Wondering what is an LED nail lamp and how does it work to give you a perfect, salon-style gel nail manicure at home? Confused about the difference between a UV and LED lamp? In this article, we have shared all you needed to know about using a gel nail lamp and answered some FAQs about the same in the end.
What is an LED Nail Lamp?
Gel nail polishes require UV or LED rays to get cured perfectly and remain long-lasting. Due to the hazardous exposure of UV rays to the nails, LED light-curing is a safer and quicker option. Hence, an LED nail lamp is like a compact box with multiple LED lamp beads and a reflector inside. This lamp cures your gel manicure within seconds – without any discomfort or hassles.
How to Use an LED Nail Lamp?
Using an LED nail lamp is very simple and quick. Here are the steps you can use to cure your gel manicure perfectly with an LED nail lamp.
- Switch on your LED lamp and adjust the settings. It is better to work on the recommended settings for a more efficient manicure experience.
- After prepping your nails and applying the base coat, place your nails gently under the LED lamp for 60 seconds.
- You must wait a little longer with the base coat to ensure your manicure is very sturdy and break-free.
- After curing the base, move on to your next coats of colours to paint your nails as per your liking.
- Cure your nails for 10-15 seconds.
- Once you are done doing your creativity, apply the final top coat and cure your nails for 60 seconds to lock everything in place.
{Also Read: HOW TO MAKE DIY GEL NAILS LAST LONGER AT HOME?}
Find Your Perfect LED Nail Lamp
Since there is a myriad of options available out there, finding the perfect UV nail lamp can be confusing. You can find your perfect LED nail lamp here.
Luxe Cosmetic’s LED nail lamp comes with the latest and the best-LED technology to seal your manicure in its place perfectly. Safe for direct eye contact, our LED lamp is a one-time investment as it promises years of reliable use without any heat loss or variation in curing time. Featuring 3 timer options, an LCD display, and an auto-sensor, our lamp cures your manicure using intelligent induction, simulated sunlight, and low-heat mode.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gel Nail Lamps
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about gel nail lamps.
Can I cure gel nails without a lamp?
Yes. You can cure gel nails without a nail lamp but the manicure would neither be as seamless and professional as a salon nor it would be as fast and long-lasting as a lamp.
How to cure gel nails without UV light?
Here are a few ways you can cure gel nails without UV light:
- Use an efficient LED nail lamp instead
- Apply minimal and very thin layers – and soak your nails in ice-cold water
- Use a quick-dry top coat and apply a drying agent - but remember to research its pros and cons for your nails
- Use a non UV gel polish that requires no exposure to LED or UV lights to cure
Can’t gel nails dry on their own?
Gel nails can dry on their own but there is a significant difference between drying and curing them. Drying them is not as professional as curing and most importantly, it is not sturdy enough. If you naturally dry your gel nails, you will be left with chipped nails that can wear off any time. However, if you cure your gel manicure perfectly using a nail lamp, you won’t be worried about ruining them even if you do all your daily chores.
{Also Read: WHAT DO YOU WIPE GEL NAILS WITH AT THE END FOR A SMOOTH MANICURE?}
UV vs LED Nail Lamps - which one is better?
An LED nail lamp is way better than a UV nail lamp as it cures the gel polish almost three times faster and ensures your manicure is smoother, crack-free, and long-lasting. Most importantly, it keeps your nails safe against potentially harmful ultraviolet rays.
What wattage LED lamp do I need for gel nails?
Although a standard 32-Watt LED gel nail lamp can cure gel nail polishes perfectly, an 80-Watt nail lamp enhances the curing time and efficiency hence delivering better results.
How long does it take to cure gel nails with LED light?
Curing your gel nails with an LED light can somewhere take around 30 to 60 seconds – depending upon its wattage. An 80W LED gel nail lamp is sure to cure your manicure faster than a standard 24W or 32W lamp.
What LED lamp is best for gel nails?
A gel nail lamp with white light LED technology system is the best for your nails as it quickly cures your gel polish while keeping them healthy and safe. You can find an 80W LED nail lamp at Luxe Cosmetics featuring a 50,000 hours life expectancy and auto-switch sensors that provide easy, mess-free use with pre-programmed time buttons. This lamp can cure your gel nails as quickly as 10 seconds with its 45 lamp beads all working at the same time.
Wrapping Up
We hope we helped you understand all about an LED gel nail lamp and made it easier for you to choose the right one. We also tried explaining the key differences between a UV vs LED nail lamp but we would love to draw this comparison even deeper for you – if you are looking for some more information. Are you excited to buy your ideal LED nail lamp and start doing your gel nails at home?