Recently, gel polish has become quite popular in the field of manicure. In most cases, they began to use this substance instead of classic and acrylic nail coatings. The main reason for this is a longer service life. The coating of such varnish can last for 2-3 weeks, even if the girl is engaged in household chores and risks ruining her nails.
In addition, gel polish significantly expands the design range of possibilities for nail manicure. Thus, each master can create his own unique works, making each work as individual as possible. However, it should be noted that such a coating requires additional devices, namely a lamp for polymerization. Many are increasingly interested in how to choose a lamp for drying gel polish. We propose to analyze this issue in more detail in our article.
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General mechanism of operation of the lamp for gel polish
To create a solid surface using gel polish in a manicure, the substance is first distributed over the nails in liquid form. After that, the hands are placed in the appropriate compartment of the gel polish lamp, where a special light source acts on the product, causing it to become hard. It is worth noting that the complete procedure requires a minimum amount of time, and the manicure masters get complete creative freedom, since any nail design can be created with the help of gel polish.
As for the device of the lamp in question, outwardly it looks like a small plastic block with a compartment for hands. Sometimes there are models that are too small, in which only one or a few fingers can fit. However, the most popular are semicircular devices that allow you to act on all fingers at once.
Before the advent of semicircular models, the most popular options were those that allowed only 4 fingers to dry at a time. Therefore, it was necessary to polymerize the nails in 3 approaches: first, 4 fingers from each hand, after which the remaining thumbs. With semicircular lamps, you do not need to work in this way. Consequently, work time is also saved.
All gel polish lamps can be divided into 2 categories by design type. It can be cast or can be disassembled into component parts. As a rule, the inner surface is made of reflective materials. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the effect of light on the substance. A manual switch, an automatic timer, or a combination of these options can be used to activate the power supply.
The power supply itself must be replaced periodically. If you do not do this, then each time the efficiency of the lamp will decrease, and the duration of the procedures will increase. The service life depends on the specific type. For example, an LED lamp is designed for 50 thousand hours of operation. However, such models do not imply the possibility of a light source. Therefore, at the end of the term, you will have to buy a new device.
Types of lamps for gel polish
There are 4 main categories of gel polish lamps.They are classified according to the type of light source used in the device.
CCFL lamps
Let's start with devices that use CCFL lamps. Many call them cold, because even with prolonged operation, they do not heat up at all. This eliminates the risk of burns on the user's hand. It is worth noting the versatility of such models, since they are combined with most types of gel polishes with different polymerization coefficients. The main disadvantage of CCFL lamps is the long duration of procedures relative to other categories.
The high cost is due to the long service life of the lamps. This figure is superior to other types. It should be noted that the glow from CCFL does not harm human vision in any way. In production, only environmentally friendly materials are used.
Pros:
- Safe for human eyesight;
- Good versatility. Compatible with most gel polishes;
- Do not heat up even after prolonged use;
- Lack of mercury vapor during work;
- Long service period;
- Can be used several times during one day without harm to health.
Minuses:
- Impressive value;
- The manicure procedure takes a long time.
LED lamps
Next in line are LED lamps, which are based on diodes with a certain spectrum of light. The service life of such lamps is inferior to CCFL models, but the main advantage is the fastest possible process of gel polish polymerization on nails. The procedure takes no more than 1-2 minutes. It is worth noting the environmental friendliness of the models in question. They are considered one of the most environmentally friendly, since they do not harm the eyesight and human skin, do not emit harmful vapors into the air, and also save electricity when used.
Like CCFL bulbs, the LEDs in question cannot heat up and burn the user. At the end of its service life, the model must be disposed of and a new one purchased as the inside lamps cannot be replaced. It is important to note that LED lamps do not belong to the category of universal ones and can only work with certain types of gel. It is recommended to buy varnishes that are designed for a narrow radiation spectrum. This is evidenced by a special mark on the tube.
Pros:
- Long service life;
- Impressive weight and size;
- Environmental friendliness of materials and the absence of harmful fumes during work;
- Lamps do not heat up;
- Fast work. Gel polish can completely harden in 1-2 minutes.
Minuses:
- Impressive value;
- Narrow radiation spectrum, due to which only gel polishes with the appropriate mark can be used;
- At the end of their service life, you cannot simply change the lamps as they cannot be replaced. We'll have to buy a new model.
UV lamps
The next step is the well-known ultraviolet lamps, which are commonly used in many other areas of life, in addition to manicure. Most often, such lamps can be found in the hospital in physiotherapy rooms. However, manicurists also use such technologies. The main advantage of UV lamps is their versatility. As with CCFL, ultraviolet light can cure any type of gel polish. It even affects the substance intended for LEDs. However, in such a situation, it will take more time.
UV lamps are great for DIYers who are used to using a wide variety of materials for their work. In this case, it is possible here to replace lamps at the end of their service life. Their cost is low and not very expensive. Thus, the considered category can be called the most budgetary, but not the most effective.
The dimensions and weight of the UV lamp are approximately the same as those of the LED models. Fluorescent bulbs require special care and should not be subject to mechanical shock, as they are very fragile and can break. It is recommended to use the device in a stable power supply without overvoltage and at room temperature.
Pros:
- Versatility. Can cure any modern gel polish.Only the time of the procedures differs;
- The lowest price among other types.
Minuses:
- Fragile bulbs require special care;
- Harmful to human vision, therefore, it is recommended to look at the lighting as little as possible;
- During prolonged use, the lamps become hot and can burn the user's hands;
- Long term of procedures;
- Various substances harmful to humans are released during use.
Hybrid lamps
Next in line are hybrid models of lamps for manicure. As the name implies, such devices contain the properties of several types of lamps at once, namely CCFL and LED, since they are the most efficient and reliable. The considered combination allows the master to achieve the highest quality and quickest drying of any type of gel polish on the nails. As a rule, such models are bought by professional craftsmen with experience.
When working with hybrid lamps, the curing time is significantly reduced, since both spectrum of rays are used at once. At the same time, all the advantages of each type are preserved.
It is rare to find other combinations in hybrid lamps. However, do not pay attention to them, as this is the best option.
Pros:
- Complete absence of harm to human skin and eyes;
- Environmentally friendly product that does not emit harmful vapors;
- Long service life without replacing lamps;
- Maximum versatility. Works with any modern gel polish;
- Fast drying speed;
- Lamps do not heat up.
Minuses:
- Hybrid models are considered the most expensive, and not every craftsman can afford this option. Recommended for professionals.
The best manufacturers of lamps for gel polish - which company to choose
Today you can find a huge number of different brands that are engaged in the production of lamps for gel polish. Some of them do not have a reputation, because they make dubious products, and some can be trusted, since they occupy a leading position in sales and have been verified by a large number of users. Many people pay attention to the brand first. Therefore, it is worth knowing firms that are trustworthy and definitely will not offer low-quality products.
It is generally accepted that the most budget models on the Russian market are represented by domestic and Asian manufacturers. Such options may not always be reliable and effective. Therefore, you should be more careful when choosing. More average models are made jointly by Russian and Chinese brands. Such models are more efficient, have an attractive design and reliability. That being said, the cost is still quite budgetary. Medium models are recommended for novice craftsmen.
And finally, models for professional use, which are suitable for experienced craftsmen. Most of these lamps are made in America and are shipped to all parts of the world, enjoying popularity. Today, the following brands can be distinguished, which share the bulk of the market around the world:
- CND;
- Harmony;
- Gelish;
- OPI;
- Solomeya.
It is highly discouraged to buy a gel polish lamp made by a brand with no name. As a rule, these are rather weak models, in the production of which the most primitive and ineffective technologies are used. At the same time, the minimum cost is offered for such devices, which attracts buyers. The lamps under consideration do not have additional features, they work extremely unstable and break quickly.
Parameters for choosing a lamp for gel polish
It's time to consider the main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing a suitable lamp model for gel polish. There are only 3 such parameters: power, equipment and design, as well as dimensions and weight. We propose to analyze each aspect in more detail.
Power
The most important thing is the power of the device. The effectiveness of the procedures depends on this indicator, since the intensity and strength of radiation from the lamp depends on the power.Thus, the higher the power value, the faster the gel polish will polymerize on the surface of the nails. However, it should be borne in mind that along with this, electricity costs also rise, since consumption increases.
Before buying a powerful lamp, you should weigh all the details and make the right decision about the need to buy such a unit. The purchase may not be advisable and may incur additional costs. Novice craftsmen are advised to buy a medium or initial power lamp.
Package and design
There are a huge number of complete sets that can be found in gel polish lamps. It all depends on the manufacturer and the cost of the product. Thus, in the most expensive professional units, you can find a fan, reflectors, a removable bottom, an automatic timer and many other additional functions that can facilitate the work of the master. However, it should be borne in mind that with each additional option, the cost of the product also increases.
When it comes to design, the market offers a huge number of solutions in different tastes. This applies to both the color design itself and the presence of additional patterns on the surface of the device. You can choose the most suitable option that fits perfectly into the interior of the master's workplace.
Dimensions, weight and shape
The last parameter for choosing a lamp contains several aspects. It's about the size, weight and shape of the device. With the latter, everything is very clear. It is recommended to buy a copy with maximum ergonomics. It is necessary for the client to feel comfortable and comfortable during the procedures.
As for the dimensions and weight, this is a purely individual indicator and everyone should choose it for themselves. Someone will suit compact models for drying each finger individually or massive stationary lamps for professional activities. If you are a beginner craftsman and work from home, then it is best to choose the first option.
If you often have to transport the device somewhere, then the mass also plays an important role. There are gel polish lamps that are extremely difficult to transport. And some can be placed in a regular women's handbag.
How much is a lamp for gel polish
Many are interested in the average cost of the devices in question. It depends on the type of radiation and many other factors. We propose to consider approximate indicators that will help to form a clearer understanding of the big picture. However, it should be borne in mind that prices may differ in some stores.
- As stated earlier. the most budget models are UV lamps from unnamed brands. They are of poor quality and low efficiency. However, they are perfect for a superficial acquaintance with the profession of a manicurist. Today, such models are sold for 500-2000 rubles;
- Next are the models produced by domestic and Asian companies. Their cost is also quite low, however, this is a great medium option, which is suitable for both beginners and amateurs. Ultraviolet lamps will cost 2-5 thousand rubles, and CCFL and LED - 5-8 thousand rubles;
- And, finally, the most expensive and professional models, which are recommended to be bought only by experienced masters who have been engaged in the craft of manicure for a long time. You can buy an ultraviolet lamp for 10-15 thousand rubles. CCFL and LED - 20-50 thousand rubles. Here you can also find hybrid models that will cost from 30 to 50 thousand rubles.
