What is the difference between an ice (LED) lamp and a UV lamp for nails, which is better?

Lamps that emit UV rays are used to dry nails. Only with their help can you dry gel polish. The remaining liquids dry in the air due to the evaporation of moisture. Shellac does not have this property, so it dries only under the influence of UV rays.

Craftsmen cannot always figure out which lamp is better: Ice or UV, since they have few differences. The main difference between them is the principle of operation of the devices. Led devices also operate in the UV spectrum, but powerful SMD LEDs are installed here.

What is an LED lamp

At first glance, it is difficult to understand how an LED lamp differs from a standard UV lamp for nails, since they are assembled from almost the same components. The main difference is the elements that are used as a radiation source. There are 2 types of LED devices:

indirect lighting. In this case, the light from the chips is reflected an infinite number of times from the vertical walls, which creates an intense glow. This type of design is used to create powerful devices;
localized lighting. Here the stream of light is directed to one place where the hand is placed to dry the nails.

Fig. 1 – localized lighting.

Fig. 2 – reflected lighting.

Based on power, LED lamps are divided into 3 types:

45 W – high class. They are bought by professionals to work in salons;
18 W – middle class. Purchased for drying nails at home;
9 W. For personal use only.

Fig. 3 – lamp with LEDs.

Studying the reviews, you can see that LED lamps for drying gel polish have practically no disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is UV radiation in a narrow wavelength range. Also, some complain about the high price compared to competitors, but this lamp will last much longer.

Among the advantages are the following:

SMD diodes provide fast drying. For example, a mid-range device will dry the varnish in about half a minute, while a fluorescent lamp will take about 2 minutes;
The light emitted by LEDs is harmless to humans. The lamp may be disposed of together with household waste;
service life - 50,000 hours, that is, 5-6 years.
LED products consume much less energy compared to their fluorescent counterparts;
During operation, the diodes do not heat up, so the nail plate will also not suffer from overheating.

Summing up

When choosing one design or another, you need to adequately assess your capabilities as a craftsman and your financial situation. Buying a new product for $600 with a minimum number of clients is impractical, as well as saving on the purchase if there are people, but the master physically does not have time to cope with the flow.

On the one hand, such a new product will be a serious contribution to the work. On the other hand, clients love craftsmen who work quickly and professionally.

We told you how these or those devices differ from each other, but the choice is still yours.

VIDEO: How to choose the right LED lamps for drying nails

What is a UV lamp

The UV lamp is equipped with fluorescent tubes that emit ultraviolet light, which affects the nail polish. This type of dryer appeared before LED devices, but still sells well to this day. The device consists of a control panel, timer and fan. The power of these lamps is as follows:

9 W. Suitable for home use;
36 W. Provides fast drying of varnish, therefore it is often used by professionals;
54 W. Maximum power. Models have a built-in fan to protect against overheating.

Fig. 4 – classic UV lamp.

Fluorescent light bulbs have a wide spectrum of radiation. Thanks to this, they can be used to dry not only gel polish, but also hard gel, bio and regular polish. Also, UV devices are not as expensive as their LED counterparts. One of the significant disadvantages is the possible damage to the nail plate when using a high-power device due to overheating.

Fig.5 – relative spectral power distribution.

If you work with a low-power device, you should be prepared for the drying time to increase. Also, fluorescent light sources gradually lose their emission power, so manufacturers recommend changing the device every 3-6 months. Moreover, these devices are unsafe: if the lamp ruptures, toxic mercury vapor will be released. Shelf life – up to 3000 hours.

Some tips for choosing a lamp

Focus on the number of clients. This factor becomes decisive in terms of the power of the device. The higher the power rating, the faster the polymerization of the coating occurs. High drying speed affects the average procedure time and the number of clients per working day;
Take a closer look at brands that produce manicure products. Their devices are designed taking into account the specifics of the work - they are equipped with touch controls, a timer and have a more durable design;
Availability of additional functions. At first glance, it seems that their presence is not necessary, but in fact they simplify the work of the master. The touch sensor will help you not to be distracted by starting the timer, and the built-in battery is not replaceable during frequent visits to clients, where the outlet may be inconveniently located;
For professional use, purchase devices with a warranty of at least 6 months, this will protect you from possible manufacturing defects and save you from additional expenses.

What is the difference between an LED lamp and a UV lamp for nails?

Before purchasing a high-quality device for drying gel polish, you need to understand the difference between an Ice lamp and a UV lamp. The main difference is the light source. In a UV device, a fluorescent light bulb is used for this, and in an LED device, an LED is used. The latter has a high service resource. But occasionally the chips can burn out, which is why the lamp has to be sent in for repair.

Fig. 6 – lamps for UV.

Ice devices dry varnish much faster. This will take no more than 40 seconds. But not all types of varnish harden under their influence, since shellac begins to harden only under ultraviolet rays. The wavelength range of LED products is smaller, so the varnish may harden unevenly or not at all if a cheap model is used.

Speaking about low power UV lamps (up to 18 W), it is worth noting that they dry the varnish slowly. In some cases, the lower layers may not dry completely. This destroys the nail coating within a few days. The best options are professional models with a power of 36 W or more.

Also, during the selection process, it is worth considering that the UV lamp is harmful to the body, and the LED device does not cope with all types of varnish. Therefore, experts advise buying combined models, for example, LED-gas light. Using these devices you can work with any type of polymer, and drying will last a maximum of 2 minutes. The disadvantage of such models is their high price.

Differences between species

The UV design contains fluorescent lamps, and the ice is equipped with LEDs.
Lamps tend to burn out and require replacement at least twice a year, while LEDs can last from 7 to 10 years.
Lamps consume more energy, diode elements consume much less.
Drying nails under a UV lamp will take 25-50 seconds, depending on the layer, and an ice lamp will take only 10-30 seconds.
UV has less weight than ice.
The dimensions of UV are larger than ice and the resistance to mechanical damage is much higher.
Ice lamps may not be compatible with some varnish models due to their narrow light range.
Ice prices are much higher.

Which lamp is better and dries gel polish and shellac on nails faster?

When using an LED lamp, the average drying time for nail polish is from 20 seconds to 2 minutes. To ensure that the polymer dries completely and evenly, it is recommended to purchase models in which diodes are located over the entire surface inside the device, and not just on top. Speaking of luminescent analogues, the drying time of shellac completely depends on the power of a particular model.

Fig. 7 – hybrid model for all types of varnish.

If you use a lamp with a power of up to 18 W, drying will take 3 minutes. The best option is considered to be hybrid models with a combination of LED and gas lighting technologies. The main advantage is that these devices allow you to work with different types of gels. It takes 20-30 seconds to fix the varnish.

Which lamp is better to buy: making the final decision

Before you decide to buy the model you like, you need to remember its features. If you really want to buy an LED device, calculate how long it will take to pay for itself

Also take into account that in the CIS countries the range of gels and shellacs marked LED is small

If you are lost in doubt about which lamp is better to buy, but plan to use it at home for nail extensions and decorations, opt for an ultraviolet device with a power of 9 - 18 W. Polymerization of the coating will take a little longer, but you will be able to save money and will not have problems buying gels.

Video:

The best lamp manufacturers

When choosing a UV lamp or an Ice lamp, you should understand the difference between them, and also understand the quality of the devices. It is not recommended to buy cheap Chinese products, as their work can negatively affect not only the quality of drying, but also the health of your hands. After some time, your nails may crack, as will the polish itself immediately after drying.

We recommend watching the video: How to choose ultraviolet and LED lamps for gel polish.

LED lamps

If you need to buy an LED lamp, you should consider the following brands:

SOLOMEYA . Country: Great Britain. This brand produces professional devices for drying gel polish. Most models can accommodate 5 fingers at a time. The 54G Ultra model has a motion sensor. It is necessary for the lamp to turn on and off independently. Operating life – 50,000 hours. You can purchase such a device for 7,000 rubles;
Planet. Country: Germany. These lamps are produced in China, but their quality does not suffer. For a low price (approximately 2,500 thousand rubles) you can get a model with enough space to dry 5 fingers and a timer. Studying the reviews, it is worth noting that buyers practically do not talk about the shortcomings of devices of this brand;
TNL. Leader in the production of manicure equipment. All models are reliable and inexpensive. This device is suitable for use at home by non-professionals, as it is quite simple to operate. Many models are equipped with a retractable tray and several operating modes. A 36 W device can be purchased for 1,500 rubles;
KODI . Devices of this brand are designed for drying rubber gel and gel polishes. The manufacturer claims that it uses innovative technologies. The devices are compact, economical and do not leave marks on the skin after use. A professional model can be purchased for 3,500 rubles;
Sanuv . This brand produces hybrid lamps designed to work with different types of gels. Despite the fact that the devices are assembled in China, they are reliable, economical and functional. Almost all models operate for 50,000 hours without breakdowns under constant use, which is why the devices are often purchased for beauty salons. The price of a professional device is 4000-5000 rubles.

Fig. 8 – Solomeya lamp.

UV lamps

When choosing a UV lamp for drying gel polish, it is recommended to pay attention to the following brands:

Runail. A Russian brand that produces PRO and amateur models that are used in salons and at home. They are reliable, easy to use and wear-resistant. Equipped with timers and retractable trays. A model for home can be purchased for 2,000 rubles;
CT. A Chinese manufacturer that produces budget devices. Inside the device there are 4 light bulbs, a reflector with a mirror surface and a retractable bottom. The average cost of devices is 1000 rubles;
Jessnail. Another Russian manufacturer selling budget lamps. Models from this brand are popular among novice craftsmen. They are purchased to work with all gels and ultraviolet acrylics. Average price – 1500-2000 rubles;
CND . The brand produces professional equipment for manicure. The devices are suitable for drying all types of gels and shellac. The products are distinguished by ergonomics and uniform polarization of the nail coating. Also, a special sensor is installed in the devices, which gives a signal if it is necessary to replace one of the lamps;
MPE . Models from this brand are suitable for both home and beauty salon purchases. In addition to drying, the device can be used to model artificial nails. Often used for pedicure and manicure. The devices are in demand because they do not require special care and are easy to operate. The average price is 3000 rubles.

Fig. 9 – Runail lamp.

Regardless of the type of lamp, when choosing a model, you need to take into account the power, the presence of a timer, the type of beams, the design, the presence of a removable bottom and a fan if the device has fluorescent light bulbs.

How to properly care for a lamp

Before starting work, you need to wipe the lamp from dust with a dry cloth.
Do not operate the device if there are burnt out bulbs. This will affect the quality of the manicure. The replacement period for light elements is indicated in the operating book.
If gel polish gets on the body, it should be removed with a sharp object. Do not clean stains with solvent. It can corrode the body.
If water gets on the lamp, you need to wipe it with a paper napkin or cloth, and then do not turn on the device until it is completely dry.
The device is disinfected using alcohol. It is applied to a piece of cloth and wiped over the lamp.
If problems occur (drying time increases, cracking appears), you should take the device to a workshop.
The lamp should not run continuously, otherwise it will overheat. It is recommended to take a break from working for 10 minutes.

Not only the quality of the manicure, but also the health of the skin of the hands and nails depends on a properly selected UV lamp.

The device should be selected based on the tasks: simpler models are suitable for the home, but for the salon it is better to choose lamps with additional functions. The main thing is not to forget about safety measures and care rules so as not to damage the equipment and your health.