Best UV lamp for beginners?

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Little*Miss

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Hey girls and boys,

I'm looking at getting a uv lamp just to do my own nails not for clients. Can anyone recommend a decent uv lamp and gel polish?

Usually I do lashes :)

Thank you

Charlotte
 
Only use the lamp matched to your chosen product as recommended by your product supplier, there is no such thing as a universal lamp. Improper cure causes all sorts of issues, some with long term consequences. There is a pinned post at the top of the Nails Forum regarding why the correct lamp is not negotiable.
 
You can use UV or Led Any really and it’s doesn’t matter what gel brand you use
 
You can use UV or Led Any really and it’s doesn’t matter what gel brand you use

Thats blatantly not true, dangerous and unhelpful. Please read the linked, Pinned Post regarding lamps.
 
It really does make a difference to buying the correct lamp for whatever brand you choose.

Sometimes you can actually see the difference right off, even if u've messed around with curing times, etc.

I had a girl work next to me, many years ago...s/e, who insisted there was no difference until she noticed how much shine my client had to her clients nails when using a very similar colour from the same brand. She went out and bought the branded lamp a couple of days later and said afterwards, she felt her clients were having less issues with lifting, longevity, etc.

It does pay to stump up for the often bigger price tag, in this case.

Although it's for personal use just now, if you choose a reputable brand, it's something you could add to your portfolio later.
 
You can use UV or Led Any really and it’s doesn’t matter what gel brand you use

If you are a qualified professional Nail Technician, you should be aware that this statement is untrue and using an incorrect lamp can lead to products being under cured and more concerning, serious lifelong allergies for your clients.

Initial symptoms may include itchy sore fingertips but prolonged expose to uncured product may lead to asthma symptoms, which can be life threatening.
 
So , that’s mean professional nail techs using only one brand ??? Professionals trying 30 different brands of gel polishes and hard gels , and they need 30 different lamps?
 
So , that’s mean professional nail techs using only one brand ??? Professionals trying 30 different brands of gel polishes and hard gels , and they need 30 different lamps?

Yes if you’re a true professional, following best practice and care about not giving your clients allergies.

Also, what does it say to clients if their Nail Tech can’t decide on a brand to work with and is flitting about changing brands constantly?

Are you a properly trained qualified Nail Tech?
 
So , that’s mean professional nail techs using only one brand ??? Professionals trying 30 different brands of gel polishes and hard gels , and they need 30 different lamps?

No they may not have the specific lamp if they are trialling a gel polish, that would be unreasonable to expect, thats why reputable brands offer open days, trial days, convertion days, etc.

Equally a good tech would have done their research prior to investing so wouldn't be using tens of products, ultimately it would 2 or 3 max
 
So , that’s mean professional nail techs using only one brand ??? Professionals trying 30 different brands of gel polishes and hard gels , and they need 30 different lamps?
I've never known any nail techs who carry 30 different brands, just like salons don't carry 30 brands of hair colour or 30 different brands of lashes, etc.
 
Question about one lamp wont fit all. Does this just apply to gel as in builders? Not pigments I hope.
 
Question about one lamp wont fit all. Does this just apply to gel as in builders? Not pigments I hope.

Pigments don't cure in a lamp I'm not sure I understand the question??
 
Sorry I meant like colour gel polishes as opposed to hard gel or polygel?
 
Sorry I meant like colour gel polishes as opposed to hard gel or polygel?

Anything that cures in a lamp should be matched correctly as per the manufacturers/authorised distributors instructions. This is also a requirement for your insurance to be valid.
 
Anything that cures in a lamp should be matched correctly as per the manufacturers/authorised distributors instructions. This is also a requirement for your insurance to be valid.
I'm not a nail tech yet Im going to study in the new year an I want to specialise in gels. When I used to go to the salon to get my nails done they had multiple brands I assume those brands must've had similar ingredients or curing requirements because they used one lamp for everything. I watcehd a youtube video on this aswell talking about how hybrid lamps can cure a variety of gels. They also cost a lot more than regular home lamps. I'm shopping around at the moment trying to find the perfect products for when I do become qualified and it saddens me that I have to commit to one because there's so much out there :(.
 
this is the video explaining about hybrid lamps

[link deleted by a moderator as it contains dangerously incorrect information.]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm not a nail tech yet Im going to study in the new year an I want to specialise in gels. When I used to go to the salon to get my nails done they had multiple brands I assume those brands must've had similar ingredients or curing requirements because they used one lamp for everything. I watcehd a youtube video on this aswell talking about how hybrid lamps can cure a variety of gels. They also cost a lot more than regular home lamps. I'm shopping around at the moment trying to find the perfect products for when I do become qualified and it saddens me that I have to commit to one because there's so much out there :(.
Unfortunately, you will probably realise ANYONE can post ANYTHING on youtube. It doesn't mean the information is correct.

The chances are you have been to lower end salons, who will use different brands, with one lamp. However, you will probably also notice, if you look closely, some of the bottles have names scratched off and non-branded bottles are often decanted into them. Basically, you don't know what's going on your nails, and while it make look ok at the time, typically you will notice damage or issues days, weeks or months later.

With regard the home lamps v salon quality......just the same as salon equipment needs to withstand more than a hairdryer, etc you would use at home, it's the same with nail lamps. In addition, it's more to do with the brand you choose, rather than the cost of the lamp. Once you start training, you will be introduced to various brands, so you will be able to weigh up and make an informed decision, prior to purchasing a brand.
 

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