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Which is Better: UV or LED Nail Lamp?

by Charm Ambing on July 12, 2021

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.

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