How to choose the right lamp?
Important criteria for choosing a nail lamp
What is the difference between an LED lamp and a UV lamp?
Let's start with the basics: UV lamp or LED?
UV lamps emit shorter light rays, which means they take longer to cure and dry your nail polish. An LED lamp will tend to be effective much more quickly. UV light heats up more, so your UV lamp can get hot more easily and quickly. The bulbs of an LED lamp have an almost infinite lifespan, so you won't have to change them over the years, unlike UV bulbs. Finally, a UV lamp is less expensive, so it will represent a less significant financial investment.
One of the main factors to consider when choosing concerns skin risks. Indeed, many studies have shown that UV rays have harmful effects on the skin in the long term. Ongles d'Or therefore recommends an LED lamp, which will be more efficient and safer despite its slightly higher price.
The importance of wattage
Wattage, in other words the power of the light emitted by the lamp, will have a considerable impact on the performance of your work. The power of the lamp will determine the time needed to cure your products. Thus, for a UV nail polish application on natural nails or for curing gel more generally (when applying extensions with forms for example), we recommend a minimum of 36 Watts.
The size of the lamp
This may seem obvious, but the size of the lamp is important. Indeed, a wider and larger lamp will allow you to cover an entire hand and be installed more comfortably.
Features offered
Some features offered by slightly more high-end lamps might convince you... You could benefit from different pre-programmed curing times, automatic hand detection, a digital screen, or even a cordless battery-powered lamp, etc.
Brand reliability
It is true that the brand is a consideration when choosing your lamp. To get started or do your own nails at home, it is not particularly necessary to invest in a very expensive lamp. Some simple lamps will be affordable and do a very satisfactory job. If you use it professionally, and therefore repetitively and intensively, it can, however, be a good idea to invest in a good branded lamp that will guarantee longevity and quality.
Style and appearance
Although this criterion may be secondary or superfluous for some, it is still important for others! Nowadays, the traditional white lamp comes in a variety of styles and colors to please all tastes and match all decors...