How to distinguish LED light bulb from UV light bulb and what are their features

To dry nails use lamps that emit UV rays. Only with their help you can dry gel polish. Other liquids dry in the air due to moisture evaporation. Shellac does not have this property, so it only dries when exposed to UV light.

Masters are not always able to figure out which lamp is better: Ice or UV, because they have little difference. The main difference between them lies in the principle of operation of the devices. Led devices also operate in the UV spectrum, but there are powerful SMD LEDs.

What is LED-lamp

At first glance it is difficult to understand the difference between the LED lamp and a standard UV lamp for nails, because they are assembled from almost the same components. The main difference is the elements that are used as a source of radiation. There are 2 types of LED devices:

• Reflected lighting. In this case, the light from the chips is reflected infinitely from the vertical walls, which creates an intense glow. This type of design is used to create powerful devices;
• localized lighting. Here the flow of light is directed to one place where the hand is placed to dry the nails.

Fig.1 - localized lighting.

Fig.2 - indirect lighting.

LED lamps are divided into 3 types according to their power:

• 45 W - high class. They are purchased by professionals to work in salons;
• 18 Watt - middle class. They are purchased for drying nails at home;
• 9 Watt. Only for personal use.

Fig.3 - lamp with LEDs.

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

Among the pluses are the following:

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

What is a UV lamp

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 is still well sold today. The device consists of a control panel, timer and fan. The power of these lamps comes as follows:

• 9W. Suitable for home use;
• 36W. Provides fast drying of the lacquer, 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 bulbs have a wide spectrum of radiation. Because of 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 their LED counterparts. One significant drawback is the possible damage to the nail plate when using a device with high power due to overheating.

Fig.5 - relative spectral distribution of power.

If you work with a low-power device, you should be prepared for a longer drying time. Also fluorescent light sources gradually lose power of radiation, so the manufacturers recommend replacing the device every 3-6 months. Moreover, these devices are not safe: if the lamp breaks, there will be a release of poisonous mercury vapor. The shelf life is up to 3000 hours.

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

Before you buy a quality device for drying gel nail polish, you need to understand the difference between an LED lamp and a UV lamp. The main difference is the source of light. The UV device uses a fluorescent bulb for this, while the LED device uses an LED. The latter has a high service life. But occasionally the chips can burn out, so the lamp has to be repaired.

Fig.6 - lamps for UV.

Ice devices dry the varnish much faster. It takes no more than 40 seconds. But under their influence not all types of varnish harden, as shellac begins to harden only under ultraviolet rays. The wave range of LED products is less, so the varnish can harden unevenly or not at all if you use a cheap model.

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

Also during the selection process, it is worth considering that the UV lamp is harmful to the body, and the LED device does not cope with all types of varnish. Therefore, experts advise to buy a combined model, such as LED-gas-light. With these devices you can work with any type of polymer, and drying will last a maximum of 2 minutes. The disadvantage of such models is the high price.

Which lamp is better, faster drying gel-lac and shellac on nails

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

Fig.7 is a hybrid model for all kinds of lacquer.

If you use a lamp up to 18 watts, it takes 3 minutes to dry. The best option is considered to be hybrid models with a combination of LED technology and a gaslight 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 nail polish.

The best lamp manufacturers

Choosing a UV lamp or lamp-LED, 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 performance can negatively affect not only the quality of drying, but also the health of the hands. After some time, the nails can crack, as well as the nail polish itself immediately after drying.

Recommended video: How to choose a UV and LED lamps for gel - nail 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-lacquer. Most models can accommodate 5 fingers at a time. The 54G Ultra has a motion sensor. It is necessary for the lamp to turn on and off independently. Operating life is 50,000 hours. You can buy such a device for 7000 rubles;
• Planet. Country - Germany. Produced these lamps 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 disadvantages of devices of this brand;
• TNL. The leader in the production 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 easy to manage. Many models are equipped with a retractable tray and several modes of operation. A device with a capacity of 36 watts 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 technology. The devices are compact, economical and do not leave marks on the skin after use. The 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 failure in constant use, so the devices are often purchased in beauty salons. The price of a professional device is 4000-5000 rubles.

Fig.8 - Solomeya lamp.

UV lamps .

Choosing a UV lamp for drying gel-lacquer, it is recommended to pay attention to the following brands:

• Runail. A Russian brand that produces PRO and amateur models, which are used in salons and at home. They are reliable, easy to use and wear-resistant. Equipped with timers and retractable trays. A model for the home can be purchased for 2000 rubles;
• KT. Chinese manufacturer, which produces budget devices. Inside the device there are 4 bulbs, a reflector with a mirror surface and a retractable bottom. The average cost of the devices is 1000 rubles;
• Jessnail. Another Russian manufacturer, selling budget lamps. Models of this brand are popular among novice masters. They are bought to work with all gels and ultraviolet acrylics. The average price is 1500-2000 rubles;
• CND. The brand produces professional equipment for manicure. The devices are suitable for drying all kinds of gels and shellac. The products are distinguished by their ergonomics and uniform polarization of the nail coating. Also, the devices are equipped with a special sensor that gives a signal when you need to replace one of the lamps;
• MPE .. Models of this brand are suitable for both home and beauty salon purchase. In addition to drying, the devices can also be used to model artificial nails. Often used for pedicures and manicures. Devices are in demand because they do not require special care and are easy to use. The average price is 3000 rubles.

Fig.9 - Runail lamp.

Regardless of the type of lamp, when choosing a model, you need to consider the power, availability of a timer, type of rays, design, availability of a removable bottom and a fan, if the device with fluorescent bulbs.