Today, we are going to talk about a device that will certainly delight the fairer sex and more especially the most flirtatious. Are you also tired of waiting for those endless minutes to dry your nail polish while you’re in a hurry? You do not necessarily have the opportunity to do regular manicure sessions in beauty salons? Well, now it won’t be a problem because you can use this revolutionary tool that is the nail dryer.
This object will allow you to dry your varnishes more efficiently and quickly. Want to know more? Precisely, in this article we will make you discover everything there is to know about the nail dryer.
What is a nail dryer? And what is this for ?
As its name suggests, the nail dryer is a device specially designed to dry your varnishes as quickly as possible. In fact, it will only take a few seconds for your nails to dry completely. This drying method has always been reserved for beauty salons and trade professionals.
The nail dryer has gradually become more popular and is now accessible to all households. However, it is necessary to specify that this device is not used with any type of varnish. Indeed, the nail dryer is mainly used for certain types of very specific varnishes, in particular those which take longer to dry in the open air. Usually, semi-permanent varnishes are intended to be dried with this device.
How does the nail dryer work?
This nail polish drying method consists first of all in applying a UV and LED type gel to your nails. We will see a little later in this article all the steps to use your nail dryer properly. Exposed to contact with light, the gel will harden and finally catalyze. The real particularity of this device lies in the fact that the process is carried out in just a few seconds. Once your gel has hardened completely, your varnish will last up to 2 or even 3 weeks. It is important to specify that in some cases, the gel does not harden thanks to the light. In fact, it depends on the type of nail dryers you will be using. There are also types of nail dryers that use a ventilation system to harden the gel.
The different types of nail dryers
When we refer to nail dryers, UV LED lamps immediately come to mind. But actually, there are 3 main types of nail dryers. And contrary to what one might think, the LED nail dryer and the UV nail dryer are two very different types. That said, their similar functions allow them to be combined in most models on the market. And as we mentioned above, there is also another type of nail dryer, namely the one with a fan.
The LED nail dryer
The LED nail dryer is undoubtedly the most requested and used of all. Moreover, it is the type most recommended by professionals. If this model is so popular, it is mainly because it is the one that is able to dry your varnishes as quickly as possible. And yes, the LED nail dryer can dry your nails in just about 30 seconds. If this is possible, it is largely thanks to the power of the device which is estimated at 12 W on average. The LED nail dryer can, among other things, dry LED type varnishes, gels and false nails. But of course, performance necessarily has a cost. This is why the LED model is considered to be the most expensive type of nail dryer of all.
The UV nail dryer
The UV nail dryer can be considered a more economical alternative to the LED nail dryer. Besides, it works pretty much the same way as the latter. The only difference is that instead of using LED bulbs, the UV dryer uses ultraviolet neon lights. Of course, the intensity of the rays has been specially lightened so as to be non-aggressive for the skin and the nails. Semi-permanent varnishes, gels and false nails dry in just a few minutes. But how would this UV model be more economical? Well, simply because it has a longer lifespan compared to LED nail dryers. However, the UV dryer may eventually require regular replacement of the UV neons.
fan nail dryer
As you can imagine, the fan nail dryer on the other hand uses a ventilation system to dry your nails. Even if the principle of operation is classic and rudimentary, it is no less effective. Indeed, the device blows fresh air very quickly.It only takes a few minutes for your nails to dry completely. This type of dryer is increasingly appreciated by users since it is simpler, more natural and without risk. Here, the power of the device varies mainly depending on the characteristics of each model. Note that this type of dryer generally works with batteries. But the real particularity of the fan nail dryer is mainly based on the fact that it is able to dry practically all types of varnish.
Advantages of the nail dryer
The main advantage of the nail dryer is based above all on its speed of efficiency. Indeed, this device is able to dry your varnishes faster than any other method. As you will have understood, the nail dryer will therefore save you time and money. The time saving is all the more considerable as you no longer need to go to beauty salons to perform beautiful manicures. What’s more, the nail dryer allows you to more effectively dry types of nail polishes that are difficult to air dry.
You probably don’t know it, but the nail dryer also allows you to improve the hold of your varnishes. And yes, this device hardens your varnishes so as to guarantee more longevity. Your varnishes will be able to last up to 2 or even 3 weeks thanks to the nail dryer. Now you can say goodbye to chipping nails after just 2 or 3 days.
How to choose your nail dryer
Given the diversity of models offered on the market, it is not always easy to choose the right nail dryer. And contrary to what one might think, this choice is not necessarily limited between an LED, UV or fan model. In fact, there are a number of essential criteria to consider in order to find the best model for your needs.
Versatility
You thought that the nail dryer was exclusively used for manicures? Well, think again because there are indeed models of nail dryers for pedicures. These two types of device are easily recognizable by their ergonomics. Indeed, the nail dryer for hands is often smaller and lighter. The toenail dryer, on the other hand, is larger and heavier to move. Either way, their effectiveness is pretty much the same. And of course, there are also models that are compatible for both hands and feet. But as you can imagine, these versatile nail dryers can cost a little more.
The type of technology used
Between LED, UV and fan, wondering which is better? Well, it all depends on your needs and your means. Generally speaking, LED and UV models are considered the most expensive since they are the most efficient. However, these two main types are not necessarily suitable for everyone. Indeed, some people may be reluctant to use lighting and more specifically UV rays. This is precisely why manufacturers have developed a range of cheaper, more natural and more ecological nail dryers: the fan nail dryer. But well beyond the price, the choice of your type of device also depends on the type of varnish you use.
The power
In case you haven’t realized, all the types offered on the market are electric. And the fan nail dryer is no exception since it works with batteries. As a result, the power of the device can directly influence the efficiency of each type of dryer and more specifically the drying speed. You will no doubt have understood that the more efficient your nail dryer, the faster your nail polishes will dry. The standard models can dry your nails in a handful of minutes while the more elaborate models will do it in seconds. In theory, the power of such a device can vary between 7 to 75 Watts. But in practice, you will find that a nail dryer with 12 to 36 Watts is already sufficiently powerful.
Fonctionnalities
Yes, the drying speed offered is undoubtedly the key criterion for choosing the best nail dryer on the market. But some options and features can also give you an idea of how good your device is. You should also know that being equipped with an integrated timer system can add value to your nail dryer. The timer allows you to calculate the exposure time of your drying according to the type and thickness of the varnish you are using. Generally, the nail dryer offers you two to four preset exposure times depending on the range of your device. Some high-end nail dryers even have an automatic detection system. This detector only starts drying when your nails enter the device.
How to properly use the nail dryer?
The principle of using this object is relatively simple to assimilate. However, you will need to have some knowledge of manicures if you want to get the best results with this device. The main thing is to prepare your nails well and to apply your varnish well.
As for drying, the device will take care of it on its own. We recommend that you always refer to the instructions for use of your device to better understand its particularities.
- Before starting your session, wash your hands well and make sure they are perfectly dry. Be careful, you should not apply any oil or any cream on your hands and even less on your nails. This could compromise the effectiveness of your nail dryer.
- Once you’re ready, you can start prepping your nails. This step mainly consists of pushing back the cuticles and filing the contours of your nails to work on their shape. If necessary, you can also file the surface of your nails using a specific fine-grained tool. This will give your nails a better grip.
- When your nails are well prepared, apply a PH regulating treatment. Once this is done, you can then apply your gel using a brush. Always make sure that the gel you use is perfectly compatible with the characteristics and the power of your nail dryer. Remember to distribute the gel evenly so as to cover the entire surface of the nail.
- All you have to do is dry your nails inside the device. Depending on the nail dryer you have, you will have to adjust or not the exposure time of your varnish. And you just have to wait for your nails to dry completely. Depending on the type of polish you are using, you will also need to apply a second coat, or even a third coat of gel. Of course, you will have to dry in the nail dryer with each layer applied.
- Once your nails have fully catalyzed, all you have to do is clean with cotton and an appropriate cleaning solution. This will allow you to get rid of any persistent oily films on your nails.
- After each use, remember to turn off and unplug your device. Rub with a disinfectant wipe in case any stains remain. This will allow you to maintain your nail dryer and guarantee it a long life.
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