How to choose a manicure lamp? Let's understand the nuances!

How to choose a manicure lamp? Let's understand the nuances!
We all know that every member of the fairer sex dreams of having beautiful and well-groomed nails. Even Coco Chanel herself states that «Everything is in a girl's hands. So they must be in perfect order» and of course, this order implies well-groomed nails. Of course in order to boast of a beautiful manicure, you need high-quality materials, one of which is a manicure lamp. Therefore, the beauty of your nails depends on the quality and proper choice of lamp, because quality is the key to the beauty of manicure. Manicure lamp is one of the most important tools with which to create a manicure.
Now let's understand which lamp to choose especially if you are a beginner and try to consider the most important, and basic requirements in choosing the right lamp for your nails.



What types of lamps are there?

UV lamps are ultraviolet nail lamps. A lamp that works by using ultraviolet rays, thereby drying both biogel and gel polish. The lamp includes no small UV bulbs, which can be changed when they burn out. In terms of price, the UV lamp has the most reasonable price. They are suitable for beginners and home manicurists. But, please note that some UV lamps do have harmful effects on the eyes and skin!

LED light bulbs are LED nail lamps. This type of lamp works by emitting light and ensures even curing. LED lamp is much faster to dry the working material on the nails than the UV lamp, but it is worth noting that the emission spectrum of such lamps can dry not all types of materials.  The cost of an ice lamp is more expensive than a UV lamp and has better advantages. The lamp is suitable for use in beauty salon as well as for home use. It is worth noting that the LED lamp is not harmful to the eyes or skin.

CCFLs are gas discharge lamps with a cold cathode. A CCFL lamp works by using gas. And, it is filled with gas, so it does not heat up, consumes very little electricity and practically does not wear out over time. This type of lamp is optimal because it serves the craftsman much longer and has a low price, which is not a minor factor in choosing a lamp.

LED+CCFL are hybrid lamps. This type of lamp combines two types of lamps: LED and gas lamps with cold cathodes. It is designed to be used with all types of coatings. Such a lamp is considered professional and ensures quick and efficient drying of the nails, without the need to replace consumables. The LED+CCFL is more expensive than other manicure lamps.

The LED+UV is a completely new lamp and has the following advantages: fast drying speed, dries any material, both biogel and gel nail polish. Many of this type of lamp has an electronic and handy display and has a stylish and modern design. Cost LED +UV lamp is fairly reasonable, it is used by both experienced craftsmen and beginners. Go to catalogue

Of course, it is a well-known fact that each thing has both advantages and disadvantages, a manicure lamp is no exception to this.
Let's find out!



Pros and cons of manicure lamps

1 - UV Lamps

Advantages:
1. Affordable price.
2. huge selection of models of different brands and capacities.
3. Versatility. UV lamps can be used in salons as well as at home.

Disadvantages:
1. The durability of the bulbs. Often, they do not burn out, but lose their power, making nail drying ineffective. We recommend changing the bulbs every six months, depending on the frequency of use.
2. For sensitive hands, the UV lamp may not be suitable as it will cause an unpleasant burning sensation when polymerising gel or nail polish.


2 - LED bulbs

This lamp is renowned for a number of advantages:
1. Durability. The LEDs are housed in the bulb body underneath the plastic, so there is less risk of damaging them.
2.  Size. The LED bulb is more compact.
3. safe. The LED rays are perfectly safe for the skin and nail plate.
4. In case of mechanical damage and failure of the lamp, you can not worry about your health and safety, because LED lamps do not contain any chemical components such as mercury.
5. Lifetime. Most manufacturers give a warranty on LEDs for 50,000 hours, which is almost 5 years of continuous operation.
But of course there are disadvantages:
1. High price. Such LED dryers are usually purchased for prestigious beauty salons and not for personal use at home.
2. Suitable only for drying special coatings marked LED.


3 - LED+CCFL bulbs.

Advantages:
1. Ideal for all types of coatings.
2. Drys coatings almost immediately.
3. Long-lasting.
4. Low power consumption.
Drawbacks:
1. High cost.


4 - LED+UV lamps

Advantages:
1. ideal for polymerising all modern gel lacquers and gels.
2. Compact size.
3. Quick and easy to use.
4. Durable.
5. High curing speed.
Drawbacks:
1. High cost.



Power of the nail lamps

The wattage of the lamp determines the curing time of the coating.
- A 9W lamp will have an average curing time of 3 minutes - this is objectively too long and inconvenient.
- For the 18W power the waiting time is reduced to 2.5 minutes. Such a lamp will be convenient to use for a beginner who is honing his skills in nail strengthening and design.
- The 36W is the most popular model with nail technicians. It has a maximum curing time of 1.5 minutes.
- In beauty salons with a high client flow there is a sense to use devices with higher power - 48, 54, 66 and 72 watts. This reduces the drying time to 40-60 seconds.

Now let's go over the most important settings when choosing a light bulb for your nails.



The most important thing when choosing a manicure lamp

1. Type of bulb: LED and CCFL make it possible to work with almost all kinds of materials.
2. Power: the most popular option for nail technicians is 36W.
3. Material of the lamp housing: if possible, it is better to choose a sturdy metal version.
4. Useful extras for your nail lamp: timer and display, removable bottom, thermocontrol, energy saving mode, sensor, larger size.

After reviewing the features and pros and cons of different types of manicure lamps, you can choose a UV lamp for yourself with your functional needs in mind. But the choice, of course, must be considered and justified, because the beauty of your nails depends on it.


Read also:

1. Manicure extractor. Master and client safety
2. Manicure router. Manicure art helper
3. Manicure kit steriliser - looking after your customer's health
4. Manicurist's basic set
Published: 28.03.2022 08:20 Times Read: 74