Gel nail polish: how to use, apply at home, which brand is better to choose, pearl rub, mirror shine with and without lamp, drying

Thanks to the use of innovative technologies, creating a long-lasting manicure is now not difficult. You can make it this way using a special coating called gel polish, which quite successfully replaces manicure polish and dries only under the influence of a lamp for drying nails. The quality of coating and the durability of the manicure depend on how correctly and reliably the UV lamp or LED lamp used will work. However, visiting specialized salons is not cheap, and the procedure itself and the journey to the specialist and back takes a lot of time. Therefore, many women prefer to do a permanent manicure using a coating such as gel polish on their own. In this case, it is very important to choose and buy a high-quality and reliable lamp for drying nails. What should it be and what are the main criteria for choosing this device?

Which gel polish is better to choose: companies

The company often determines the quality of the varnish.

And the quality of the gel polish used directly depends on:

ease of use (correct consistency and shape of the brush, uniform application);
appearance of the manicure after drying (color, shine);
shelf life of manicure;
convenience of further removal of the coating.

Among the wide range of gel polishes, there are several brands that are recognized by the best professional nail service professionals:

"SHELLAC" – an American brand, considered the best professional varnish for its high quality, wide selection of shades, ease of application and ease of removal. Belongs to the premium category of cosmetics, one of the highest quality and most expensive varnishes. The only negative is that it is not suitable for thin, brittle nails. The price for 1 bottle (7 ml) is about 1000 rubles.
“GELISH HARMONY” is also an American product, in terms of its characteristics it is absolutely not inferior to “Shellac”, in some respects it even wins - it is considered the safest for nails, it is available in larger volume bottles (15 ml each) for the same price - about 1000 rubles. The disadvantages include a more liquid consistency; it often has to be applied in several layers.
“KODI PROFESSIONAL” is considered the best gel polish for beginners: it has a rich palette, is easy to apply, and also attracts with its low price (about 500 rubles for 7 ml). The only negative is that it is quite difficult to remove, with the top layer of the nail being filed off.
“BLUESKY” is one of the best budget options (about 250 rubles for 10 ml), produced in China. It is considered one of the most popular, widely used in beauty salons, and stays on the nails for quite a long time (about two weeks). According to reviews from experts, it is easy to apply, but is too liquid in consistency and does not have a very rich palette.
“CANNI” is a cheap but good quality Chinese gel polish (about 150 rubles for 7 ml), sold on Aliexpress. Ideal for absolute beginners and non-professionals: there are about 200 colors available, it is easy to apply, and lasts on average 10 days.

What is an ultraviolet lamp - types, how they differ, how to choose and which one to buy

Drying the applied coating will become much faster and better. Some modern varnishes harden only when such lamps are used. Gels and other coatings, on the contrary, will dry exclusively in certain categories of such devices.

In general, the use of such lamps has become more of a tribute to fashion and an opportunity to perform a professional manicure at home. For most buyers, such lamps have also become a good source of additional income, for example, when performing custom manicures at home.

The type of device is determined by the type of light sources used; among the most common are ultraviolet, LED gas light and combined lamps for drying nails. A detailed overview of each type is presented below.

The design itself also has several significant differences; in addition, lamps are distinguished according to several characteristic features.

First of all, this is possible use in the mass or home sphere.

Professional equipment is much more powerful and has a longer service life, while lamps for home use are relatively inexpensive and of average power.

Typically, the lamp body is designed to accommodate only one hand (or foot if we are talking about a pedicure). There are models with an enlarged hole that can fit two palms or feet at once. This is very convenient for serving more clients, as it saves time and energy costs. Home models are rarely equipped with an enlarged body.

The placement of lamps inside the equipment is an important indicator . In order for the use of the lamp to be as safe as possible, it is advisable to maintain a comfortable distance from the skin to the heating element. Moreover, this distance should not be too large so that the drying efficiency is also at a high level.

Some lamps are equipped with additional devices. First of all, it is a retractable panel with replaceable elements for easy replacement of burnt-out ones. The model can also be equipped with a built-in timer, which greatly facilitates the operation of the device. The lamp can be equipped with a retractable bottom for more comfortable drying.

There are many original designs of such lamps, which will also be reflected in the cost of the equipment. If you do not take into account the configuration and color, the price of the lamp will mainly be influenced by the manufacturer's brand and the heating element used, as well as the professional orientation of the device.

Watch the video: how to choose a UV lamp, characteristics and comparison

New: An innovative nail polish formula that can last 7 days without chipping or cracking. Read about Vinylux nail polish.
You can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps from this article.
Look at pictures of ombre manicure on nails and a video tutorial https://ilcosmetic.ru/uhod-za-nogtyami/manikyur/ombre-na-nogtyah-legko-i-originalno.html

Ultraviolet (luminescent)

These devices can be classified as the first generation of this equipment. UV lamps are relatively inexpensive and very effective at drying extension gel.

However, they also have a number of disadvantages, including a high degree of heating of the skin surface. To avoid this, you should buy a model with a built-in fan, which will remove unwanted sensations.

Disposal of fluorescent lamps also requires special attention; if during operation the design of the heating element is accidentally damaged, it is necessary to urgently remove all parts of the device into a sealed container to prevent inhalation of mercury vapor.

When choosing fluorescent lamps, you should clarify the type of device. If the device is equipped with induction control, it is not afraid of power surges, but for electronic devices it is advisable to use an additional voltage surge stabilizer. You can find out about hard nail polish here.

Gas-light

They appeared relatively recently and use modern sources - CCFL lamps.

Such technologies reduce harmful effects on the eyes and prevent overheating of the gel.

The service life of gas light lamps is much higher, as is the cost of the devices.

Watch the video: recommendations for choosing a lamp for drying nails. UV lamp or LED lamp?

LED lamps for drying nails

LED lamps significantly reduce drying time, and they are more economical and durable than fluorescent lamps. Among the main obstacles to widespread adoption are the significant cost and lack of polymerization effect for solid acrylic gels. Unusual types of nail polish attract all fashionistas, and one of these favorites is mirror nail polish.

Combined manicure devices

Such hybrids are usually represented by models with two types of lamps: CCFL and LED. Such a duet will combine the advantages of these two technologies and eliminate possible disadvantages.

The use of hybrid models will allow you to dry absolutely all coatings, as well as minimize the harmful temperature effects on the skin of your hands and eyes.

Watch the video review: UV and LED lamp, 2 in 1

Lamp power Watt

Depending on the number of fluorescent light bulbs used, there are models with power from 9 to 54 watts. The number of lamps inside the device is usually from one to six, hence the gradation. Such a classification will allow you to select a device with the specified parameters and dry the coating in the shortest possible time.

Lamps for home use are relatively weak and usually have a power from 9 to 36 W. Professional models are more bulky from 36 to 54 W power. The most popular are the 36 Watt models, which, despite their relatively small dimensions, are quite powerful and significantly reduce the duration of use. Lamps with a power of 9 and 18 watts are gradually becoming obsolete and going out of production. You can find out about “Loceril” nail polish by following the link.

Is UV lamp harmful?

The most common question asked by buyers of nail dryers is the possible negative impact on the body.

Only one harm is known for certain: ultraviolet radiation negatively reflects on the retina of the eye, so most lamp models are created with just such a housing to minimize the harmful glow.

The remaining arguments against the use of this drying method have no scientific basis and are more rumors than confirmed facts. Ultraviolet radiation is also used in other areas of human activity, for example, in medicine. The use of such equipment requires a responsible approach and compliance with basic safety measures, which we have given below.

Safety rules when working with a lamp: • The device is used only for drying manicure with gel polish on short or long nails. Other use or drying of other chemicals not specified in the manufacturer's instructions is not permitted. • Do not use a faulty device, including if there is external damage, cracks in the housing or faulty electrical cords. • If the device is used by more than one person, and especially if the lamp is intended for mass use, it is necessary to disinfect the device with a special solution after each use. • Defective or burnt out elements should be replaced promptly to maintain drying efficiency. It is recommended to change the lamps after the warranty period has expired. A decrease in luminous flux power will adversely affect the quality of the coating.

How to use a nail dryer correctly - instructions for use

Depending on the type of heating element used and the type of varnish or gel, there may be a different time range for the coating to harden. In general, using an ultraviolet lamp is not particularly difficult.

Before first use, it is best to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions to avoid undesirable results.

If the recommendations do not indicate the possibility of drying gel or regular varnish, using a lamp will not give the desired effect. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the required time; it is good if the device is equipped with a timer and a sound signal. If these functions are not provided, it is best to place a clock above the workplace and check the drying time according to it.

Estimated cost for lamps for gel polish and shellac

The price will primarily depend on the manufacturer and the chosen model and will differ in different places of sale. It is best to purchase such products in specialized stores of the “everything for manicure” type. If there is no such thing in your city, you can use the services of Internet companies with a proven reputation. This is the only way to secure your purchases and guarantee that you receive products of appropriate quality.

When choosing a home UV lamp, you should not focus on power, because a limited number of people will use the dryer. If for a professional manicurist endurance and the number of possible starts in a short period of time are important, then for the home it is quite possible to purchase a compact and relatively weak model. The drying time will increase slightly, but the cost will differ in a pleasant direction.

The approximate prices for lamps will also depend on the heating element used, so before going to the store, it is better to decide on this issue in advance. Relatively “old” models of fluorescent lamps will be sold much cheaper than innovative LED models, but does it make sense to buy the latest new products for the home? When purchasing, you should also clarify the possibility of replacing a burnt-out element yourself. The design of the lamp will also affect the price, so you should not blindly give preference to a beautiful appearance with the same functionality of the device. To remove rough skin on the legs, hardware peeling is often used. You can find out about Aquapeeling foot cream here.

The estimated cost of various types of device can be seen in the following table:

No.: Element type: Power, W: Features: Cost, $: 1. UV lamp. 9 Timer. From 12.7. 2. 18 From 20.6. 3. 24 From 31. 4. 36 Timer. From 42.5.54 For two hands. From 65. 6. LED – lamp. 3 Flashlight. From 6. 7. 12 From 86.5. 8. 24 From 88. 9. 36 From 92. 10. Hybrid. 36 From 42.

What tools are needed?

Gel polish manicure is performed using professional tools:

manicure scissors;
cuticle tweezers;
files;
buff for treating the nail plate;
orange sticks;
UV or LED lamp.

Nail dryer: UV lamp that allows you to dry your nails much faster

In most cases, when it is necessary to extend nails, LED lamps are used, while for shellac a UV nail dryer is more suitable.

An ultraviolet nail dryer is less expensive and more effective. This is achieved due to high energy consumption and relatively cheap mercury bulbs. Such devices become quite hot during operation, which can cause thermal irritation to the skin of the hands. An ultraviolet nail dryer, compared to other devices, dries shellac in 60-180 seconds and can cause the manicure material to curl. It also has a limited service life.
LED lamps are used for nail extensions due to their distinctive properties, namely the absence of thermal influence, narrow focus of the radiation spectrum, durability and safety in relation to the client’s eyes and skin. The disadvantages of such a device include the high cost and the need to replace the entire device, and not just one light bulb.

Any manicure lamp, regardless of its type, requires some care.

Before using the lamp, be sure to wipe the light elements from dust with a dry cloth. This will not only maintain the energy efficiency of the device, but will also reduce the time required to dry your manicure.

It is strictly prohibited to use a lamp if at least 1 light element burns out. This categorical approach is due to the fact that ultraviolet nail dryers contain mercury bulbs, which are very dangerous to human health. When such light bulbs wear out, the risk of damage to their integrity increases significantly.

Timely replacement of light bulbs. This rule includes the previous paragraph, as well as term maintenance. Any ultraviolet nail dryer has a limited service life, which ranges from 5000 hours. After this time, the light elements should be replaced for the same reasons as when fading.

Constant disinfection. This is a mandatory measure, since a nail lamp can become a source of infection with a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. However, direct contact of the disinfectant with the light elements should be avoided, as this may cause a short circuit.

If varnish, shellac or other substances come into contact with the body of the device, they must be removed immediately. But this must be done without using solvents - there is a high probability that the solvent may corrode the walls of the device. The most convenient cleaning option is sharp objects.

How to dry a manicure directly depends on the size of the lamp itself and the materials used.

Basic rules for using an ultraviolet lamp:

Manicure should be applied to your fingers in such a way that it is convenient to dry them. It would be best to paint the thumbs separately from the other four. This is due to the fact that for proper drying all fingers should be held horizontally, and doing this with the thumb and the rest at the same time is very inconvenient. The most convenient drying sequence is the index-little finger of one hand, then the other, and then paint the thumbs. For more effective drying, you should remove the keratin ball from the nail plate before applying a manicure. This point is not mandatory, however, it should not be neglected. After applying the varnish, place your fingers under the lamp and set the required time on the timer.

It doesn’t matter which timer you use - a phone, a watch, or a built-in one. The main thing is time control, because

If the required interval is not observed, you can not only ruin the entire manicure, but also get a burn to the skin of your fingers.

List of sources

OsvescheniePro.com
ynails.top
vyboroved.ru
NogtiPro.com
TehnoPanorama.ru
nogtu.ru
lechenie-medic.ru

Lamp for drying gel polish

Gel polish is completely polymerized under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, so drying it requires a special device - an ultraviolet or LED lamp.

LED lamp is a professional device for drying gel coatings in the shortest possible time – 30-40 seconds;
UV lamp 9W is a portable device, drying each layer of coating takes up to 120 seconds;
UV-36W lamp - a professional device for drying different types of gel coatings, as a rule, allows you to dry two hands at the same time.

According to experts, a compact UV lamp is quite sufficient for home use: it copes well with its intended purpose, takes up little space and has a minimal cost (about 500 rubles).

The only caveat is that drying the nails will take quite a long time - 2 minutes for each layer. For professional work, you need a lamp that allows you to dry the coating quickly and efficiently; in this case, the best option is an LED lamp (price about 3,000 rubles) or a 36 W UV lamp (price about 2,000 rubles)

They quickly accomplish their intended purpose, but they are much more expensive and also require a separate space in the work area. The process of drying gel polish using a lamp is carried out as follows: after covering the nails, the hand is completely immersed in the lamp (or one nail at a time), the timer is turned on (the time must be set according to the instructions in the materials used).

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: How to extend nails with gel polish. Nail extension instructions for beginners. Photo.

What's better

When choosing between these options, first of all, it is necessary to determine the real purpose of the device used. The affordable cost of ultraviolet models can be offset by a long drying time, which is very important for a professional. In this case, there will be fewer clients, and therefore fewer earnings. For home use, additional time may not be a priority, but rumors about the harmfulness of ultraviolet models may discourage such a purchase.

It is also very important to decide in advance on the coating you will use. Solid acrylic LED varnish - the lamp will not dry it out, but it will be ideal for shellac.

Lamps for drying coatings are quite a necessary and useful device that is widely used for professional and home manicure. There are many varieties and models, and they differ for the most part purely visually. The device can be equipped with additional devices and accessories, and also have increased dimensions for comfortable drying of both hands. All these nuances are not decisive, because for the lamp to work well, what is important, first of all, is the quality of the lamps used so that in the future the question does not arise as to why the gel polish does not stick to the nails.

Video of a UV lamp for drying nails with your own hands:

Perhaps you may also be interested in what Evelyn 8 in 1 varnish is, how exactly to use it so that there is maximum effect, is described in detail in this article.

How to properly use nail polish against nail fungus is described in detail here in the article.

It is also worth paying attention to whether pregnant women can paint their nails with varnish, or whether it is better to refrain from doing so; it is worth reading the contents of this article.

Additional materials

Performing a manicure with gel polishes requires the use of a special set of products, which includes:

degreaser;
base and top coats;
gel polishes directly;
coating remover;
lint-free wipes;
decor (rhinestones, rubbing, stencils - optional).

How to prepare your nails

Knowing how to use gel nail polish is not enough for a perfect manicure. The quality of preparation of nail plates for coating directly affects the appearance and lifespan of the manicure.

It consists of several stages:

Cleaning nails (removing previous coating or varnish).
Removing cuticles, adjusting the length and shape of nails using a classic trimmed or European manicure.
Treatment of nail plates with a buff (sanding file): it is necessary to remove the shine for a more uniform distribution of the coating.
Degreasing nails with a special substance or medical alcohol.

Ultraviolet gas-light lamps (CCFL)

The work uses Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp technology. In many ways, it resembles the principles of operation of a luminescent one.

The main difference from the variety described above is the almost complete absence of heating. Where the fluorescent light bulb heats up to 50 degrees, the LHC becomes slightly warm.

At a fairly high cost, the device impresses with its long service life - up to 80 thousand hours. To achieve the desired effect you will need to use less power. So, 12W will give the same speed of hardening of the varnish as 36W for its luminescent counterpart.

Clients love LHK because they do not heat the varnish - it is less damaging to the skin. The effect of coating folding is also reduced.

Technique for applying gel polish with drying in a lamp - step by step

When performing all subsequent actions, it is important to ensure that the nail plates do not come into contact with any other surfaces, because even the smallest particles of fat, dust particles, etc. get on them. will noticeably spoil the appearance of the manicure and affect its durability.

Applying the base coat: the entire nail plate, as well as its outer edge, is carefully coated with a thin layer of a transparent product. Then the base is dried under a UV lamp for 2 minutes.
Apply gel polish of the desired shade. It may be necessary to apply one or more layers (depending on the thickness of the varnish and its color), each of which should be dried under a lamp for 2 minutes. It is very important to apply the product carefully; excess varnish should be immediately removed with an orange stick (before the drying process).
Top coating: carefully cover the nails with a thick layer, “sealing” the sections. The top is also dried under a lamp for 2 minutes, the sticky layer is removed with a degreaser.

How to dry your nails in a lamp correctly?

The power and type of device affect the polymerization time of the coating. But increasing the polymerization time cannot always compensate for the low power of the device. If the UV radiation is weak, then the polymerization process not only slows down, but also occurs unevenly, and sometimes does not occur at all. Shellac may not harden, but curl or bubble.

How to dry your nails correctly
The quality of the manicure can be negatively affected by both reducing the curing time and increasing it.

Gel polish that is not completely dried and not hardened will not adhere sufficiently to the nail plate, which is why it will later chip or peel off. A layer of color that is not fully set can stain the nail. Gel-coated nails that are overexposed under the lamp can also subsequently become noticeable or crack, even with light load.

When working with translucent and transparent compositions, we must remember that UV rays affect all layers of the coating, and not just the top layer. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the total time of exposure to the nail plate does not exceed 10 minutes. When applying the gel in several layers, it is better to use materials that dry quickly, and use an LED or hybrid device for their polymerization.

A manicure is performed in several stages on unvarnished nails. It should be remembered that the nails on the thumbs are coated and dried separately from the others, because the nail must be positioned strictly horizontally and parallel to the surface of the lamp in the lamp. You can dry two thumbs of both hands at the same time.

How to apply gel polish at home without a lamp

There are two types of gel polishes on sale: photosensitive and not. The first of them harden exclusively under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Those that are insensitive to light harden after applying special catalysts; the tube with this type of varnish is marked “No-light gel”.

Using this gel nail polish yourself is as easy as using regular nail polish. After preliminary preparation of the nails, an even layer of varnish is applied and then covered with a catalyst. After which the hands are immersed in cold water for 5 minutes, during which time the varnish should completely harden.

UV lamp: advantages and disadvantages

Like any other device, a UV lamp has its advantages and disadvantages. The positive aspects of using a UV lamp when creating extended nails or designs using gel polish include:

low consumption of electrical energy by the device;
service life 5-10 thousand hours of operation;
availability.

Also among the advantages of ultraviolet lamps is a wide range of similar devices of different power and brand. This allows you to easily purchase ultraviolet lamps in any city or even order them online.

If we talk about the disadvantages of UV lamps, they include:

dependence of service life on the frequency of switching on and off;
a significant increase in temperature in the working area during operation (up to 50 degrees), which, if used incorrectly, can lead to overheating of the device body and burning of the gel;
dependence on the stability of the voltage in the network - changes can damage the UV lamp;
sensitivity to ambient temperature - working at +12 degrees and below, the UV lamp may break;
the light emitted by the UV lamp is harmful to the eyes;
The lamps contain mercury vapor that is harmful to humans.

In addition, once a removable UV lamp has completely failed, it must be disposed of with special precautions.

How to do a French manicure with gel polish: instructions

For French manicure with gel polish, the following materials are used:

manicure instruments for hygienic manicure;
buff;
degreaser;
white and light gel polish of natural color;
top and base;
stencils for French;
Ultraviolet lamp.

Nails are tidied up through a regular hygienic manicure - removing the previous coating or nail polish, getting rid of cuticles, and adjusting the length and shape of the nails.

Only after this can you proceed to performing the French:

Use a soft buff to remove shine from nails.
Wipe your nails thoroughly with a degreaser.
Cover the nails with a base and dry under a lamp.
Apply natural color, hold hands for 120 seconds. under UV rays.
Fix the stencils and paint the tips of the nails white. Dry it. If necessary, repeat the procedure again, then carefully remove the stencils.
Cover the nails with top coat. Dry for 120 seconds. under the lamp.
Use a cloth with a degreaser to get rid of the sticky layer.

Kinds

The ultraviolet nail lamp is equipped with a convenient and durable housing that contains replaceable light elements and bulbs. The internal mirror coating allows for uniform polymerization of nail coatings. In the modern gel industry, several types of professional nail drying are used. According to the type of light elements used, they are divided into:

ultraviolet;
LED;
gas-light.

According to the ignition schemes, a distinction is made between electronic and induction versions. The design of the ultraviolet nail lamp, which has an electronic ignition circuit, is very simple. In this case, the lights in it light up instantly after pressing the button once. Such a circuit is not as reliable as an induction circuit, because it does not have protective components, and the device reacts too strongly to changes in the mains voltage. True, they are also the cheapest in terms of cost.

UV lamps equipped with an induction ignition circuit have a much more complex design - an electromagnetic built-in choke is placed in the lamp. In the base of such light bulbs there is a starter, with the help of which the lamp starts. Its activation does not occur instantly, but after several blinks, but they are not at all afraid of network failures.

Mirror manicure with gel polish

Mirror manicure is one of the most stylish modern trends. To create such a design with your own hands, you can use two methods - apply gel polish of the appropriate metallic shade to your nails, or create a mirror surface using a special rub.

The second option looks the most impressive; it will require the following tools and materials:

manicure instruments for hygienic manicure;
buff;
degreaser;
base and top;
gel polish;
mirror rubbing;
fan brush, sponge;
orange sticks;
Ultraviolet lamp.

They remove the old coating, perform a hygienic manicure - adjust the length and shape of the nails, get rid of the cuticle:

Then the nail plate is treated with a buff; it must be well leveled, otherwise the mirror coating will lie unevenly.
Wipe the nail plates with a degreaser.
Cover the nails with a base and dry under UV rays.
Apply gel polish of the selected color and dry the layer.
Apply an even layer of powder with a brush, then gently rub it in with a sponge. Achieve uniform distribution. Excess is removed with an orange stick.
Cover the nails with top coat and dry under a lamp.

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: How to draw monograms on nails step by step for beginners. Instructions with photos.

Reviews

Zhanna: “I received a Dashing Diva LED Lightpod from my husband as a gift. This is my first such experience, since before that I had only used the ultraviolet variety for several years. I felt all the advantages of this option immediately: the nail drying procedure is carried out several times faster, and there is no unpleasant burning sensation. The instructions say that the working life of the diodes is at least 50,000 hours, so it will last for a long time.”

Elena: “Instead of the old ultraviolet lamp, I bought an LED device, model RuNail LED 3W. The need for this purchase arose due to the fact that the previous lamp was quite large, and it was very difficult to take it with you on trips. The LED lamp is much smaller in size, weighs little and virtually takes up no space in your luggage. I immediately appreciated another positive feature – the drying process is carried out many times faster, so with this purchase I won in all areas.”

Anna: “I bought myself a RuNail LED 3W LED lamp, I can’t compare it with other varieties because I haven’t used such equipment before. The choice fell on this model because of its low cost; my budget for making the purchase was very limited. I’ve been using it for almost a year now, and I haven’t found any shortcomings, the operation process has greatly simplified drying my nails, the quality of the device is simply excellent.”

Elizaveta: “My friends buy various Chinese-made goods and usually do not complain about the quality, so I did not pay attention to the warnings that lamps from Asia usually do not work well, and made an order. The seller sent the goods quite quickly, but delivery was still very long, as a result, the ultraviolet lamp arrived with a crack on the body, but this did not affect its functioning, so I did not attach much importance to it. Already during the second use, the lamps began to flicker and stopped performing their functions. My husband helped me buy and install new UV lamps, but this measure did not help, apparently the reason was in the device itself, which refused to work properly. After much torment, I finally sent it to the trash heap; instead I ordered a normal LED lamp, having learned that they were better in all respects than ultraviolet models. As a result, now I don’t suffer, but enjoy the high speed and ease of procedures, so we can conclude that savings are not appropriate and justified everywhere.”

How to apply pearl rub

Pearl rub gives your nails an elegant, noble look thanks to its soft, warm, discreet shine and elegant shades.

Applying pearl powder to nails follows the same principle as mirror powder: it is rubbed into the dried gel polish with a sponge and then secured with a top coat.

What depends on the power of the lamp?

The process of hardening the gel on the nails is influenced by the power of the lamp. Polymerization will occur faster under a higher wattage lamp.

It is also necessary to remember that the bottom layer of gel may not fully harden if the LED lamp is not powerful enough.

This can lead to deterioration in the quality of work and rapid chipping of the gel polish. For professional salons, a lamp with a power of 12 W or more may be the best option. When purchasing a lamp for manicure, pay attention to the power supply, where the voltage is indicated, but the power of the device is not indicated.

How to achieve perfect coverage

It is recommended to follow professional recommendations when applying gel nail polish. The following list of rules will help you figure out how to use gel polish so that the coating turns out perfect (it looks aesthetically pleasing, hides imperfections, and lasts a long time)

High-quality preparation : careful removal of the cuticle and pterygium, adjustment of length and shape with the obligatory removal of the exfoliated part, treatment of the plates with a soft buff.
High-quality degreasing is a guarantee of long-lasting manicure.
The base should be applied as carefully as possible , it is important to prevent it from coming into contact with the skin. In addition to the nail plate itself, it must also be applied to the end, this will ensure the durability of the manicure. Experts recommend drying the base coat one nail at a time in a lamp.
The correct technique for applying gel polish will ensure a beautiful, even color and neat manicure. You should pick up a small amount of varnish with a brush, apply a wide stroke, stepping back 1 mm from the base, from top to bottom, carefully bring it to the bottom, then paint the side parts. It is very important not to catch the skin around the nail; if this happens, you need to immediately remove the excess with an orange stick.
The topcoat must be thoroughly dried.

Review of the best models

Today there is a wide range of LED lamps that differ in their performance characteristics, which often complicates the selection process. To help you understand this issue, below are brief reviews of the most popular and sought-after options that consistently demonstrate high quality and are always in demand:

DFS 6W LED Lamp It has a stylish design and attractive appearance, and is also in an acceptable price range, which has ensured this model a high level of popularity. The device is universal, but is best suited for working with Opi Gel Color and Gelish materials. The average price for this model varies from 800 to 1200 rubles.
RuNail 6W is a universal and multifunctional lamp that works equally successfully with biogels, permanent varnishes and other types of materials marked LED. This equipment can be used not only to create a manicure and ensure a long shelf life, but also to polymerize layers during the extension procedure. The drying chamber is designed to fit only one hand, and when you remove it, the device automatically turns off, making it easier to use. The cost is about 2000-2500 rubles.
RuNail LED 3W characterized by very small dimensions, this model is suitable for use with various types of materials that do not require strong lighting and high power. Despite its low performance and low cost, such a lamp is capable of creating fairly durable decorative coatings. You can purchase it at a price of 800 rubles.
Dashing Diva LED Lightpod has an innovative design, the design of the device is equipped with opening doors. The device includes 36 premium diodes, so despite its small size, all performance parameters are satisfactory. This model is additionally equipped with a timer; there is only one shutdown mode and is equal to 45 seconds. The approximate price is 4500 rubles.
RuNail 12W is not an ordinary piece of equipment, as it is equipped with both LEDs and an ultraviolet lamp. The user has the ability to switch between different operating modes, choosing the drying option that suits the current conditions. The average cost is 3000-4000 rubles.

How to make designs on nails with gel polish

To make drawings with gel polish, additional tools are required - brushes of different shapes and sizes, dots, stencils. The drawing is applied before the very last stage - applying the top coat; it also needs to be dried under a lamp. You can complement your manicure with original patterns or drawings at home, even with minimal drawing skills.

A few simple ideas:

dotted drawings : made with a special tool (dots), dots can be used to draw “polka dots”, flowers, fantasy patterns and many others. etc.;
geometric patterns of stripes and various shapes can be easily made using ordinary adhesive tape; just cut out the blanks of the desired shape, glue them to the nail, apply varnish on top, and then remove them after drying;
special stencils allow you to decorate your nails with the most complex, intricate designs in a matter of minutes: the blank is glued to the nail, gel polish is applied and dried on top, the stencil is removed.

How long should you keep your nails on depending on the power of 9, 24, 36 and 48 Watts?

ultraviolet lamp

UV lamps are veterans on the market, in which the gel polish dries under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. But in the modern nail industry, such devices are being replaced by competitors - LED and hybrid lamps. UV lamps polymerize any material except that labeled ICE.

Depending on the power of the lamp, polymerization of gel polish takes a certain amount of time:

9 W – 4 min.;
24 W – 3 min.;
36 and 48 W – 2 min.

If we consider highly pigmented shades, such as white, black and beige, then their polymerization lasts 4 minutes in a 36 W device.

How long does it take shellac to dry in an LED lamp?

With the help of an LED lamp, the material polymerizes 2 times faster.

When choosing a lamp, you should pay attention to the location of the LEDs inside the device. In order for the gel to polymerize evenly, the diodes must be located not only on top, but also on the sides of the device

The touch switch function simplifies the work of the master. The lamps automatically turn on when the client inserts his hand, then a pre-set timer turns off the light.

In LED lamps, the polymerization time of the color coating is determined taking into account the brand and power:

9 W – 1 minute;
18 W – 20–30 seconds;
36 W – 10–20 seconds.

It is better to polymerize problematic shades, base and top for 60 seconds, and gel colors harden in 10–20 seconds.

CCFL lamp

Thanks to the presence of a cold incandescent cathode, the lamp does not overheat, and its service life increases.

The assortment includes CCCL - devices for 1 and 3 lamps. On tunnels with 3 bulbs, the light is distributed evenly thanks to the arc-shaped arrangement of the LEDs. The power of each of the three is reduced in order to increase the life of the device, because such lamps cannot be replaced.

The radiation spectrum of CCFL devices is the same as that of standard ones, that is, 350 - 400 nm, where the main radiation is UV rays. For this reason, in such lamps you can dry not only gel polish, but also hard gel. The power of one lamp is 12 W. Its radiation intensity is higher than in a tunnel with classic lamps. Thanks to this, polymerization of the color coating occurs quickly.

How many watts should a UV-LED hybrid lamp be?

The hybrid lamp is universal, since it dries absolutely any material, both UV and LED. This device combines LED LEDs and CCFL cold cathode lamps.

In a hybrid device, the color coating is polymerized depending on its power:

9 W – 2 min.;
24 W – 1.5 min.;
36 W – 1 min.;
48 W – 1 min.

In a hybrid, the base and top polymerize within 30–60 seconds.

How to glue decorative elements onto gel polish

Another simple way to make a manicure more impressive and interesting is to complement it with decorative elements such as rhinestones, sparkles, and stickers.

The sequence of performing a gel polish manicure using decor will be traditional. Decorations are attached to the nails after applying and drying the base color. If the rhinestones do not have an adhesive base, they are fixed in the desired position with tweezers and special glue. A top coat is applied and dried over the decorative elements.

Criterias of choice

What to focus on when choosing an LED lamp for manicure, each master decides for himself. Speed is important to some, the ability to dry pedicures is important to others, and the third likes the pink body.

Objective selection criteria:

Power . The most popular among home craftsmen are models with 48 W. For a home, 24 or 36 W is enough; for a salon, 54 W is more often chosen. For professional drying, it is important to have a power reduction mode.
Dimensions . For girls who travel a lot, folding models marked mini, such as the UV/LED lamp SUN mini, are convenient. They are also chosen by craftsmen who often work on the road.
The removable bottom is removed to dry the pedicure.
Additional functionality . A timer, motion sensor, fan, and display are not necessary for the LED lamp to work, but their presence makes the technician’s work faster and more comfortable.
Sales guarantee.

Field technicians should keep in mind that the absence of a timer allows them to reduce the size of the device.

The fan does not affect the functionality of the LED lamp; blowing will not make the manicure dry faster. His task is to make the procedure comfortable for the client - to reduce the heat during coating polymerization.

Application errors

The main mistakes when using gel nail polish, which spoil both the appearance of the manicure and affect the duration of its wear:

Insufficient preparation of the nail plate with a buffer - the coating does not adhere well to a smooth surface.
Treating the cuticle with greasy products before manicure - this procedure must be performed after all layers have been applied and dried.
Poor degreasing, including the use of cotton pads, which can leave lint on the plate.
Uneven application of layers, as well as too much colored varnish.
Shaking bottles of gel polish before use leads to the formation of bubbles.
Cleaning the sticky layer between coats.
Poor drying.

If you use and apply gel nail polish incorrectly, then after just a day such consequences are possible

Knowing such mistakes when using gel nail polish will allow you to learn how to do a neat and long-lasting manicure at home, like a specialist, in the shortest possible time.

Gel polish is an indispensable find for women who care about the beauty of their hands and nails. If until recently such a manicure was considered exclusively a salon procedure, today, thanks to the availability of the necessary means and tools, you can master it at home.

LED or LED lamps: advantages and disadvantages

LED lamps operate on the basis of LEDs and have the following advantages:

insignificant heating of the skin, nails and working elements of the device;

failure of 1-2 elements does not lead to a decrease in the quality of drying and a decrease in the strength of the coating;
low electrical energy consumption;
very fast drying of the coating on the nails;
safety of using the device for the eyes, skin of the hands and health in general;
The service life of the LED lamp is up to 100 thousand hours.

Despite the many advantages, an LED lamp, like any device, has some disadvantages:

The LED lamp cannot be used for drying acrylic gels of increased hardness;
It is quite expensive, so it is not particularly suitable for home use.

When purchasing a particular model of LED lamp, you need to check with the seller whether it is possible to replace burnt-out lamps yourself, since some models can only be serviced in specialized service centers.