A beautiful manicure depends not only on the specialist, but also on the material used. The most important and integral part of the procedure is a special lamp that dries the gel polish and prepares the nails for the next stage, and then, accordingly, completes the entire manicure process. Manufacturers create a large number of manicure lamps, but only specialists know which device is of higher quality and more efficient. This information is ideal for beginners and those who want to replace their device with a new and improved one. The best lamp for manicure can be yours at any time; to do this, you need to choose it in our rating below, having first studied the reviews and characteristics of the entire TOP. Happy choosing!
Types of lamps for manicure and their purpose
Lamps for manicure and pedicure differ in the following parameters:
- by type of glow: LED, CCFL, UV and hybrid
- by radiation power: 9, 36, 24, 48, 50, 54, 66 W
- presence of a timer: for 5, 30, 60,90, 180 seconds
- presence of mode switch - UV, LED, combined
- the presence of an autostart sensor
- sizes and dimensions
- forms
- colors
- open or closed back wall
- removable magnetic or retractable bottom
Let's consider each of the characteristics in detail. Understanding the features will help you choose the right model for home or professional use, as well as figure out what materials and how to dry or polymerize. All drying materials are polymers that harden under the influence of ultraviolet or LED radiation. That is why the process of drying them is called polymerization. Sometimes you can see the term "baking". It refers to gel paints and gels.
Comparison table of characteristics
In order to compare the presented products, we suggest taking a look at their characteristics in the table below.
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| Model | Power, W) | Manufacturer country | Modes | Housing material | Price, rub) |
| SUN 5 with display | 48 | China | 3 | plastic | from 1199 to 2000 |
| LED-UV SUN 5 | 48 | China | 4 | plastic | from 574 to 1996 |
| LED-UV SUN X | 54 | China | 4 | plastic | from 579 to 2222 |
| LED-UV SUN X Plus | 72 | Russia | 4 | plastic | from 1222 to 3000 |
| LED-UV SUN 9S | 24 | China | 3 | plastic | from 900 to 2300 |
| Sun 5 UV-LED | 48 | China | 4 | plastic | from 799 to 1200 |
| LED-UV SUN X5 Plus | 80 | China | 4 | plastic | from 1990 to 2550 |
| LED-UV TNL Professional L48 | 48 | Korea | 3 | plastic | from 1698 to 2000 |
| LED-UV TNL Professional Sun | 72 | Korea | 4 | plastic | from 2465 to 3200 |
| LED-UV SUNone | 24,48 | China | 3 | plastic | from 584 to 1800 |
| LED-UV SUNUV 5 Plus Smart 2.0 | 24,48 | China | 4 | plastic | from 3290 to 3753 |
| LED-UV Beurer MP48 | 24 | China | 3 | plastic | from 4331 to 4990 |
UV lamp for manicure
UV lamps for drying nails were the first to be introduced to the nail industry market. At first these were mini-devices with one 9 W bulb, which dried gel polishes and gels for 2-3 minutes. Such devices no longer meet modern power requirements and are rare. They are not suitable for beginners at home or for professional use.
Second generation - UV devices with a power of 36 W. These are most often rectangular, fairly voluminous devices with a retractable mirror bottom for 4 light bulbs of 9 W each. They polymerize all known types of coatings marked UV - gel varnishes, gels, acrylics, gel paints. Inexpensive models are equipped with an on/off button and a timer for 2 minutes and infinity. Newer options may also have a timer for 30 seconds, 2 minutes and 3 minutes. The time is set depending on the coating; the thicker it is in consistency, the more time is needed for polymerization. Regular gel polishes dry in 2 minutes. The same mode is required for drying castings.
Casting is a technique of applying designs to nails with the effect of aged metal, as in baguette frames. The drawing is done with gel, foil is applied to the gel with the colored side, pressed, and polymerized for 2 minutes in a UV device. Then the foil is removed and the effect is sealed with topcoat.
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It is recommended to change the bulbs in the UV device every 6 months if there is a constant flow of clients from 3-5 people per day. For home use, the replacement interval can be up to 12-18 months. The device itself will last up to 4 years if there is a dense flow of customers.
In salons, lamps are changed every 4-6 months, since they can continue to shine, but have insufficient power, which is not enough for the casting technique with its requirements of 2 minutes and 36 W or the polymerization of thick gels.
Transparent tops and bases with a liquid texture dry in 1 minute, gel polishes and gel paints - two minutes, colored and camouflage gels, especially when applied in a thick layer - from 3 to 5 minutes. Materials marked LED cannot be dried in UV lamps.
UV devices are equipped with fluorescent light bulbs, which are subject to special conditions for disposal with industrial rather than household waste in accordance with SanPiN 2.1.2.2631-10 for beauty salons.
UV lamp: characteristics, disadvantages, features of choice
There are two types of UV lamps:
- Electronic . Lightweight - about 1 kg, require stable mains voltage.
- Induction . For professional use. Weight about 2 kg. Easily withstand power surges. More reliable, but more expensive.
Power
The main criterion that determines the price of a lamp. A nail dryer with a higher power significantly saves time spent on manicure.
There are several lamps of different power:
6 - 9 W. The most common and simple lamp that is very inexpensive. This model has only one UV lamp or from 3 to 6 LEDs and is suitable for working exclusively at home, for learning the basics of manicure using gel polish coating. Gels or gel polishes with high pigmentation cannot be dried with such a lamp.
18 - 36 W. The model is also inexpensive, and, as a rule, has from 2 to 4 light bulbs or 10 to 24 LEDs. It is also better to use such a lamp only at home, but unlike a 6-9 W lamp, this one can be trusted with gel polishes with a higher density, but such lamps are also not very suitable for drying gel, so they are suitable for use in beauty salons no good.
45 - 72 W. Lamps with such power are great for use not only at home, but also in beauty salons. They dry any material perfectly and are suitable for nail extensions. Naturally, such lamps are very expensive, so not everyone can afford them, but as the famous proverb says, “The miser pays twice.” Once you buy such a lamp, you will use it for a very long time, and the increased number of clients, thanks to high-quality manicure, will quickly pay for the cost of the lamp.
LED lamp for drying manicure
How does an LED lamp differ from UV models?
Ice lamps have one huge advantage over ultraviolet lamps - they polymerize coatings faster due to their greater power and radiation intensity. For comparison, a UV device takes 2 minutes to dry one layer of gel polish, while an Ice device will dry the same varnish in 30 seconds.
Some models of gel polishes dry in ice lamps in 5 seconds. An LED lamp will save the technician time when working in the salon and at home, and is also suitable for beginners in home use.
Ice devices can be called the latest generation of devices for drying polymer coatings on nails. They are suitable for all types of gels in multiphase systems, for gel polishes, strengthening biogel, ibx nail strengthening system, shellac, gel paints, bases and tops.
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Ice devices are already equipped with a timer for 5, 30, 60 and 90 seconds. Novice craftsmen often ask whether it is possible to replace the light bulbs in an LED device, and how long it will last if it is impossible to replace them. In modern models of ice devices, for example, the Sun line, you can replace diode bulbs or strips; one strip costs about 100 rubles. The original diodes will last up to 30,000 - 50,000 hours, then the glow intensity drops and the quality of polymerization of the material is lost. 50,000 hours is more than 5.5 years of continuous work. Impressive!
LED lamp - characteristics and how to use it correctly
Often LED models cause a burning sensation in the area of the nail plates during drying. This is due to the intensity of the glow and the speed of polymerization. The material hardens very quickly and can tighten the nail plate, causing a burning sensation. This happens rarely, only for clients with sensitive or thinned nail plates after extensions.
The problem is solved by replacing the LED device with an ultraviolet version. In this regard, professional craftsmen are recommended to use both types of lamps or a hybrid model with the option of switching modes.
Also, in ice lamps with the ability to switch power from 48 to 24 W, you can extend the time to polymerize the material and at the same time eliminate the burning sensation. It is important to tell the specialist if you have sensitive nail plates and have already had cases of unpleasant sensations during drying in ice lamps. Sometimes it is enough to periodically remove your hand for a couple of seconds during drying so that the nails have time to cool.
Some lamp models are equipped with a fan, which helps cool the polymerization zone and eliminate burning.
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LED lamps are being replaced by hybrid ones; there are fewer and fewer exclusively LED models left. Mostly LED + ultraviolet (UV or CCFL) models are on sale.
Advantages and disadvantages
Today's active Internet users are the luckiest of all. They have limitless possibilities for exchanging information at a distance. This means that before going to the store, you can explore all sorts of forums and review sites where people leave their comments about purchasing a particular model.
According to reviews, the device must have an original fastening system. For example, it will be better if it is attached to the side surface of the desktop. This allows you to significantly save your already small work space. Now let's move on to describing the advantages of the product:
- Compactness. This factor sometimes turns out to be decisive, because on the manicurist’s table there is an endless number of different tools, bottles with varnishes, finishing and base compositions. There are also various files and buffs, napkins, orange sticks and brushes for applying designs.
- Low cost. This criterion makes them accessible to almost all women and allows them to be purchased for home use.
- Durability. Modern lighting sources, if all rules are followed, can serve their owners for more than a dozen years.
- Point direction. When performing work, the specialist does not squint or experience discomfort, since the light is directed strictly at the work area.
- No flickering or overheating. If such defects are found, you should immediately return the purchase to the store or exchange it for another model.
- Ease of use. Almost all devices are equipped with a height adjustment system. By carefully moving the tripod, you can easily set the desired length.
Advice! Always try to use only energy-efficient sources. They are capable of performing their direct duties efficiently for 8,000 hours.
CCFL lamp for manicure
An analogue of a UV lamp, equipped with cold cathode fluorescent lamps. This model does not heat the material during drying and avoids burning on sensitive nail plates. It polymerizes all types of materials. In this version of CCFL lamps, a power of 12-18 W corresponds to a 36-48 W UV lamp.
Light bulbs in CCFL models last twice as long as fluorescent ones and allow you to increase the period of regular replacement to a year or more with a dense flow of customers. We can say that they are more economical than UV.
What types of lighting devices are there for manicure?
A nail technician cannot do without an excellent light source. This not only affects the quality of work, but also creates comfortable conditions for the professional and the client. Which product is best to buy depends on the personal preferences of the master. What you need to pay attention to in order to avoid mistakes when choosing. There are five main selection criteria:
- fastening;
- functionality;
- power;
- Colorful temperature;
- type of light source.
Let's look at each description in more detail.
Fastening
Regardless of whether it is a budget model or an expensive one, it will have one of three types of fastenings: a platform, a clamp and a clothespin. The most common and widely used is the clamp. Doesn't take up much free space, looks beautiful, neat, fits any interior style.
Functionality
The manufacturer tries to please its fans and does everything possible to ensure that its products are not only safe, but also with additional functions. This will significantly facilitate the work of the craftsmen and make it more professional. The best and most popular options are a rotating platform and adjustable light brightness. The best models are equipped with a built-in dimmer. Reviews about them are only positive.
Power and type of light source
Regardless of which company’s products are better and how much they cost, the structures are equipped with the following types of lamps:
| Type | Description |
| Luminescent | The indicator reaches 11 W. It produces the following types of light: cold, neutral and warm. Visual fatigue does not occur with neutral and cool lighting, since their characteristics resemble natural street light. |
| Incandescent lamp | Products from the past. Today it is not very popular. The light is dim and gets very hot. If you touch the product, you may get burned. For comfortable operation, it is worth purchasing a product with a power of at least 60 W. |
| LED | The best option for lighting the workplace. It shines brightly, there is no heating, the design features are compact. To achieve accurate operation, you need to choose a 7 W model. The most suitable is a neutral and cool shade. |
| Ultraviolet | The work is based on ultraviolet rays. Dries varnish, biogel and gel quickly and efficiently. The package includes large UV lamps, which are consumables and must be replaced after burning out. Their average price is reasonable. It is worth keeping in mind that budget options are of poor quality and can negatively affect vision and skin condition. |
| CCFL | Gas-light type models with cold cathode. To function, it requires a gas that emits light. It is very popular due to its reasonable price and good options. |
| LED+CCFL | Belongs to the hybrid category. The characteristics are similar to LED and gas-light analogues. Considered a professional product. Often found in prestigious beauty salons. The price is high, but the products are worth it. |
| SUN | New in this area. Combines the properties of UV and LED lamps. The advantages of the light element include fast drying of any material, reliability, convenient electronic display, stylishness and a modern design solution. Suitable for both beginners and professional craftsmen. The price is reasonable. |
Colorful temperature
There are three types of glow:
- cold – from 6000 to 6500 K;
- neutral – from 4000 to 4500 K;
- warm - from 2700 to 3000 K.
Experts recommend choosing cool and neutral lighting for work. It is not dull and does not have a negative effect on the eyes.
Hybrid lamp for manicure
It combines two types of luminescence and is suitable for all types of coatings marked LED and UV or LED and CCFL. Such a device should be in the arsenal of a modern master. It is worth paying attention to the possibility of using separate modes. Some budget models launch both types of glow and there is no way to switch them to the desired type of coverage. Thus, the light bulbs burn out faster and their service life is reduced.
Hybrid lamps are the most modern solution on the professional market. These are the latest generation devices, characterized by functionality and durability.
Choosing a hybrid lamp for manicure and our rating
Medium price gel polish lamps
UV/LED lamp 54 Watt hybrid “SUN 5 Plus” white L
In this price category, lamps, as a rule, are more modern and technologically advanced, have high power, an increased number of LEDs, a number of additional options and have a long service life.
SUN 5 Plus L
Pros:
- digital display,
- high power 54W,
- no blind spot,
- timer for 4 modes,
- two types of glow - ultraviolet and LED,
- motion sensor for automatic switching on,
- removable bottom
- reduced power mode.
Minuses:
Due to the high power, it will be possible to bake in a lamp.
Hybrid lamp ruNail
From a similar model range and price range, we can highlight the ruNail hybrid lamp with a beautiful streamlined shape and silver-white color.
Pros:
- digital display,
- optimal power 48W,
- timer for 4 modes,
- two types of glow - ultraviolet and LED,
- motion sensor for automatic switching on,
- removable bottom.
Minuses:
lack of additional functions.
Perfect Lamp 3 by ParisNail
By the way, if you are partial to such a streamlined shape, then you should take a closer look at the Perfect Lamp-3 lamp.
Pros:
- 2 additional modes (delicate and super-powerful polymerization),
- digital display,
- optimal power 48W,
- timer,
- two types of glow - ultraviolet and LED,
- motion sensor for automatic switching on,
- removable bottom.
Minuses:
The design and shape of the lamp may not appeal to everyone.
Lamp shapes
This criterion should be taken into account by masters who plan to work with clients and perform not only manicures, but also pedicures.
Medium-sized and small models are convenient for home use and as an outdoor option. Larger, overall models are convenient for pedicures and for drying both hands at once. Also, pedicurists should pay attention to semicircular open models without a bottom or with a removable bottom. It is enough to apply the coating, and then place the lamp over the nails and wait for a while. The bottom can be pulled out or attached with magnetic clips.
For working at a desk and doing manicures, it is better to choose closed models in the shape of a hemisphere or half-helmet. They are open only to the client's side, and from the back they do not reflect onto jars of varnish, gel and brushes. Through-cut semicircular cutlery has precisely this drawback when working at a desk.
Models equipped with a screen with a second timer are easy to use. Modern lamp models have a built-in motion sensor, when the light lights up when you bring your hand or foot into the sensor area, and the technician does not need to press the switch each time. This saves time and is convenient when working with a pedicure.
How a beauty specialist can choose a magnifying glass
- Number of diopters . As already written above, choose a lamp with 3-5 diopters - they will provide sufficient magnification without loss of image quality;
- Lens diameter . It is better to choose models with a large diameter - 12-18 cm. If the office is small or the working area is limited, you can choose a smaller lamp, but it will not be as convenient;
- Glow type . LED magnifying lamps provide more comfortable work - they are less irritating to the eyes, which is important during long working hours. The number of diodes is determined by the diameter of the lamp. For 12-18 cm in diameter, on average 60-100 diodes are used. With this amount, the glow will be quite bright;
- The shape of the working part and the location of the lamps . The best options are round or rectangular with diodes around the perimeter. In this case, artificial light will not create unnecessary shadows that interfere with work;
- Mounting method . Both table and floor lamp models are chosen for work - it all depends on the office and the habits of the master himself. You should definitely give up a lamp that is mounted on a couch - this is inconvenient, as the device will constantly get in the way. The best option is a mobile floor or tabletop with fastening using a clamp. It is better to mount the tabletop on a cosmetic cabinet;
- Possibilities. For a lash maker, eyebrow artist, medical pedicurist, cosmetologist, or hair removal specialist, a lamp with adjustable height and angle of inclination is required. This can be a flexible tripod or a pantograph.
Popular brands of manicure lamps
One of the first to appear on the market were 36 W rectangular white UV lamps from Beauty Nail. Now the most popular is the SUN line - UV, LED and hybrid models. They are distinguished by their low cost, high power, ergonomic design and the presence of all the functions demanded by craftsmen.
Professional brands of manicure lamps - Harmony, OPI, Gelish - American brands. Often they only work well with materials of the same brand. Devices made in Russia and China have proven themselves well, working with all possible coatings. Among them are Irisk, RuNail, Polaris and Sun, Diamond. The latter could previously only be ordered in China, and now on the Russian market, with the possibility of warranty service.
When choosing a lamp model, it is worth determining whether it will be for home or professional use. Based on this, analyze the technical characteristics and take into account the minimum requirements for the most common coatings.
We will talk about choosing lamps for different types of use in the following material.
Now you should choose a hybrid lamp. Comment
Size
The bodies of almost all manicure lamps are made of high-strength plastic of various colors; some models contain metal elements, but this does not affect the operation of the lamp itself. The sizes of lamps for manicure are very diverse. They can be:
- very tiny, U-shaped, the size of two matchboxes, designed for drying several fingers - such devices have a low price and very low power, so they are suitable exclusively for home use or learning the basics of manicure.
Only the most ordinary gel polishes with low pigmentation can dry. U-shaped manicure lamp - Rectangular in shape, about the size of a small shoe box.
Such devices are designed for drying one hand - this is the size of a standard lamp, both for home and professional use. Rectangular manicure lamp - Most modern devices for home and professional use have the shape of a closed hemisphere.
Such lamps look very aesthetically pleasing and take up relatively little space. Lamp for manicure in the shape of a closed hemisphere - Lamps in the shape of an open hemisphere usually have medium power and are mainly used for home manicures, and are also very convenient when performing pedicures.
Lamp for manicure in the shape of an open hemisphere - Lamps for drying two hands.
They are the size of a large shoe box. Such lamps are mainly used in professional salons. However, we consider their convenience to be rather questionable, since it is much easier to work with one client’s hand at a time. Therefore, we think that the “lamp for two hands” is a simple marketing ploy by manufacturers (since such lamps are more expensive than standard ones), designed for salon professionals who do not have time to logically think about the purchase. Manicure lamp for two hands
Additional functions
It is worth understanding exactly what functions and needs are needed to work with the lamp. For comfortable work, you can choose lamps with the following functions:
- Timer. This basic and very convenient function allows you to set the drying time of gel polish (shellac, gel). With a timer, you don't need to be distracted from the manicure process and time the drying time; the lamp will do it for you. Different lamps have different numbers of time buttons, they can be: 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 sec.
- Touch trigger mechanism. This function allows you not to be distracted by constantly turning the device on and off. In order for the lamp to work, you just need to put your hand in the lamp. If you remove your hand from the lamp, it will turn off.
- Countdown display. A convenient function that displays the remaining time of the timer.
- Built-in fan. It blows the nails during drying, which significantly reduces the risk of burning during polymerization of the material. In addition, the fan performs the cooling function of the heating elements, which will help increase their service life.
- Removable bottom. Improves the quality of cleaning the lamp from materials that have fallen on it. And also, this is a very convenient function when performing a pedicure.
Replacing UV Bulbs
Another disadvantage of ultraviolet lights is the frequent failure of the bulbs themselves. If you use it no more than once a week, then it will last you for a couple of years.
With constant work (5-6 clients per day), you will have to change the light bulbs every 3 months.
They are easy to change. Simply pull the old one out of the housing by the body and stick the new one in its place.
It would seem that this is not a big problem at all. One burned out, replaced with another. They are not that expensive - from 100 to 150 rubles.
The trouble is that when it fails, it is not entirely noticeable. The lamp will still emit violet-green light, but it will have virtually no UV intensity required.
As a result, the varnish will begin to shrink and dry poorly. If such symptoms appeared on a previously working lamp, remember how long ago you changed the light sources in it.
That is why experienced manicurists try to immediately write down the date of installation of the lamps, and if they work frequently, they change the set approximately every 3-4 months.
When you have to change all the lamps several times throughout the year, you end up wondering whether it was worth spending all that money on something better in the first place?
And don't forget that the light bulbs here contain mercury. And if you accidentally dropped it and broke it, then the process of demercurization of the room cannot be avoided.
Therefore, if you are willing to spend more, in this case, choose LED UV/Led lamps with a power of 36W.
