Traditionally UV lamps have been used for years and are extremely reasonably priced compared to their LED counterparts. But are they being overtaken in popularity by LED? And does it really matter which type of lamp you employ?

It all comes down to personal preference! Blast lamps are classified as beingness either LED or UV, which refers to the type of bulbs inside and the light they emit, but there are several functional differences which distinguish them.

Which is Improve: UV or LED Nail Lamp?

What is the Difference Between an LED Lamp and UV Boom Lamp?

The deviation betwixt an LED and UV smash lamp is based on the type of radiation the bulb emits. Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators, a chemical that requires straight UV wavelengths to be hardened or 'cure'. This process is chosen a 'photoreaction'.

Both LED and UV smash lamps emit UV wavelengths and work in the aforementioned way. Notwithstanding, UV lamps emit a broader spectrum of wavelengths, while LED lamps produce a narrower, more targeted number of wavelengths.

Science aside, at that place are a number of fundamental differences between LED and UV lamps for smash technicians to exist aware of:

  • LED lamps typically price more than than UV lamps
  • However, LED lamps to tend to last longer while UV lamps frequently demand bulbs replacing
  • LED lamps can cure gel polish faster than a UV lite
  • Non all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp

You can as well find UV/LED smash lamps on the market – these have both LED and UV bulbs, so y'all can switch betwixt what blazon of gel polish yous utilise.

Read on to find out more about the key differences between LED and UV nail lamps…

How Long to Cure Gel Nails with an LED Light and UV Lamp

The master selling betoken of an LED lamp is the time that can be saved when using it compared to curing by UV lamp. Typically an LED lamp will cure a layer of gel polish in 30 seconds, which is a lot quicker than the ii mins that information technology takes a 36w UV lamp to do the same job. However, whether or not this will salve you fourth dimension in the long run depends on how apace you tin apply the side by side coat of colour while ane hand is in the lamp!

Glitterbels Cordless UV/LED Lamp 48w

Glitterbels Cordless UV/LED Lamp 48w

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Glossify Professional Boom Lamp

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The Edge Apollo 48w UV/LED Combination Lamp

The Edge Apollo 48w UV/LED Combination Lamp

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How Long practice LED Lamps Last?

Most UV lamps have a seedling-life of 1000 hours, simply information technology's recommended that the bulbs are changed every half-dozen months. LED lamps should last for l,000 hours which means you should never take to worry about changing the bulbs. And then whilst they might be considerably more expensive an investment in the first place, yous should factor in what you'd spend on bulb replacements when weighing upwardly your options.

Whilst it has been proven that UV exposure will cause minimum to no damage to your clients' skin, if you are in any doubtfulness then it's best to stick to LED as they do not use whatsoever UV light and then pose no risk.

Related: Which is the Best LED Nail Lamp?

What Wattage is Best for a Gel Nail Lamp?

Most professional LED and UV smash lamps are at least 36 watts. This is considering higher watt bulbs tin can cure gel smooth faster – which is very important in a salon setting. For LED shine, a high wattage LED lamp tin can cure it within seconds, while a UV lamp will always take a picayune longer.

Can You lot Use Any LED Light For Gel Nails?

LED nail lamps differ from regular LED lights you might use in your home considering they have a much higher wattage. You lot will notice how bright LED nail lamps are – this is considering gel polish needs a college level of UV radiation than could be provided outside or by a regular lightbulb.

However, not all LED blast lamps tin cure every type of polish – some polishes are designed specifically for UV boom lamps, as we will explicate beneath…

Does an LED Lamp Cure UV Gel – Or, Tin You Cure UV Gel with a LED Lamp?

Some gel polishes have been formulated to be used with UV nail lamps only, so an LED lamp will not work in this instance.

Yous should e'er cheque whether the make of gel polish you are using is uniform with an LED lamp. All gel polishes will exist compatible with a UV lamp, as they emit a wider spectrum of wavelengths that can cure all types of gel smoothen. It volition betoken on the bottle what type of lamp tin can be used with the product.

Some gel smoothen brands recommend y'all employ their own peculiarly adult lamp for their particular formulas – this frequently is to ensure y'all are using the correct wattage to avoid over curing the smooth.

View our extensive range of UV and LED lamps and gel polish starter kits online at Salons Direct now.

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