To make the perfect manicure at home using the rich color palette of shellac, your manicure table must have a special UV lamp for polymerization of each applied layer of gel polish. The safe ultraviolet radiation of the lamp will make the decorative coating on the nails very durable and resistant to mechanical damage, and the manicure after drying the shellac will maintain an impeccable appearance for several weeks without additional correction. From this material you will learn what technical characteristics a good lamp for drying shellac should have, which model functions better and faster, and how to choose a suitable lamp for home use.
To polymerize the decorative coating on nails, the following types of UV lamps are used: fluorescent UV lamp, LED LED lamp, CCFL (cold cathode) and a hybrid LED&CCFL version. For home use, a 36-watt fluorescent UV lamp is quite suitable for rapid polymerization of layers of shellac, in which all fingers can be comfortably placed.
The polymerization speed in an LED lamp is noticeably higher, but “instant” drying of gel polish on nails will be more in demand in a beauty salon with a constant flow of clients. In addition, gel polishes from some brands harden very poorly in LED lamps with a narrow range of wavelengths (please note that the packaging with a bottle of gel polish is marked “led” if you purchased such a lamp).
- click on the photo and expand the list
♦ FLUORESCENT UV LAMP
It is advisable to choose a lamp from a well-known brand (CND, RuNail, DFS, JessNail, Dashing Diva), but the most important thing is to use only high-quality light bulbs and promptly replace old ones with new ones. Please note that the internal coating of the device is mirror-like to increase the depth of polymerization of each layer of shellac.
Fluorescent UV lamps vary in power. The more light bulbs (9 Watts each) can be installed in the device, the higher its power. Lamps with a power of 9 W, 18 W, 36 W, 54 W are available on sale. If you travel frequently, you can buy a 9W portable unit that won't take up much space in your bag. But the polymerization process in a low-power lamp takes a lot of time (3-5 minutes for each layer), and all the fingers of one hand cannot be simultaneously placed in the compact body of the device. And in a 36 W UV lamp, all fingers of the hand can be easily placed, and polymerization occurs quickly and efficiently (even the finishing layer will dry in no more than 2 minutes). In addition, this device is convenient for drying layers of shellac on your toenails to create a beautiful pedicure.
Which lamp for shellac polymerization will be better and more convenient than other analogues when used at home? Choose a UV lamp with a retractable bottom to make it easier for you to change the bulbs when they reach the end of their life. Please note that the device has a timer installed. In order not to overexpose coated nails to ultraviolet rays, the drying time of the applied layer is set in advance. 
- in the photo: IRISK 36 W
♦ LED LAMP
An LED lamp emits ultraviolet rays in the same way as a fluorescent lamp, but in a narrower wavelength range. In such a device, a thin layer of shellac on nails can harden in 30-40 seconds, which is very convenient for performing manicures in a beauty salon with a constant flow of clients. Another advantage of LED lamps is the durability of LEDs, which will work uninterruptedly for 4-5 years. But it is important to note that some gel polishes, even from well-known brands, are not suitable for the polymerization procedure in an LED lamp.
In addition, branded LED lamps will cost several times more than fluorescent counterparts of the same power. Most modern LED lamps are equipped with a built-in timer and a sensor that responds to the presence of a hand in the device (if you place your hand, it turns on, if you remove it, it turns off). LEDs should be placed on the sides and top of the lamp to ensure uniform exposure of the rays to the coating layers. If you decide to buy an LED lamp for home use, then it is best to choose an 18 W model, which can accommodate all the fingers of your hand. 
- in the photo: SUN9S/SUN9C 24 W
♦ CCFL COLD CATHODE LAMPS
The bulbs in CCFL are filled with gas and during operation of the device they emit very little heat, practically do not heat up and are energy-saving elements. Ultraviolet radiation in a cold cathode lamp has a very gentle effect on the delicate skin of the fingers and does not dry it out during polymerization. As a rule, such a device is equipped with only one spiral-shaped light bulb of 12 W or 18 W, but the layers of shellac harden in it quite quickly (60-120 seconds). 
- in the photo: CCFL NAIL-EON
♦ HYBRID LED&CCFL LAMP
This model will work best with constant customer service in a beauty salon and will quickly pay for itself. The combined technologies of energy-saving CCFL and LED lamps, characterized by a high polymerization rate, make it possible to cover a wide range of salon procedures. The hybrid lamp operates in a wide range of ultraviolet waves and is suitable not only for drying gel polish of any brand, but also for the polymerization of gels, biogels, permanent varnishes, as well as
To apply shellac at home, we have a UV (ultraviolet) lamp with simple fluorescent bulbs. Therefore, there is no need to buy a ready-made LED UV lamp, but I’m curious what will come of it. At first glance, all I could find on the Internet was this:
The main part of my lamp is UV LEDs, ordered from aliexpress. 
In appearance and size, they are not much different from ordinary 1-3W bead-type LEDs; unlike LEDs for lighting, we can clearly see the crystal under the transparent cap.
The indicated characteristics of the LED on the seller’s page can be trusted, but unfortunately I do not have drivers with a rated current of 700mA, so I used those that were on hand.
To test the operation of the process, I used a 3x3W driver (I don’t describe which one, since it was used for testing) and UV LEDs soldered to the heat sink: 
Characteristics of ultraviolet LEDs declared by the seller:
I would not like to write nonsense, so I will keep the information I found and not verified about the necessary exact data on the wavelength for polarizing ultraviolet shellac to myself, and I will issue a conclusion only after careful testing.Emitting Color: UV/Ultra-Violet
- Shenzhen OT-LED Technology Co.,Ltd
Light Intensity: 6-10LM
Luminous flux angle: 120 degrees
DC voltage forward (VF) : DC 3.2V ~ 3.6V
Constant forward current (IF) : 700mA
Wavelength: 395nm~400nm
The “scheme” assembled on my knee looked like this: 
. Within a few seconds I had a completely cured varnish. This prompted me to continue the test.
It was decided to create an experimental model or prototype (whatever you want) of a UV LED lamp, sorry for the “bullshit”)))
To cool and remove excess heat, I used the metal profiles previously mentioned in the article (): 
.
Attention! This profile is not sufficient to cool constantly switched on LEDs, so their use is limited to short-term operation only. The time before heating to 60 degrees and cooling to room temperature will be found experimentally in the article testing a UV lamp (in development).
A moisture-proof soldered box is used as a housing. The modification of this box is not very big, I only had to level the bottom by placing fiberboard and gluing it on the top side with double-sided tape for a layer of foil (reflector). 
From the front wide part, we cut a large hole under the arm. 
Since this is a test sample and not the final version, the moment the light falls from the side is not taken into account for uniform polarization of all nails, but as you can see in the photo: 
And of course, let’s not forget about powering our lamps. As I said above, as a driver I use the existing 9x3W, ready-made heat sink plates soldered to LEDs and connected in series. Unfortunately, that's all. We will continue to test the operation of the lamp, as well as the reliability and wear time of shellac after polarizing this lamp.
The first photos of the assembled lamp and the result of application. 10 days later:
Your face reminds me of Paris, it makes me want to go.
- Positive of the day)))
Continued testing, second 2 weeks of wear in the article: .
While the factory-bought UV lamp for professional manicure is gathering dust on the shelf, I decided to improve the assembled one. DIY UV lamp for nails. For starters...
Girls know how important it is to have beautiful and well-groomed hands. A successful manicure plays a very important role in this. Coating nails with gel polish is very popular. Some girls turn to specialists, others learn to do it themselves. The correct choice of device is very important for creating a beautiful and high-quality gel polish manicure. Inexperienced nail technicians often have difficulty choosing and purchasing such equipment. A lamp for drying gel polish has several important characteristics and features, so in order to make the right choice, it is worth understanding them.
There are devices that do not dry gel polishes from some manufacturers, while others cope with this task perfectly. Moreover, different devices require different amounts of time to complete this task. All this is determined by the characteristics of the units.
The device with LED radiation is small in size and weight, lasts quite a long time, and LEDs are not afraid of light impacts.
Not all gel polishes harden when exposed to the light of this device. Gel polishes from some manufacturers do not polymerize at all, or this process becomes very long. This is due to the fact that LEDs emit ultraviolet light in a narrow range.
Absolutely all gel polishes harden under the rays of UV lamps, but the drying time is longer than that of the previous sample. This is due to the fact that ultraviolet radiation is emitted over a wider range. The disadvantages include the fact that the lamps often require replacement. This entails additional costs for consumables.
A video comparison of three gel polish lamps is in the next video.
Devices for baking gel polish can be classified according to many criteria, the most important being the device format, types of lamps, and power.
This product appeared not so long ago and became famous for its speed. 10-30 seconds are enough to polymerize materials. Gel polishes from some companies and shellac dry in this device. The speed of work affects the overall duration of the manicure, and this is a definite plus. Most models are quite large, powerful and expensive. Some LED lamps have sensitive sensors - the glow turns on automatically when you place your hand inside.
More recently, 6-watt mini-versions have begun to appear.
The price of such a device is significantly lower than that of a full-size one. The unit is convenient to transport. Manufacturers recommend it for vacation trips or for craftsmen who go to the client’s home. Pay attention to options for one finger or travel lamps.
LED lamps can work for about 100,000 hours. It will take about 10-30 seconds to dry the materials, provided that the gel polish is suitable for drying in this type of device. The entire process of applying gel polish to your nails will take about 20 minutes. LEDs do not lose power during operation; the breakdown of one diode does not significantly affect the performance of the lamp.
Such devices appeared first, and therefore are most popular among craftsmen. A variety of design solutions and a wide price range ensure that everyone can choose a device to suit their taste and budget. Devices can have a power of 9W, 18W, 36W, 54W. This parameter varies depending on the number of lamps in the device, each of them has a power of 9 watts.
Devices may have a timer. In cheap ones, the time is set to 2 minutes or turned off manually. More expensive ones have timers in 1-minute or 30-second increments. The UV lamp can have different dimensions. There are mini versions or travel lamps, and devices are also produced for drying both hands at the same time.
Speaking about the disadvantages, it should be mentioned that ultraviolet radiation slightly dries the skin and negatively affects the organs of vision.
Such consequences can be avoided if you follow precautions during operation. The UV device also has one drawback - the bulbs burn out with intensive use, which entails additional costs for the technician.
Replacement will be required after 5000-10000 hours. The exact period depends on operating conditions and voltage stability. It will take about 2 minutes to dry the gel polish, and the top layer (top coat) will take at least 3 minutes. There are also CCFL devices that combine previous types of lamps and a cold cathode.
Such devices combine fluorescent lamps with a cold cathode. In nail services, the use of such devices is new. The devices are more durable because the radiation occurs as a result of the glow of gases in the tubes. The unit is capable of operating for about 80,000 without replacing lamps. CCFL dryers produce virtually no heat during operation.
CCFL&LED are hybrids that combine LED and fluorescent radiation. Such devices dry absolutely all materials within 30-60 seconds.
When working with gel polishes, the power and type of lamps matter. Size and shape influence exclusively the comfort in work. The most universal option can be considered a device that is designed to dry the fingers on one hand at the same time.
Such models are equally comfortable for both home and salon use. The largest UV devices of this type weigh about 2 kg. If you work at clients' homes, it is better to get a portable mini lamp with LEDs. This device has lower weight and small dimensions.
Be sure to pay attention to the bottom and top of the drying structure.
Many units have a retractable bottom or no bottom part at all (horseshoe-shaped). This is very important for masters. The ability to disinfect the bottom increases the level of cleanliness and safety. UV, CCFL and hybrid flip-top instruments will be easy to use. Moreover, the collapsible design will please you when replacing lamps.
For commercial use, a hybrid dryer with a total power of 36 W (12 W CCFL + 24 W LED), with a hinged lid and a pull-out tray, a timer and a power sensor is perfect. This device is suitable for drying gel polish, shellac, gel. You can perform nail extensions and manicures of any complexity. If you have just begun to master the profession of a nail technician, then you should acquire not only a stationary hybrid dryer, but also a portable LED device. For beginning craftsmen, a device with a 6-watt ultraviolet light will be sufficient.
In order not to regret the purchase, select a lamp solely according to your needs. When choosing a lamp, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
The one-handed device is suitable for any type of manicure; it is universal. The two-hand dryer is suitable for commercial salon use. It can also be convenient for craftsmen who work at home. Lamps for one finger - a travel option or for personal use. Getting a manicure done won’t be convenient, but fixing or renewing your nails while on vacation will be very convenient.
Ultraviolet lamps are quite suitable for home use and for small salons. LED light sources need to be replaced less frequently, but such an acquisition limits the choice of materials. The versatility of hybrid lamps is attractive, but their cost is significantly higher than previous options.
If the quality of the lamp is important to you, then give preference to European or American manufacturers. Asian lamps will be more affordable, but there is a high risk of malfunction.
Decide on your needs and choose a lamp with the right number of functions. Don't overpay for something you won't use.
Metal cases are more reliable and durable, but their cost is much higher than plastic ones. The latter will also serve you for a long time, but require more careful use.
The cost of the lamp depends on this criterion. A more powerful unit will significantly reduce the time spent on manicure.
Drying materials in the device is the key to a quality manicure. The time interval for hardening depends on the type and power of the lamps, as well as on the material used. The basic principles of using the devices are very simple. Read the instructions for the device to learn about its specific features. UV and CCFL lamps dry materials in 2-3 minutes, while LED and hybrid devices dry materials in 30-60 seconds. If you leave the material on for less time, the manicure will quickly come off the nail.
For safe use, follow the rules:
Women who pay attention to their appearance strive to be flawless to their fingertips. Getting a manicure done in a salon is expensive, so many people perform the procedure at home. The necessary materials for coating can be ordered in the online store. The main thing is to buy a reliable and convenient device for polymerizing varnish.
Until recently, spray or oil drying was used to fix the varnish. Now there are special devices for these purposes. They help to quickly dry nail polish to create a beautiful manicure. There are several types of devices that are convenient to use at home. They differ in their design, power and price.
What types of devices are there for fixing manicure, and which one is better? Popular:
There are devices that can dry varnish faster; they do not heat up, but they are more expensive. These include:
When choosing, it is important to understand the difference between a UV lamp and an LED lamp. Due to their low price, devices with luminescent elements are most popular. They have a power from 9W to 54W, so they are suitable for use at home and in nail salons. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that power is lost over time; they need to be replaced approximately every six months. It becomes very hot during operation. But there are advantages:
The device for drying nail polish with a 9W UV lamp is lightweight and small in size. It is easy to carry and inexpensive. This dryer is popular among those who do manicures at home. There is only one luminescent element in the device, so it takes longer for the varnish to dry. The peculiarity of the dryer is that you can only hold 4 fingers in it at a time.
A lamp for drying nails at home with a power of 36W already has 4 luminescent elements. The dryer has a special timer to control the polymerization time. Due to the size of the device, you can perform the procedure on both hands at once and do a pedicure. It is used for nail extensions, shellac manicure, gel polish in nail salons and at home. It is very popular because it is of high quality and reliable at an affordable price.
A new technology that speeds up the polymerization process several times involves the use of LEDs. Modern LED devices are equipped with a timer, may have a fan, and touch control. Even if one LED is damaged, it will not affect the quality of the manicure. The devices have advantages:
Which device should you choose if you want to do manicures at home? The CND company, which produces shellac, recommends its own drying devices; they can be ordered on the official website. It is possible to purchase devices in special showrooms or online stores. When choosing a lamp for shellac you need to consider:
If you need to purchase a shellac drying machine, listen to these tips:
Using a comparative analysis, you can estimate how much a lamp for drying gel nails costs in Moscow.
| Lamp type | Power | ||
| Jess Nail (JN2000) |
Practical and durable gel polish, always up-to-date biogel and fashionable colored gels cannot be fixed on nails without a special lamp. These small, cute devices now “live” not only in beauty salons, but also in the homes of many craftsmen who want to do a beautiful manicure at no extra cost. Let's talk about which lamp for drying nails is better to buy.
With the development of the nail service industry, the range of drying lamps is becoming wider, and the devices themselves are becoming more and more productive. At the same time, today you no longer need to pay a lot of money for a good device, even if we are talking about professional drying for a salon.
Let's divide all manufacturers of manicure lamps into three groups:
