LED lamp – characteristics and how to use it correctly

LED lights are now a must-have accessory for anyone doing manicures and pedicures, providing enthusiasts and pros with a dependable method of attaining impeccable results. To get the most out of your nail treatments, whether you’re a novice or an experienced nail artist, knowing how to use an LED lamp correctly is essential.

The process is accelerated and made more convenient by the efficient and quick curing of gel nail polish provided by these lamps. To guarantee that your nails are properly cured and that your manicure lasts longer without chipping or peeling, it is essential to use them correctly.

This post will discuss the essential features of LED lights and offer helpful advice on how to use them to achieve consistently flawless nails.

An LED lamp is a necessary tool for modern manicures because it provides gel polish with an effective and rapid curing time. Understanding its primary features, such as the wattage and timer settings, and using it correctly by adhering to basic instructions, like making sure your hand placement is correct and choosing the appropriate curing time for each layer of polish, will help you achieve the best results.

Properties

LEDs, which stand for light-emitting diode in English, are integrated into a plastic case that serves as a drying tool for nail polish. The coating is polymerized when current is supplied because the diodes pass the current through themselves and produce optical radiation.

LED nail drying devices are thought to be the second generation; UV devices were the first. The primary flaws in the creation of LEDs were determined and fixed based on how UV lamps operated:

1. Reduced drying time. If in an ultraviolet lamp it was necessary to keep the nails for an average of 120 seconds, in LED it was reduced to 60. Depending on the power of the device and the brand of gel polish, the time is reduced to 5-10 seconds.
2. Service life. The key problem with UV lamps was the need to constantly replace failed bulbs. LED devices last for 5-7 years, while maintaining the original drying speed of coatings. During this time, the LEDs do not need to be changed.
3. Power consumption. The LED device consumes half as much electricity compared to UV.
4. Heating of the case. Even with continuous operation during the day, the case of the LED nail dryer does not heat up – the diodes do not emit as much heat as fluorescent bulbs.
5. Ultraviolet. LED devices emit several times less ultraviolet radiation, which reduces the risk of developing a number of diseases, such as skin cancer and its premature aging.

In addition to the errors being fixed, there were flaws that prevented the ice from being as widely used as it could be:

1. The failure of the lamps from the system means the purchase of a new device. There are several models where diodes are replaced, but in most devices this possibility is not provided for.
2. Price. Ice is much more expensive than UV. UV today costs from 800 to 1500 rubles. High-quality diode dryer for 24-36 W will cost from 7 to 20 thousand rubles..
3. Universality. LED cannot be considered universal – the means of some manufacturers are not polymerized under LEDs.

Drying time

The device’s power is the main factor influencing the polymerization time. The manufacturer has a slight influence on the time interval.

The average relationship between the drying time and lamp power is as follows:

It has been demonstrated through experiments that materials from different manufacturers and purposes dry differently. This is because the products’ composition contains various kinds of photoinitiators, which initiate the polymerization process. If the gel polish is produced using one kind of photoinitiator and dries flawlessly in the UV but not in the LED light.

Examine the product label carefully before purchasing; the word "led" should be there. Even though the coating looks to be hardened, it won’t dry if the label doesn’t specify it. Such a coating has a very short wearing time—two to three days, at most.

Using a Solomeya LED lamp with a 36 W power, let’s examine the polymerization times of various materials.

1. It is recommended to dry the base coat for at least 60 sec.
2. It is better to withstand complex shades – white, black – for at least a minute.
3. Gel polishes in general – from 30 to 60 sec.
4. Finish coat – 60 sec.
5. Shellac – 30-60 sec. It is not recommended to purchase a device for shellac with a power of less than 18 W – the material will not dry completely even in 3-5 minutes.
6. Transparent gel – 30-60 sec.
7. Camouflage white gel – 60-80 sec.
8. Biogel – 60 sec.

The product’s manufacturer determines the exact polymerization time. When making a purchase, pay attention to the label as it often indicates how long a certain lamp needs to dry.

Additional functions

The LED manicure tool may have extra features, depending on the maker and model:

• Timer. LED drying devices with a timer allow the master not to focus on the time – the lamp itself will inform when drying is complete, giving a sound signal or turning off the light inside. Usually the timer is programmed for 15, 30 and 60 sec, but there are manufacturers whose devices have a different step. For example, Kodi programmed their dryer for 30, 60 and 90 seconds.
• Display. The drying time is displayed on a small screen, which serves as an additional reference point for control.
• Bottom. Externally, nail dryers differ in design and the presence of a bottom. There are devices with a familiar design – a case with a bottom, inside which diodes and lamps without a bottom are installed – in this case, the hands are located on the manicure table.
• Sensor. Sensor devices allow you not to turn on the lamp manually – they do this automatically when you place your hand in the glow area. Several devices with touch control are presented by the SUN brand, for example, the 54 w SUN5 plus LED lamp.
• Low Heat Mode. A function of gradual increase in power, which ensures gradual drying of nails, and also reduces the burning sensation during polymerization of the material. Suitable for sensitive nails that bake in the lamp;

• Double power. Function of rapid polymerization of the material – ideal for dense gels. When you press the button, the lamp immediately produces maximum power, ensuring fast hardening;
• Removable back wall. Some models have a removable back wall – this is a convenient feature for beauty salons, where you need to monitor the position of the client"s hand in the lamp;
• Fan. Helps cool the lamp itself with frequent use to extend the life of the heating elements. This function is useless for the client, but for beauty salons and private masters – a useful device that will increase the service life of the device.

Differences from other types

Before we start pointing out the differences, let’s clarify what each lamp is.

UV is a device that has fluorescent lamps integrated into a plastic casing. It is the first generation of lamps with a polymerized coating that is progressively being phased out of production;

CCFLs, or cold cathode fluorescent lamps, are an upgraded form of UV lamps. There is a small amount of mercury mixed with an inert gas inside the bulbs.

A hybrid, or combined, lamp combines two different kinds of light, such as LED and UV or CCFL and LED. Their exceptional drying speed and versatility in polymerizing various materials set them apart.

Comparison of the drying periods:

1. UV – dries the coating for quite a long time – 1-2 minutes.
2. CCFL – 30-60 seconds.
3. Hybrid – from 10 to 60 seconds depending on the manufacturer of the device and the material.

The coating dries in LEDs just as quickly as it does in combined devices. 10–60 seconds is the average polymerization time.

Service life comparison:

1. UV – the main problem is the failure of fluorescent bulbs, which require immediate replacement. With intensive work, light bulbs will have to be changed 1-2 times a year or after 3 thousand hours.
2. CCFL – lasts from 30 to 50 thousand hours and does not require replacement of light elements.
3. Hybrid – the combined dryer will work from 5 to 7 years.

The most dependable when it comes to operating life are LEDs. The device has a 50–70 thousand hour lifespan on average.

Security:

1. UV – considered the most unsafe – they emit mercury vapor (?). In addition, the fluorescent elements heat up, which provokes an increase in the temperature of the entire device. They emit the most ultraviolet rays and have a negative effect on the condition of the skin and nails.
2. CCFL – soft glow does not strain the eyes, the device does not heat up and is considered safe.
3. Hybrid – does not heat up and does not cause a burning sensation in the nail plate. This applies to both LED/UV and CCFL/LED.

Since LED devices don’t heat up, they are thought to be reasonably safe; however, because they frequently "burn" nails, using them can be uncomfortable.

When it comes to nail care, LED lamps are revolutionary because of their durability and efficiency. Every time, a polished finish is guaranteed thanks to their ability to cure gel polish rapidly and uniformly.

An LED lamp is easy to use, but for optimal results, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Setting the right timer and placing your nails correctly are essential to getting a perfect manicure or pedicure.

Overall, you can have salon-quality nails at home, saving time and money while making sure your nails look their best, with the right LED lamp and proper use.

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