Ultraviolet lamps are usually classified as electrical discharge lamps. In these devices, instead of the usual filament, there is a flask with gas. UV radiation will only be emitted after an arc discharge. It occurs between 2 electrodes, which are located inside a quartz flask. Ultraviolet lamps have three main advantages that need to be taken into account when choosing a product in the catalog. The devices are considered energy efficient sources of UV radiation. They are able to serve without breakdowns for a long time. Another advantage is the ability to function for a long time without loss of power.
You can also highlight some disadvantages of these devices. The lamps themselves and the equipment needed to control them are expensive. Such devices are not recommended for short-term use. They are not able to reach full power immediately and will take some time after power is applied. If there is a ¼ cycle power outage when the device is activated, this may cause the device to go out. After this, it will take several minutes to restore the discharge and maximum power.
Ultraviolet lamps have a unique ability. They are engaged in converting electricity into UV radiation. To do this, devices convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. This is how radiation is produced when electrons collide.
To produce radiation, current must pass through metal vapors. A collision of atoms and free electrons will occur, then the electron will be knocked out into a high orbit of the atom. Next, the elementary particle will return to its place, and a radiation quantum will appear. The size of the wave is determined by the energy state of the electron, as well as the type of metal vapor.
This process can be divided into 3 main stages. Free electrons will be accelerated if an electrical potential difference occurs (that is, power will be supplied to the lamp). Then there will be a movement of electrons in the device. A transformation of kinetic energy will occur and radiation will be emitted.
Operating principle of a UV lamp for drying varnish
A UV lamp for drying nails is one of the most common. Its price is not high, it is available to any consumer and dries almost any coating.
The design of the device is a plastic box with fluorescent lamps that dry the gel polish using broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation. The device can contain from 1 to 4 elements emitting ultraviolet color, 9 watts each.
The power of the UV dryer depends on their quantity:
- 1 lamp - power will be 9 watts,
- 2 – 18 Watt,
- 3 -27 Watt,
- 4 – 36 Watt.
Sometimes the device is equipped with a mirror coating inside or a pull-out tray. On some models, the external panel may contain control buttons and a countdown timer dial. In rare cases, the device is equipped with a fan.
The disadvantages of a UV lamp include:
- harmful effects on the eyes, skin of the hands and the nail plate itself;
- manifestation of allergic reactions in some girls;
- short service life;
- reduction in power when one or more elements burn out;
- body heating.
Luminescent elements wear out quickly not only due to the long burning time, but also due to frequent switching on and off. The lamps will have to be changed frequently; even if one burns out, the dryer’s power will decrease.
When choosing a UV lamp for drying gel polish, you need to take into account its power. Also, factors such as the type and number of layers of coating used will affect the quality of drying.
The best UV lamps for drying gel polish
A distinctive feature of ultraviolet devices is low energy consumption and the ability to fix any type of gel polish. However, compared to other devices, such lamps require a longer drying time for the coating (on average about 2 minutes) and frequent replacement of heating elements. When choosing an ultraviolet varnish polymerization machine, as a rule, users should pay attention to the power of the device. It was these lamps that were the first to appear on the market and were loved by many women.
3 UV planet nails 36W Tunnel Econom
The top three is opened by the UV planet nails 36W Tunnel Econom ultraviolet lamp.
has been officially supplying German brand products to the domestic market since 2005. All of the manufacturer's products undergo rigorous quality and safety testing. The device has a power of 36 W and contains 4 light bulbs. Plus, it is equipped with mirror reflectors that allow you to polish the gel polish quickly and evenly. The automatic timer is set to 2 minutes, from which we can conclude that the coating will become durable after such a period of time. The shutdown button and timer are located on the back wall of the device.
The body is made of plastic and the manufacturer offers a wide range of lamp colors - everyone can choose the optimal color for the interior of an apartment or salon.
Users note the good ergonomic properties of the UV planet nails 36W Tunnel Econom lamp; the hand fits completely into the window, without the risk of displacing the coating by accidentally touching it. In addition, many are pleased with the budget price and large selection of colors.
Pros:
- Stylish.
- It is convenient to hold your hand in the lamp.
- Mirror reflectors.
- You can set a timer.
- Many color options.
Minuses:
- The varnish takes a long time to dry.
Lamp UV planet nails 36W Tunnel Econom
2 UV Runail GL-515
The second place in the rating is occupied by the UV lamp Runail GL-515.
Many nail service professionals call the products of this company the most recognizable among domestic nail service devices. For more than 12 years, the Runail brand has been working in the beauty equipment industry, constantly expanding its product range. The UV lamp Runail GL-515 polymerizes gel polish in 2-3 minutes, it is also equipped with a timer to automatically turn off after 120 seconds. It is worth noting that there is a continuous operation mode and, in fact, a timer. The power is standard, 36 W, the manufacturer equipped the device with 4 ultraviolet lamps. The bottom can be removed if necessary. The case material is plastic, you can choose one of five rich colors: blue, yellow, green, red and purple. The manufacturer's warranty period is 3 months.
Among those who tried the device, most liked it. Users note reliability, long service life and low cost. The UV Runail GL-515 lamp is perfect for a beginner and is convenient for independent use.
Pros:
- Budget.
- Suitable for a beginner.
- There is a timer for 120 seconds.
- Beautiful colors.
- Removable bottom.
Minuses:
- Dries gel polish in up to 3 minutes.
UV lamp Runail GL-515
1 UV TNL Professional
The best among ultraviolet devices for gel polish is the UV TNL Professional lamp.
The TNL Professional company, which began its journey in the beauty industry market in 2008 with 9 bottles of gel polishes, was able to rapidly increase its momentum. Today, the brand’s assortment includes more than 7,000 products. The power of the UV TNL Professional lamp is 36 W, the kit includes 4 ultraviolet lamps for polymerizing gel polish. A mirror display will help dry the coating evenly on all sides. The bottom can be removed if necessary. The automatic timer can be set for 2 minutes, this time is enough to dry most gel polishes. The manufacturer provides the ability to choose one of five colors of the plastic case: black, purple, red, white, pink.
Buyers note the simple and reliable design of the device, the long service life of the heating elements, and ease of use. The hand easily fits inside the device. Also, most consumers noted the absence of unpleasant sensations during use. For many, the lamp lasts longer than 5 years.
Pros:
- Small size.
- Convenient to dry varnish.
- Stylish design.
- Doesn't bake nails in the lamp.
- It lasts a long time.
- Budget.
Minuses:
- Not very convenient control buttons.
UV lamp TNL Professional
How does a led manicure lamp work?
The LED device works like UV, scattering ultraviolet radiation. The significant difference is that UV waves are no longer emitted by fluorescent lamps, but by LED lamps. LEDs are not picky about the number of uses, frequency of switching on and off.
They will not heat up the plastic of the case. If one or more elements burn out, this will not affect the operation of the device. Due to the fact that all the energy is converted into light, the polymerization time of one layer will be only half a minute.
However, with all the advantages of using LED lamps, there is a significant disadvantage - not every coating can be dried. Such a device has a narrow range of emitted ultraviolet waves and performs its functions only for specially adapted means. Therefore, it may underdry some “heavy” gels or not dry them at all.
Radiation protection
These lamps produce strong ultraviolet radiation. For this reason, it is important to install protective screens. Radiation can cause burns to the eyes and epidermis. Symptoms appear only after a few hours.
If a person is not in the line of sight of the reflector or lamp, then the radiation will not cause burns. You won’t have to worry about such consequences. The presence of visible light does not mean that there is strong ultraviolet radiation in the room.
When the system is well designed, then only a small amount of visible light will leave the lamp. When there is a lot of it, it is recommended to contact the supplier of this system. You need to find out from specialists whether there is a risk of encountering problems.
What is the difference between UV and LED lamps?
A lamp for drying nails (the comparison table below will help you understand which one is better) works using ultraviolet light, which is emitted by fluorescent or LED devices.
The table shows the differences between UV and LED devices:
| Characteristics | Ultraviolet lamp | LED lamp |
| A heating element | fluorescent lamps | LED bulbs |
| Power | 0t 9 to 36 Watt | from 9 to 45 watts |
| Polymerization speed | 0t 120 sec. | from 20 sec. |
| Service life (number of hours in operation) | from 5 to 10000 h. | from 50,000 to 100,000 h. |
| Range of action (ability to dry a variety of coatings) | wide | narrow |
| Harm to the skin of the hands, vision, nail plate | exists | practically absent |
There are also hybrid lamps on the manicure industry market. Such models are equipped with both luminescent elements and LEDs. They combine all the advantages of using LED lamps, but at the same time, like UV devices, they dry any type of coating.
The main disadvantage is the inflated price in comparison with analogues operating on fluorescent lamps or LEDs separately. For professionals, such a device will be indispensable and will last a very long time.
The best LED/UV lamps for drying gel polish
Hybrid LED/UV lamps can dry any coating in just 10-60 seconds; they act much faster than their analogues. They combine LED and ultraviolet radiation. Also, such devices do not heat up during prolonged use and are considered safer. At the moment, it is the combined devices that are most popular both among nail service professionals and among those who like to do their own manicures. Despite its high power, the hybrid lamp has low power consumption.
5 LED-UV planet nails Wave plus
The LED-UV Planet Nails Wave Plus device is in fifth place in the ranking.
The 36 W lamp is equipped with 21 LED heating elements. Here the timer can be started for 10, 30, 60 or 90 seconds. After the specified time has elapsed, the self-shutdown mode is activated. When the hand is placed inside, the sensors are activated and the device automatically starts working. The device has a small touch display that allows you to track time. The lamp has an arched shape and a lightweight design. You can move it from place to place without difficulty. The weight of the coating dryer is only 264 grams. The lamp can easily cope with most modern types of gel polishes, but some, for example, such as Luxio and Gelish, are not subject to it.
Those who have acquired a hybrid device from Planet Nails note the durability of the structure, easy and quick drying of the coating, ease of use and beautiful lightweight design. But some are upset by the fact that not all types of coating are polymerized in a lamp.
Pros:
- Touch screen.
- Various timer.
- Dries gel polish well.
- Quick effect.
- The hand fits completely into the device.
Minuses:
- Not suitable for some types of gel polish.
LED-UV lamp planet nails Wave plus
4 LED-UV TNL Professional L48
TNL Professional has created an excellent hybrid lamp for drying gel polish coating.
The LED-UV lamp TNL Professional L48 takes fourth place in our rating. The advantages of the model include the presence of a special fan, which makes the manicure process more comfortable. It is worth noting the touch system for turning off the device, as well as an extensive choice of timer operating times - 10, 30 and 60 seconds. Lovers of bright colors have plenty to roam around. The color of the plastic body can be golden, red, crimson, black, purple chameleon, pistachio chameleon and others. A real haven for creative individuals! For easy disinfection of the device, it is possible to remove the bottom.
According to buyers, the TNL Professional L48 LED-UV hybrid lamp is so powerful that it allows you to dry not only polish, but also any nail extension materials. Manicurists appreciated the ability to select the radiation exposure time once; the next time you turn it on, the device remembers the settings and automatically reproduces the same light exposure interval. However, there are also those girls who are not comfortable drying their thumb in the machine, because... The light bulbs are located near the back wall of the device.
Pros:
- Exclusive body colors.
- Availability of a fan.
- Setting the timer.
- Convenient controls.
- Copes with most coatings.
Minuses:
- It is not convenient to dry your thumb.
LED-UV lamp TNL Professional L48
3 LED-UV Beurer MP48
The top three among hybrid lamps for drying gel polish is opened by a device from Beurer.
The German brand began to conquer the market back in 1930. At the moment, the company is engaged in the extensive production of all different devices, including those for beauty and health. The products are manufactured in Germany, Hungary and China, and are distinguished by increased requirements for the quality and safety of finished products. In the Beurer MP48 LED-UV lamp, 18 LED lamps are responsible for high-quality drying of the coating, and thanks to the mirror inner surface of the device, the coating hardens evenly on all sides of the nail.
The design is very laconic, reminiscent of a tunnel, the round control button is located on the top wall of the device. The timer can be programmed for 30 seconds, 1 or 2 minutes. In order to comply with hygiene requirements, the lower tray of the device can be removed and processed. This option is especially appreciated by manicurists who have to work with a large flow of a wide variety of clients.
Most women noted the convenient drying of gel polish on their hands and feet, as well as the good quality of the device. The advantage is that there is no burning sensation in the lamp and it is gentle on the skin.
Pros:
- Convenient to dry your fingernails and toenails.
- Removable tray.
- Minimalist design.
- Simple controls.
- German quality.
Minuses:
- The price is higher than analogues.
LED-UV lamp Beurer MP48
2 LED-UV TNL Professional Mood
The second place is occupied by the products of the TNL Professional brand.
The LED-UV TNL Professional Mood hybrid device for polymerizing gel polish does an excellent job of fixing hard gels for extensions, gel polishes, biogels and other materials used to give a beautiful look to the nail plate. The manufacturer promises to reduce the exposure time to the coating and save up to half the time allotted for painting nails. The declared service life is quite impressive - 50,000 hours. This device is gentle on the skin of your hands and does not harm your eyesight. The timer can be set to 30, 60, or 90 seconds. There are 12 light sources on the inner walls of the device for uniform drying of the coating. The buyer has a choice of 6 colors: classic black and white, as well as gold, red, pink and fuchsia.
Buyers fell in love with the TNL Professional Mood LED-UV lamp for its optimal power, convenient timer, small size and the absence of the effect of “shrinking” the coating during the drying process.
Pros:
- Dries well on different types of coatings.
- Convenient timer with memory effect.
- Small size.
- Durability.
- The varnish “does not shrink” in the lamp.
Minuses:
- When unplugged from the outlet, the timer settings are reset.
LED-UV lamp TNL Professional Mood
1 LED-UV Sunuv 5
The leader in the rating is the LED-UV SUNUV 5 lamp, costing from 1,300 rubles.
The combined device for drying the coating has a power of 48 W and allows you to quickly cure almost any type of varnish, including hard materials for extensions. The timer can be set to 10, 30, 60 and 99 seconds. There is a touch sensor - the device automatically starts when your hand is placed in the window. The manufacturer has specified a lamp life of 50,000 hours. The plastic body is available in simple white, black, or soft pink colors. Thanks to the wide window of the device and the absence of blind spots, covering your arms and legs is very convenient.
Buyers fell in love with the LED-UV SUNUV 5 lamp for its stylish design and good coating drying results. Most girls noted the minimal polymerization time of even thick layers of material, as well as the absence of a burning sensation in the lamp. The only drawback is the short cord, but most users don't mind this. For the high-quality results of drying gel polish, consumers consider the device one of the best among its analogues.
Pros:
- High quality result.
- Uniform drying.
- Quickly polymerizes varnish.
- Suitable for all types of coating.
- Great work resource.
Minuses:
- The power cord is short.
LED-UV lamp Sunuv 5
Are manicure lamps harmful?
Drying nails in a UV lamp harms the skin of the hands and the nails directly due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. On forums describing such devices, you can see information that long-term use of UV devices causes cancer. Scientists have denied this information.
Researchers from the American Cancer Association conducted a series of tests. After studying the principle of operation of ultraviolet manicure devices, experts did not confirm this fact. The radiation dose to the skin is negligible and does not even equate to the harmful effects of a solarium.
Before drying, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands or wear special manicure gloves. Such actions will certainly protect the skin from negative effects.
Led lamps for drying nails are considered completely harmless. There is an opinion that such a device has a bad effect on vision. This happens due to cheap LEDs, the design of which may not be done correctly.
The more expensive the device, the better quality the manufacturer supplied the lamps. Therefore, when choosing which device is better, you need to carefully study the design so as not to harm your own health and the health of your clients.
Which nail lamp is better to buy?
To summarize, we can recommend you a lamp model for drying and extending nails, which, in our opinion, is the best of the presented ratings. This is the LED Global Fashion device. It is completely safe for the skin of the hands and nail plate. In addition, the device has good power, which is enough to polymerize any composition. The lamp is protected from overheating by a fan and can be used ergonomically. It can be used both in the salon and at home. In addition, this model saves electrical energy and is equipped with a special convenient timer.
Is it possible to have an allergy when using manicure lamps?
A lamp for drying nails (which is better for women with allergies, UV or LED, depends on the heating element) can cause an allergic reaction. It's all about ultraviolet radiation. In rare cases, women experience allergic reactions to ultraviolet radiation.
Symptoms are most often observed in girls who are sensitive to sunlight. They can appear both after the first use and after several uses of the device, due to the accumulation of the allergen in the body. And factors such as heredity or individual intolerance can aggravate the reaction.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- rash around the nail;
- skin itching;
- redness;
- swelling, blisters or swelling.
Even without using a UV device for a long time, when the procedures are resumed, in susceptible girls with sensitive skin, the allergy returns again. For such women, LED devices are more suitable, since they have a small range of UV radiation.
Operating period
It is impossible to say for sure how long an ultraviolet lamp will last. This depends on various factors: the number of starts, conditions of use, position of the lamp. The service life is also affected by the rated power, the size of the flask and compliance with all rules for interaction with the product.
If operating conditions are standard, the lamps can operate without breakdowns for at least 1000 hours. Some manufacturers use power supplies with high-current, low-voltage lamps. If the products operate at a current greater than 13A, then the electrons begin to quickly darken. The service life is shorter than that of other lamps. To increase the operating period, you will need to keep the operating current in the range from 6 to 11 A.
It is important to keep the lamps clean. It is necessary to remove dust, grease, powder, soot and other contaminants from them. Even dust can cause severe overheating of the product, which will cause deformation and lead to a reduction in service life.
How to choose a lamp?
When choosing a device, you need to be guided by the following criteria:
- Financial opportunities. For a home manicure, you can purchase a budget UV lamp. You can buy such devices very cheaply on websites with Chinese goods or in any store that sells manicure products.
- Allergy to ultraviolet light. If a girl has a skin reaction to ultraviolet radiation, the best alternative for her would be an LED lamp.
- Why is the device selected? If a woman buys a device only for drying gel polish at home, she can easily take the LED device and use products adapted for her. If you plan to do a manicure professionally, it is best to purchase a powerful hybrid lamp.
- Manicure or pedicure. To paint nails and toes, you need to pay attention to the dimensions of the device. Not every model is suitable for this purpose due to the small size and width of the finger opening.
All devices have different characteristics. You can buy an expensive UV lamp with additional features or buy a budget LED device that lacks many auxiliary functions, but which will provide quick drying and safety for health.
DIY manicure lamp: myth or truth
There is a lot of information on the Internet about how to make a manicure device with your own hands. It is proposed to make it from an empty box from the system unit or use copper plates for this. But not a single method guarantees high-quality operation of the device. The LED nail lamp has a complex structure, because for the gel polish to dry, many external conditions must be met.
You should not try to make the device yourself. It is better to contact a specialist or purchase an inexpensive, easy-to-use lamp for manicure at home.
An LED lamp is one of the most popular devices in professional circles for drying nails during design or extension. The question of choosing between this expensive device and a conventional UV lamp should be decided taking into account all the criteria listed in the article.
More interesting articles:
Do you need a professional lamp for home use?
More often, women purchase medium-priced lamps, regardless of their type, UV or LED. Small-sized and low-power devices are used at home. such as polymerization speed in 10-30 seconds are important only for manicurists. The main requirements for manicure at home are the durability and compactness of the device.
A lamp for drying nails (which one is better depends on the capabilities of the consumer and the area of application) should be universal, small-sized and with a long service life without maintenance. You don't need a multifunctional device to dry gel polish at home.
Rating of the TOP 10 best lamps for manicure in 2022
It has become a good tradition in our store to compile annual sales rankings of the most popular manicure products. In this review we will talk about the top 10 lamps for manicure. The rating is based on data on sales of lamps to beauty salons and manicure lovers for home use. The online store Buy-Nail.com sells lamps for polymerization of various coatings on Yandex Market and Internet aggregators.
The main criteria by which the rating was compiled were:
1 - Power. One of the most important criteria for lamps for drying nails. The power directly determines how well and quickly the UV or LED lamp will dry the coating. Our online store offers lamps of various powers: from 9 to 108 Watts. Most manicurists use devices with a power of 36W - 48W, which effectively dry any materials. Very high power will certainly dry the coating faster, but may cause a burning sensation. Lamps with low power do not dry gels and polyacrylics well.
2 - Cost.
3 - Design.
4 — reliability (number of warranty claims),
5 - Functionality (timers, sensor). Most lamps have a timer for 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds and 2 minutes. Modern lamps are equipped with motion sensors (sensors), which turn on the lamps when you place your hands to dry the coating. In lamps with a display, you can not use a timer, but look at the display indicators.
6 - Additional functions
The power reduction mode allows you to avoid the burning sensation during the drying process of the material.
• Availability of battery. The lamp runs on a special battery that needs to be charged periodically.
• Fan for cooling hands when drying
• Dry both hands at the same time. A very useful function, but only in demand among manicurists and beauty salons.
10th place Buy-Nail, UV/LED hybrid lamp Panda, 36 W.
A hybrid UV/LED lamp in the shape of a Panda is designed for the polymerization of gels, gel polishes, shellacs, as well as permanent varnishes, biogels and other materials, 36 Watt. Designed for drying nails during extensions or applying gel polish.
Advantages:
✔low cost ✔beautiful design ✔no bottom
Flaws:
✔low power does not allow drying all types of coatings; small number of LEDs
9th place Diamond, UV/LED lamp 3 timers, 36 W red
The hybrid lamp is designed for drying gel nails, suitable for use in specialized salons and for individual use. The 36W lamp guarantees high-quality light curing of gel and gel polish from all sides.
Advantages:
✔low cost ✔beautiful design ✔timers removable bottom for pedicure
Flaws:
✔Guaranteed service life is 35,000 hours, which is not the highest among modern lamps ✔Low power requires additional nail drying time
8th place SUN, UV/LED lamp SUN 9 with display, 24 W
This lamp is designed for drying gel nails, suitable for use in specialized salons and for individual use. The 24 W lamp guarantees high-quality light curing of the gel from all sides. Lamp with two timers for 30 seconds, 60 seconds and infinity mode.
Advantages:
✔low cost
Flaws:
✔There may be a burning sensation when extensions are made with gels ✔The arched shape does not prevent light from reaching the work surface.
7th place Lamp Tartiso A5 pink 48 W
The lamp with 3G infrared diodes is developed using the latest technologies. Shines pink light. The device is equipped with a touch sensor that allows you to automatically turn on the device without using buttons. The device starts/stops working when you put/remove your hand. If you want to set the polymerization time, press the timer button. Thanks to infrared light, there is no negative effect on the skin and is harmless to the eyes.
Advantages:
✔infrared and UV radiation spectra. Thanks to infrared light, there is no negative effect on the skin and is harmless to the eyes. ✔beautiful design ✔timers removable bottom for pedicure
Flaws:
✔No digital display ✔High cost
6th place UV/LED Lamp Elpaza S5X white 48 W
The SUN 5X lamp with dual light source technology covers a wider range of ultraviolet ranges, making it suitable for drying gel polishes and hard gels, equipped with 30 LED bulbs. It has a plastic case, on the top of which there is a button for on/off. The lamp can operate in two modes: with a timer for 10, 30 or 60 seconds, or in infinity mode, which is activated by a motion sensor as long as the hand is in the lamp. It has a removable bottom, which is convenient for pedicures. Possibility of power regulation.
Advantages:
✔beautiful design ✔timers ✔Digital display ✔removable bottom for pedicure
Flaws:
✔No display
5th place Lamp for manicure UV/LED lamp Sun XZM
Original Sun lamps are made of high-quality materials and the diodes in them do not blink, so they last a long time. Sun XZM 5xs is very powerful and fast as a “stove”, it removes gel polish in 10 seconds. She combines style, beauty and super power. The lamp consists of 42 double diodes, with the help of which gel polish, gel and other materials are polemized in a matter of seconds.
Advantages:
✔Highest power ✔beautiful design ✔timers ✔removable bottom for pedicure
Flaws:
✔Not marked
4th place UV/LED Lamp Elpaza S2T for 2 arms white 72 W
Advantages:
✔high power ✔beautiful design ✔timers ✔removable bottom for pedicure ✔for 2 hands
Flaws:
✔Not marked
3rd place SUN, UV/LED lamp SUNone 48 W silver
A 48 W lamp for any gels and gel polishes guarantees high-quality light curing of gels and gel polishes. Compact design, easy to carry from place to place. Convenient for pedicure. Has a motion sensor. The 36W lamp guarantees high-quality light curing of gel and gel polish from all sides.
Advantages:
✔low cost ✔beautiful design ✔timers ✔removable bottom for pedicure
Flaws:
✔No digital display
2nd place UV/LED Lamp SUN BQ5-T, 120 W
Dual light source technology: covers a wider range of ultraviolet ranges than a conventional LED lamp, but less than a UV lamp, so is suitable for drying gel polishes and most gels. Plastic case, on the top of which there is an electronic display with a timer. Switching on occurs using a motion sensor (place your hand in the lamp - the lamp turns on). The bottom is easily removable, which is convenient when performing a pedicure.
Advantages:
✔ Beautiful design ✔Timer ✔Digital display ✔Removable bottom for pedicure
Flaws:
✔Not marked
1 piece SUN -5, UV/LED lamp, 48 W
Lamp for polymerization of gel, shellac and polygel; 3 timers, magnetic bottom, display, sensor
Advantages:
✔beautiful design ✔timers ✔Digital display ✔removable bottom for pedicure ✔Power reduction mode
Flaws:
✔Not marked
How much do UV and LED lamps cost?
The cost depends entirely on the characteristics of the device. UV devices with a power of 9 Watt will cost about 1,500 rubles, and with a power of 36 Watt - up to 3,300 rubles.
LED devices are approximately twice as expensive as UV devices (up to 8,000 rubles). Their price is no longer based on power (maximum - 45 watts), but on polymerization time and additional functions. If a UV device polymerizes the coating on average in 60–120 seconds, then an LED device will dry it in 20 seconds.
UV lamp for drying nails 9W
A lamp for drying nails (which is better is also determined by the fact of safety) with fluorescent elements has a small proportion of mercury, and LEDs are completely safe. An additional advantage of the LED device is its urgency. It can operate without maintenance for up to 100,000 hours. It is precisely due to its characteristics and additional advantages that its price depends.
What are LED and UV lamps for manicure
To understand which lamp for nail extension is better - ICE or UV, you should know everything about the design features of each and their pros and cons. The best LED lamps for drying nails As you can see, each type of device has both advantages and disadvantages, and which one to choose depends on the preferences of the master.
Ice Nova Sun Ice 02
This lamp is new to the beauty products market and was made in Russia. It is in the high price segment as it combines 2 types of lamps: UV and LED. The device has a power of 48 W and 25 W to choose from. It can work up to 50 thousand hours. The device has a timer: 10 seconds, half a minute and a minute. This lamp is placed on 2 silicone stands, so it does not slip on the work surface. It can be used both at home and in professional salons and is absolutely harmless.
Advantages:
- Safe,
- Convenient timer
- Multifunctional,
- Long working period.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive.
IRISK Salon
IRISK Salon is a professional hybrid lamp from a well-known Russian manufacturer. It is in a high price category and can perform the function of both LED and UV lamps. Its power is 48 W. Thanks to this, the device is capable of polymerizing all manicure materials. On the provided timer, you can select the duration of operation: 10 seconds, half a minute, a minute, 50 and 70 seconds, 2 minutes. In addition, the light emission automatically turns on when you place your hand in the device. There is also a magnetic bottom that can be removed and used for a pedicure.
Advantages:
- Many time modes,
- Automatic switching on
- Stylish design,
- Hybrid operating mode,
- Can be used for manicure.
Flaws:
- High price.
SUN 1
SUN 1 is a budget lamp with a hybrid operating mode. Its power can be switched depending on the type of coating between 24 W and 48 W. The device is equipped with a timer of 5 seconds, half a minute and 1 minute. The service life of the device is 30 thousand hours. This model is produced in Japan. It significantly saves electrical energy, is compact in size and can be easily used at home. It is suitable for all varnishes and is completely safe.
Advantages:
- Two modes of use
- There is a timer
- Small sizes,
- Copes with all compounds,
- Inexpensive.
Flaws:
- Average service life.
LED Global Fashion
LED Global Fashion is a professional LED lamp that is perfect for use at home. It is made in the USA and is in the mid-price segment. The lamp has a high power of 48 W, which allows it to polymerize all materials for manicure. It can work for 35 thousand hours without replacing the lighting. The device does not affect the skin in any way and is absolutely harmless to nature. In addition, the device saves energy. It has a timer from 5 seconds to 1 minute. It has a built-in fan that protects the elements from overheating, and the bottom can be removed.
Advantages:
- Professional,
- Ergonomic,
- Polymerizes all compounds,
- Safe,
- There is a fan.
The women did not find any shortcomings with this lamp.
Soline Charms SC-9wt
Soline Charms is a compact lamp with LED radiation from a Chinese manufacturer. You can easily take it with you to give a manicure to a friend or client. The power of the model is 9 W. Its timer runs for 30 seconds. During this time, almost all compositions polymerize well. In addition, the device has an elegant feminine design, and you can choose any bright color from the offered ones.
Advantages:
- Compact,
- Lightweight,
- Budget,
- Copes with all types of coating.
Flaws:
- The timer only lasts for half a minute.
Rating of the best lamp manufacturers
The table provides a comparative list of the main brands of gel polish drying machines on the nail industry market and their average price.
| Name | Average price, rub. |
| Planet Nails Big Heart | 2300 |
| UV lamp 36W Aliexpress | 1000 |
| CND UV Lamp 36W | 13000 |
| 9W Mini Nail Dryer LED UV Lamp | 650 |
| LED+CCFL "Diamond" | 5000 |
| JessNail 36 B | 2000 |
| OPILED light | 19000 |
| RuNail 36 W RU 911 | 2500 |
If you buy a device for home manicure, you can spend only 650 rubles, and if you need a more professional and versatile device, you will have to spend money (13,000-19,000 rubles).
The best LED lamps for drying gel polish
In such devices, polymerization of the coating occurs using LED light bulbs. LED lamps last longer than their ultraviolet counterparts and polymerize the coating faster (as a rule, they only need up to 1 minute). They also emit less harmful ultraviolet radiation, but, unfortunately, they are not suitable for all gel polishes. When LEDs fail, you will often have to buy a new device. In most cases, manufacturers do not provide the possibility of replacing the heating element.
3 LED Solomeya 60S micro
The top three is opened by Solomeya brand products.
I would like to say a few words about the manufacturing company. This is an English brand that has been producing cosmetic products since 1999. The manufacturer has its own production facilities and laboratories. The small-sized LED Solomeya 60S micro lamp is convenient to take with you anywhere; it can easily fit into a handbag and will not take up much space on a cosmetic shelf. Despite its small size, it is able to dry the coating in 30-60 seconds. The default timer is set at 60 seconds and is activated with one button on the top panel of the device. An undeniable advantage is that it is powered by a USB cable; the lamp can be connected both from the network and from a laptop - thus, the coating can be done under different conditions, both at home and while traveling, wherever you find yourself. The buyer is offered 3 colors to choose from: crimson, white and pink.
The lamp fits 2 fingers, some people find this confusing because... manicure takes longer than when working with a large device. For others, this method is more convenient, because this way it is easier to monitor the coating so that it does not flow onto the cuticle and control the drying process. Most consumers believe that, despite its toy appearance, the LED Solomeya lamp dries the coating no worse than its expensive counterparts.
Pros:
- Dries gel polish well.
- It is convenient to control the drying process.
- Convenient to take with you.
- Doesn't take up much space.
- USB powered.
Minuses:
- Only fits 2 fingers.
LED lamp Solomeya 60S micro
2 LED Runail 9 W
The Runail company produces not only high-quality UV lamps for drying coatings, but also excellent LED devices.
That is why the LED Runail 9 W lamp occupies second place in our rating. The 9 W manicure machine has 3 LED bulbs that can make the coating last for just 30 seconds. The lamp has the shape of a rainbow, is light and compact, and at the same time, it can be used to dry 5 fingers at once. You can do both manicure and pedicure. Comfortable rubberized feet prevent the device from slipping during use. The Runail company offers a rich palette of colors for the plastic case, including gold, blue, silver and other color options.
Unlike many analogues, the LED Runail 9 W device provides the ability to replace lamps, which extends the possibility of using the device.
Most buyers noted the quick drying of gel polish, ease of transportation of the lamp, beautiful design and relatively low cost, as well as the optimal location of the bulbs. It is the correct arrangement of the lamps that distinguishes it from cheap Chinese analogues.
Pros:
- Stylish design.
- You can dry 5 fingers at once.
- High-quality drying of the coating.
- Fits in your handbag.
- Possibility to replace lamps.
Minuses:
- The timer is only for 30 seconds.
LED Runail lamp 9 W
1 LED TNL Professional
The best LED device for drying gel polish was the LED TNL Professional lamp, costing only 400 rubles.
The device, with a power of 18 W, dries the coating in just 30 seconds, which makes it the undisputed leader in the rating. The service life declared by the manufacturer is 35,000 hours, which, you see, is a lot! The shape of the device is elegant, arched. The rich palette of body colors allows you to choose one of seven proposed options: white, gold, red, soft pink, hot pink, silver and black. On the side of the device there is a stylish company logo.
The LED TNL Professional lamp copes well with hard materials, this is noted by most consumers. It is also important that, despite the small dimensions, you can place your entire palm in the device and quickly dry the coating on all fingers at once. Those who are always in a hurry appreciate this advantage. The only nuance that confused buyers was the short power cord, but this problem can be solved with the help of an adapter.
Pros:
- Dries hard surfaces quickly.
- Doesn't take up much space.
- Graceful.
- It lasts a long time.
- Dries the varnish evenly.
- Cheaper than analogues.
Minuses:
- Short power cord.
LED lamp TNL Professional
CND UV Lamp 36W
The device is often used by manicurists and pedicurists. Compared to analogues, the model has a number of advantages.
It has a display with a countdown and power display, the possibility of manual control and a number of additional functions for comfortable use (removable tray, convenient carrying handle).
Which lamp is better and dries gel polish, shellac on nails faster: UV or LED?
It all depends on the power of the devices. Most often, varnishes are dried in 36 W tunnel-type UV lamps for 2 minutes. This is quite inconvenient, as it prolongs the time of covering the nails. This is especially true for manicurists. Therefore, an LED lamp will come to the rescue. Typically, it polymerizes the color coating in 30 seconds, and the base and top coat in 60. Accordingly, time is significantly saved.
Advantages of UV lamps:
- Large size and, if desired, the ability to dry 2 hands at once
- Dry absolutely all coatings and materials for nail modeling
- The presence of reflectors, which improves the polymerization process
- Save energy
Advantages of an LED lamp:
- Small size
- Possibility of charging from a computer and phone
- Possibility to take on trips
- Drying speed is high
But don’t rejoice, because thick nail extension gels or gel paints may not dry in the LED lamp. In this case, you will need a tunnel-type UV lamp with fluorescent light sources.
Mini LED lamp
OPILED light lamp
The leader among devices for professional use. OPILED light has 32 powerful LEDs that polymerize the coating in a very short time (from 10 to 30 seconds). Controlled by sensor.
There is a stopwatch for counting down the time. It consists of a durable metal body and a mirror coating inside the body , which increases its efficiency significantly compared to other models. The disadvantages of the application, in addition to the high cost, will also be a certain list of coatings acceptable for drying and a Euro power plug, which requires a special adapter.
Advantages
Why do experienced manicurists prefer to use LED lamps in their work? The fact is that they have a number of advantages over their classic rival. It surpasses it in a number of parameters:
- Rapidity. LED can dry varnish almost 4 times faster.
- Painless drying. Women know that quite often when drying the gel in a regular lamp, a painful sensation occurs on the surface of the nail - a burning sensation. Sometimes you even have to take your hand out of the device for a short time. When using LED, nothing like this happens. The hardening process of the gel is painless.
- Durability. The service life of the ice lamp is 50 thousand hours, which is 6 years! At the same time, a luminescent device, for example, with regular use in a salon, will last a maximum of a year.
- Constant power. The radiation intensity of an LED lamp does not decrease over time, like a classic one. It can work with the same power throughout the entire working day.
- Economical. LED lamps save money because... more economical in energy consumption compared to fluorescent ones.
- The case does not overheat. Small, but still a plus. After all, a hot body causes inconvenience in work and requires caution.
As you can see, there are much more advantages in favor of LED lamps than disadvantages.
In addition to the obvious advantages that indicate a profitable purchase, LED also has something socially significant - safety. Ice lamps do not contain mercury and are therefore completely safe for others, both in use and during disposal.
RuNail 36 WRU 911
The device is widely used both by girls at home and by nail industry professionals. RuNail 36 W RU 911 looks like a “tunnel” and weighs 1.5 kg. The device is equipped with 4 fluorescent lamp elements of 9 Watt each.
There is a timer with 3 modes. The only disadvantages include the warranty period established by the company, which is equal to 3 months, which may imply short-term operation.
How to choose a good ice lamp for hands, how long to dry your nails
The main characteristic of an ice lamp is its power, of which there are always exactly 9, and each of them can have a power equal to one, two or five watts.
Drying nails in all lamps takes approximately the same time - about one minute, but the lower the power of the device, the more time it takes to fix the manicure. It is important to remember that one minute is only enough to finish the job with one layer; a full manicure will take a little longer.
We invite you to read the article on how to do a manicure with gel polish on short nails.
Watch the video tutorial on ombre nails https://ilcosmetic.ru/uhod-za-nogtyami/manikyur/ombre-na-nogtyah-legko-i-originalno.html
You can read reviews about gel nail polishes here.
But the types of lamps and their power are far from the only characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing. For a complete list of what you need to apply gel polish to your nails at home, see here.
The presence of a timer also determines the quality of the lamp; good models usually have a timer that allows you to set it to turn off after 1, 2 or three minutes, as well as use the “infinity” mode.
Read the reviews of rosacea creams here.
The type of activation may also differ, which can be either automatic (touch) or mechanical (using a button).
Touch lamps are considered one of the most short-lived - they wear out even faster than UV lamps, so you should prefer mechanical options, even if touch ones, due to their “sophistication,” inspire more confidence.
But at the same time, portable ice lamps lack a timer in favor of size, and their quality does not differ in any way from the operation of larger models, so it is quite problematic to say with confidence which is the best ice lamp for nails. Hand cream is a necessary thing for every woman. We offer you a rating of the best hand creams.
Watch the video: comparison of UV and LED nail lamps. Criterias of choice
UV lamp 36W Aliexpress
An indispensable option for beginners. The device from China does not have any additional functions. The 36W Aliexpress UV unit is equipped with a 2-minute timer and a retractable tray.
It dries all types of nail coatings and is in high demand. The disadvantage is the frequent manufacturing defects and short service life of the luminescent elements after purchase.
Harm: myth and reality
There are opinions about the dangers of LED lamps, based on a complete misunderstanding of the principle of their operation. Here are some of them:
- Many people are afraid of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, this device is more gentle than conventional lamps, although it sometimes dries out the skin. Moreover, UV rays are useful, they have a sterilizing property - while drying the nail coating, the lamp at the same time kills pathogenic bacteria on your hands. This is described in the school physics textbook.
- The use of such devices raises concerns, because if primer gets on the skin of your hand due to careless work, then during the drying process you can get a painful sensation. But any unprofessional work is dangerous when using other lamps.
Here we can add only one thing: any electrical device in unprofessional, inexperienced hands can become dangerous.
Be sure to read the operating instructions before using the device, and not after malfunctions are discovered. Strictly follow all the recommendations contained in it, even if some warnings at first glance seem unnecessary.
The best lamps, according to customer reviews
It is impossible to form a general opinion of users on a specific nail dryer, since they are all divided into several types. There are both cheap ones, practical at home, and expensive ones, used both at home and in beauty salons.
In Russia, the Master Professional W 818 36W UV lamp is in great demand. It is one of the cheapest lamps. Although it lacks additional features, most user comments about it are positive. The main features are the price (1000 rubles) and the presence of a timer with one mode for 2 minutes.
The housing has a pull-out tray. The dimensions of the device allow you to dry gel polish on five fingers at once. Internet users describe the disadvantages of this lamp as poor quality plastic, a short power cord and frequent manufacturing defects. However, Master Professional W 818 36W is liked by customers due to its affordable price, easy maintenance and durability.
Of the more expensive and high-quality lamps, girls choose ORLY Gel FX 480. Its price ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles. This model is compact, lightweight and has a beautiful design. It is equipped with touch controls and a user-friendly interface, and has a timer for 10, 20 and 30 seconds.
Owners of such a device appreciate its long-term use without replacing elements (lifetime up to 45,000 hours). Most often, ORLY Gel FX 480 is used by professionals in the nail industry, but users also use it for home manicure.
Nail drying lamps come in different types and sizes. The service life and price of these devices are also very varied. When choosing which device is better, you need to pay attention to all the criteria and rely on the opinions of buyers who have already tried the devices.
Article design: Vladimir the Great
Most popular models
LED lamp RuNail 12W
The most popular models of LED lamps are:
- RuNail 12W for professional use is a universal device that uses LED and ultraviolet lamps. It has two operating modes that can dry any varnish materials. The device has a built-in timer that can be set to 60, 120 or 180 seconds of operation.
- DFS 6W LED lamp is an easy-to-use lamp available for use at home. The design of the device is open. It can be used for fingernails and toenails. Suitable for working with Opi Gel Colour, Gelish materials.
- Jessi Nail 9 is a compact lamp for those who offer field services. It dries almost all materials, but has one significant drawback: it does not provide the ability to dry all nails simultaneously.
When choosing a device for manicure, you need to decide on its type. It may be worth taking a closer look at ultraviolet (UV) or hybrid ones.
