Caleb Foster
Gel nail polish is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be emitted by certain types of LEDs. While regular LED table lamps do not emit UV light, some true colour or full spectrum LED lamps can emit enough UV light to cure gel nail polish. To use gel nail polish with an LED light, start by laying out your materials: a UV light source, base coat, colour, top coat, orange stick, cotton balls, and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Clean your hands and nails, apply the base coat, and cure your nails under the LED lamp for 45 seconds. Then, apply two coats of colour, curing for 45 seconds after each coat. Finally, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
Using Gel Nail Polish with an LED Light
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Curing gel nail polish |
| Shape | Larger and boxier to accommodate a hand or foot |
| Features | May include a timer or other features designed for curing gel polish |
| Safety | May cause eye ache if exposed to for too long |
| Curing time | Nails need to be under the LED nail lamp for 1 minute or less to cure the gel |
| Number of coats | A typical manicure requires 3-4 coats: a base, 2 coats of colour and sometimes a top coat |
| Curing process | The curing process has to take place for each coat of polish |
| Removal | Use a cotton ball soaked in acetone and wrap nails in plastic for 10-15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
The difference between LED table lamps and LED gel curing lamps
LED table lamps and LED gel curing lamps may look similar, but they have different purposes and features.
LED table lamps are designed to provide general lighting for a room. They are usually small and compact, designed to fit on a table or desk, and come in a variety of styles. These lamps are energy-efficient and emit a warm, bright light that is easy on the eyes.
On the other hand, LED gel curing lamps are designed specifically for curing gel nail polish. Gel polish requires a special kind of light to cure properly, and these lamps provide that light. They emit a specific wavelength of light that activates the photoinitiators in the gel polish, causing it to cure or harden. This process can take as little as 30 seconds with an LED lamp, whereas UV lamps typically take 8 to 10 minutes. While you could technically use a gel curing lamp as a table lamp, it is not recommended due to their brighter and more intense light, which may be too harsh for everyday use. Additionally, gel curing lamps are larger and boxier, designed to accommodate a hand or foot, and may include features like a timer.
It is worth noting that not all LED lamps emit UV light—only those specifically designed for that purpose, such as UV nail lamps, emit ultraviolet light. Therefore, if you are using UV gel, it is important to choose an LED table lamp that does not emit a considerable level of UV light, as this can interfere with the gel.
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How to cure gel nail polish with an LED lamp
To cure gel nail polish with an LED lamp, you will need a UV light, a base coat, colour, a top coat, an orange stick, cotton balls, and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Start by cleaning your hands and nails thoroughly. Next, apply the base coat and cure your nails under the LED lamp for 45 seconds. Following this, apply two coats of your chosen colour, curing your nails under the lamp for 45 seconds after each coat. Finally, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in 99% isopropyl alcohol.
It is important to note that not all LED lamps emit UV light, and those that do are specifically designed for this purpose. Ordinary LED lights will not cure gel nail polish. The curing process must take place for each coat of polish. A typical manicure includes 3-4 coats: a base, 2 coats of colour, and sometimes a top coat.
The amount of time your nails need to be under the LED lamp can vary depending on the lamp and the polish. Some sources suggest curing each coat for 45 seconds, while others suggest that nails only need to be under the lamp for 1 minute or less.
It is also worth noting that there are potential risks associated with using an LED curing lamp. While most medical research suggests that the increased risk of skin cancer is minimal, you should avoid looking directly at the lamp as this can cause eye ache and headaches.
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The safety of using an LED curing light
LED curing lights are considered safer than UV curing lights, as they do not emit any UV light and therefore pose no risk to the skin. However, it is important to note that not all LED lamps are UV-free, and some do emit ultraviolet radiation, which is associated with a higher risk of cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology states that both UV and LED lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, predominantly in the form of UVA.
The level of UVA exposure from a gel manicure every two weeks is unlikely to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, according to a 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology. Nevertheless, it is essential to be aware of this potential issue and take appropriate precautions. For instance, if you feel a dull ache in the back of your eyes after using an LED lamp, it indicates that your eyes have been exposed to UV radiation for too long. It is recommended to avoid looking directly at the lamp, as even a few seconds of exposure can cause a headache or eye ache similar to what one might experience after prolonged exposure to bright sunlight.
When choosing an LED curing light, it is important to ensure that it does not emit UV light. Most professional LED nail lamps have a higher wattage than regular LED lights, as gel polish requires a higher level of UV radiation to cure than what a regular light bulb can provide. Additionally, not all LED nail lamps are compatible with every type of gel polish, so it is crucial to check the compatibility of the lamp with the specific gel polish brand you intend to use.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that LED curing lights are designed specifically for curing gel nail polish and should not be used as a regular table lamp. They are typically larger and boxier to accommodate a hand or foot, and they may have additional features such as a timer to facilitate the curing process. While an LED curing lamp can technically be used as a table lamp, it is not recommended due to its brighter and more intense light, which may be too harsh for everyday use.
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The best type of LED nail lamp to buy
When choosing an LED nail lamp, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best type of LED nail lamp for your at-home manicures:
Portability
If you're looking for a lamp that you can easily carry and use on the go, a smaller, cordless, and lightweight design would be ideal. Lamps like the Gelish Mini LED Light, Le Mini Macaron Le Pro, and Kedsum 12W nail lamp are perfect for travel due to their compact size and portability.
Curing Time and Settings
Some LED nail lamps offer different timer settings, allowing you to customise the curing process for base coats, colours, and top coats. For example, the Gelcare LED Nail Lamp offers 30, 60, and 120-second timer options, while the Sunuv UV LED lamp provides 5, 30, and 60-second settings. If you want faster curing, look for lamps with lower timer settings.
Ease of Use
Consider lamps with features that make the curing process more convenient. For instance, some lamps have motion or hand sensors that automatically turn on and off when you place your hand inside, like the Gelcare LED Nail Lamp and Gel II Pro-Cure 2.0. Others may have adjustable neck swivels, like the MelodieSusie 2-in-1 Gel X Lamp, allowing you to position the lamp at your ideal angle.
Compatibility with Gel Polish
Not all LED lamps are compatible with all types of gel polishes. LED lamps typically work with soak-off gel polishes, while UV lamps are used for strong gels and hard gels. Ensure that the LED lamp you choose is compatible with the type of gel polish you intend to use.
Wattage
Higher wattage lamps tend to provide faster curing and longer-lasting manicures. Most professional LED nail lamps start at 36 watts, but some go up to 48 watts, offering quicker curing times.
By considering these factors and reviewing product specifications, you can choose the best type of LED nail lamp that suits your specific needs and helps you achieve salon-quality manicures at home.
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Removing gel nail polish
- Protect your work area by lining it with plastic wrap, then place a thick towel on top. Acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin.
- Work on one hand at a time.
- Using a coarse nail file, file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, then wrap your nail with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil. This creates a tighter seal than foil, so the acetone is less likely to drip.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes.
- When you remove the plastic wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone.
- Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that you've just run under warm water. Use the wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining polish, taking care to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands or feet with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternatively, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method helps prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects. However, it is a slow process and can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
Another option is to use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and simpler than the traditional acetone method and requires fewer tools. It is also gentler on your nails and skin. To use a gel nail polish remover, follow these steps:
- Use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until it's no longer shiny and smooth.
- Put a thick layer of gel polish remover on your gel nails, trying not to get it on your skin.
- Give the remover 5 minutes to soak into the gel nails.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel polish from each nail.
- Clean your nails with a nail buffer.
Finally, you can try the double-bowl hot water and acetone technique. Use a special bowl with a removable bottom, where you put hot water to warm the acetone on top. Soak your nails for at least 15 minutes, although some people soak for up to 45 minutes. Then, use a triangle-shaped "scraper" or a cuticle scraper to remove the gel polish. Make sure you are using 100% acetone, not nail polish remover.
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Frequently asked questions
First, lay out your materials: UV light, base coat, colour, top coat, orange stick, cotton balls, and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Clean your hands and nails, apply the base coat, and cure under the LED lamp for 45 seconds. Next, apply two coats of colour, curing for 45 seconds after each coat. Finally, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
The curing time depends on the type of lamp you are using. Older UV lamps take 8-10 minutes to cure gel nail polish, whereas newer LED lamps take 1 minute or less.
While the science is still iffy, most medical research suggests that the increased risk of skin cancer from using an LED curing light is minimal. However, you should avoid looking directly at the lamp, as this can cause a dull ache in the back of your eyes.
