Isla Bennett
Gel nail polishes are cured using a special UV or LED lamp. The process, known as polymerisation, involves using a light to seal and harden the gel nail polish, creating a solid layer of colour that won't chip easily. While gel polishes are designed to be cured under UV or LED light, traditional nail polishes are formulated differently and are not meant to be cured under these lights. Using a UV or LED lamp on traditional nail polish can lead to disappointing results and potential risks, such as prolonged drying times and discolouration or degradation. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a gel nail lamp for traditional lacquer polish.
Can gel nail lamps be used for lacquer polish?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of gel nail lamps for lacquer polish | Not recommended |
| Reason | Traditional nail polish is formulated differently and does not contain ingredients that react to UV/LED light |
| Alternative | Quick-dry top coats, sprays, drops |
| Hybrid nail polishes | Some brands offer hybrid nail polishes designed for UV/LED curing. These products combine the thinner, swifter removal, and flexibility experienced with regular polish with the durability of gel |
| Curing gel polish | Requires some intensive training to master it |
| Curing times | Can vary from a few seconds to several minutes depending on the nail type and the type of lamp used |
| LED vs UV lamps | LED lamps are more expensive, last longer, cure gel polish faster, and are brighter than UV lamps |
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What You'll Learn
LED vs UV nail lamps
Traditional nail polishes are designed to dry through solvent evaporation and do not contain any ingredients that react to UV or LED light. Therefore, they cannot be cured using a UV or LED lamp.
Gel nail polishes, on the other hand, contain photoinitiators, a chemical that requires direct UV wavelengths to be hardened or 'cured'. This process is called a 'photoreaction'. As such, gel nail polishes are designed to be cured under a lamp, and there are two types of lamps that can be used for this process: LED and UV lights.
LED lamps cure gel nail polish faster than UV lamps, making them ideal for busy salons. They also have a longer lifespan, so you won't need to worry about changing the bulbs. However, LED lamps are typically more expensive than UV lamps. Additionally, not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp as they use a narrower wavelength of light. UV lamps emit a broader light spectrum, making them compatible with a wider range of gel polishes. They also have a lower upfront cost. However, UV lamps often need their bulbs replaced and take longer to cure gel polishes.
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The curing process
Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators, a chemical that requires direct UV wavelengths to harden or 'cure'. This process is called a 'photoreaction' or polymerisation, where the molecules in the gel polish bond together to form a solid layer of colour that is long-lasting, shiny, and chip-resistant. The curing time can vary from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the nail type and lamp used. LED lamps typically cure gel polish faster than UV lamps, with some high-wattage LED lamps curing polish within seconds. However, not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp.
While gel polishes are designed specifically for UV/LED curing, traditional nail polish is formulated differently and does not contain ingredients that react to UV/LED light. Therefore, using a gel lamp with regular nail polish can result in issues such as improper adhesion, chipping, peeling, and an uneven appearance. The intense heat from the gel lamp can also cause the regular polish to become thick and gummy, making it difficult to apply and remove.
Some brands offer hybrid nail polishes designed for UV/LED curing, combining the benefits of regular polish and gel polish. Quick-dry top coats, drops, and sprays are also available to speed up the drying time of traditional polish, but these do not involve the use of a UV/LED lamp.
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Quick-drying top coats
Traditional nail polishes are designed to dry via solvent evaporation, and they do not contain any ingredients that react to UV or LED light. On the other hand, gel polishes contain photoinitiators, which are chemicals that require direct UV wavelengths to harden or 'cure' in a process called a 'photoreaction'. Therefore, a UV or LED lamp is not ideal for drying traditional nail polish.
If you are looking to speed up the drying time of your nail lacquer, a quick-drying top coat is a better option than using a UV/LED lamp. Quick-drying top coats can help you achieve a professional-level, gel-like manicure without the use of a lamp.
- Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat: This top coat dries in about 60 seconds and has acrylic polymers that harden to protect the paint and nails from any breakage. It also provides a shiny, streak-free finish.
- Londontown's Kur Gel Genius Quick-Dry Top Coat: This vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free top coat is a great option if you are looking for a quality product.
- Totally Gelly by Lights Lacquer: This vegan and cruelty-free top coat provides an ultra-glossy, gel-like finish. It comes with an oval-shaped brush for easy, streak-free application.
- Olive and June's Super Glossy Top Coat: This quick-dry polish lasts up to 5 days and dries in about one minute, without compromising durability, shine, or color payoff.
- Vibrant Scents Fast and Hard: This top coat dries fast and allows you to add a scent to it.
- Cuticula Limitless: This top coat does not contain toluene.
- KBShimmer: This top coat works well with pretty much all formulas, including cremes, shimmers, glitters, and QDTC.
- Orly Nail Polish Thinner: This thinner can be added to your top coat to adjust its consistency and improve its flow.
It is important to note that while some top coats are designed for longer wear and slower evaporation, others are formulated for a quick finish. When choosing a top coat, consider your specific needs and preferences.
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Gel polish formulations
Traditional nail polish and gel nail polish have different formulations. Traditional nail polish air-dries and relies on solvent evaporation to harden. It does not contain any ingredients that react to UV or LED light. In contrast, gel nail polish is formulated to cure under UV or LED light. It contains photoinitiators, which are chemicals that require direct UV wavelengths to harden or 'cure' through a process called a 'photoreaction'.
Gel nail polish formulations include:
- Base coat: This is the foundation of a gel manicure, providing adhesion to the natural nail and creating a smooth surface for the colour gel to adhere to.
- Colour gel: This pigment-rich component adds colour and vibrancy to your nails. Colour gels come in various tones and finishes, allowing for endless customisation.
- Topcoat: The final step in the gel manicure process, the topcoat seals in the gel colour and provides a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference.
Gel nail polish formulations also contain supporting ingredients such as stabilisers, rheology modifiers, preservatives, solvents, and pigments. These ingredients work together to create a smooth, long-lasting, and vibrant manicure. The thickness of the formula also varies, with some brands offering a thicker formula that provides full coverage in one coat, while others may require multiple thin layers.
It is important to note that not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp, and some may require a UV lamp. Additionally, the curing time may vary depending on the brand of nail polish, so it is important to follow the recommended curing time per coat.
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LED lamp wattage
Traditional nail polishes are designed to air-dry and rely on solvent evaporation to harden. They do not contain any ingredients that react to UV or LED light. Therefore, a UV or LED lamp cannot be used to cure regular nail polish.
Gel nail polishes, on the other hand, contain photoinitiators, a chemical that requires direct UV wavelengths to harden or 'cure' through a process called a 'photoreaction'.
LED nail lamps differ from regular LED lights as they have a much higher wattage and emit a higher level of UV radiation. The higher wattage of LED nail lamps is key to their ability to cure gel polish within seconds. The recommended power for professional UV nail lamps is 36 watts, with each UV bulb inside being 9 watts or less. However, LED nail lamps do not have to adhere to this standard. Wavelength means more than wattage, and it is important to check with the manufacturer of the polish to understand the designated light and wavelength required for curing.
The Sun1 UV LED Nail Lamp is one of the most sought-after LED UV nail lamps on Amazon, delivering impeccable results with 48 watts of power. The lamp can cure any gel polish in half the time compared to traditional UV lamps. Another LED nail lamp with 48 watts of power is available on Elle.com, which features a clear LCD display, four timer settings, and a countdown function.
It is important to note that not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp, and some are designed to work best with a specific lamp from the same product line. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the wattage choice and curing process.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot use a gel nail lamp for regular nail polish. Traditional nail polish is formulated differently and contains no ingredients that react to UV/LED light.
Traditional nail polish relies on solvent evaporation to harden and air-dry. Gel nail polish, on the other hand, contains photoinitiators that require direct UV wavelengths to harden or 'cure'.
Yes, you can use quick-dry top coats, drops, or sprays to speed up the evaporation of solvents within traditional nail polish.
Yes, some brands offer hybrid nail polishes designed for UV/LED curing. These polishes combine the thinner, swifter removal, and flexibility of traditional nail polish with the durability of gel polishes.
