This is an equally pressing question for salon professionals and home amateurs who are just taking their first steps in the vast world of gel polish manicure. I want to achieve lasting and quick results without spending a lot of money.
Nowadays there are so many varieties and brands of lamps that it is easy to get confused. Let us figure out for what purposes certain devices are best suited, and what characteristics your ideal lamp should have.
UV lamps
UV lamps are still the most popular option now. And this is understandable: they are still much cheaper than their LED counterparts.
What factors should you pay attention to when choosing an ultraviolet device? The most important criterion is power.
Power
There are varieties with a power of 9, 12, 18, 36 and 54 W. Fluorescent light bulbs are inserted inside these lamps. The more there are, the more powerful the device.
Low power models (9, 12 and 18 W) are now losing popularity. After all, the lower the power, the longer the nail drying time. And for modern girls, time is very valuable! But such options have 2 indisputable advantages: low price and compactness. If these advantages are important to you, and if you have enough time for manicure with gel polishes, then this model is suitable for you. Look, for example, at the offer from ruNail. But, of course, it will not be a good choice for a salon specialist who wants to serve as many clients as possible in a short time (and does not want to test their patience).
36 W is the best option. In such a lamp you can dry 2 hands at the same time (by placing one carefully on top of the other), and the polymerization process takes only 2 minutes! In addition, this model is relatively compact.
Speaking about 54 W lamps, we cannot help but mention its relative bulkiness and high price. This is certainly an ideal choice for salons, because drying in this model is even faster! However, if large dimensions do not scare you, then you can consider this option for home use.
Power is the most important factor, but what other important features should a good lamp have? Now we'll tell you.
Additional factors when choosing a lamp
Pay attention to the presence of a timer button. It’s convenient when the device automatically turns off after 2 minutes, isn’t it? But I don’t really want to sit restlessly with a timer or set an alarm.
Next, a removable bottom . What is it for? For comfortable and quick disinfection. This is especially important to consider in a salon setting when performing a pedicure.
Well, the design. If you carefully think through the interior, now you can even decorate it with the help of modern lamps. Just look at the masterpieces from Planet Nails!
Types of lamps for shellac manicure
A beautiful, sophisticated manicure and pedicure distinguishes a well-groomed woman. Modern technologies do not stand still: traditional extensions and the acrylic method of application are being replaced by shellac coating. Combining the advantages of salon and home procedures, this method is characterized by ease of application, durability, and an abundance of manicure options - from classic French to stylish and fashionable ombre colors.
What do you need for shellac at home? The classic manicure set for gel polish includes the following products:
- cuticle removal, nail polishing;
- shellac remover;
- coatings (base, top);
- gel polishes;
- lamp for polymerization of applied manicure/pedicure.
The quality and beauty of performing the procedure yourself largely depends on the characteristics and power of this device. Depending on the type of lamps used in the equipment when hardening the nail coating, the drying time of the gel polishes, the degree of exposure of the skin of the hands to infrared radiation, maintenance parameters and... the cost of purchase changes:
- CCFL. We combined the best properties of UV and LED devices for the polymerization of shellac.
- UV lamps. They have a low price, are convenient for home use, require frequent replacement of components, and operate in the range of 280-400 nm.
- LED devices. They are harmless to health and the environment, have high performance and an above-average price. The wavelength of infrared radiation is 390-410 nm.
A comparison table will help you make your choice when purchasing, which shows the differences between a UV lamp and an LED lamp:
| Basic parameters of lamps | UV | LED |
| Price | 1200-1800 rub. | 2800-6000 rub. |
| Power | 9 Watt-36 Watt | 6 Watt-12 Watt |
| Possibility of drying gel polish/acrylic | Yes Yes | Not really |
| Presence of a timer | Built-in or without timer | Adjustable |
| Productivity (coating hardening time) | 1-3 minutes | 20-60 seconds |
| Impact on the body/environment | Minor/presence of mercury in lamps | Safe |
| Need for frequent maintenance (lamp replacement) | After 2000 hours of operation | Every 35,000 operating hours |
| Convenient to carry | Requires lamp removal | No need to remove components |
Ultraviolet (UV)
Small size, ease of operation, the ability to independently replace components (bulbs) and low cost make UV lamps for hardening shellac coatings leaders among “machines” for home use. The minimum power of the devices is 9 Watts, the maximum is 36 Watts. The lower this indicator, the longer the coating takes to dry - up to 5-6 minutes per layer. Some of the inconveniences include:
- a small device base that allows you to dry no more than four fingers at a time;
- likelihood of shellac smearing;
- uneven placement of bulbs and poor quality of polymerization.
Light-emitting diode (LED)
A distinctive feature of LED lamps is the use of LED semiconductors, which have:
- reducing shellac drying time to 20-40 seconds;
- high level of safety (unlike UV lamps);
- increased durability resource - from 30 to 35 thousand working hours;
- uniform, diffused light, which is safe for vision during the drying process of shellac coating.
The disadvantages include the high purchase price and the impossibility of self-service (ongoing replacement of diodes). The main problem with LED lamps was the reduction in the wavelength of UV radiation - from 380 to 410 nm, so some shellacs “do not fall” into the range of the device and remain uncured. When purchasing gel polishes, pay attention to the icon indicating the recommended range.
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Combined
Gas light lamps for shellac are the most functional devices. Special cold-action cathodes make it possible to use the device for drying acrylic coatings and gel polishes with low drying frequency. They are distinguished by the safety of the materials used in production for health, the absence of harm to the environment, and the ability to vary the polymerization time depending on the type of shellac coating.
LED lamps
Compared to their UV counterparts, LED lamps seem like a bouquet of advantages! This includes the fastest possible polymerization (from 10 to 30 seconds), and no need to replace fluorescent light bulbs (LED lamps do not burn out), and energy savings, and the absence of harmful chemicals (for example, mercury) in the composition, and the absolute harmlessness of this type of radiation for leather, and high-tech design... And so on, but there is one thing. This is the price. All these positive qualities of LED lamps, of course, do not come cheap. And one more smaller “but”: not all manufacturers have time to keep their finger on the pulse, so to speak, and not all gel polishes can be dried with LEDs.
Now another format has appeared - CCFL+LED, which has the same advantages, but, thanks to the hybrid approach, allows materials to be polymerized even faster.
Gas light lamps
The girls argue, discussing the pros and cons of ultraviolet radiation and diodes. There are different arguments, but the search topic - shellac lamp, which one is better - remains popular.
Meanwhile, a third type of instrument appeared. It includes a combination of LED and fluorescent lamps. They are combined with each other and work depending on the type of gel polish.
A third type of instrument has appeared. It includes a combination of LED and fluorescent lamps.
The device is relatively new and does not yet inspire confidence. However, in terms of convenience, it is clearly superior to its counterparts. Gas light lamps have a long service life and a relatively affordable price.
conclusions
If you are a beginner and are just taking your first steps in the world of manicure with gel polishes, then UV lamps are your option. They are not as expensive as their LED relatives, they are quite compact and allow you to fully evaluate how suitable this type of manicure is for you.
If your financial situation and experience allow, we recommend choosing LED lamps or hybrid devices. They are ideal for professionals. In the end, you will save the most valuable thing - time. And electricity is a bonus. And as a bonus, money for replacing light bulbs, and electricity.
We hope our table, which shows some of the most popular polymerization devices today (January 2019), will help you make your final decision.
| Apparatus | Price |
| Lamp for gel polish ruNail, LED, 3W | 650 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish TNL, UV, 36W | 959 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish ruNail, UV/LED, 48W | RUB 3,650 |
| Lamp for gel polish TNL, LED, 18W | 799 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish ruNail, UV, model GL-515, 36W | 999 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish Kosmekka CCFL/LED NL-001, 48W | 5,200 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish Kodi, LED, 9W | 3,500 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish Planet Nails, UV Tunnel Elite, 36W | 2,600 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish Ice Nova, UV/LED Sun Ice Mini, 6W | 699 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish Solomeya, LED, 3 W | 525 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish Jessnail, UV, model JN 2000, 36W | 1,700 rub. |
| Lamp for gel polish TNL, UV/LED lamp, 6W | 650 rub. |
Prices and product reviews
| Name | Power | Variety | price, rub. |
| JessNail JNTY-100 | 9W | LED lamp | 960 |
| GELISH | 36W | Ultraviolet lamp | 1150 |
| JessNail JN602 | 63W | LED lamp | 5010 |
| Polaris PNL 4018UV | 18W | Ultraviolet lamp | 2990 |
| Trosani | 5W | LED lamp | 4999 |
| Irisk P121-01 | 110 W | Ultraviolet lamp | 2150 |
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The cost of a model may depend not only on its characteristics, but also on the popularity of the brand and its pricing policy. Lamps from Irisk are considered one of the most affordable.
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When choosing a lamp for shellac, you need to focus on a lot of indicators, including reviews from customers. What types of lamps are preferred by professionals and amateurs, and what reviews exist about such products:
- Marina, 32 years old, Moscow: “I professionally do nail extensions, gel and shellac coating. I have always used UV lamps, and only recently tried the LED option. To be honest, I was delighted, because the coating dries faster, and the quality of the lamp is completely different.”
- Ekaterina, 27 years old, Kazan: “I bought my UV lamp 3 years ago for home use, and so far I have no complaints. I chose the manufacturer Irisk, since it is a well-known brand among professionals, and the quality of work of such equipment is usually not poor. My lamp is only 18W, but it’s perfect for home use.”
- Maria, 31 years old, Saransk: “For me, as a professional, choosing a lamp for manicure was a very important task. I settled on the LED model from Trosani. Of course, it cost a lot, but I’ve been using it for a couple of years now without any complaints. The presence of a timer and quick drying of any coating makes use not only practical, but also convenient.”
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Features of lamps for gel polishes
What is a lamp for drying gel polish? Usually this is a special device that, using special light waves, makes the varnish harder. And this happens quickly. Lamps are made of plastic, shape and size can be completely different. Some contain the entire palm, others only a finger. Devices are either collapsible or cast.
There is a material inside the lamps that can reflect light. The lamp can be controlled using a manual switch or an automatic timer. Typically, LED lamps last up to fifty thousand hours, after which the lamp must be replaced. In other models, the light bulbs can be replaced.
How to choose a lamp for gel polish?
There are several important criteria for choosing a device for drying shellac, which we will tell you about now.
Power of lamps for gel polish
Quite an important criterion. If the lamp power is significant, then the rate of hardening of the material will be higher. The catch is that in this case, electricity is consumed more than usual. For this reason, it is wiser to choose a lamp with average performance.
Size, shape and weight
The more ergonomic the device is, the more convenient it is to work with it. If you work with gel polishes at home, you should purchase a small lamp. Bulky devices are usually purchased for salons. If the master often goes on business trips, then he should stock up on a small lamp.
Design and equipment of a lamp for drying gel polish
The stores sell an innumerable number of ice lamps, which have the most varied designs: leopard print, plain models, multi-colored ones - you name it. It is better to choose a lamp based on the style of your interior, especially if you work from home. The same applies to beauty salons.
And now turning your attention to the package. Typically professional devices have:
- removable bottom;
- fan;
- reflector;
- timer function.
In addition to these, there are other options that make the wizard’s job easier. For example, a lamp can turn itself off. Some models stop working when you put your hand near them. The lamp can be equipped with a screen on which the operating time is monitored. The screen is useful for appliances with automatic shut-off.
Thanks to the thermal control function, you can regulate the power of the device. This way, discomfort while drying your nails will be minimized. The energy saving mode is no less useful, especially if the wiring in the room is weak.
The selection of lamps is carried out according to other criteria:
- Beginners should prefer UV lamps. Those who have experience can afford to work with models such as LED and CCFL.
- Craftsmen who value the combination of LED rays and ultraviolet radiation can give preference to hybrid lamps.
- The CCFL and LED models are more popular with environmentalists.
- If you want to reduce working time with one client, then you should pay attention to powerful lamps. The same result will be achieved by devices with a significant range of options.
