UV lamp: characteristics, disadvantages, features of choice

The UV lamp is an essential tool in the process of getting a perfect manicure or pedicure. These lamps are a popular option for both professionals and home users because they are made to cure or set gel nail polish. The effectiveness of your nail care regimen can be significantly improved by being aware of how UV lamps operate and what features to look for when selecting one.

The qualities and features of UV lamps differ from one another. Their effectiveness is greatly influenced by variables like light intensity, curing time, and bulb longevity. To make sure the lamp fits comfortably into your nail care setup, it’s also important to take its size and design into consideration.

UV lamps do have some disadvantages, though. They may be linked to possible health hazards, like UV-induced skin damage. It’s also essential to understand what upkeep is necessary to keep the lamp functioning at its best. When choosing the UV lamp that best meets your needs, you can make an informed choice if you are aware of these factors.

What is a UV lamp

An ultraviolet lamp is a specialized tool used in manicures to polymerize long-lasting nail coatings. a closed-style apparatus featuring a hand cavity. Fluorescent lights are installed inside.

The power has a direct correlation with the number, which may vary. The body is composed of plastic, with a mirror coating inside.

What other types of lamps are there

Although they were the first, UV lamps are still in use today. Simultaneously, newer, more contemporary options become available. They have different nuances and vary in price and operating speed.

The primary kinds of lamps are:

• LED. They work on light-emitting diodes, dry materials very quickly, are compact in size, and often have an unusual appearance. Power from 3 to 66 W. Not for all materials, the material packaging should have a corresponding mark. If the gel dries even in LED, then UV will definitely cope with it.
• CCFL. A gas lamp with ultraviolet radiation, has a spiral shape. In fact, it can dry all gels, but often the power is only 12-18 W, and a single spiral cannot dry the nail from all sides. Therefore, it is often used in hybrid models.
• CCFL + LED + UV. Hybrid devices, economical and durable. Work with all materials, including shellac, gel, biogel. Most often have a power of 48 W, good speed. The disadvantages include the high cost.

Lamp power

What materials it will dry and how long it will take are determined by how powerful the device is. One benefit of UV lamps is that their emitted power can be independently measured. All you have to do is tally the lamps. One, two, and four are typically used. Every one is worth nine W.

The connection between coating material and lamp power:

• 9 W device. It has one standard light bulb. Suitable for liquid and transparent gel polish, shellac. Regular gel, biogel does not polymerize at this power. Colored gel polish may also not dry.
• 18 W device. It has two light bulbs. This option is rare, it is more expensive, but it also dries only gel polish, shellac. A minimum of 24 W power is required for a standard gel.
• 36 W lamp. The most common, popular option. Dries absolutely any materials: expensive, cheap gels, biogel, shellac.
• Power over 36 W. Such devices are used by professional masters in salons, they dry all types of coatings efficiently.

A big case does not have one lamp installed. As a result, purchasing a tiny gadget for 9 W will require you to dry one or two fingers, which will add several hours to the manicure.

Lamp price

The manufacturer and the device’s power determine the price. However, compared to five to seven years ago, lamps are now much less expensive. The availability, wide selection, and introduction of new models and types all contribute to this explanation. One can purchase a basic UV lamp for between 1,000 and 1,500 rubles. The price can go up to 5,000 rubles and is dependent on the brand, location, and quality of the purchase.

Prices on eBay, Joom, and AliExpress are the lowest. Comparable devices cost more in stores. However, there is a chance that an online purchase will result in a defective item or a different power. Purchasing used is an additional choice; numerous offers can be found on message boards. The starting price is 300 rubles there. There are additional dangers here. Purchasing a device that requires frequent lamp replacement due to poor drying performance is highly likely.

Pros

For at-home manicures, the UV lamp is the most widely used. The lamp is readily available and reasonably priced. The price of a starter kit won’t exceed three professional nail coating procedures.

What benefits does the UV lamp offer?

• prevalence, availability, can be found even in small towns;
• with a power of 36 W it dries all materials;
• the classic case is roomy, suitable for manicure, pedicure;
• you can change the bulbs;
• can be repaired, not all other types can boast of this.

One could think of a plus as a range of colors. There are lamps on sale with cases in shades of blue, pink, red, and any other color; there are also patterns and unique stickers.

Cons

UV lights come with a lot of drawbacks. The device is worth the money when doing manicures at home for friends and family, but professional manicure artists have already stopped using it.

What drawbacks exist?

• large, massive case, difficult to store, inconvenient to transport;
• takes a long time to dry, one of the most significant disadvantages;
• old models without timers, motion sensors;
• lamps burn out quickly, 2-3 replacements are equal to the price of the entire device.

Another major drawback is that you have to keep a close eye on the bulbs; if not, you won’t be able to identify the issue until after the operation, when the nail coating shrinks and doesn’t dry.

How to choose

A lamp is an investment that will take a few years to use at home, so you should be cautious when making the purchase. Selecting a device capable of drying all contemporary coatings is advised. Girls frequently begin with shellac, develop a taste for it, and start learning how to work with biogel and other materials. Investing in a high-quality lamp can help you avoid needless costs. UV is a universally applicable option.

When selecting a lamp, consider the following:

• Bottom. It"s good if it"s removable, it will simplify the care of the case, cleaning from accidental stains, and will allow you to do a pedicure.
• Timer. All modern models have it. This eliminates the need to keep track of time, use a separate timer.
• Light bulbs. It"s worth choosing a classic model so that you can easily find it in stores.
• Motion sensor. It will eliminate the need to press the button every time, which, moreover, is not always located in a convenient place.
• Size. In order not to delay the manicure, the case should completely fit the hand or foot, if you are doing a pedicure. Compact models are more convenient to store, but they are inferior in use.

Regarding the shape, it presents no challenges. These diode devices come in a variety of designs, but UV makes things much simpler; 99% of the models are parallelepiped in shape.

How to use

The gadget doesn’t need to be assembled; in classic models, the cord is already fastened to the body, so nothing needs to be inserted. At first, the bulbs are positioned as intended. You should check their serviceability before starting work; to do this, just plug the plug into the network and press the button. You can then begin building up your nails or applying the coating.

Usage guidelines for the UV lamp:

1. Install the device on a straight, hard surface, you cannot use it on a sofa or bed.
2. Plug into the socket. Do not forget about the safety rules.
3. Apply a thin layer of coating to the prepared nails, distribute.
4. Send your hand into the lamp. If it has a motion sensor, automated, then everything will turn on by itself. If not, then press the button and timer.
5. Dry the first layer, the time depends on the material and power of the device. On average, 2 minutes.
6. After the signal, take out your hand, apply the second layer of coating, repeat.

Disconnect the lamp from the network after using it, but take your time putting it back in the box. Let it rest and let it cool. If the body becomes soiled, clean it completely right away. A gel polish remover will work as a solvent if one is required.

The lamp needs to be disinfected. Wiping the exterior and interior with a napkin dipped in a particular product, alcohol, or chlorine solution is sufficient.

How long to dry different coatings

We will take into consideration the time for a device with a power of 36 W, the most common for home use, as 9 and 18 W lamps are currently not very popular.

How long do various coating materials take to dry?

• Gel polish, shellac. Each layer takes two minutes. It is important to apply the materials thinly. If the layer is thick, it is recommended to double the time
• Gel, biogel. When applied in a thin layer, polymerization occurs in two minutes. When leveling, removing bends and applying thick drops, it takes three minutes.
• Top coatings for gel polish, shellac. They are responsible for the strength and durability of the manicure, so it is important to dry for 3-4 minutes.
• Base for gel polish, shellac. It is also responsible for strength, but dries in a minute. If a rubber base is used, used for leveling and removing glare, it is recommended to increase the time to 2-3 minutes.

The pigmentation of black and white coatings varies, they belong to complex shades, they polymerize more quickly, and it is advised to extend the drying period.

UV lamps from different manufacturers

Usually, they’re just plain old rectangular lamps in a Chinese-made plastic case. They lack a name, are rarely accompanied by instructions, and only the manufacturer’s information is provided. However, this does not imply that options are limited. You can find products from well-known brands on the market.

Kodi professional

Convenient 36-watt lamp with an integrated fan and induction ignition system. The device has a weight of 1.3 kg. traditional rectangular shape. Its bottom can be taken off. dries all gel and gel polish varieties. The going rate is roughly 2,000 rubles.

RuNail GL-515

A 36 W lamp that is inexpensive, has a timer, a classic shape, and bright, rich shades that are presented by the manufacturer. Weight: 1.3 kg; electronic ignition system. The lamp is priced between 1,200 and 1,000 rubles. dries all long-term coating kinds.

TNL

The brand offers drying devices in addition to superior coatings that make people happy. This 36 W lamp features a retractable bottom and a sleek design, making it ideal for gel, shellac, and other coatings. approximately 1,200–1,400 rubles in price.

MC 906

An inexpensive baby with a mere 9 W of power, an induction ignition system, no fan, and no removable bottom. Costs approximately 500–700 rubles, and weighs slightly over 400 grams. Ideal for use with clear gel polish manicures.

AmoreShop 828

With a step and smoothed corners, the 36 W induction ignition system has a classic rectangle shape with curly elements on top. Its bottom can be taken off. The device weighs close to two kilograms. Priced between 1,500 and 2,300 rubles, it polymerizes all materials and is ideal for home use.

UV Planet Nails AV-36W-1 Fantasy

Elegant exterior, unique design, detachable base, and 36 W of power. You can set the timer for one, two, or three minutes. Since the interior surface is entirely mirror-polished, nail drying is guaranteed from all angles. About 1,800–2,000 rubles was the price.

AmoreShop 705

Perfect for all gels and varnishes, this 36 W elegant lamp has delicate shades. The device has a weight of 1.3 kg. One of the drawbacks is that the bottom cannot be taken off. There is an electronic ignition and a fan. approximately 2,500 rubles.

Mirage LP-818

A 36 W lamp with a traditional rectangular shape, a sliding bottom, and an automated on/off timer. 1 kg in weight, appropriate for all contemporary gels and shellac. between 800 and 1,200 rubles in price.

Planet Nails Modern

This lamp features a two-color case design in an elegant shape. Power: 36 W; bottom slides out; fan and timer; suitable for all gels, including shellac and biogel. The sound signals are the best feature, but they could be a drawback for some. The cost of this device varies as well; it ranges from 4,000 to 4,500 rubles.

Jess Nail

An additional 36 W version of the classic design. The plastic case weighs 1.1 kg and has a sliding bottom. Ideal for shellac, regular gel, and biogel. In addition to an infinite mode, there is a two- and three-minute timer. Approximately 1,000 rubles in price.

Which lamp for drying nails is better: UV or LED

The most frequent dilemma when making a decision is whether to use LEDs or UVs. While UV light perfectly dries all materials, you don’t want to overspend on a manicure that takes two to three hours. Instead, wait for each layer to dry for at least two minutes. If intricate manicure designs are added, the process of finishing the work could take up to four hours. As a result, working with an LED lamp is preferable, and the layers dry in 15 to 30 seconds. However, there are a few details to consider:

What you should be aware of:

• Devices with UV without replacing bulbs work no more than three thousand hours, LED on average is designed for 30 thousand hours of work.
• LED does not dry all gels, which can be an unpleasant surprise when performing a manicure with a new material. You need to pay attention, the packaging should have a mark "LED".
• LED is difficult to repair, and replacing burnt-out bulbs is almost the same price as buying a new device.

If the LED is of good quality, it wins. Unfortunately, high-quality lamps cost several times as much as cheap Chinese dryers, and they break much sooner than sellers claim.

Replacing bulbs

UV lamps that are in active use need to be changed every three months, to a maximum of six months. There is no such need if the device is only used at home and is only turned on three to five times a month. Just keep an eye on the caliber of its output. It’s time to replace materials that have delayed polymerization because they will dry out more quickly, peel off, and sag on the nail.

UW-9W.

A single 9 W lightbulb costs roughly 150 rubles. As a result, the 36 W device will require 600 rubles for a full update. The replacement won’t cause any issues, particularly if the bottom is detachable. It is quickly and simply pulled out and inserted.

Is the UV lamp harmful

Some people believe that UV rays shorten turgor, speed up aging, and cause skin cancer. Many also claim that girls who get manicures on a regular basis have hands that look worse and frequently have pigment spots. These are falsehoods.

It is theoretically impossible to sit with your hands in a manicure device for several months and still receive a significant amount of harm from it. There are concerns about wanting to keep your hands young longer, but you can use a cream with SPF 30–50 before the procedure. Alternatively purchase manicure gloves with open fingertips.

Gloves for manicures

By the way, researchers calculated the impact of radiation on skin through study and came up with some fascinating statistics. Based on the available data, the amount of harm caused by a year’s worth of manicure device use is comparable to ten minutes of midday sun exposure.

Is there an allergy to a UV lamp

Not just materials used for coatings or nail extensions can cause an allergic reaction. If different manufacturers’ gel or gel polish isn’t appropriate, you should examine the device more closely. Photodermatosis may manifest as a reaction to strong UV light. The classic symptoms include skin reddening, swelling, itching, and a small rash.

What puts one at greater risk for photodermatosis?

• the presence of diabetes;
• a tendency to allergies, bronchial asthma, hay fever;
• use of photosensitizers, which include hormonal and insulin-containing drugs, tetracycline, neuroleptics;
• fair and sun-sensitive skin;
• endocrine disorders;
• renal and excretory diseases;
• genetic predisposition to allergies.

All it takes to diagnose photodermatosis is to hold your hand directly under the bright light of the turned-on device. Coatings cannot be used. It is advised to utilize an LED device if a reaction takes place. In this instance, hybrids can also elicit a response because they have an ultraviolet lamp.

Questions and answers

Can a UV lamp be used to dry regular nail polish?

It is not logical. Ordinary polish dries because acetone and other solvents evaporate; it doesn’t contain polymers. Ultraviolet radiation won’t hasten the process or shorten the coating’s lifespan.

Why do nails that are dried under a lamp burn so much?

It is not the cause; rather, it is the coating material itself, either applied carelessly or in an excessively thick layer. If there is damage or thinning of the natural nail plate, you may experience burning.

How can I fix my blinking UV bulbs?

If the light blinks when it turns on or off, that’s normal. It’s going to stop in a few seconds. It’s time to change the bulbs if the blinking persists while the device is operating.

It is crucial to comprehend the features, drawbacks, and characteristics of any UV lamp before selecting one for manicures and pedicures. UV lamps are essential for curing gel nails, but there are a variety of types and features that may affect how well they work and how useful they are. The main features of UV lamps will be discussed in this article, along with their efficacy, any potential downsides like risks associated with UV exposure, and advice on choosing the best model to guarantee a productive and safe nail care experience.

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Characteristic	Description
Wattage	Higher wattage means quicker curing times. Common wattages are 9W, 36W, and 48W.
Type of Bulbs	UV lamps use either UV bulbs or LED bulbs. UV bulbs work with all UV gel products, while LED bulbs cure faster but only work with LED-compatible gels.
Size	Consider the size of the lamp. Larger lamps can fit both hands or feet at once, while smaller lamps may require individual curing.
Timer Settings	Timer settings help control curing time. Look for lamps with adjustable timers for flexibility in treatment.
Disadvantages	UV lamps can be bulky and may require regular bulb replacements. Overexposure to UV light can be harmful to skin.
Features of Choice	Look for features like automatic sensors, removable trays for easy cleaning, and cooling fans for comfort during use.

To get the best results from your manicure and pedicure routine, select the appropriate UV lamp. Understanding the features of various UV lamps, such as their power, wavelength, and types of bulbs, will help you choose one that best meets your requirements and guarantees gel polish curing.

Even though UV lamps have many advantages, like quicker curing times and longer-lasting results, it’s vital to take their drawbacks into account. It’s important to follow safety precautions and shield your hands when using the lamp because prolonged exposure to UV light can damage your skin.

In summary, whether you’re a home user or a professional, a good UV lamp should be tailored to your particular needs. You can make an informed decision and confidently enjoy gorgeous, long-lasting nails by weighing the benefits and drawbacks.

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