UV and LED nail lamps: who is the king of gel polish curing? - Longchang Chemical (2025)

Longchang Chemical UV light curing series

UV- und LED-Nagellampen: Wer ist der König der Gel-Lackhärtung?

In the dazzling world of nail art, UV and LED nail lamps are the two stars when it comes to curing gel polish. The key difference between the two types of nail lamps lies in the type of bulb inside and the characteristics of the light emitted.

In terms of scientific principles, the key chemical in gel polish is a photoinitiator. It is like a lock waiting to be opened, and only when exposed to a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light can the magical process of hardening or “curing” be triggered – the so-called “photo-reaction”. Although both UV and LED lamps operate in the ultraviolet wavelength range and are similar, but the wavelength ranges they emit are very different. UV lamps are like generous givers, emitting a wide range of wavelengths; LED lamps are like precise archers, emitting a narrower and more targeted range of wavelengths.

Looking back at the development of the nail industry, UV nail lamps were once the mainstream choice. For example, when nail technology became popular in the 1990s, UV lamps quickly became popular in nail salons because they could cure gel nail polish. However, with the continuous advancement of technology, LED nail lamps have gradually come to the fore.

In practical terms, there are a number of key differences between the two, which are important for nail technicians. First, in terms of cost, LED lamps are often more expensive. Like high-end electronic products, their advanced technology and craftsmanship mean that the initial investment is higher. However, in the long run, it has clear advantages. The lamp life of a UV lamp is usually only 1000 hours, which is like a transient visitor. Even if the lamp is replaced every six months according to industry practice, frequent replacement will bring additional costs and trouble. LED lamps, on the other hand, are like a long-lived partner, with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, which means that once you have one, you can almost forget about replacing the lamp.

When it comes to curing speed, LED lights are the undisputed champions. Typically, they can perfectly cure a gel nail in just 30 seconds, which is a world of difference compared to the 36-watt UV lamp, which can take up to two minutes. However, there is a catch: if the nail technician is too slow to apply the next color while one hand is in the lamp curing the first, the LED lamp’s advantage in curing time may not be fully realized.

In terms of compatibility, not all gel varnishes can work with LED lamps. Some gel nail varnishes are formulated specifically for UV nail lamps, in which case LED lamps are out of the question. UV lamps, on the other hand, are compatible with all types of gel nail varnishes thanks to their broad wavelength range, just like a master of all trades. Clever solutions have also appeared on the market in the form of UV/LED nail lamps, which are like a jack-of-all-trades toolbox, combining an LED bulb and a UV bulb, allowing nail technicians to switch between different types of gel nail polish.

When it comes to safety, UV exposure still poses some potential risks, although it has been proven in extensive research and practice to cause minimal harm to the customer’s skin. LED lights, on the other hand, are a safe haven, as they do not use UV light and naturally do not pose any associated risks.
In terms of power, most professional LED and UV gel lamps have a minimum power of 36 watts. This is because a high wattage is like a powerful key that can open the door to gel polish curing more quickly, which is especially critical in a busy salon environment. For LED gel polish, a high wattage LED lamp can complete curing in an instant, while a UV lamp is relatively slow.

There is also a common misconception that needs to be clarified. Neither LED nor UV lamps can do anything for regular nail polish. Regular nail polish has a completely different formulation to gel nail polish and only requires a simple “air-drying” process, just like the way flowers naturally dry the dew on their petals in the breeze.
If a nail technician is opening a new nail salon, there are many factors to consider when choosing a nail lamp. If the budget is limited and initial customer traffic is not high, a UV lamp may be a more affordable option, although the cost of replacing the bulb needs to be considered in the long run. However, if you are looking for high efficiency, long-term operation and higher customer satisfaction, LED lights are undoubtedly a better choice, despite the higher initial investment. Moreover, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection, if the nail salon focuses on green and safe nail services, LED lights are the best choice, because they do not involve ultraviolet radiation and are more in line with modern consumers’ pursuit of health and safety.

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