UV lamps: features, types and differences from LED-models

The sphere of manicure and pedicure does not stand still. There are new materials, technologies designed to make the nail coating durable, safe and, of course, spectacular. To preserve the created beauty, the nail covering must be properly dried. This can be done using an ultraviolet lamp. And it does not matter whether you bring your nails in order with the help of a master professional, a skillful girlfriend or on your own.

Modern lamps not only fix the resulting effect and provide the material with the necessary strength. They also save time. Without them, the process of polymerization of materials for manicure can take more than a dozen minutes. And if you take into account the multi-layer coverage - then the clock. After all, you first need to apply a base, leveling layer, then - one or two layers of colored varnish. And in the end - a gel that can fix the nail cover on top and from the end.

The lamp for drying nails is a device consisting of the following elements:

• the plastic case which is carrying out not only protective, but also decorative function;
• built-in lamps (there may be several);
• internal reflective coating;
• fan that prevents overheating of parts of the device and the surface of the hands;
• external switches, with the help of which the control is performed - on, off, timer settings and so on.

In addition to the standard set of functions, this device can include:

• timer with light or sound indicator that ensures strict adherence to the time frame;
• retractable bottom panel needed to make drying more convenient, for example, in a pedicure.

Depending on the lamps in them, the dryers can be ultraviolet (UV), light-emitting diode (LED) and gas-light (CCFL), which are a variety of them. Much less often on sale you can find devices that combine two types of lamps at once. This is necessary in order to maximize the benefits of one type or another, or to minimize their disadvantages.

The principle of operation of such lamps is simple, but different. UV (UV) fluorescent lamps contain gas that conducts electricity and emits ultraviolet rays. The principle of operation of gas-discharge CCFL lamps is similar, but they are less heated due to the fact that they do not have a filament and they are more economical. The emission spectrum of these two types of lamps are the same. LED sources emit light from special elements through which current flows. Moreover, these elements are connected by microcircuits to electric current transducers. The emission spectrum of such lamps is smaller.

Thus, the following pros and cons can be noted.

1. Despite the fact that conventional UV lamps are energy efficient, LED are more economical.
2. LED lamps do not need to be changed. Fluorescent lamps are designed for a certain number of hours of work (this information is usually indicated on the package). That is, they must be replaced. But considering their low cost and the fact that it takes a little more than a minute to dry, these costs can be considered insignificant.
3. LED devices have fewer features. That is, they cope with the usual gel polish or biogel. In addition, now there are special gel coatings adapted for them. Medium power UV lamp can cope with any coating.
4. If you take the lamp of the same power, then drying under the ultraviolet will take a little more time. But the polymerization (hardening) in such a lamp will be more uniform. To this end, the sources of light in it are installed on the sides.
5. LED dryers are usually more compact. But if you need to dry the nails on the legs, for a comfortable placement it is better to take a UV device more.

The question of the harmfulness of ultraviolet radiation during a manicure is controversial. Firstly, its range in such devices for drying is not harmful to humans. Secondly, the residence time of the fingers inside is limited. Thirdly, the protective housing and the inner coating are arranged in such a way that the rays are scattered only inside.

Greater danger is the mercury inside the lamps. Therefore, before transporting the device they must be turned out. And in case of integrity violation, they should immediately be placed in a hermetically sealed container and contact the appropriate service for disposal. If you follow these simple rules, then there will be no problems with use.

Having decided to choose an ultraviolet lamp for manicure, you will be surprised by the huge choice. They may differ in several factors.

By capacity:

1. for one hand (do not try to place all five fingers at the same time, for convenience and uniformity of polymerization, four fingers are first dried, without a large one);
2. for two.

By color - The choice is quite large, you can choose almost any interior or choose something for the mood.

According to the form:

1. can be closed (round, rectangular, fantasy shape);
2. models without bottom or with retractable bottom (in the form of an arch).

Lamp power They can be divided into two large groups:

1. 9 and 18 W;
2. 36 and 54 watts.

With an increase in power, the time for drying is proportionally reduced, but their price is increasing. Therefore, the first option is suitable if a person has just started to master the coating of nails and does it only for himself or a narrow circle of loved ones. If a large amount of work is planned, various experiments in the field of materials and making a profit, it is better to choose the last option.

Depending on the ignition scheme, the lamps are:

• electronic;
• induction

The latter are heavier, with an additional element to run. If the network may be voltage drops - this option is preferable. Electronic cheaper, but more often fail. Marking is usually indicated on the lamp base along with power.

Making the right choice is not easy, especially when the modern market is literally replete with offers. This can affect several nuances at once.

• First, decide what you need the device for. Think about how often you plan to use it. Often the services of a manicurist bring a good extra income. Therefore, if you are a beginner, but admit the possibility of further study - choose a more powerful option. As a rule, the cost of the device quickly pays off, even if you decide to do a manicure yourself, compared to trips to the salon.
• Before purchasing the material, be sure to check with the seller whether it is suitable for your type of lamp. Moreover, all the time there are new options, with different effects. Despite the fact that UV lamps are quite versatile in terms of materials, it is possible to predict how a new coating will look like only by experiment.
• Find out in advance where you can buy replacement lamps. And also take care of a bespereboynik, because nail dryers are quite sensitive to voltage drops.

There are many manufacturers on the market. A device for drying nails can be purchased online or directly at a professional store. Be sure to read the reviews. The device should have a guarantee, then there will be no problems with its service in case of detection of deficiencies. Make sure that the instructions in Russian are attached to it, carefully read the terms of use and care.

How to choose a UV lamp for gel polishes, see the following video.