Important Criteria for Choosing Your Nail Lamp
What’s the Difference Between a LED Lamp and a UV Lamp?
Let’s start with the basics: UV lamp or LED lamp?
UV lamps emit shorter light rays, which means they require more time to cure and dry your nail products. In contrast, a LED lamp tends to work much faster. UV light generates more heat, so a UV lamp may become warm more easily and quickly. LED lamp bulbs have an almost infinite lifespan, so you won’t need to replace them over the years, unlike UV bulbs. Finally, UV lamps are less expensive, making them a more affordable financial investment.
One of the main factors to consider when choosing a lamp concerns the risks to your skin. Numerous studies have shown that UV rays can have harmful effects on the skin in the long term. At Ongles d’Or, we recommend a LED lamp, which is both more efficient and safer, despite its slightly higher cost.
The Importance of Wattage
Wattage, or the power of the light emitted by the lamp, has a significant impact on the performance of your work. The power of the lamp determines how long it takes to cure your products. For UV nail polish applications on natural nails or for curing gel more generally (such as when using forms for nail extensions), we recommend a minimum of 36 watts.
The Size of the Lamp
This might seem obvious, but the size of the lamp is important. A larger and wider lamp allows you to fit an entire hand comfortably and ensures easier use during applications.
Available Features
Some features offered by higher-end lamps might win you over. You could enjoy pre-programmed curing times, automatic hand detection, a digital display, or even a cordless lamp that operates on battery power.
The Reliability of the Brand
The brand does play a role when choosing a lamp. If you’re just starting out or doing your own nails at home, it’s not necessary to invest in a very expensive lamp. Simple and affordable lamps can do a great job. However, if you’re using the lamp professionally, with frequent and intensive use, it may be a good idea to invest in a high-quality lamp from a reliable brand, ensuring longevity and excellent performance.
Style and Appearance
While this criterion may be secondary or unnecessary for some, it’s still important for others! Today, the traditional white lamp has been reinvented in a variety of styles and colors to suit all tastes and match any décor.