LED lamp for nails. What to choose LED lamp or UV lamp? How are they different and which is better?

Lamps in which light-emitting diodes (or LED, from the English light-emitting diode) function as a light source are called LED. They are designed to replace all obsolete types of lamps currently used in lighting. Thanks to the use of safe components, LED lamps are in demand in all areas of lighting: household, industrial, street, emergency.

How does she look

The classic LED lamp (sometimes called an LED lamp), like an incandescent lamp, has a pear-shaped shape. Most often, its base part is made of white metal-plastic, and the bulb is a matte plastic hemisphere. This type of LED lamps is available with E14 and E27 sockets, which are most in demand among the population. An LED light bulb can have any shape and be made to fit any standard base. For example:

GU5.3 – for directional ceiling lamps;
G4 – for chandeliers and decorative lamps;
G13 – for replacing linear fluorescent lamps.

More than 90% of LED lamps produced today are assembled on SMD LEDs, which are miniature in size and yet have high luminous efficiency. In addition to them, you can see on sale the so-called ones, which look very similar to a regular incandescent light bulb (LN). Even less common are light bulbs in which the light source is made in the form of a lamp filled with a layer of phosphor. Nevertheless, in the future it is planned that they will take over the initiative in the production of LED lamps.

What does an LED lamp consist of?

Conventionally, any LED lamp can be represented in the form of component parts: a block with LEDs, a radiator, a light-diffusing cap, a driver unit and a base. The light source is SMD LEDs - located on a PCB board, which is connected to the radiator through thermal paste (thermal conductive glue). For most 220 V LED lamps, the housing serves as a radiator. It is made of aluminum coated with a thin layer of white plastic. Inside the case there is a driver board designed to convert 220 volt alternating voltage into direct voltage. The output voltage depends on the number and switching circuit of installed LEDs. The driver is connected to the base by wires or through a connector. In order for the light from the bulb to be evenly distributed in all directions, the LEDs are covered with a diffuser bulb, which also serves as protection from mechanical damage. Linear LED lamps of the T8 type are designed in a similar way. They just have a different shape and size of their components. Cheap LED lamps with E14 and E27 sockets may not have a driver unit. Instead, in the center of the board with LEDs, a primitive transformerless power supply is sealed, which does not have current and voltage stabilization. Many miniature LED lamps are assembled in a similar way, since there is not enough space inside their housing to mount the driver.

Main advantages and disadvantages

The constantly growing demand for LED lamps indicates their clear superiority over other artificial light sources. Indeed, if you look at their technical characteristics, it becomes clear that fluorescent and spiral lamps are inferior to LED lamps in almost all respects. And this despite the fact that LED technology continues to improve and has not yet reached its peak. LED lamps really have many advantages:

The relative luminous efficiency already reaches 30% (theoretical maximum for LEDs is 40%). For fluorescent light sources this figure is 15%, and for LN it does not exceed 3%.
Low energy consumption (7–9 times less than LN).
Service life from 10 thousand hours and above. The declared service life of the LN is 1 thousand hours.
Resistance to mechanical damage and vibration.
Instant on. Moreover, the number of switchings does not affect the operation of the LEDs.
The absence of harmful substances, which allows them to be used and disposed of safely.
Possibility of producing light bulbs of different power and with any shade of light (cold, neutral, warm). And in “smart” LED lamps, the color of light and its brightness can be set remotely using a smartphone.
During operation, the diffuser practically does not heat up, and the base temperature does not exceed 85 °C.

It is worth recognizing that LED lamps are not ideal, which means they have certain disadvantages:

Relatively high cost. Even taking into account the fact that over the past 2 years their prices have decreased by more than 2 times and are equal to the prices of CFLs, many people, out of habit, continue to buy “gluttonous” LNs. You can make sure that the purchase of an LED lamp is completely justified from an economic point of view by carrying out simple calculations, which are summarized in.
Harmful flicker, invisible to the naked eye and leading to general fatigue and headaches. This drawback is inherent in cheap LED lamps, the driver of which does not have current stabilization.
The need for a step-down converter, as a result of which the cost of the product increases and its reliability decreases.
LED lamps connected through a backlit switch may flicker or glow dimly when switched off. The problem is solved by replacing the switch or modifying the connection diagram.
High percentage of defects, especially among cheap LED lamps. This drawback is explained by the accelerated pace of production of LED products and the lack of proper technical control at all stages of manufacturing.

Ultraviolet lamp for shellac, based on fluorescent light bulbs

Let's consider the type of ultraviolet lamps based on fluorescent light bulbs.

This type of lamp is the most popular for those who want to create gel polish at home.

UV lamp design

The UV lamp on the control panel is usually equipped with an infinity and two-minute timer functions.

Most models have a retractable bottom, which makes it easy to wash the lamp. Such lamps are spacious, which allows you to dry both hands and use it not only for manicure but also for pedicure.

Power and service life

For gel polish to polymerize in a fluorescent lamp, a power of 36 Watts is required - that’s 4 light bulbs of 9 Watts each. As evidenced by reviews from professionals, a good lamp must be powerful.

These bulbs contain mercury inside, so they must be disposed of correctly. It is mercury, enclosed in a special lamp body, that begins to evaporate when the lamp is turned on and, in a gas state, emits the light and heat we need.

Fluorescent lamps negatively affect vision, so when working with such devices, place the UV lamp below eye level, and if possible, do not look inside.

Fluorescent lamps must be disposed of carefully so as not to break them!

For devices of this type there is a limit on the number of activations. On average they work from 5 to 10,000 hours. Operating conditions and voltage stability can be determining factors for durability. The service life is also determined by the quality of the electrode components.

Lamp start type

Based on the type of start-up, lamps are divided into electronic and induction circuits. The electronic circuit is simpler and involves a normal start by pressing a button. The only drawback of such devices is that they do not tolerate power surges well. The device may fail if it encounters interruptions too often. You need to stock up on UV-9W light bulbs.

Devices with an induction circuit are much more complex. They use special light bulbs that are equipped with a starter and an electromagnetic choke. In such a device, the lighting of the light bulbs occurs slowly. The device tolerates changes well, and if necessary, use light bulbs marked UV=9WL.

Features of UV lamps

In such lamps, the varnish usually dries from one to three minutes, depending on the recommendations of the manufacturers of the gel polish you are using.

UV lamps heat up, the heating temperature can reach up to 50 degrees, so you should use the device carefully.

Application of UV lamp

Ultraviolet lamps with fluorescent bulbs dry absolutely any type of coating: gel polishes, gel paints, bio gels and any other materials are perfectly polymerized.

Pros and cons of UV lamps with fluorescent bulbs

Pros of UV lamps:

This lamp dries absolutely everything: gel polishes, bio gels, gels, gel paints.
The lamp is most often spacious and convenient for both manicure and pedicure;
The model range is represented by a wide variety of brands and capacities. Any device is available for free sale or can be ordered online.
UV lamps are widely used by both professionals and amateurs.
The popularity of these devices is associated with their inexpensive cost. Within 2,000 rubles you can purchase a lamp that will perform its functions efficiently.

Disadvantages of UV lamps:

In fluorescent lamps, you need to change the bulbs once every 4-5 months, because towards the end of their service life, such bulbs lose their power and do not dry the gel polish well. In this regard, the gel polish may wrinkle, which does not have a very positive effect on the quality of your manicure and is not at all pleasant. To avoid poor-quality drying, which results in liquid shellac, it is better to process the nail longer and more thoroughly. When working with fluorescent bulbs, it is advisable to use a material that is not very thick.
UV lamps negatively affect vision, so precautions must be taken.
The lamps get hot.
Long drying time from 1 to 3 minutes.

LED nail lamps features

Ice lamps for nails work using LEDs. This is the most suitable method for polymerizing gel polishes. The technology of using ice lamps in manicure is newer than UV lamps. The cost of such lamps is higher. Therefore, such lamps are more often purchased for salons.

Ice lamp design

The device is a housing equipped with LED lights from the inside, controlled from the outside by a special touch panel. This type of lamp, as a rule, has mirror surfaces, a timer and a number of useful options that make the procedure easier.

Power and service life

The service life of an Ice lamp is quite long - more than 50,000 hours of service, sometimes even up to 100,000 hours, and this despite the fact that LED lamps do not lose power over time, unlike fluorescent lamps.

With high efficiency, they consume little energy and quickly polymerize the material. Ice llamas are very economical; with a power of 2 Watt, the lamp perfectly polymerizes gel polish. The bottom and walls of the lamp are usually mirrored.

The difference comes down to the time the gel hardens. A 9 W machine requires 1 minute; 18 W – 20-30 seconds, respectively 36 W – 10-20 seconds. A powerful LED lamp can significantly save time.

Application

Ice devices are considered to be the best devices for drying nails. A professional lamp is actively used by amateurs. The manufacturer offers pocket options in its model range. This small lamp greatly simplifies the issue of moving the device.

However, it is important to note that not all LED lamps dry gel polishes equally well. Here you need to pay attention to the recommendations of gel polish manufacturers. This is the main disadvantage of these devices.

To avoid problems of this kind, you should pay attention to hybrid lamps.

Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps

The advantages of LED lamps are very diverse:

high power, minimizing the procedure;
safety for skin and nails;
safety of the device itself in case of damage or the need for disposal;
absence of pulsation, which has a harmful effect on vision;
the ability to use the device even if several light bulbs fail.

Disadvantages of LED lamps:

As mentioned above, not all polishes are designed to work with LED lamps. The master checks the compatibility of the material independently, having read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most manufacturers offer materials that are exposed to LED lamps; they promote rapid hardening, but unfortunately not all.

In this case, an ultraviolet lamp is more convenient to use if you have to work with different types of gel.

Hybrid lamps

It should be noted that professionals most often turn to hybrid types. These are lamps that are a mixture of Led + CCFL devices.

This device combines all the advantages of ultraviolet and LED lamps.

Hybrid lamps work with all types of consumables.
Dry the material quickly enough from 30 seconds.
The service life of such a lamp is up to 50,000 hours.
Hybrid lamps do not heat up.
The lamp radiation does not harm the health and skin of the hands.
Significantly save energy.
The cost of the equipment is very reasonable - from 2.5 thousand and above, depending on the power.

Which lamp for shellac should you choose?

To answer this question, think about your needs.

When it comes to choosing, you need to answer a series of questions that will help you make the right decision.

How much are you willing to spend?
Will you only do manicures at home, or do you need a lamp to go to the customer?
Do you need a lamp for all kinds of material
Whether you will only do a manicure or a pedicure is also interesting to you.
Do you need a lamp for gel polish or do you also want to use it for extensions?

Now knowing the differences between each lamp, you can easily choose the one you need.

Where to buy lamps and what to look for

The wide selection of offline and online stores can sometimes be confusing. After all, the same looking lamp can cost completely different things. What you need to pay attention to.

Lamp weight. If the lamp is made of good material, its weight will be a little heavier than that of Chinese-made lamps. And this is a big plus. Firstly, such a lamp does not slide on the table during operation, and all parts of the product are durable and reliable.

Buttons. In a good lamp, the buttons are easy to press and do not dangle.

Power cable. An ordinary Chinese lamp has a short power cord, and such cords often fail.

Another advantage of a high-quality hybrid is the sensor.

The world does not stand still, and therefore when choosing a device for manicure, remember that a good device will qualitatively improve the work process.

Why buy a bulky and long-lasting lamp if you came up with a fast and compact one, with various additional features. In addition, the price of LED lamps and hybrid lamps is becoming more affordable. But the choice is yours!

LED lamps for manicureBetter than ultraviolet ones, but more expensive. Their power does not weaken throughout their entire service life - 50,000 - 100,000 hours. LEDs do not dim and do not contain a filament.

Harmfulness minimal: they do not burn when drying gel polish , gel and acrylic, safe for skin and vision, do not emit toxic substances. The drying speed is higher than that of UV devices: different materials polymerize in 10-30 seconds.

Which LED lamp is better to choose?

For the price the device is affected by such characteristics like:

power;
sizes (stationary or compact);
working area (for drying the coating on 1 finger, on 5 fingers or 2 hands at once);
inclusion type;
availability of additional functions.

Power

36 W devices are suitable for work in salons, quickly polymerizing gel or acrylic. For home (especially when drying shellac ) you can choose a low-power device from 3 to 18 W.

Switching type

Highlight:

mechanical activation (button);
automatic (the sensor is triggered when the brush is placed in the lamp);
combined (2-in-1).

Size

Mini ICE The lamps will suit girls who love to travel or go on business trips. They are chosen by masters for visiting the client’s home.

Large multifunctional devices are purchased for the salon.

Additional accessories

Thanks to the touch screen you will control every stage of the procedure.
The fan will allow the use of devicesfor drying nails, coated with regular varnish.

Retractable bottom guarantees hygienic polymerization (especially when using LED pedicure lamps).
A timer with a choice of several options and an “infinity” function will help you not to keep track of time when drying the coating.

What is presented in the FRENCHnails online store

IN online store FRENCHnails can be done inexpensively buy LED lamp for manicureHigh Quality. IN catalog There is a large selection of models from famous brands.

Residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg can order delivery by courier; in the regions it is convenient to receive parcels at a pickup point.

A high-quality LED lamp is the key to healthy nails and a beautiful manicure.

Acrylic nail extensions and coating the plate with regular varnish are a thing of the past. Now a new trend is in fashion - gel extensions and permanent gel-based varnish (shellac). And although it looks more complicated due to the use of special lamps, in fact the process is very simple. The most important thing is to choose a quality lamp with the right elements. When choosing between different variations, the question arises - which lamp for manicure is better and what is the difference between UV and ice?

Types of designs

The main feature of gel-based materials is that they do not polymerize under normal conditions. In order for the varnish to dry, in simple terms, it needs exposure to a certain spectrum of rays.

Depending on which elements are used, devices are divided into:

ultraviolet (UV);
light-emitting diode (LED);
gas light (CCFL);
hybrid - UV+LED, UV+LED+CCFL.

Each lamp has its pros and cons, but at the moment we will look at the budget group - UV and LED.

UV lamp

This is the very first device for drying varnish, which is still actively used by craftsmen with a small number of clients. Its main priority is power, which depends on the number of fluorescent bulbs. Each is designed for a power of 9 watts, from which you can determine their number:

1 piece - 9W;
2 - 18W;
4 - 36W;
6 - 54W, etc.

The higher the power, the faster the varnish dries. In the first case, one layer will take about half an hour, in the latter - 1 minute.

Professional equipment, as a rule, is produced in an enlarged case so that you can put two hands on it at once. The timer is located on the body, which facilitates the work of the master.

Disadvantages - negative effects on nails, skin, harm to the eyes.

LED lamps

This is a device based on the operation of LEDs. With much more compact dimensions, the diodes produce multiple times more power, due to which polymerization takes no more than 30 seconds.

Modern designs are produced in the form of compact, streamlined devices with a removable bottom panel and mirror lining. When reflected, the nail plate dries evenly, which eliminates manicure errors.

The operating principle of both lamps is identical:

first treat the nails with disinfectant and antibacterial coatings;
apply the base layer;
1-2 decorative layers;
fixing base;
removing the sticky layer and processing the cuticles.

Each layer takes 20-30 seconds, so the entire manicure takes no more than 40 minutes

Unlike UV, the LED device does not have a negative effect on vision, does not dry out the skin of the hands and does not dry out the nail plate.

The downside is something else - not all gel polishes are polymerized under the influence of LEDs. To do this, you need to choose special products marked “LED”.

VIDEO: How to choose a lamp for drying gel polish? Comparison of UV and LED lamps

Which is better to choose: ICE or UV

To make the right choice, it is necessary to evaluate the technical characteristics and parameters of both devices:

Term of the work

LED lamps are designed under ideal conditions for 50,000 hours of operation, in real conditions - 30-35 thousand hours, which corresponds to 4 years of continuous operation.

The UV lifespan is only 3000 hours, that is, only 10 months of operation. But this is not the worst thing - they need to be changed every 3-4 months, the aging process occurs too quickly, and the sources stop working at full capacity. This means that polymerization will not reach the final stage and the gel will be soft.

Diodes do not age over time - at the end of their service life they simply burn out, so there is no need to worry that the coating will not dry out enough.

Work intensity

This criterion is important for salons and hairdressing salons, where it is necessary to quickly, clearly and accurately serve the client. Even relatively UV devices with a power of 36W spend 1-1.5 minutes on one layer, respectively, the entire manicure takes on average up to 2 hours.

The power of the LEDs differs tenfold, the coating polymerizes instantly, and the varnish does not run off or deform.

No harm to the environment

Another plus in favor of a LED lamp that does not contain mercury. At the end of the work, they are simply thrown away, while luminescent ones must be disposed of in a special manner. If the housing is damaged, mercury leaks out, and in high concentrations this is simply a disaster for the planet.

Now it’s clear how a UV lamp differs from an LED lamp, although neither option can be called ideal. Ultraviolet, although it takes a long time to dry, works with all gel-based materials. Diode at a fast rate “copes” only with those where photoinitiators are present in large quantities. Such products are marked with the “LED” marking.

A hybrid lamp, which combines three types of lamps at once, can be called ideal for work:

CCFL with a cold cathode, filled with an inert gas with a small addition of mercury;
12 LED bulbs based on the LED principle;
UV for final polymerization.

When all sources are turned on simultaneously, the gel dries almost instantly.

Hybrid lamps cost on average $100-$150 more than UV and about $100 more than Ice. Such a purchase is rational in salons with a large flow of customers. For home manicure, a classic LED lamp is quite suitable. And let us remind you once again that they only work with certain types of bases.

Summing up

When choosing one design or another, you need to adequately assess your capabilities as a craftsman and your financial situation. Buying a new product for $600 with a minimum number of clients is impractical, as well as saving on the purchase if there are people, but the master physically does not have time to cope with the flow.

On the one hand, such a new product will be a serious contribution to the work. On the other hand, clients love craftsmen who work quickly and professionally.

We told you how these or those devices differ from each other, but the choice is still yours.

VIDEO: How to choose the right LED lamps for drying nails

The advantages of gel polish were appreciated not only by nail technicians, but also by ordinary women. Now you don’t have to wait for the coating to dry, and most importantly, it’s now possible to renew your manicure not every 5-7 days, but once every two weeks.

In general, the new product was received with joy and we ran to purchase everything needed for this service.

Why is it important to make the right choice?

When deciding to master manicure at home, a problem arises related to the purchase of tools. And if everything is more or less clear with brands that produce nail coatings, then it is quite difficult to understand which lamp is better for gel polish. After all, the right choice is the path to quality manicure.

Conventional coating dries due to the loss of certain chemical compounds. But you can try to dry shellac without a special device as much as you like, and still nothing will work. The fact is that this coating will be fixed only after changing the composition at the micro level. And a special device is capable of starting this process.

Varieties

The nail service market for polymerization offers the following types of lamps:

LED.
Ultraviolet.
Gas-light.

How are they different and which is the best lamp to buy for gel polish? In the first two types, LED and fluorescent lamps are installed as a light source, and in gas-light ones, electrodes with a cold cathode are installed, that is, without an incandescent filament.

Ultraviolet

The popularity of UV lamps among nail technicians is due to the fact that they appeared on the market earlier than others. The advantages of the device include a wide selection of case designs and a price range that will please buyers with any wallet. The disadvantage of a UV lamp is that the radiation negatively affects the organs of vision, and the device also slightly dries out the nail plate and hands. In addition, constant use will lead to burnout of the lamps, and this is an additional expense.

You should also pay attention to its power before purchasing. For standard ones it is 9W, but there are others - from 18W to 54W. As this indicator increases, the quality of polymerization increases and the drying time of the gel decreases. Nail service experts say that the optimal choice would be a power of 36W. These devices have 4 light bulbs, and each layer of gel polish/shellac dries perfectly in 2 minutes.

An important detail is the presence of a timer. In simple models, you can set a specific time in minutes. No less popular are devices with 2 modes - “2 minutes” and “∞”, that is, constant. In the latter case, the light will turn off only after pressing the button. In more expensive ones, it sets the per-second mode - the most economical option of all proposed.

Another factor influencing which lamp for gel polish is best to buy is the size. In larger models, it is possible to dry two hands at the same time, which significantly saves the duration of the procedure. But for home use it is better to purchase a small model.

LED lamps

Newcomers to the nail market. Their main advantage is the high polymerization rate. Of course, LED lamps are slightly more expensive than ultraviolet lamps, but the durability of light-emitting diodes compensates for this disadvantage. Even if one LED fails during the process, the power of the remaining ones will allow operation to continue. This is the second advantage. LEDs are many times superior to UV light bulbs - gel polishes dry in 10-30 seconds, which significantly saves the duration of a manicure.

If you don’t know which LED lamp for gel polish is best for home use, pay attention to devices with a power of 6W. They are compact, inexpensive, and the quality is not inferior to UV dryers. But before buying, take a closer look at the location of the LEDs. For uniform polymerization, they should be placed on the sides and top.

Some models are equipped with touch on/off, that is, they respond to the hand inside. During operation, LED lamps do not cause any unpleasant sensations and do not heat up. The safety of nails and hand skin is another advantage of the device. In addition, during polymerization the light flux does not pulsate and does not harm the organs of vision.

Not all gel polishes dry out;
emits ultraviolet, but has a narrower range than fluorescent ones.

Gas-light

While manicurists were arguing which lamps were better for drying gel polish: UV or LED, a new variety appeared in the world. CCFL is a combination device that combines the operating principles of fluorescents and LEDs. It differs from the previous ones in low energy consumption and durability. In addition, it does not dry out the skin, but perfectly polymerizes all types of varnishes and models gels. The disadvantage is the operating time, which varies from 30 seconds to three minutes.

Gel polish lamp: what power is better

As stated earlier, standard UVs use 9W replacement parts. This is where the most common mistake made by manufacturers occurs, which buyers are not aware of. A dryer with 2-4 replacement lamps actually consumes 18-36W in total. But the required UV radiation is much lower. Thus, a 9 Watt lamp produces only 20% ultraviolet radiation, that is, 1.7 W.

Now let's talk about cold cathode dryers. So far they are produced only in two versions: with 1 and 3 lamps. To increase service life, the power of each is reduced to 12 watts. But still, the intensity of their radiation exceeds standard UV models.

How long does the lamp last?

In UV devices they are changed every 3 months, but this is an approximate period. It is difficult to say exactly how long a light bulb will last, since it all depends on how often the dryer is used. When used for personal purposes, the device part will last up to one year.

With LEDs everything is much worse. The lamps cannot be replaced, so the dryer will have to be disposed of after use. But it is not all that bad. The service life of LED dryers is 100,000 hours. This is a lot, since the device dries gel polish faster than UV. This means that even with frequent use, the LED lamp will last a very long time.

And if you have not yet decided which lamp is better for gel polish, then, speaking of changing parts, you can understand that there is not much difference.

Of course, UV is cheaper, but consider the cost of the elements that need to be changed every 3 months. Buying an LED one will cost more, but it will not require additional investments.

Let's talk about brands

To understand which lamp is better to dry gel polish, we will divide all device manufacturers into three groups:

Professionals focused on supplying beauty salons. These are mainly American brands: Harmony, OPI, CND, Gelish. Their products are modern, prestigious, high quality and, of course, expensive.
Mid-class lamps that are suitable for work in the salon and for home use. These are mainly Russian-Chinese or domestic manufacturers: RuNail, Polaris, JessNail, Planet Nails. The advantages of the models are good quality and the possibility of warranty service.
There are a huge number of nameless brands whose products are sold on Chinese websites. These lamps have a primitive design, a minimal set of capabilities and a short service life. But they do an excellent job with the main function - drying the coating - and are very cheap.

Which UV lamp is best for gel polish: review of a budget model

JESSNAIL 36 VT is a domestic product for home use and beginner nail technicians. Thanks to the classic shape, it is possible to dry 5 fingers at the same time.

dries all types of UV-sensitive coatings;
the device has 4 lamps with a power of 9 Watt;
3 operating modes: 2 and 3 minutes + “endless”;
affordable price;
removable tray;
Includes instructions in Russian.

lack of a timer for a shorter period of time.

Best Professional UV Lamp

CND UV LAMP 36W is specially created for professional, intensively working craftsmen. The model provides all the necessary features for a high-quality and comfortable manicure: fan, countdown display, retractable tray, carrying handle, 4 timers.

Pros:

high-quality execution;
good protection of the organs of vision from radiation;
set of long-lasting lamps;
versatility (dries all types of gel polishes).

a huge number of fakes;
high price.

The most powerful professional LED dryer

If you are the owner of a high-status beauty salon and don’t know which lamp to choose for gel polish, pay attention to the OPILED LIGHT model. Ultra-bright LEDs dry the coating almost instantly and enhance the effect of a high-quality mirror coating.

fast polymerization;
durable metal case;
high power: 32 LED lamps, 6W each;
1 year warranty;
Convenient to use for both manicure and pedicure.

very high cost;
Not all brands of gel polishes dry;
An adapter for a European socket is required.

Popular hybrid lamp for gel polish

LED+CCFL DIAMOND is one of the few combined models with good quality and an affordable price. The device is equipped with 12 LED lamps and one spiral lamp, which allows you to dry the coating in less than 30 seconds.

presence of a timer for 10, 30 and 60 seconds;
durable lamps;
versatility;
removable bottom for a comfortable pedicure.

the size of the lamp allows polymerization to be carried out according to the “4+4+2” principle;
the timer is located in the back of the case, which causes inconvenience when doing your own manicure;
country of origin: China.

For those looking for quality at an affordable price

When asked which lamp is best for gel polish at an affordable price, nail lovers and professionals will answer - RUNAIL 36 BTRU 911. This model of the classic “tunnel” shape has 4 lamps with a power of 9 Watt each.

retractable bottom;
3 timers: 1, 2 and 3 minutes;
high-quality polymerization;
ability to use at a professional level;
price.

in the reviews there are complaints about the operation of the timer;
warranty - 3 months;
weight - 1.5 kg.

PLANET NAILS BIG HEART

The best option for those who are looking for an inexpensive professional device, but do not know which LED lamp is best for gel polish. The manufacturer promises 40,000 hours of operation, but emphasizes that it is necessary to use materials compatible with the dryer.

affordable price + good quality;
weight - 500 g;
28 lamps with a power of 4.5 watts.

there is no timer.

Let's sum it up

For your first steps in working with gel coating, you can buy a cheap “test” lamp made in China. For at-home manicure, masters recommend purchasing an inexpensive universal model with a power of 36 Watts. However, in the process of improving your skills, you will have to replace it with a better and more functional device. Well, high-status beauty salons cannot do without prestigious and “sophisticated” lamps for polymerizing gel polish, which were described in this review.

Good luck with your choice and quality manicure!