Shellac lamp - which is better?

Shellac coating of nails is one of the most popular and popular procedures in beauty salons. This is understandable: such a manicure not only looks great, but also worn for a long time - from 3 weeks to a month. Can I learn to do such a manicure on my own? In principle, you can master the coating of nails with shellac at home, but for this you need to buy a special lamp. Without this device, the varnish simply will not be able to freeze. The topic of the article is a lamp for shellac: which is better and how to use devices of different types.

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Ultraviolet lamp

These devices were the first to appear. An important advantage of ultraviolet devices is a wide selection of models and price variability - from budget modifications to expensive professional devices. Differs in variety and external design of products. For example, if you want to buy a lamp stylized as Gzhel for yourself - no problem!

However, the design and coloring of the case are secondary matters:

• Much more important is the power indicator. The power range of ultraviolet lamps ranges from 9 to 54 watts. The power of one bulb is 9 watts. So - the total power of the device depends on the number of lamps.

Important! The more powerful the device, the faster shellac polymerization occurs, which means that a manicure will take less time. According to professional masters, the best UV lamp for shellac is 4 bulbs, which corresponds to 36 watts of power. The drying time in this case is 2 minutes.

• When purchasing a lamp, give preference to devices equipped with a timer. In low-cost models, the device is set automatically for 1-2 minutes. There are devices that are set to "endless operation", that is, turn on and off with the button.

Important! In the most expensive models there is a second-second timer, which makes it possible to extend the working life of the lamps.

• An important nuance is the size of the device. For professional salons, large two-handed appliances are preferred. For home use, a small compact device for one hand is quite enough, which does not take up much space.

Important! UV lamps and certain disadvantages are not devoid of:

• Ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the eyes and skin.
• UV rays slightly dry the skin of the hands.
• The bulbs burn out periodically and require replacement.

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LED lamps

LED lamps are significantly “younger” than their ultraviolet “counterparts”. Here we highlight the following features:

• The main advantage of the LED device over ultraviolet is that the varnish dries much faster.
• If the LED fails, you can use the device, completely at the expense of quality.
• The cost of LED lamps has a steady downward trend.
• The optimum power of a LED lamp for home use is 6 watts.
• The drying time of the varnish in such a device is a maximum of half a minute.
• Such devices are also suitable for masters who go to clients' homes, because they weigh a little and take up even less space.
• A timer is not needed here. Many lamps are equipped with touch indicators. The dryer turns on, it is worth bringing a hand to it, and turns off, it is enough to remove a hand.

Important! The LED lamp is environmentally friendly and does not harm eyesight or skin.The only negative of LED dryers is that they are not suitable for all varnishes (you need to choose a varnish with special marking).

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Gas Light Dryers

The main active element of gas-light apparatuses is the cold cathode. Such lamps have not yet received wide distribution, but they have many advantages:

• Low power consumption.
• Long working resource.
• Environmental Safety.
• The ability to use for the polymerization of all types of varnishes and gels.

Important! Shellac polymerization time depends on the specific model and ranges from 0.5 to 3 minutes. The cost of gas-lighting devices is very high, so there is no point in buying them for non-professionals.

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Which model to choose?

So, which shellac lamp is best for home?

• According to experts, an ultraviolet lamp is optimal in this regard. Its cost is low, while it is perfect for drying all types of varnishes and gels.
• As for the LED device, it is not bad at work, but it is necessary to select varnishes marked with LED marking under it, which creates additional inconvenience.

Important! A good choice is a UV device equipped with a timer for 10, 90, 120, 180 seconds. For travel enthusiasts, mobile models equipped with carrying handles are suitable.

Pay attention to such moments:

• Dryers with a mirror internal surface provide the best quality of polymerization.
• As for lamp care, models with a retractable bottom are preferred.
• The design of the device depends entirely on your personal preferences. Classic in the form of a snow-white parallelepiped or a glamorous pink heart - there are a variety of models on sale. Fortunately, manufacturers are trying to glory.

Important! It is advisable to buy a dryer in an official store - it does not matter, offline or online. If you look for a lamp in the market, there is a high probability of acquiring a fake. At the same time, the dumping price is alarming even more than overpriced. If a quality device lasts for many years, then a fake will fail in a few months.

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Lamp manicure - action algorithm

Regarding the choice of the device, which lamps are better for drying shellac, more or less understood, now a few words about the procedure for using the product:

1. Give your nails the desired shape. You can use the techniques of classic edged manicure, use special chemicals or push the cuticle with a stick of wood.
2. Degrease the nail plates with a special substance. If this is not done, shellac will peel off in 2-3 days.
3. Apply the base on the nails (except the thumb). The coating layer must be very thin. Base drying time - 1 minute.
4. Shellac application. Pay attention that the nail is “sealed”, do not forget to brush the outer part of the nail. The drying time is indicated on the packaging of the varnish.
5. At the end of the polymerization of the first layer, you can begin applying the second. The number of layers of applied varnish depends on the desired color.
6. Topcoat. It gives the nails a shine. The finish is also dried in a lamp.
7. The same procedures must be done with the thumbnail.
8. After the application of varnish is completed, wipe the nails with a degreaser.
9. The finishing touch is the application of special oil to the cuticles. Your manicure will look as well-groomed as possible.

Important! It is a mistake to assume that such a procedure is time-consuming. After you acquire certain skills, the duration of the manipulation will be reduced to a minimum.

Of course, in comparison with the application of ordinary varnish, you have to tinker a bit. However, the lifespan of such coverage is much longer. You can forget about the manicure procedure for almost a month. At the same time, you can cook, wash dishes and bathe in water, without fear for the state of varnish.

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Is it possible to do without a dryer?

At first glance, shellac is no different from the usual nail polish. It differs only in drying technology. Not surprisingly, many ladies are interested in how to make shellac without a lamp. Alas, nothing will work.

High-quality polymerization is possible only using a special device. You can believe the experience of many women who tried to experiment in this way. The varnish simply does not dry out.

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Stock footage

If you want to learn how to make a shellac coating, get a special lamp. Such a device will pay off very quickly, and you will save time.