Ever since UV technology revolutionized the industry, we have long relied on UV nail lamps to cure various types of nail coatings. However, these devices still baffle many nail professionals because there are important differences to understand, whether they use fluorescent-style bulbs or LED diodes.
Let’s take a look at nine important facts to consider about both fluorescent and LED UV nail lamps and see if we can shed some light on this issue.
1. UV Lamps: Understanding Bulb Variations in Nail Curing
– Both styles of lamps produce UV energy to cure gel products. The main difference between the two is how this energy is produced. LED nail lamps use diodes as light bulbs, while traditional models rely on fluorescent tubes.
2.Curing speed and UV radiation:
– LED (short for “light emitting diode”) nail lamps produce high levels of UV energy, which allows nail coatings to cure much faster than old fluorescent lights. These are the current standard because they are fast and consume less energy.
3. Wavelength and intensity:
– LED diodes emit fewer UV wavelengths (narrower curing spectrum) at higher intensity (faster), while fluorescent tubes produce a larger number of wavelengths (higher spectrum) at lower intensity (slower) Therefore, the range of curing methods for UV gels differs.
4. Power efficiency and UV radiation:
– Surprisingly, even though LED-style UV nail lamps cure faster, they operate at about 30% lower wattage, which saves you money on energy bills.
This is also great evidence that wattage is not indicative of UV radiation, as many believe.
5. Potential risks:
– LED nail lamps, especially when used over UV gels formulated for fluorescent lighting, can over-cure, causing severe heat spikes, nail bed burns, plate peeling, and the risk of infection and nail plate damage. can cause complete loss of
6. Understand UV nail lamp intensity changes:
– Different LED nail lamps can emit significantly different amounts of UV, suggesting that all LED styles of UV nail lamps do not have the same UV radiation. This is a very important point! The same UV lamp cannot be used to cure all products as it produces a narrower spectrum of UV wavelengths. This is the same as saying that generic lamps do not exist.
7. Safety Guarantee:
– Both fluorescent and LED nail lamps have been safety tested and found to be non-carcinogenic when used according to manufacturer guidance.
Both types of lamps are safer than exposure to natural sunlight and reduce the risks associated with UV exposure. Nail lamps only produce UVA rays, so if used properly, they won’t harm your skin.
8. Expected lifespan:
– Both styles of nail lamps typically degrade over time with use and require replacement after approximately 3 years of normal use.
The LED diode cannot be replaced, so the entire machine must be replaced. Fluorescent tubes, on the other hand, typically need to be replaced on average two to three times a year, so maintenance costs are high in both cases.
9. Manufacturer calibration and compatibility:
– As mentioned above, manufacturers tailor UV gels to work well with specific lamps, so there is no one-size-fits-all gel that is compatible with all nail lamps, and the need for specificity in product selection is emphasized.
Mastering UV Nail Lamps: Science, Safety, and Salon Success
Salon professionals need to understand the difference between the two styles of nail lamps and how they facilitate the curing of the product on the nail plate. This knowledge is critical to ensure proper curing, minimize risks, and maximize the effectiveness of nail treatment.
Although it may seem like a lot of effort, it is essential to understand the science behind our work. This ensures that the highest standards of safety and professionalism are maintained, which in turn leads to a long and successful career.
