UV lamps for nails. Types, functions, what to buy, cost

Even 100 years ago, only noble and rich ladies could afford a manicure. Today any woman can make bright and beautiful nails. You just need to have special gels and a nail dryer. To the aid of lovers of nail art came ultraviolet lamps.

Types of lamps for manicure and their differences

The design of an ultraviolet lamp is technologically uncomplicated. It is made in the form of a body with control buttons on the surface and lamps inside.

Some models additionally have:

• timer;
• fan;
• pull-out panels;
• mirror surfaces.

UV lamps vary in size. The larger size of the machine is suitable for drying two hands at the same time. Compact lamps are convenient for home use and cost an order of magnitude less than large apparatus. The range of colors is so varied that you can choose a lamp to match any interior.

UV lamps for nails differ not only in external design, but also in internal filling. The power of the apparatus and the ability of the coating to polymerize depends on which light bulb is inside.

Devices for the polymerization of varnishes and gels:

• UV lamps... They are distinguished by low cost, wide range of models, versatility of use.
• Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. The price is an order of magnitude higher, but it is compensated by the quick drying of nails. The brightness of the light depends on the LED wattage, but is only applicable for gels marked with the LED icon.
• Hybrid lamps (CCFL). These UV lamps with a cold cathode quickly and evenly polymerize the lacquer coating, in 20-30 seconds. They are filled with a gas that emits a soft, eye-pleasing light. The 24 W element is suitable for light to medium density varnishes. For working with thick construction gel, 12 W spiral elements are used. This type of lamp is the most expensive.

All devices for curing varnishes work according to the general principles: radiation, acting on the polymers that cover the nails, change their molecular structure and the varnishes harden.

Pros and cons of UV lamps

Ultraviolet has long been used in medicine and cosmetology. It has bactericidal properties, helps in the production of vitamin D in the body, and compensates for the lack of sunlight.

Positive aspects of ultraviolet radiation:

• Effective enough against many bacteria and viruses.
• Has a beneficial effect on the body. Periodic use helps to strengthen blood vessels, reduces blood viscosity.
• Versatility. The devices are used by both professional craftsmen and those who like to do manicure at home.
• Large selection of models of various capacities.You can pick up an apparatus with a timer, a powerful lamp, a fan, for drying nails on two hands at once.
• Ease of handling. The device of the devices allows you to easily and simply change lamps. 9W devices can be operated with batteries.
• Almost all varnishes and gels can polymerize. Wide wavelength range cures formulations labeled with UV, LED-UV, and without special markers. LED coatings are designed to be cured under LEDs only.
• Affordable prices. Devices have a low price threshold, except for high-power devices, up to 54 W.

UV nail lamps have disadvantages:

• Service life of bulbs. Some UV lamps are short-lived, produce no more than 3 thousand hours, after which they need to be replaced with new ones. The more often the drying is switched on, the faster the lamp life will be developed.
• Drying time. Some coatings take a long time to cure. So, one layer of gel polish takes 3-4 minutes to harden.
• The sensitivity of the device to overheating. Prolonged use of incandescent bulbs may cause the unit to overheat. A built-in fan often solves this problem.
• The need for processing. After each session, wipe the entire lamp with disinfectant solution.
• The discomfort. With prolonged drying, some people feel a slight burning sensation in their hands.

UV lamp for manicure: how it works

In 1985, the first light-curing nail materials were introduced. To quickly fix the synthetic material, a light source of a certain wave was needed. The UV lamp became such a polymerizer.

Ultraviolet radiation is divided into 3 types:

• UV-C (100-280 mm) is the most hazardous radiation to health.
• UV-B (280-315 mm) - unfavorable for humans.
• UV-A (315–400 mm) - sun-friendly. This radiation is used in lamps.

The principle of operation of the devices is based on the emission of light of a certain wavelength of 380-400 nanometers. Each type of gel requires certain types of waves. In classic tunnels, or UV lamps, replaceable 9 watt bulbs are used. It can be a tunnel with 1, 2 or 4 bulbs.

A device that needs 2 or 4 bulbs will consume 18 or 36 watts, respectively. And the radiation will be much less, only 20%.

Thus, a 9-watt lamp will give only 1.7 watts of ultraviolet radiation. As the use of the device increases, the illumination decreases. Therefore, every 2 thousand hours worked, the lamps should be replaced. The glow duration is set by the manufacturer, it depends on the gel polymerization time. Drying on average takes 90-110 seconds.

Lamp performance:

UV lamp design

UV nail lamps are made by injection molded plastic products. In this case, particularly durable products of various configurations are obtained. In most modern devices, the lamps are arranged inside a semicircle, which allows you to cover all nails at the same time when drying.

For better polymerization, the inside of the lamp is covered with a reflective material, so that all the light reaches your hand. The bottom inside the dryer is covered with a special plastic plate.

What are the criteria for choosing an ultraviolet lamp for manicure

The main criterion by which the need to purchase a lamp is determined is its power. It depends on the number of UV lamps that can be inserted into the apparatus at the same time. Pay attention to the presence of reflective panels inside the lamp. They affect the uniformity of the coating and the quality of polymerization.

All other parameters depend on the taste and desire of the buyer:

• Equipment. Built-in additional functions, a pull-out tray, a good reflector, all of which are worth paying attention to when buying.
• Ease of use.Wire length, suitable size, convenient location of buttons - this is worth paying attention to when buying.
• Drying time. This parameter depends on the availability of free time and the coating material that is used more often.
• The design of the device and its dimensions. A large and heavy apparatus will not always be appropriate at home.
• Food method. A good solution would be to buy a device that has not only a network cable, but also a USB cable.

Power

In mini models, the nominal output of UV lamps is 9 and 18 watts. There are 36 and 54 watt lamps. The number of watts depends on the number of lamps in the apparatus. In 9 and 18-watt devices, 1 and 2 replaceable lamps, in 34 and 56-watt - 4 and 6 lamps, respectively. For permanent manicure, lamps with a power of 36 watts or more are in demand. They guarantee high-quality drying in a short period.

Lamp type

The devices use UV fluorescent lamps, since they consume 3-5 times less energy than conventional incandescent lamps. The service life is 5-10 thousand hours. The incandescent temperature of the lamps is + 50̊C. When the apparatus is very hot, the nail gel can sometimes burn fingers.

When purchasing a lamp, make sure that it is of the correct mount, size and wattage for the device. Lamps suitable for the induction circuit are UV-9W-L and UV 9W. For devices with electronic circuit - UN-9W or UV-9W-E and UV 9W. Gas lamps for manicure are more advantageous in terms of technical characteristics. They triple the safety and durability of the covering materials.

Gels do not curl under their influence. Replacing lamps is carried out as in table lamps.

Coating

Lamps of various colors are on sale. They can be matched to any interior and for every taste. The plastic from which the body is made does not heat up; it can be washed with delicate detergents. The main thing to pay attention to is that it is not very thin.

Throttle

The dryer can be mobile or stationary. The presence of a rotary mechanism in the lamp is convenient when, in addition to manicure, a pedicure is also performed at the same time.

UV lamps can also have two ignition systems:

• Electronic. Ignition occurs immediately after pressing the power button. Like any electronics, it has no protective components, and any voltage drop can damage it. Operates from a network of 180-240 volts. They usually burn out one by one. Lamps marked with UV-9W are suitable for these devices.
• Induction. The devices have an internal electromagnetic choke and a starter for starting, located in the base, so they are not afraid of voltage drops. These lamps do not light up immediately, but with a certain time interval. Bulbs with such a system consume energy more economically, burn out in pairs. The cost of such lamps is somewhat more expensive than conventional ones. Bulb marking - UV-9W-L.

For home use, a lamp with an electronic ignition system will suffice.

Display

The latest models of drying apparatus have built-in displays that indicate the polymerization time, power indicator. All models have power buttons located on top of the case, which is very convenient when drying yourself, at home.

Timer

The timer built into the device is convenient in that you do not need to monitor the drying time, which saves time and does not overdry the varnish coating. In inexpensive models, the time is set to 1-3 minutes. In more expensive devices, the timer is set per second.

You can also set time for drying one coat of varnish.The device allows you to select a mode from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. UV lamps with a built-in sensor automatically turn on when the hands are touched, and turn off when the hands are removed from the nail dryer.

Removable bottom

Some models have a removable bottom. This function is convenient when changing lamps, disinfecting the device.The pallet in some models has finger dividers.

The size

There are large lamps designed to handle both hands at the same time. These models are heavy and more expensive. There are also small, compact dryers on the market, designed for one hand or 2-3 fingers.

Manufacturer

The most popular models are manufactured by RuNail.

UV lamps from other manufacturers:

• OPI, Gelish, CND, Harmony. High quality machines manufactured by American companies. The price is high.
• JessNail, Planet Nails, Polaris. The products of these companies represent the "golden mean" devices that meet the price-quality standard. Nice design, good performance, affordability.
• Devices made in China. Lamps made by little-known companies have worked well at home. A variety of colors, affordable price, acceptable quality are the hallmarks of Chinese manufacturers.

Features and rules of operation of UV lamps for manicure

UV lamps for nails require care and adherence to certain rules:

• Do not use the device if at least one element burns out. The UV lamps contain mercury, and if the lamp is faulty, its integrity may be compromised.
• Do not remove drops of gel on the lamp housing with solvent. The acetone contained in it will damage the plastic case.
• UV lamps are cleaned only with a soft dry cloth. In case of heavy pollution, you can turn the lamp the other way, the light intensity will not change from this.
• Do not spray disinfectant on the lamp and housing. Can be wiped clean with alcohol or delicate detergent.
• A lamp that has reached its end of life should be replaced immediately.

  

When buying a device, pay attention to the label located on the back of the device. It contains information about the manufacturer, and must also have a PCT mark indicating product certification. This will ensure that a safety lamp has been purchased.

Review of the best manufacturers and models of UV lamps, prices

The most popular lamp models:

• RUNAIL 36 BTRU. Professional lamp, suitable not only for craftsmen, but also for lovers of home nail art. It has a classic tunnel shape, works with 4 lamps of 9 watts each, a retractable bottom, a timer for 1-3 minutes. The weight of the device is 1.5 kg, which gives a stable position on the table. Price - 2.8 thousand rubles.
• CND UV Lamp 36W. Professional apparatus for fixing shellac and Brisa gel polish. It has a built-in fan, an indicator that informs about the period of lamp replacement. The device has a built-in handle, with which it is convenient to carry it. The voluminous tunnel allows the use of a pedicure device. The performance of each of the four 9-watt bulbs is 100 hours. Price - 12 thousand rubles.
• Planet Nails... The best choice for both amateurs and professionals. The size of the tunnel allows all fingers to dry freely at once. The retractable reflector adds extra comfort. There is a timer for 120 sec. A variety of colors gives you a choice. Price - 2.3 thousand rubles.

  

• TNL Professional. The device, manufactured in South Korea, meets all the modern requirements of nail art design. Ease of use, durability, convenience are the distinctive features of the device, the power of which is 36 watts. Works in 1.5 minutes mode. and continuous. The pull-out tray is convenient for changing lamps, the colors are varied. Price - 1.2 thousand rubles.
• Polaris PNL 4018UV. Convenient to use beautiful device made in the form of a hemisphere. There is a recess for the hands, a mirror reflector. At the top there are buttons for turning on. The timer is presented in three modes: 120, 180 min and without a timer, which allows you to select a mode for each layer of gel. Automatic shutdown, with a sound signal. Small weight - 05 kg. An AC adapter is included with the device. Price - 3.2 USD rub.

  

• UV lamp KUKLA by JessNail Professional... This device is suitable for lovers of creating masterpieces at home. The company has established itself well in the UV lamp market since 1995. The weight of the device is small, the power is 36 W, it operates on 4 lamps of 9 W. Small size fits into a handbag. Fully mirrored inside for even drying. The lower part is retractable, which allows it to be used not only for manicure, but also for pedicure. Outwardly, it looks very stylish, the colors are varied. Price - 1.5 thousand rubles.
• UV Beurer MP. The German health brand has been around since 1919. A modern dryer has a power of 36 W, 4 lamps of 9 W. The built-in timer has two modes: 120 seconds and no time limit. A good mirror reflector allows nails to dry in 1.5-2 minutes. Pull-out panel, small size and weight create additional convenience. Price - 3.3 thousand rubles.
• IRISK UV LAMP. Professional lamp powered by the mains. The electronic timer operates in several modes: from 30 to 300 seconds, except for infinity. A small, convenient size UV ​​lamp has a power of 365 watts. Additional functions: built-in fan, pull-out tray, mirror reflector. Made in China under the control of IRIS'K. Price - 3 thousand rubles.
• UV lamp from Jet Elite. Compact device for one hand with a built-in timer for 1-3 minutes. Accurately and thoroughly polymerizes gels due to the parabolic reflector, which is located in the tray. The device has 4 lamps, each with a power of 9 W. Can also be used for pedicure. Price - 9 thousand rubles.

When choosing ultraviolet lamps, one must take into account all the parameters of the device: power, safety, reliability. It should be easy to use, enjoyable, and be an assistant in creating nail masterpieces.

UV Lamp Videos

The device and principle of operation of the UV nail lamp:

Author: Belyaeva Anna