Which is Better: UV or LED Nail Lamp?

The difference between an LED and UV nail lamp is based on the type of radiation the bulb emits. Gel nail polish contains photoinitiators, a chemical that requires direct UV wavelengths to be hardened or ‘cure’. This process is called a ‘photoreaction’.

Both UV and LED nail lamps emit UV wavelengths and work in the same way. But, UV lamps emit a broader spectrum of wavelengths, while LED lamps produce a narrower, more targeted number of wavelengths.

Science aside, there are a number of key differences between LED and UV lamps for nail technicians to be aware of:

• LED lamps typically cost more than UV lamps
• However, LED lamps to tend to last longer while UV lamps often need bulbs replacing
• LED lamps can cure gel polish faster than a UV light
• Not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp

You can also find UV/LED nail lamps on the market – these have both LED and UV bulbs, so you can switch between what type of gel polish you use.