Choosing a gel polish lamp

Today, gel polishes, biogels and various colored gels are often used to create high-quality and practical manicure. Unfortunately, they can not be used without the use of a special lamp, because it allows you to fix them on the nails. Today, such lamps are found not only in beauty salons, many fashionable women have already purchased such a device for home use to create an amazing and stylish manicure on their own. It is necessary to consider in more detail the features of the lamp for gel polish, its advantages and disadvantages, the features of choice, as well as the types and rating of the best models.

Currently, not only nail art professionals, but also novices in this field, as well as ordinary users, prefer gel polishes to create a fashionable and durable manicure. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that a special lamp is required for drying, because only with its help you can achieve complete drying. To choose the right gel polish lamp, you should first consider the principle of its operation. 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 you to polymerize the 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 the gel polish lamps are also harmful to health. To dry the applied varnish on the nails, just enough from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, the effect of ultraviolet radiation on human health is minimal, so you should not worry. The only thing is that with regular use of such a lamp, the skin of the hands can start to age faster. To protect yourself from this, it is enough to apply hand cream 20 minutes before the manicure procedure itself. 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 cannot often go to the salon to get a new manicure. With the help of gel polish you can achieve the fact that the manicure will look like a new one for more than one week. Of course, to achieve such an effect without a lamp is simply impossible. Therefore, we can safely say that using this device can save a lot of time.

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

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

• a huge choice of design - modern manufacturers use various shapes and color variations to create such devices that fashion nail art women will definitely appreciate;
• cost - such devices are presented in different price categories, which gives the opportunity to choose, and also makes the devices available to all comers.

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

• UV-lamp radiation has a negative effect on the eyes, which should be taken into account 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;
• UV models burn out pretty quickly, which means they are replaced often, and this negatively affects the owner’s finances.

An important criterion of the ultraviolet model is its power. Lamps of a 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 impact on the quality of the polymerization and the duration of the drying process. The optimal solution is a device with a power of 36 watts. This lamp is usually equipped with four bulbs. It takes only 2 minutes to dry the gel polish.

Do not forget about the timer, which is present in the ultraviolet lamps. If we consider simple models, then you can set the time setting for minutes. Many purchase appliances with two modes. You can select “2 minutes” or “∞”. In the second case, the lamp will work until you press the power button. But costly options provide a set of time setting for seconds. Such lamps are the most economical in operation.

The ultraviolet lamp can be presented in various sizes, which also should be taken into account when choosing the optimal variant. Usually, nail art professionals acquire large-sized lamps, since both hands can be dried simultaneously.

Relatively recently appeared on sale LED-lamps. Their main advantage is that they allow the polymerization to be carried out fairly quickly. These devices, of course, cost more than the first type, but they work for a long time without breakdowns and lamp replacement, 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.

Bulbs with LEDs are much better than a device with UV light bulbs., because with their help gel nail polish can be dried in just 10-30 seconds. This allows you to significantly save time on creating a manicure, so these devices are often used in beauty salons. If you need to buy a LED-lamp for home use, then you should prefer the options with a capacity of 6 watts. They are characterized by low cost, compact size and the same quality as the UV model.

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 should include the fact that they are not prone to heat, and during operation do not cause discomfort. The skin of your hands, like the nails are in complete safety. It is also worth noting that the emitted light is harmless to the eyes, because it works without pulsation.

Unfortunately, LED lamps have the following disadvantages:

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

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

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

Such devices acquire not only 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 impact on the speed of work. If you opt for a powerful lamp, use it quite often, it will increase electricity consumption. But the power of the device affects the rate of polymerization 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 is suitable model with an average power.

When choosing the size and shape of the device can be repelled by personal preferences. But experts recommend purchasing lamps without sharp corners for work in the cabin to minimize the possibility of injury to the client. A small option will allow the drying of each hand separately, while the apparatus of large dimensions - just two hands. There are even devices on the market 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.

The ease of operation of the equipment depends largely on the configuration. It is necessary to take into account that this criterion is directly related to the price. The more features a lamp has, the more expensive it will cost. The best option should have the following functions:

• automatic switching on and off of the device will allow the master not to waste time and not switch attention to the device itself;
• the presence of the timer will allow the master to feel more at ease, because there will be no need to spot the time and constantly look at the clock, because after a specified time the lamp turns off automatically;
• options with a removable bottom will allow to use the device also for a pedicure, as well as provide convenient access to light bulbs, which will have to be changed from time to time;
• With the help of the built-in fan, all elements of the device will be able to cool as necessary, which will prolong the life of this equipment and also protect users from possible burns.

Modern manufacturers of lamps for gel polish provide a wide range of models, which differ not only in functions, but also in appearance.When choosing the color design and design of the device, each customer can start from 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 varnish will bring both the master and the user a pleasure. When choosing a lamp for shellac, it is useful to take into account the following professional advice:

• 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 efficient one;
• to work in different directions, for example, to dry different materials, as well as to build nails 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 craftsmen who have many clients, it is better to buy powerful models, since they will allow the coating to polymerize for the 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, then it is better to choose equipment with a large number of functions, which will allow you to automate the drying process as much as possible;
• the lamp in bright colors may not be in harmony with the general style direction, and also cause irritation among customers, so the choice of design also plays an important role;
• The price of the product may be different, each chooses the option depending on their capabilities, but it is worth understanding that cheap models cannot boast of high quality and the presence of a large number of functions, since they are mostly produced by small companies.

A wide range of gel polish lamps is on the market today. For a start, it is worth considering manufacturers to make their choice easier. All brands can be divided into three groups.

• Professional lamps are usually designed for use in beauty salons. Many American brands such as Gelish, CND, OPI and Harmony belong to them. Usually 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. Such brands as JessNail, RuNail, Planet Nails, Sun and Polaris enjoy increased popularity. Devices are characterized by good quality, and also have a warranty on service.
• The lowest quality of the gel polish lamps is provided by Chinese websites, on which it is not even clear which company is a manufacturer.

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

• JessNail 36 W - A great solution for both the nail industry professionals and for home use. This model of domestic production has a classic form, due to which it allows you to dry at the same time the nails on one hand. This lamp allows you to properly dry the coating of any type. The device contains light bulbs, the power of each is 9 watts. This model has three modes of operation - for 2 and 3 minutes, as well as the "endless" option. The kit includes instructions in Russian, which is an indisputable advantage. The pallet is removable. And, of course, it is worth highlighting the affordable cost. Among the minuses you need to highlight the absence of a timer, if you need to make drying for less than two minutes.
• CND UV LAMP 36W - This is a great choice among UV lamps, which is suitable for professionals of the nail industry.This device is equipped with a large number of functions, it has 4 timers, a sliding pallet, a carrying handle, a countdown display and a fan. This model is characterized by versatility, because it fits any gel polish. Its radiation does not affect vision. Light bulbs are characterized by long operation.

• Opiled light - This is the right decision for manicure masters. Thanks to the LEDs, the drying of the coating is almost instantaneous. This model is characterized by such advantages as a robust 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 bulb has a capacity of 6 watts. But this device has some drawbacks: the price is quite high, it is connected only through an adapter to an euro socket, and is not suitable for all gel polishes.
• LED + CCFL DIAMOND - It is a bright representative of hybrid lamps for drying gel varnish. It is characterized by affordable cost and good quality. Due to the presence of 12 LED-lamps and 1 spiral, the coating is cured in a matter of seconds. This device is complemented by a timer, which is designed for 10, 30 and 60 seconds. Thanks to the removable bottom, this device can even be used for a 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 adhering to the following “4 + 4 + 2” algorithm. Since the timer is at the bottom, it causes inconvenience for an independent manicure. It is also worth noting that this device is manufactured in China.
• RUNAIL 36 BTRU 911 - It is an effective lamp at an affordable cost. It is presented in the form of a "tunnel" in which there are four light 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, but often it is chosen by professionals. If we consider the weaknesses, it should be noted that the guarantee 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 is necessary to properly perform a manicure, Adhering to the following sequence:

• nails should give a certain form, as well as remove the cuticle;
• make degreasing of nails, because otherwise no lamp will not allow high-quality fix coating on the nail;
• after that it is necessary to apply a base coat, while making the coating layer very thin; Experts advise to first cover the four nails, except for large, and dry them in the lamp;
• It should be applied to the usual varnish top and dry in the lamp; for shellac on the package, it is indicated how long it will take to keep the marigolds in the lamp in order to dry it completely.

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

If shellac does not dry, it means that it was applied in a rather thick layer. It is necessary to apply gel polish with a thin layer, and then dry it under the lamp.

• If the varnish does not dry out, then the reason may be that the hands were taken out of the lamp ahead of time.Gel polish needs a certain amount of time spent under the rays of the lamp, only then there is a strong adhesion of the coating 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 you can take your hands out from under the lamp.
• If during drying you feel that it bakes, then do not be afraid and stop the procedure, as this is quite normal. It is worth noting that baking is not a lacquer-gel, but a base coat, since it is on the one hand connected to nail platinum, and on the other - with shellac. It can be compared conditionally with double-sided tape. In the process of drying, it becomes solid, and before that it is presented in liquid form, where the molecules are located chaotically. Under the influence of the lamp, the molecules of the basic base form a kind of crystal lattice, it is at this time that heat is released, and it seems that the coating burns.

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

For information on how to choose an ultraviolet lamp for gel polish, see the following video.