How to distinguish an LED lamp from a UV lamp and what are their features

UV lamps are used to dry nails. Only with their help you can dry the gel polish. The rest of the liquids dry in air due to the evaporation of moisture. Shellac does not have this property, therefore it dries only under the influence of UV rays.

Masters cannot always figure out which lamp is better: Ice or UV, since they have few differences. The main difference between them is the principle of operation of the devices. Led devices also function in the UV spectrum, but powerful SMD type LEDs are installed here.

What is an LED lamp

At first glance, it is difficult to understand how an LED lamp differs from a standard UV nail lamp, since they are assembled from almost the same components. The main difference is the elements that are used as a radiation source. There are 2 types of LED devices:

• indirect lighting. In this case, the light from the chips is reflected an infinite number of times from the vertical walls, which creates an intense glow.This type of construction is used to create powerful devices;
• localized lighting. Here the stream of light is directed to one place where the hand is placed to dry the nails.

Fig.1 - localized illumination.

Fig. 2 - reflected lighting.

According to the power of LED lamps are divided into 3 types:

• 45 W - high class. They are bought by professionals to work in salons;
• 18 W - middle class. Purchased for drying nails at home;
• 9 W. For personal use only.

Fig. 3 - a lamp with LEDs.

Studying the reviews, you can see that LED lamps for drying gel polish have practically no disadvantages. One of the drawbacks is UV radiation in a narrow wavelength range. Also, some complain about the high price compared to competitors, but this lamp will last much longer.

Among the advantages are the following:

• SMD diodes provide fast drying. For example, a medium-range device will dry the varnish in about half a minute, while a fluorescent lamp will take about 2 minutes;
• The light emitted by LEDs is harmless to humans. It is allowed to dispose of the lamp together with household waste;
• service life - 50,000 hours, that is, 5-6 years.
• LED products consume much less energy compared to fluorescent counterparts;
• during operation, the diodes do not heat up, so the nail plate will also not suffer from overheating.

What is a UV lamp

The UV lamp is equipped with fluorescent tubes that emit ultraviolet light, which affects the nail polish. This type of dryer appeared before LED-devices, but it still sells well to this day. The device consists of a control panel, a timer and a fan. The power of these lamps is as follows:

• 9 W. Suitable for home use;
• 36 W.Provides fast drying varnish, so it is often used by professionals;
• 54 W. Maximum power. Models have a built-in fan to protect against overheating.

Fig. 4 - classic UV lamp.

Fluorescent light bulbs have a wide spectrum of radiation. Thanks to this, they can be used to dry not only gel polish, but also solid gel, bio and regular polish. Also, UV devices are not as expensive as LED counterparts. One of the significant disadvantages is the possible damage to the nail plate when using a high power device due to overheating.

Fig.5 - relative spectral power distribution.

If you work with a low power device, you should be prepared for the fact that the drying time will increase. Also, fluorescent light sources gradually lose their radiation power, so manufacturers recommend changing the device every 3-6 months. Moreover, these devices are unsafe: if the lamp breaks, toxic mercury vapor will be released. Shelf life - up to 3000 hours.

What is the difference between LED lamp and UV lamp for nails

Before buying a quality device for drying gel polish, you need to understand the difference between an LED lamp and a UV lamp. The main difference is the light source. In the UV device, a fluorescent light bulb is used for this, and in the LED light-emitting diode. The latter has a high service life. But occasionally the chips can burn out, which is why the lamp has to be sent in for repair.

Fig. 6 - lamps for UV.

Ice devices dry the varnish much faster. This will take no more than 40 seconds. But under their influence, not all types of varnish harden, since shellac begins to harden only under ultraviolet rays.The wavelength range of LED products is smaller, so the varnish may dry unevenly or not at all if a cheap model is used.

Speaking about low power UV lamps (up to 18 W), it is worth noting that they dry the varnish slowly. In some cases, the lower layers may not dry completely. This destroys the coating of the nail after a few days. The best options are professional models with a power of 36 watts or more.

Also, in the selection process, it should be borne in mind that the UV lamp is harmful to the body, and the LED device can not cope with all types of varnish. Therefore, experts advise buying combined models, for example, LED-gaslight. Using these devices, you can work with any kind of polymer, and drying will last a maximum of 2 minutes. The disadvantage of such models is the high price.

Which lamp is better, dries gel polish and shellac on nails faster

When using LED lamp, the average drying time of nail polish is from 20 seconds to 2 minutes. In order for the polymer to dry completely and evenly, it is recommended to purchase models in which the diodes are located over the entire surface inside the device, and not just on top. Speaking of luminescent analogues, the drying time of shellac depends entirely on the power of a particular model.

Fig. 7 - a hybrid model for all types of varnish.

If you use a lamp up to 18W, it will take 3 minutes to dry. The best option is hybrid models with a combination of LED technology and a gas lighting device. The main advantage is that these devices allow you to work with different types of gels. It takes 20-30 seconds to fix the varnish.

The best lamp manufacturers

When choosing a UV lamp or an LED lamp, you should understand the difference between them, as well as understand the quality of the devices.It is not recommended to buy cheap Chinese products, as their work can negatively affect not only the quality of drying, but also the health of the hands. After some time, the nails may crack, as well as the varnish itself immediately after drying.

We advise you to watch the video: How to choose UV and LED lamps for gel polish.

LED lamps

If you need to buy an LED lamp, you should consider the following brands:

• SOLOMEYA. Country - UK. This brand produces professional devices for drying gel polish. In most models, 5 fingers can be placed at the same time. Model 54G Ultra has a motion sensor. It is necessary for the lamp to turn on and off on its own. The resource of work is 50,000 hours. You can buy such a device for 7000 rubles;
• Planet. Country: Germany. These lamps are made in China, but their quality does not suffer. For a low price (about 2500 thousand rubles), you can get a model with enough space for drying 5 fingers and a timer. Studying the reviews, it is worth noting that buyers practically do not talk about the shortcomings of this brand's devices;
• TNL. Leader in the manufacture of manicure equipment. All models are reliable and at the same time inexpensive. Such a device is suitable for use at home by a non-professional, as it is quite simple to operate. Many models are equipped with a retractable tray and several modes of operation. A device with a power of 36 W can be purchased for 1500 rubles;
• KODI. Devices of this brand are designed for drying rubber gel and gel polishes. The manufacturer claims to use innovative technologies. The devices are compact, economical and do not leave marks on the skin after use. A professional model can be purchased for 3500 rubles;
• Sanuv. This brand produces hybrid lamps designed to work with different types of gels. Despite the fact that the devices are assembled in China, they are reliable, economical and functional. Almost all models work 50,000 hours without breakdowns in conditions of constant use, so devices are often purchased in beauty salons. The price of a professional apparatus is 4000-5000 rubles.

Fig. 8 - Solomeya lamp.

UV lamps

When choosing a UV lamp for drying gel polish, it is recommended to pay attention to the following brands:

• Runail. Russian brand that manufactures PRO and amateur models that are used in salons and at home. They are reliable, easy to use and durable. Equipped with timers and retractable trays. A model for the home can be purchased for 2000 rubles;
• CT. Chinese manufacturer that produces budget devices. Inside the device there are 4 light bulbs, a reflector with a mirror surface and a retractable bottom. The average cost of devices is 1000 rubles;
• Jessnail. Another Russian manufacturer selling budget lamps. Models of this brand are popular among beginners. They are bought to work with all gels and UV acrylics. The average price is 1500-2000 rubles;
• CND. The brand produces professional equipment for manicure. The devices are suitable for drying all types of gels and shellac. Products differ in ergonomics and uniform polarization of a covering of a nail. Also, a special sensor is installed in the devices, which gives a signal if it is necessary to replace one of the lamps;
• MPE. Models of this brand are suitable both for buying home and in a beauty salon. In addition to drying, the devices can be used to model artificial nails.Often used for pedicure and manicure. Devices are in demand, as they do not require special care and are easy to operate. The average price is 3000 rubles.

Fig. 9 - Runail lamp.

Regardless of the type of lamp, when choosing a model, you need to take into account the power, the presence of a timer, the type of rays, the design, the presence of a removable bottom and a fan, if the device is with fluorescent bulbs.