shortening their polymerization (hardening) time.

Such dumps are harmless, environmentally friendly, not dangerous to health and life, and in addition, they usually have a compact shape and low weight. However, there is a drawback and that is the excessively high cost. Not every professional craftsman can afford such equipment, not to mention home craftsmen.

Thus, it becomes more clear which lamps are better for drying gel polish, and what would be advisable to buy for working with acrylic. For general practitioners in large salons, it is worth purchasing the most advanced hybrid models, as they last longer and work faster, but for a home manicure once or twice a month, a regular LED or UV design will suffice.

What to look for in order to quickly and efficiently dry gel polish in a lamp: selection criteria

It’s not enough to just point your finger and decide on the type of lamp. Even each type has its own nuances that you should pay attention to before purchasing. More precisely, this is what you should rely on when making a decision.

Important condition or time for drying each layer

Now the type of lamp will reveal itself. After all, the drying speed completely depends on the characteristics of the device, or rather the inscription “UV” or “LED”.

The latter tool attracted fans precisely because of its speed, because ultraviolet, despite its versatility and practicality, takes 2 times or even more time to work with each layer. And this is due to the wide light used. LEDs in ice lamps operate in a relatively narrow spectrum.

Also a small comparison with its hybrid counterpart - it copes faster than anyone else. Although he did not run so far from the last representative, he bypasses more with his flexibility to any varnishes. Therefore, the drying speed of varnish in hybrid lamps often coincides with the drying time in an LED lamp.

After variety power sets drying time

All lamps have different power - from 6-9 W and above. It is logical to understand that the higher the power, the shorter the drying time. This also affects the quality of the coating.
Thus, the power of the lamp is also a big factor contributing to the choice of nail devices. For example, it is better not to buy ultraviolet below 24 W, which is equivalent to 12 W for an LED lamp. Below this indicator, drying will not give good results. However, prices also increase as the lamp wattage increases.

The more power, the less time needed.
How does price affect our choice and drying time?

Yes, the price directly affects or even depends on the lamp. It is quite reasonable that more power will require more money.

Also, LED lamps are an order of magnitude more expensive, although this depends on the power of the lamps. If we equate them to ultraviolet radiation, then there is not such a big jump in price.
A hybrid, which is similar to two different lamps, is more expensive. For home use, it is absolutely not needed. It’s also not worth chasing just a high price. For example, acceptable models can be purchased at a minimal cost on Aliexpress . In terms of quality, they are absolutely not inferior to expensive brands.
Consider only the minimum power. Also, start from your needs. For example, a novice master will not be able to get his nails done, so a miniature version of an LED lamp is quite suitable.

Size matters both for drying time and for your comfort.

Basically, the market offers lamps of an acceptable size, which will allow you to dry your entire hand. Even compact devices easily cope with this function, but they simply work longer. Although, most likely, this is due not to the size, but to the presence of the number of lamps.
More lamp area means more LEDs. UV lamps come in a standard box, in which the number of lamps only varies.
There are also mini lamps that dry only one finger. Our verdict is that they are great for some single nail repairs, but not for a general manicure. After all, the time, naturally, increases significantly, by 10 times.

Lamp size matters
Lamp life is equal to lamp life

Manufacturers claim that LED lamps have a service life of up to 50,000 hours. But, again, this is also affected by the power of the LEDs. In total, if you add up all the maximum equations, then such a device can burn without interruption for more than 2 years.
UV lamps are relatively durable in use. For example, 1 drying per week will last you for 23 years. Of course, power also affects. On average, manufacturers claim that it is enough for 100 thousand hours of use. But the lamps will need to be changed after six months of use. Even if you don't turn it on often.

And a few words about design

It does not affect the drying time of the layers in any way. If a certain color is important to you, then it is only your choice. We recommend not to overpay more, but rather to focus on the power and number of lamps.

But the design will not affect the drying speed in any way

How long does it take to dry gel polish in a lamp?

We have considered all the nuances that are responsible for the drying time of each layer. But let’s not forget that the order of the layer, or rather the coating itself, also requires different times for polymerization. Let's get down to specifics.

How long does drying take in a UV lamp: a maximum power of 48 W, as well as 36 - this is the best choice for both professionals and amateurs. You need to allocate 1 minute to the base. But the top and colored gel polish will already harden in 2 minutes. By the way, the timer is set for this time;
24 W will require 1 minute more for each layer;
but the very minimum of 9 W to polymerize each layer will take you from 3 to 5 minutes. On the base and subsequent layers, respectively.

Here's what the LED lamp offers:

the picture turns out to be simply lightning fast, because with a maximum of 36 W you need to dry each layer for 20 seconds, and the base for 10;

a weaker model, which has a very reasonable amount, minimal dimensions and is perfect for home training, at 18-24 W will dry the base in 20 seconds. And already color pigment and finish – for 30;

all other 6 and 9 W models will require more time: 1 minute for top and color, and 30 seconds for base.

Important: Biogel needs to be dried for 3 minutes under ultraviolet light and 1 minute under LEDs, provided that they have maximum power.

In a hybrid lamp, the layers are dried depending on the marking of the coating. Therefore, they have timers for both seconds and minutes, which correspond to the above ratios.

A 24 or 36 W lamp is considered the most optimal.

What types of lamps for drying gel polish are there?

To choose the right lamp model, you need to understand what their main differences are.

UV lamp

These are ultraviolet lamps that can polymerize any materials applied to nails. In such models, you can replace the light bulbs if necessary. It won't hurt your wallet. The lamp sizes are small. It is worth noting some advantages of ultraviolet lamps:

they are inexpensive;
universal.

It is worth noting that a UV lamp for gel polish will dry your nails for a long time, become noticeably hot, and can cause burns. In addition, the light bulbs are quite fragile. The devices can emit harmful substances and have a bad effect on vision.

LED lamp for gel polish

What sets these LED lights apart from UV lights is that the bulbs can last much longer than previous models. In addition, varnishes dry faster - from a few seconds to a minute. The ice lamp for gel polish is considered environmentally friendly; it does not emit harmful substances into the environment and does not damage vision. Therefore, the cost of such partings increases significantly.

It is worth highlighting a few more positive signs:

lamps do not cause burns;
serve for a long time.

Before purchasing, you must keep in mind that at the end of its service life, the device should be completely replaced. The lamp dries only those materials that are used exclusively for LED devices.

Hybrid lamps for drying gel polish

Such devices can combine the properties of both ultraviolet and LED devices. The total polymerization time is reduced because different rays are exposed, depending on which material is chosen. They are compact and durable, do not cause burns. They are very expensive.

CCFL lamps

These are cold glow lamps, they do not heat up, so burns are impossible. The devices are capable of drying gels of various ranges, but this process is somewhat delayed. In addition, the price of one such device will seem rather high.

Pros of CCFL lamps:

serve for a long time;
emit light that is safe for vision;
environmentally friendly.

Is it possible to dry gel polish without a lamp?

Perhaps some catastrophic situation occurred when you need to correct a nail or apply a coating, but there was no lamp at hand. And for the sake of curiosity, you can conduct a similar experiment at home. But you need to be prepared for lower quality coverage. Although there is still a chance to get a manicure that will last for several days or even weeks, if you follow all the rules.

To coat your nails with gel polish without drying them in a lamp, you can use any of these methods:

An ice bath will help freeze and dry the gel polish. True, for this you will need to dip your hands for 15-20 minutes, or even longer;
air from a hair dryer, which should be used to dry each layer for half an hour. And don’t forget that a strong air flow may not result in the most even layer;
The sun's rays will dry the gel polish, because the sun also has UV rays. But don't count on quick results. After all, their power is many times lower than the radiation of a lamp. Therefore, you will need to stand around trying to catch the rays for about an hour;
investment product - quick-drying spray or gel catalysts. 2-3 minutes after gel polish, a catalyst is applied, rubbing over the entire surface;
and the last option is a medical lamp. The time depends entirely on its power and distance. It can dry, but is not responsible for the quality.

Important: But none of these methods fully guarantees that the varnish will dry.

Now there are even sprays or gels for drying gel polish without a lamp

How to properly dry gel polish in a lamp: common mistakes

Both amateurs who do manicures for themselves and their friends at home, as well as nail technicians who work in salons, face the problem of polish curling. There are several reasons why such a nuisance may arise.

Here are the most common ones:

Using an insufficiently powerful lamp. The only way out is to purchase a lamp with more power;
an attempt to dry the UV coating in an LED lamp, or vice versa. To avoid such a mistake, you need to look at the markings on the nail polish bottle;
use of outdated light bulbs in drying. In this case, you just need to replace them and the problem will be quickly solved;
applying varnish too thickly. This option is most often encountered by beginners. And, by the way, it is ultraviolet rays that are not able to dry a thick drop;
If none of the above reasons apply, most likely the problem is with the quality of the varnish. This means it is expired or counterfeit. It is better not to use such varnish, because it can harm not only beauty, but also health; and if you use such a manicure polish in a salon, you can lose regular customers, get a lot of negative reviews, and also a damaged reputation. This applies not only to beginners, but also to experienced professionals.

As you can see, drying gel polish in a lamp is simple and relatively quick. Especially if you take into account a simple varnish that had to be kept on for a long time without touching anything. But there are many nuances that are often overlooked by inexperienced craftsmen or simply amateurs. Therefore, always study the instructions and rules, and then start drying the gel coating in a lamp.

Lamp for manicure: how to choose

After it has become clear which is the best lamp for drying gel polish based on the principle of operation, all that remains is to figure out what other criteria should be used to choose it, since the final choice can be influenced by many important factors. If you don’t take them into account right away, you can be seriously disappointed later, so it’s better to do everything on time.

Rated power

When figuring out which lamp to choose for gel polish, purchase for yourself or even for a salon, you should start by analyzing its power, since this indicator can radically affect the overall cost of the work as a whole. This is especially true for professional craftsmen who serve from five to ten clients a day. Since electricity consumption will also increase with increasing power.

But there is another side to the coin, because the more powerful the lamp, the faster the coating will dry and polymerize. Therefore, for those who serve many clients per day, there will be a certain benefit here, since they can work many times more. For home use, it is better to choose equipment with average performance.

Dimensions, shape and weight

Regarding the external dimensions and shape of the device, the choice depends solely on the master himself. It is recommended to purchase more ergonomic shapes so that, for example, they cannot injure either the master or the client with sharp corners. When figuring out which lamp for manicure is better, these factors must be taken into account.

The weight of the device will also matter if the master works on the road, for example, at the client’s home. A compact model can be easily packed into a regular bag, but a large and bulky one will have difficulty lugging around. There are lamps for drying just one finger, but everyone recommends purchasing devices where you can dry all the fingers of one hand in one fell swoop.

Design and equipment

When figuring out which UV lamp is best for gel polish, you should also think about the design and functionality, since the simplicity and ease of use will depend on this. Basically, all this will depend on how much you are willing to spend, since as this indicator increases, the price will also increase significantly. It's definitely worth it, so it's up to you to decide. It is optimal for professional equipment to have the following capabilities.

The automatic activation function when you place your hand inside the device will allow you not to be distracted by pressing a button.
A convenient timer will allow you not to constantly look at the clock.
The removable bottom makes it possible to quickly and efficiently change the light bulbs inside, and also use the device not only for manicures, but also for pedicures.
The built-in fan will allow you to efficiently cool the structural elements and prevent customers from getting burns.

Regarding design, color and other aesthetic indicators, the choice will depend on the master himself. It’s worth trying to choose the equipment that best suits the overall style of your workplace, even if you plan to use it exclusively for yourself, your family and friends, so everyone will feel more comfortable, and the procedure for applying gel polish or extensions will become more enjoyable.

Tips and tricks

Professional craftsmen, especially if they have been working long enough, already know exactly which lamp to dry gel polish and which to use for acrylic, what is worth taking into account, and which criteria can simply be ignored. Therefore, it makes sense to listen to their advice and draw conclusions.

For a novice master, it is better to take an inexpensive UV lamp, especially if you have little experience. Over time, you can change it to something else, this is not a problem.
If you want to be able to use a variety of materials to cover and extend your nails, then it is better to give preference to hybrid lamps, which are more expensive. But they can handle any material.
Professional craftsmen starting to work in large salons where there is a large flow of clients should choose high-power lamps in order to minimize the time they work with one person.
If you have a small workplace, when there is very little space on the table, it is better to give preference to compact models.
In order to significantly simplify the procedure for applying and drying coatings, you should take a lamp with greater functionality. This will allow you not to bother yourself with trifles and automate the process in a way.
Bright, saturated colors on equipment casings can look irritating, especially if they don't match the rest of the work environment. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to take into account its design and finishing palette.

As for the difference in price, he is free to choose the most acceptable option for himself. However, it is worth considering that the cheapest lamp models are produced by little-known, small manufacturers, which cannot in any way confirm their quality and functionality. You can completely abandon such equipment by figuring out what the best gel polishes without a lamp are offered by modern industry. It is clear that they cannot be compared to those that are dried using special devices, but they will last for six to eight days if worn carefully.