Choose a lamp for gel polish

Today, to create a high-quality and practical manicure, gel varnishes, biogels and a variety of color gels are often used. Unfortunately, they cannot be used without the use of a special lamp, because it is it that allows you to fix them on the nails. Today, such lamps are found not only in beauty salons, many fashionistas have already purchased such a device for home use to create an amazing and stylish manicure on their own. It is worth considering in more detail the features of the lamp for gel polish, its pros and cons, features of choice, as well as varieties and rating of the best models.

Currently, not only nail art professionals, but also beginners in this field, as well as ordinary users, prefer gel-varnishes when creating a fashionable and durable manicure. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that a special lamp is required for drying, because only with its help it is possible to achieve complete drying. To choose the right lamp for gel polish, you should first consider in more detail the principle of its functioning. This is a special device that is used to harden certain substances. It emits ultraviolet radiation, that is, waves that have a specific length. This allows the polymerization of gel polish, thereby firmly and permanently fixing it on the nails.

It is known that ultraviolet radiation is harmful to human health, but do not think that lamps for drying gel polish are also harmful to health. To dry the applied varnish on the nails, it is enough from just 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, the impact of ultraviolet radiation on human health is minimal, so do not worry. The only thing is that with regular use of such a lamp, the skin of the hands can begin to age faster. To protect yourself from this, it is enough to apply a hand cream 20 minutes before the procedure of manicure. This will create a protective barrier.

It is also worth talking about the benefits of such lamps. We all strive to make our nails look beautiful and well-groomed, but sometimes we can’t often go to the salon to make a new manicure. With the help of gel polish, you can achieve that the manicure will look like brand new for more than one week. Of course, to achieve such an effect without a lamp is simply impossible. Therefore, we can safely say that with this device you can save a lot of time.

Today, customers are presented with a wide selection of lamps for gel polish from various manufacturers. Everyone will be able to choose the best option, depending on financial capabilities and goals. It is worth considering in more detail the main varieties of lamps, as well as their features.

These lamps were the first devices in the field of nail art. They are also commonly called UV lamps. Today they are popular because they have the following advantages:

• a huge selection of design - modern manufacturers use various shapes and color variations to create such devices that women of nail art will definitely appreciate;
• cost - such devices are presented in different price categories, which provides an opportunity to choose, and also makes devices accessible to everyone.

In addition to the advantages, ultraviolet lamps have disadvantages, such as:

• the radiation of UV lamps has a negative effect on the eyes, which is definitely worth considering when working with this device;
• the use of such a lamp dries not only gel polish, but also the nail plate, as well as the skin of the hands;
• ultraviolet models quickly burn out, which means frequent replacement, and this negatively affects the finances of the owner.

An important criterion for the ultraviolet model is its power. Lamps of the standard type usually have 9 watts, although models from 18 to 54 watts are quite common. It should be noted that power has a direct effect on the quality of polymerization and the duration of the drying process. The optimal solution is a 36-watt device. Such a lamp is usually equipped with four bulbs. It takes only 2 minutes to dry the gel polish layer.

Do not forget about the timer, which is present in ultraviolet lamps. If we consider simple models, then you can set the time for minutes. Many people purchase devices with two modes. You can select “2 minutes” or “∞” mode. In the second case, the lamp will work until you press the power button. But expensive options provide the installation of time in seconds. It is these lamps that are the most economical to operate.

An ultraviolet lamp can be represented in various sizes, which is also worth considering when choosing the best option. Typically, nail art professionals purchase large lamps because they can dry both hands at the same time.

Relatively recently appeared on sale LED-lamps.Their main advantage is that they allow you to polymerize quite quickly. These devices, of course, are more expensive than the first variety, but they work for a long time without breakdowns and replacing lamps, since light-emitting diodes are characterized by a long service life. If one of them stops working, then the remaining diodes will be enough to continue working with the lamp, which is an indisputable advantage of LED types.

Lamps with LEDs are much better with a UV lamp, because with their help gel polish on the nails can be dried in just 10-30 seconds. This allows you to significantly save time on the creation of manicure, so such devices are often used in beauty salons. If you need to buy an LED lamp for home use, then you should give preference to options with a power of 6 watts. They are characterized by low cost, compact size and the same quality as UV models.

Modern manufacturers offer models even with touch controls. Such a device turns on when the hand is in the lamp, and if you extend your hand, the lamp will automatically turn off. It is very convenient and economical. The advantages of LED-lamps include the fact that they are not prone to heating, and also during operation do not cause unpleasant sensations. The skin of your hands, like the nails, are completely safe. It is also worth noting that the emitted light is harmless to the eyes, because it works without ripple.

Unfortunately, LED lamps have the following disadvantages:

• not all gel polishes can dry;
• emit ultraviolet light, which has a lower range when compared with fluorescent;
• pretty high cost.

More recently, nail art masters decided it was better to purchase UV or LED for drying gel polish, as a newer solution, CCFL, appeared. This device can be called hybrid or combined, because it combines the principle of operation of both LEDs and fluorescents. Indisputable advantages of gas light lamps are such features as durability and low energy consumption. This option allows for high-quality drying of any gel varnishes, and also this solution is suitable for modeling gels, which makes it universal. The device is safe for health and does not dry out the skin of hands.

Before buying a lamp for gel polish, various factors must be considered. This will make the right choice and not be disappointed in the purchase. So, choosing this device, several criteria are taken into account.

Such devices are acquired not only by professionals, but also self-taught for use at home. To choose the best option, you should first pay attention to the power of the model, since this factor has a direct effect on the speed of work. If you choose a powerful lamp, use it quite often, then the energy consumption will increase. But the power of the device affects the polymerization rate of the coating. Only a powerful lamp guarantees the drying process in just 30 seconds. This option is ideal for beauty salons, where the master serves a fairly large number of people a day. For personal use, a model with an average power is suitable.

When choosing the size and shape of the device, you can proceed from personal preferences. But experts recommend buying lamps for work in the cabin without sharp corners in order to minimize the possibility of injury to the client.A small option will allow each hand to be dried separately, while a large-sized apparatus - two hands at once. On sale there are even devices that dry each nail separately, the optimal solution is a lamp designed for the fingers of one hand. The weight of the device plays a big role.

Ease of use of equipment depends largely on the configuration. It is worth considering that this criterion has a direct relationship with the price. The more functions a lamp has, the more expensive it will cost. The best option should have the following functions:

• automatic turning on and off the device will allow the master not to waste time and not switch attention to the device itself;
• the presence of a timer will allow the master to feel more freely, because there will be no need to time the clock and constantly look at the clock, because after a specified time the lamp will turn off automatically;
• options with a removable bottom will allow you to use the device also for pedicure, as well as provide convenient access to the lights, which will have to be changed from time to time;
• Using the built-in fan, all the elements of the device can be cooled as necessary, which will extend the operating time of this equipment, as well as protect users from possible burns.

Modern manufacturers of lamps for gel polish provide a wide selection of models that differ not only in functions, but also in appearance. When choosing a color performance and design of the device, each customer can be based on personal preferences and wishes. It should be guided by the style of the room in which the lamp will be located. As a result, the process of applying gel polish will bring both pleasure to the master and the user. When choosing a lamp for shellac, it is not out of place to take into account the following tips from professionals:

• beginners should not immediately buy an expensive lamp, it is better to start with a budget option, and in the future it can be replaced with a more effective option;
• to work in different directions, for example, to dry different materials, as well as engage in nail extension, the best option would be a hybrid lamp, which, although it costs more than usual, but will allow you to easily work with any material;
• for masters who have many customers, it is better to buy powerful models, since they will allow the polymerization of the coating to be carried out in a minimum amount of time;

• if the master works at a small table, the optimal choice is a compact lamp;
• if you want to simplify the work with gel polish as much as possible, it is better to choose equipment with a large number of functions that will allow you to automate the drying process itself;
• a lamp in bright colors may not be in harmony with the general style, as well as cause irritation to customers, so the choice of design also plays an important role;
• the price of the product may be different, everyone chooses an option depending on their capabilities, but it is worthwhile to understand that cheap models cannot boast of high quality and the presence of a large number of functions, since they are mainly produced by small companies.

A wide range of lamps for gel polish is presented on the modern market. For starters, it's worth considering manufacturers to make your choice easier. All brands can be divided into three groups.

• Professional lamps are usually intended for use in beauty salons. Many American brands belong to them, such as Gelish, CND, OPI and Harmony. Typically, products from these brands are very high quality, modern and expensive.
• To the middle class belong devices that can be used both for use in beauty salons and for personal use.This class includes Russian-Chinese and Russian companies. Brands like JessNail, RuNail, Planet Nails, Sun and Polaris are very popular. Devices are characterized by good quality, and also have a guarantee for service.
• The lowest quality lamps for gel polish are provided by Chinese sites where it is not even clear which company is the manufacturer.

It is worth considering the rating of the best modelsthat will allow each buyer to make the right choice depending on personal preferences and wishes.

• JessNail 36 W - An excellent solution for both professionals in the nail industry and for home use. This model of domestic manufacture has a classical form, due to which it allows you to simultaneously dry the nails on one hand. This lamp allows you to dry quality coatings of any type. The device contains light bulbs, each with a power of 9 watts. This model has three modes of operation - for 2 and 3 minutes, as well as an “endless” option. The kit includes instructions in Russian, which is an indisputable advantage. The pallet is of a removable type. And, of course, it's worth highlighting the affordable cost. Among the minuses, it is necessary to highlight the lack of a timer, if you need to dry for less than two minutes.
• CND UV LAMP 36W - This is a great choice among UV lamps, which is suitable for professionals in the nail industry. This device is equipped with a large number of functions, it has 4 timers, a retractable tray, a carry handle, a countdown display and a fan. This model is characterized by versatility, as it fits any gel polish. Its radiation does not affect vision. The bulbs are characterized by long-term operation.

• Opiled light - This is the right solution for manicure masters. Thanks to the LEDs, the coating is dried almost instantly. This model is characterized by such advantages as a reliable metal housing, fast polymerization, one-year warranty. It can be used not only for manicure, but also for pedicure. The lamp has a power of 32 watts, with each lamp having a power of 6 watts. But this device has some disadvantages: a rather high price, it is connected only through an adapter to the Euro outlet, and also is not suitable for all gel varnishes.
• LED + CCFL DIAMOND - This is a bright representative of hybrid lamps for drying gel polish. It is characterized by affordable cost and good quality. Thanks to the presence of 12 LED-lamps and 1 spiral, the polymerization of the coating is carried out in a matter of seconds. This device is supplemented by a timer, which is designed for 10, 30 and 60 seconds. Thanks to the removable bottom, this device can even be used for pedicure. If we talk about the minuses, the small size does not allow to dry all 5 fingers on one hand at once, it is worth sticking to the following 4 + 4 + 2 algorithm. Since the timer is located below, for an independent manicure this causes inconvenience. It is also worth noting that this device is manufactured in China.
• RUNAIL 36 BTRU 911 - This is an effective lamp at an affordable cost. It is presented in the form of a “tunnel”, in which there are four bulbs, each of which has a power of 9 watts. The device has a retractable bottom, a timer with three modes (1, 2 and 3 minutes). Although the lamp has a small price, it is often the professionals who choose it. If we consider the weaknesses, it should be noted that the warranty is provided for only three months, the timer sometimes works intermittently, and the weight of the device is 1.5 kg.

To properly use the lamp for gel polish, it’s worth doing the right manicure, adhering to the following sequence:

• nails should be given a certain shape, as well as remove the cuticle;
• degrease the nails, because otherwise no lamp will not allow to fix the coating on the nail;
• after that, it is worth applying a base coat, while making the coating layer very thin; experts advise first to cover four nails, except for a large one, and dry them in a lamp;
• should be applied to ordinary varnish top and dried in a lamp; for shellac, the packaging indicates how long it will take to keep the nails in the lamp in order to completely dry it.

If you do not adhere to the rules for using a lamp for gel polish, you will not be able to create a durable and beautiful manicure. It is worth considering the frequent mistakes of beginners.

If shellac does not dry, then it was applied in a fairly thick layer. It should be applied with a thin layer of gel polish and then dried under a lamp.

• If the varnish does not dry, then the reason may be that the hands were removed from the lamp ahead of time. Gel polish needs a certain amount of time spent under the rays of the lamp, only then does the coating adhere firmly to the nail plate. You must always follow the instructions, because every second is important. If the lamp has a timer, then only after the signal can you take your hands out from under the lamp.
• If during drying you feel that it is baking, then you do not need to be scared and stop the procedure, since this is quite normal. It is worth noting that it does not bake gel polish, but the base coat, since it connects to the nail platinum on the one hand and shellac on the other. It can be compared conditionally with double-sided tape. In the drying process, it becomes solid, and before that it is presented in liquid form, where the molecules are randomly located. Under the influence of the lamp, the molecules of the base base form a kind of crystal lattice, it is at this time that heat is released, and it seems that the coating is burning.

• Sometimes gel polish does not dry under the lamp, but, on the contrary, begins to curl up and shrink, due to several reasons. A weak lamp does not guarantee reliable adhesion of varnishes to nails. And also it is worth paying attention that the lamp needs timely replacement of light elements. Usually only the top layer of varnish dries up, and inside the coating remains in a liquid state, which is manifested in the further folding of the entire coating.

On how to choose an ultraviolet lamp for gel polish, see the next video.