5 best lamps for home manicure
The field of nail service is actively developing and replenished with new technologies. Among them is a lamp for manicure. There are several types of lamps, each of which has special characteristics.
What is a manicure lamp
A manicure lamp is a tool that helps to significantly reduce the drying time of the nail coating and increase its durability.
Tools are used for drying and curing gel polishes. The process takes only a minute, and sometimes even 30 seconds. The result exceeds all expectations.
Now you can find lamps of different levels and for any budget. It should be borne in mind that a solid tool according to the instructions should work flawlessly for about 3-5 years.
Types of lamps for manicure
Lamps for manicure are divided into groups depending on the technology. There are UV devices, LED, CCFL, as well as hybrid devices that combine several technological solutions at once.
UV lamps
Ultraviolet lamps emit specific light in the UV range, under the influence of which the gel polish quickly hardens on the nails. This type of lamp is the most affordable. The radiating element is designed for 3-4 months, after which it is changed.
The device itself has a plastic case, inside there are cartridges for connecting emitters. Each element delivers 9 watts of power. There are models with two or more emitters.
So that the rays do not scatter, the plane has a mirror coating. Thus, all radiation is used as fully as possible. Additionally, there can be a retractable bottom, which is easy to clean from debris and dust.
UV lamps polymerize varnishes of any type. They are reliable and consume little electricity. Drying takes about 1-2 minutes, which is slightly longer than other types of equipment.
The main disadvantage of ultraviolet lamps is the harmful effect on the eyes, nails and human skin. Sometimes allergic reactions occur.
Another disadvantage is a small resource and heating of the base. Burnt-out elements must be replaced immediately, otherwise performance is noticeably reduced. Poorly dried varnish can deform on the nail.
Installations burn out due to intensive use or due to frequent switching on and off.
LED lamps
LED lamps are less common. They are more effective than ultraviolet models, but the high cost deters potential buyers.
This type of conductor is environmentally friendly and does not contain mercury, which is safer. They are also economical and heat up less.All energy is completely converted into visible radiation, which reduces the drying time of one layer to 30 seconds.
LED machines can operate with a small range of UV rays and are not suitable for working with particularly dense coatings. It is better to use only varnishes that are marked "LED".
LEDs last much longer than UV lamps and retain their characteristics throughout the entire period of operation.
If the LEDs are still out of order, you need to buy a new lamp. And these are significant costs.
CCFL lamps
CCFL units are a modified and improved version of the standard UV lamp. Polymerization occurs due to the glow of luminescent elements with a cold cathode. Inside the flasks is an inert gas and a small amount of mercury. It is not easy to find such a modification on sale.
CCFL elements do not have a filament, so they do not generate heat and do not overheat structural elements. Energy losses are reduced, which reduces electricity costs.
Radiation is suitable for all types of varnishes without restrictions, even for dense coatings of increased strength.
The disadvantage is the long polymerization time. It takes 1-2 minutes to completely treat the gel surface.
hybrid lamps
The most advanced and functional are hybrid lamps for manicure, which have managed to combine the advantages of various radiation sources.
With the help of hybrid models, any type of coating can be dried, since 2 types of lamps provide a significant expansion of the field of application. Heating during intensive use is not observed, and drying of one layer takes no more than one minute. The most advanced models can even dry the varnish in just 10 seconds.
The most versatile and in demand are models that combine LED technology with traditional ultraviolet.
How to choose the right nail lamp
When choosing a lamp for manicure, first of all, pay attention to the power of the device. Radiation intensity and efficiency depend on it. Now there are models with power from 9 to 90 watts.
The average value for the home seems to be 48 W, which ensures drying of even very dense coatings. For the salon, choose a more powerful device, about 72 watts.
For stationary applications, dimensions are not important. For portable, weight and compactness matter.
Recommended for viewing: What should be the ideal polymerization lamp
Additionally, consider the functionality of the equipment:
- Timer. A useful option that allows you to automatically turn off the radiation.
- Display. It displays the timer readings, which allows you to control the polymerization process.
- Power adjustment. Sometimes ultraviolet light can cause discomfort on the skin. In such a situation, it is possible to reduce the radiation power.
- Motion Sensor. Instead of pressing the start button, the lamp will automatically turn on when you bring your hands up.
- Cooling system. Represented by a fan installed in the case. Maintains the temperature at the right level.
Some models of manicure lamps do not have a back wall. On the one hand, it is convenient for the hands, however, ultraviolet radiation can fall on third-party objects, polymerizing them. If there is a bottle of gel polish nearby, it may thicken.
It is best to choose options with a mirrored inner surface, they keep the radiation inside and evenly distribute it over the work area.
Sometimes in the process there are "blind zones" in which ultraviolet radiation does not have the desired strength. This may cause some inconvenience.
The polymerization time for models can vary from 30 seconds to 2 minutes for one layer. Of course, equipment with a shorter drying time is more efficient.
Popular manicure lamps
Below are the best lamps for manicure, which managed to gain recognition from users. Consider their features in order to choose an option for solving specific problems.
For home manicure and beginners
TNL PROFESSIONAL LED-UV Mood 36 W
Pros:
- High power;
- Compact dimensions;
- Durability even with intensive use;
- Versatility, which involves working with any varnishes.
Minuses:
- The motion sensors only work well on one side.
Hybrid model with UV- and LED-radiation. Designed for polymerization of gels, gel polishes, permanent polishes, shellacs, biogels and other materials. The design uses the latest dual light source technology to cover a wider range of UV rays. Due to this, the polymerization time is reduced by 50%. There is a timer that can be set to 30, 60 or 90 seconds, depending on the varnish and the selected mode.
Diamond 36 W CCFL+LED with sensor
Pros:
- Suitable for home or salon;
- Service life more than 30,000 hours;
- Ecological cleanliness and rejection of mercury-containing elements;
- Virtually no heat.
Minuses:
- Limited functionality.
An effective and relatively inexpensive device that allows you to dry gel polish in 10 seconds.The specific indicator will depend on the brand of coating, but in any case it will be much higher than that of ultraviolet models. LED lamps are completely safe for humans and the environment. The specificity of technologies is the absence of heating of the structure.
Sunuv Sun9X Plus 18LED UV 36W
Pros:
- Beautiful view;
- Quickly dries varnish;
- Relatively small size;
- Wide UV spectrum.
Minuses:
- Touch controls wear out quickly.
Model in an impact-resistant plastic case that can withstand a fall from a height of 1 m. The model has a built-in technology of the new generation Smart 2.0, which cuts the drying time in half. UV- and LED-LEDs are suitable for processing dense and thick materials, as well as for complex extensions.
PLANET NAILS UV 36W Tunnel Econom 36W
Pros:
- Laconic design;
- Availability of acquisition;
- Large internal volume;
- Convenient 2 minute timer.
Minuses:
- Big sizes.
UV table lamp equipped with mirror reflectors all over the inner surface. Accelerated gel polymerization time. The model is suitable for home and salon use.
LED lamp Solomeya Mini Sun 6W
Pros:
- Availability in stores;
- Compact, good for carrying;
- Ease of use;
- Minimum control.
Minuses:
- Small resource.
Pocket model, which is convenient to take on the road. Equipped with LED emitters that operate without heating the equipment. Power is supplied via a USB cable connected to a charger or computer. Additionally, you can check banknotes and disinfect items with ultraviolet light.
The best lamps for professional manicure
SUNUV LED-UV 5 48W
Pros:
- Design;
- Compactness;
- High quality processing;
- Copes with any varnishes.
Minuses:
- Short power cord requiring extension cords.
Universal professional level device with built-in Low Heat Mode. It helps to gradually increase the radiation power, reducing discomfort on the skin. There is an option to turn it on by raising your hands.
TNL PROFESSIONAL LED-UV L48 48W
Pros:
- Unusual design;
- Resource about 50,000 hours;
- Fast drying of any varnishes.
Minuses:
- Fragile plastic, sensitive to scratches and chips.
LED-UV equipment for precision manicure. Fast polymerization of varnishes. Built-in timer for 10, 30 and 60 seconds.
SUNONE LED-UV 48W
Pros:
- Convenient arrangement of diodes;
- Availability in any store;
- The bottom can be easily removed for cleaning.
Minuses:
- Small resource.
Apparatus for drying all types of coatings. Inside there are 30 LEDs for complete coverage of the space. The magnetic bottom allows you to do a pedicure. The equipment is safe for skin and nails. High power guarantees uniform and fast drying of any varnishes.
