LED nail lamps have revolutionised the business of nails. In no time at all, your clients are treated to perfectly cured gel nails that are hardwearing, chip-resistant and glossy. Using an LED nail lamp to cure gel nails can be a process that takes as little as 30 seconds. Therefore it is no surprise that LED nail lamps are a popular choice for many nail technicians. If you’d like to know ‘Which is the best LED nail lamp to buy?’ Or you are wondering, ‘Are LED nail lamps safe to use?’. We cover these questions and more in this guide.

What is the difference between UV and LED nail lamps?

Both LED nail lamps and UV nail lamps produce ultraviolet light to cure gel nail polish. However, when it comes to the initial outlay, curing time and versatility there are some key differences between the two.

Curing time and cost: UV vs LED nail lamps

UV lamps take longer to cure gel polish due to broader UV wavelengths – in general, UV nail lamps typically take 2-3 minutes to cure the polish fully. On the other hand, LED nail lamps use shorter UV wavelengths, which means the gel nail polish is cured more quickly at around 15-30 seconds. Because of this technology, LED lamps generally cost more to buy in comparison to UV lamps.

Related: Is a UV nail lamp or an LED nail lamp better for curing gel polish?

Can LED and UV nail lamps cure any gel nail polish?

LED lamps can only cure specific gel polish brands. However, most gel nail manufacturers will supply lamps compatible with their products to get the best quality results. On the other hand, UV lamps can cure all gel polish brands.

How long do UV nail lamps and LED nail lamps last?

The bulbs in UV nail lamps will typically need replacing after 1000 hours, depending on usage. LED nail lamps can last up to 50,000 hours depending on use.

Are LED nail lamps safe to use?

The UV exposure from nail lamps is minimal, especially when compared with the exposure from tanning beds and even laying out in the sun. Practical Polish says, “The majority of the UV light that nail lamps emit is UV-A which is safer for your skin than UV-B. However, since there is a concern about UV exposure, LED nail lamps are considered safer than UV lamps because they require less cure time – thus less UV exposure.”

Does an LED lamp work with regular nail polish?

In short, no, an LED lamp will not work on regular polish as it works on gel formulas. This is because the formulation is entirely different; gel polish contains a polymer that needs to be ‘cured’ by an LED lamp to become rigid. Regular polish won’t dry quicker or differently under an LED lamp.

How to choose the right LED nail lamp

Firstly decide what kind of gel nail polish you would like to use. This will dictate what kind of LED nail lamp is suitable for you. At Salons Direct, we stock a range of best selling nail products and brands, including Glossify Gel Polish, Glitterbels HEMA free, and many more.

Which is the best LED nail lamp to buy?

 

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Profile Gellux Mini LED Lamp

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If you want to give your clients a great quality gel nail finish but don’t have a lot of budget available, we recommend the Profile Gellux Mini LED Lamp. This 10W lamp has a 30-second timer, removable base and reflective inner surface. It features 47 LED bulbs for an optimum cure which have a bulb life of approximately 20,000 hours!

Key Features

  • Designed for use with Gellux Gel Polish and UV/LED Hard Gel.
  • Excellent budget-friendly option.

Orly Gel FX 800FX LED Lamp

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Save time without compromising on quality, the Orly Gel FX 800FX LED Lamp is able to cure all 5 fingers at the same time. This energy-efficient digital LED nail lamp comes with lots of handy features including a preset digital display timer of 10, 20 and 30 seconds with coordinating light intensity of low, medium and high.

The Orly Gel FX also includes a preset auto function that has a built-in on/off sensor that operates at a low/30-second timer. You can also cool down the light temperature and cater to sensitive clients by emitting a low light output with the low/30-second setting.

Key Features

  • An automatic sensor turns on the LED lights when your client’s hand is placed inside the lamp.
  • Energy-efficient choice.
  • Cooldown function.

Gellux LED Smart Lamp

This high performance LED lamp features a digital LED countdown display as well as low heat settings. Set the timer for 10,30,60 and 90 seconds. A removable plate makes this diverse LED nail lamp ideal for pedicure clients. The Gellux base plate helps clients place their fingers under the lamp accurately for a precise curing process.
Key Features
  • Automatic sensor.
  • Glossy, acetone resistant finish.
  • Centrally placed power cable to ensure no trailing leads across the work area.

 

Discover: Gellux brand spotlight

 

Glossify Professional UV/LED Nail Lamp

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The Glossify UV/LED Dual Cure Lamp is compact, lightweight and perfect for mobile nail techs. This Dual Cure Nail Lamp has a low heating setting, which helps reduce the chances of heat spikes on the nails and a preset timer of 30 and 60 seconds.

Key Features

  • 6 months warranty.
  • Ideal for mobile nail technicians.
  • Cures both LED and UV polish.