With a busy schedule, you can’t always find the time to have fun. For many, manicures seem like a salon-only, unreachable comfort. However, a quick, simple and effective solution is within your reach and it is the UV nail lamp.
This purchase gives you salon service from the comfort of your home. But before you get to checkout, there are a few questions you might be asking by the table. What exactly is this nail machine for? Can it be dangerous for my health? Are all UV nail lamps the same? To remove your doubts from your mind, we offer you a small guide to consult before buying a UV nail lamp.
The benefits of a UV nail lamp
The UV nail lamp is no longer a product reserved for professionals. Today, it is possible for anyone to afford a professional quality manicure thanks to these nail machines.
Essential for gel false nails
If you want to have gel false nails, the UV nail lamp is essential. In the open air, you may indeed have a lot of trouble, even not succeeding at all.
After placing the capsules, you will need to apply a layer of UV gel with a brush. In contact with UV rays, the gel will form a hard layer on your natural nail. This will give it the necessary protection so that it does not break quickly. You can then add more coats of polish to get the perfect manicure.
Apply a semi-permanent varnish
Semi-permanent varnishes are among the most common products on the market that can be used with a nail machine. Their main advantage is the service life of the varnish. This one will last at least two weeks with very little chance of being damaged. It is applied in the same way as a traditional varnish. This means that it should be dried for about two minutes under the UV nail lamp. It will only take you a few seconds with a UV LED lamp.
What is the best UV nail lamp in Canada?
With all of this information in mind about UV nail lamps, now is the time to make your purchasing decision. Although the market will be competitive in Quebec and Canada in 2023, we have selected five quality products to guide you. You should then be able to choose the best product for you.
MelodySusie 54W UV LED Nail Lamp
This nail machine stands out on several points, especially in terms of safety. UV LED technology allows heating at a lower temperature. Additionally, the product automatically shuts off after five minutes of inactivity to prevent overheating. The cleaning of the device is also facilitated. This can indeed be quickly disassembled to quickly remove gel or varnish residue.
The first UV LED lamp that we recommend is that of the company MelodySusie. With 54 Watts of power, it works with a timer with three settings: 30, 60 and 90 seconds.
Finally, this UV LED nail lamp has been designed to consume very little electricity. Therefore, it should normally last you longer.
MPOPUUL 168W UV LED Nail Lamp
This UV LED nail lamp is designed to have a lifespan of 50,000 hours. Four timer settings are possible: 30, 60, 90 or 120 seconds. We also like that the time scrolls on the touchscreen so you know what to expect.
Here is another excellent model that uses UV LED technology. This nail machine works with a significant power of 168 Watts.
Quite large, this device will allow you to slide under the lamp your two hands or ten toes at once. It is also equipped with a motion detector. Moreover, its lamp will turn off automatically when there is nothing under it.
MelodySusie 48W UV Nail Lamp
Thanks to its arc shape, this UV nail lamp makes it easy to slide both hands in one go. This construction also makes the nail machine particularly light, weighing only 248g. Ideal for traveling from one place to another.
Like the previous UV nail lamp from the MelodySusie brand, this one offers UV LED technology with good energy efficiency.
Like most of the models we recommend, you get four timer settings, either 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds. Finally, the 15 second setting is ideal for gels that require very little time to catalyze.
SUNUV 48W LED UV Nail Lamp
This UV LED nail lamp with a power of 48W has a specificity: a “x2” button. As its name suggests, this will allow you to dry your gel with twice the power and therefore twice as quickly. A particularly interesting option if you want to save more time!
The timer has four options: 10, 30, 60 and 99 seconds. Another advantage is that it works with a “memory” mode. Therefore, your preference will be automatically applied and you won’t have to set the timer every time you use it.
The Vishine UV LED nail lamp
This nail machine offers 40 Watts of power and three timer settings: 30, 60 and 90 seconds. A motion detector is also included. Thus, it is not necessary to press the power off button after removing your hands or toes.
This purchase will give you more than just a UV LED lamp. With this device, you will also receive a complete kit for a first quality manicure. Indeed, you get gels, capsules, six colors to choose from, nail files and much more for immediate use. A perfect solution to get everything you need at once.
The differences between UV nail lamp and UV LED lamps
When looking for a nail machine, you will see that some products have a special mention: UV LED lamps. Here’s what sets them apart.
Faster results with a UV LED nail lamp
The advantage of the LED UV lamp, when compared to other UV nail lamps, is the speed. The waiting time for the gel to dry will be a few seconds with an LED against one or two minutes with a UV.
Another benefit is the duration of use. In fact, a UV LED nail lamp can last up to twice as long as a UV lamp. For the first, the bulb can last between 5,000 and 10,000 hours, sometimes even much more. For the second, count rather 4,000 hours of use. Anyway, it is recommended to replace your bulb every six months or so.
More gel options with UV nail lamps
If you are looking for a nail machine that can be used with as many gels as possible, the traditional UV lamp should suit you better than an LED UV lamp. With an LED lamp, you will need to choose compatible gels. This is not the case for everyone.
Conversely, any gel polish can be cured under a conventional UV lamp. For the widest possible use, you will therefore have to opt for this one.
What to know about UV nail lamps
Nail machines will give you a high quality manicure. Be careful though! Excessive or improper use may lead to adverse consequences. Here are some tips to help you make better use of your lamp.
Only use UV gels
With a good nail machine, you can quickly be tempted to use it all the time. You just have to apply a coat of varnish and then place your fingers under the machine so that it dries faster.
Unfortunately, this is a practice to be avoided. Traditional varnishes need to react physically with the open air to soak up properly and offer you the best result. You will therefore have to limit your use to UV gels.
Protect your skin
UV nail lamps should in no way be confused with UV booths. Even though the concept is similar, the radiation exposure is much less with nail machines.
According to the US Federal Food and Drug Administration, the risk of use is very low. However, it is important to follow the instructions given on the product label.
For people with fragile skin, some extra precautions can be taken. For example, you can apply sunscreen to your hands or feet before putting them under the light. Gloves that only show your fingernails are also a good idea.
What to consider before buying a UV nail lamp
Are you convinced of the usefulness of getting a nail machine? It remains only to choose the one that suits you best. Before you checkout, soak up a few technical concepts to make the most informed decision possible.
The size
Nail machines are made in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Everything will depend on your use. With a smaller model, you will logically gain in mobility. It will be easier for you to carry your UV nail lamp everywhere you go.
Some larger machines, however, offer an advantage that should not be overlooked: the possibility of sliding both hands under the UV lamp. This means that drying your nails will take you half the time!
Power in Watts
This is again a question of practice. The higher the power of your UV nail lamp, expressed in Watts, the faster your gel hardens. When it is lower, the delay is a priori longer.
The standard for UV nail lamps is around 32 Watts. That said, be aware that a particularly low power can make the product incompatible with certain types of gel polish.
Portability
Some models of nail machine have a particularity. They can be used without being plugged in. Indeed, some products have a battery. After being charged, use them on the go, like a phone.
Again, it all depends on how you plan to use your nail machine. If your use is limited to doing manicures in the comfort of your home, such an option will not necessarily be useful for you. If you want a product that you can always have on hand, on the other hand, this may be something to keep in mind.
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