How to use a 36 watt gel lamp. Ultraviolet lamp for home use: types, how to choose, which manufacturer is better

It is impossible to make gel nail polish without special tools and devices. The most An important step in gel manicure is drying., which is carried out with a special device with ultraviolet radiation. The variety of such devices today is very large and it depends on what type of lamp is used in the device.

What it is

The device for drying gel polish is a small device with a niche for fingers, inside of which there are lamps. These lamps generate ultraviolet radiation, which changes the molecular structure of the gel or gel polish and promotes its rapid hardening.

What types exist

With the development of lighting technology, several types of devices for drying gels and gel polishes have appeared, which equipped with different types of lamps and have different technical characteristics. Our short review will help you determine which lamps are best for drying gel polish.

Starter kit for covering nails with gel polish with lamp

The set includes:

• device for drying nails;
• nail files and buffs;
• base and top;

• several types of gel polish;
• means for preparing nails for coating;
• gel polish remover.

Gel polish drying device with fluorescent lamps

Main characteristics:

• low price;
• service life up to 10,000 hours;
• the lamp has a limited number of switches;
• strong heating of the lamp and device (up to 50 degrees);
• towards the end of the lamp’s service life, the gel polish may dry poorly and curl;
• sensitive to voltage changes in the network;
• the stroboscopic effect has a bad effect on vision;
• There are devices with electronic switching lamps and with induction switching lamps.

Devices with electronic switching lamps are cheap, weigh up to 1 kg, switch on instantly, but react to power surges in the network. Devices with induction lamps have a higher price, weigh up to 2 kg, turn on after a few seconds, but are more reliable and not sensitive to voltage changes.

Gel polish drying device with CCFL UV lamps

Main characteristics:

• equipped with ultraviolet cold cathode lamps in the form of a spiral or zigzag;
• service life up to 80,000 hours;
• the lamps do not get very hot;
• energy saving;

• Gel polishes do not curl during polymerization.

Device for drying gel polish with ice lamps (LED)

Main characteristics:

• have a high price;
• equipped with LED lamps;
• service life up to 100,000 hours;
• energy saving;
• efficiency;
• environmental Safety;
• no flickering effect harmful to the eyes;
• safe for skin;
• instant on;

• unlimited number of inclusions;
• LEDs do not heat up;
• do not burn;
• polymerize in 10-30 seconds;
• do not cause burning during polymerization;
• do not polymerize solid gels.

CCFL+LED hybrid gel polish drying device

Main characteristics:

• have a high price;
• equipped with LED lamps and CCFL lamps;
• service life up to 100,000 hours;
• energy saving;
• efficiency;
• safe for skin;
• instant on;
• unlimited number of inclusions;
• do not heat up;

• do not burn;
• polymerize several times faster than other types of devices;
• do not cause burning during polymerization;
• even a thick layer of gel polish does not curl during polymerization;
• They also polymerize solid gels.

How to use a lamp to dry gel polish at home

Using devices for drying manicure with gel polish is very simple:

How to choose the right lamp for drying gel polish

When choosing a device for drying gel nail coating, we recommend, first of all, focus on its convenience and quality of results. Here are the basic principles for choosing these devices that you can focus on when purchasing:

1. Choose a famous one already trusted manufacturer.
2. The high price indicates the use of new technologies.
3. Usage LED lamps will provide you with economical energy consumption when using the device frequently.
4. The speed of polymerization will save time.
5. Long service life of the lamps in the device will ensure saving money on replacing them.
6. Easy to replace lamps– this is ease of use.
7. The absence of heating of the lamps and the device itself will ensure its safety of use.
8. The ability to polymerize any gel coating will allow you to diversify the types of manicure.
9. Lamp type has influence on the quality of polymerization. For example, LED lamps cannot polymerize solid gels.
10. The presence of a timer will allow you to strictly follow the gel manicure technology.
11. Lack of sensitivity to voltage changes will ensure stable and uninterrupted operation of the device.
12. Retractable platform will allow the gel coating to dry on your toes as well.

Most modern fashionistas have already appreciated the benefits and accessibility of home manicure and are successfully mastering its secrets on their own. A great help in this matter will be the purchase of innovative ultraviolet lamps for drying nails.

What types of these devices exist, the main nuances of the right choice, as well as instructions for using the lamp at home - our article will tell you about all this.

What is an ultraviolet lamp - types, how they differ, how to choose and which one to buy

Drying the applied coating will become much faster and better. Some modern varnishes harden only when such lamps are used. Gels and other coatings, on the contrary, will dry exclusively in certain categories of such devices.

In general, the use of such lamps has become more of a tribute to fashion and an opportunity to perform a professional manicure at home. For most buyers, such lamps have also become a good source of additional income, for example, when performing custom manicures at home.

The type of device is determined by the type of light sources used; among the most common are ultraviolet, LED gas light and combined lamps for drying nails.

A detailed overview of each type is presented below.

The design itself also has several significant differences; in addition, lamps are distinguished according to several characteristic features.

First of all, this is possible use in the mass or home sphere.

Professional equipment is much more powerful and has a longer service life, while lamps for home use are relatively inexpensive and of average power.

Typically, the lamp body is designed to accommodate only one hand (or foot if we are talking about a pedicure). There are models with an enlarged hole that can fit two palms or feet at once. This is very convenient for serving more clients, as it saves time and energy costs. Home models are rarely equipped with an enlarged body.. In order for the use of the lamp to be as safe as possible, it is advisable to maintain a comfortable distance from the skin to the heating element. Moreover, this distance should not be too large so that the drying efficiency is also at a high level.

Some lamps are equipped with additional devices. First of all, it is a retractable panel with replaceable elements for easy replacement of burnt-out ones. The model can also be equipped with a built-in timer, which greatly facilitates the operation of the device. The lamp can be equipped with a retractable bottom for more comfortable drying.

There are many original designs of such lamps, which will also be reflected in the cost of the equipment. If you do not take into account the configuration and color, the price of the lamp will mainly be influenced by the manufacturer's brand and the heating element used, as well as the professional orientation of the device.

Watch the video: how to choose a UV lamp, characteristics and comparison

Ultraviolet (luminescent)

These devices can be classified as the first generation of this equipment. UV lamps are relatively inexpensive and very effective at drying.

However, they also have a number of disadvantages, including a high degree of heating of the skin surface.

To avoid this, you should buy a model with a built-in fan, which will remove unwanted sensations.

Disposal of fluorescent lamps also requires special attention; if during operation the design of the heating element is accidentally damaged, it is necessary to urgently remove all parts of the device into a sealed container to prevent inhalation of mercury vapor.

When choosing fluorescent lamps, you should clarify the type of device. If the device is equipped with induction control, it is not afraid of power surges, but for electronic devices it is advisable to use an additional voltage surge stabilizer. And you can find out about hard nail polish.

Gas-light

They appeared relatively recently and use modern sources - CCFL lamps.

Such technologies reduce harmful effects on the eyes and prevent overheating of the gel.

The service life of gas light lamps is much higher, as is the cost of the devices.

LED lamps for drying nails
Unusual types of varnish attract all fashionistas, and one of these favorites is.

Combined manicure devices

Such hybrids are usually represented by models with two types of lamps: CCFL and LED. Such a duet will combine the advantages of these two technologies and eliminate possible disadvantages.

The use of hybrid models will allow you to dry absolutely all coatings, as well as minimize the harmful temperature effects on the skin of your hands and eyes.

Watch the video review: UV and LED lamp, 2 in 1

Lamp power Watt

Depending on the number of fluorescent light bulbs used, there are models with power from 9 to 54 watts. The number of lamps inside the device is usually from one to six, hence the gradation. Such a classification will allow you to select a device with the specified parameters and dry the coating in the shortest possible time.

Lamps for home use are relatively weak and usually have a power from 9 to 36 W. Professional models are more bulky from 36 to 54 W power. The most popular are the 36 Watt models, which, despite their relatively small dimensions, are quite powerful and significantly reduce the duration of use. Lamps with a power of 9 and 18 watts are gradually becoming obsolete and going out of production. And you can find out about “Loceryl” nail polish at.

Is UV lamp harmful?

The most common question asked by buyers of nail dryers is the possible negative impact on the body.

Only one harm is known for certain: ultraviolet radiation negatively reflects on the retina of the eye, so most lamp models are created with just such a housing to minimize the harmful glow.

The remaining arguments against the use of this drying method have no scientific basis and are more rumors than confirmed facts.

Ultraviolet radiation is also used in other areas of human activity, for example, in medicine. The use of such equipment requires a responsible approach and compliance with basic safety measures, which we have given below.
Safety rules when working with a lamp:
The device is only used for drying or long nails. Other use or drying of other chemicals not specified in the manufacturer's instructions is not permitted.
If the device is used by more than one person, and especially if the lamp is intended for mass use, it is necessary to disinfect the device with a special solution after each use.
Faulty or burnt out elements should be replaced promptly to maintain drying efficiency. It is recommended to change the lamps after the warranty period has expired. A decrease in luminous flux power will adversely affect the quality of the coating.

How to use a nail dryer correctly - instructions for use

Depending on the type of heating element used and the type of varnish or gel, there may be a different time range for the coating to harden. In general, using an ultraviolet lamp is not particularly difficult.

Before first use, it is best to carefully study the manufacturer's instructions to avoid undesirable results.

If the recommendations do not indicate the possibility of drying gel or regular varnish, using a lamp will not give the desired effect. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the required time; it is good if the device is equipped with a timer and a sound signal. If these functions are not provided, it is best to place a clock above the workplace and check the drying time according to it.

Estimated cost for lamps for gel polish and shellac

The price will primarily depend on the manufacturer and the chosen model and will differ in different places of sale. It is best to purchase such products in specialized stores of the “everything for manicure” type. If there is no such thing in your city, you can use the services of Internet companies with a proven reputation. This is the only way to secure your purchases and guarantee that you receive products of appropriate quality.

When choosing a home UV lamp, you should not focus on power, because a limited number of people will use the dryer. If for a professional manicurist endurance and the number of possible starts in a short period of time are important, then for the home it is quite possible to purchase a compact and relatively weak model. The drying time will increase slightly, but the cost will differ in a pleasant direction.

The approximate prices for lamps will also depend on the heating element used, so before going to the store, it is better to decide on this issue in advance.

Relatively “old” models of fluorescent lamps will be sold much cheaper than innovative LED models, but does it make sense to buy the latest new products for the home? When purchasing, you should also clarify the possibility of replacing a burnt-out element yourself. The design of the lamp will also affect the price, so you should not blindly give preference to a beautiful appearance with the same functionality of the device. To remove rough skin on the legs, hardware peeling is often used. You can find out about Aquapeeling foot cream.

The estimated cost of various types of device can be seen in the following table:
No.: Element type: Power, W: Features: Cost, $:
1. UV lamp. 9 Timer. From 12.7.
2. 18 From 20.6.
3. 24 From 31.
4. 36 Timer. From 42.
5. 54 For two hands. From 65.
6. LED – lamp. 3 Flashlight. From 6.
7. 12 From 86.5.
8. 24 From 88.
9. 36 From 92.

10. Hybrid. 36 From 42.

UV lamps, which are used for drying special gels in beauty salons, have long been available for use at home. It is very easy to buy them; specialized boutiques and online stores offer a wide selection of UV lamps at different prices - from 800 rubles to 5000.
The cost consists of different indicators - power, manufacturer, design... However, the result of a manicure, as well as the principle of operation of the lamps, is the same for everyone.
At home, doing artificial nail extensions yourself is quite labor-intensive, especially the first few times. But covering your nails with gel polish, an alternative to regular nail polish, and drying them under a lamp is very simple!
The manicure process occurs in several stages on bare nails. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that it is better to cover and dry the nails of the thumbs separately from the other four, since when drying in a UV lamp you need to keep the nails horizontal (parallel to the table surface), it will be problematic to turn the thumb into this position at the same time as the rest. It is optimal, in my opinion, to cover the nails of the index - little finger on one hand, then the same four nails on the other hand, and, finally, two thumbs - at the same time. Now more about the process:
1. To improve the adhesion of the coating to the nail plate, it is recommended to remove the top layer from the nail with a fine file. However, there are those who find this procedure very unpleasant. Don't worry, it's not required.
2. Treat your nails with a cotton pad and degreaser.
3. Apply a gel base to oil-free nails. The base layer should not be thick, but should cover the entire nail.
Dry the base in a UV lamp for 2-5 minutes. (usually 3 minutes). When the gel dries, the surface of the nail will become greasy.
4. Apply colored gel polish.
Dry it in a UV lamp for 2-5 minutes.
If you think one layer is not enough, you can apply a second layer and dry it in the same way. Apply a second coat after the first has dried.
The nail is oily after drying.
5. Seal the manicure with finishing gel. Like the base, it should cover the entire nail with a thin layer. Dry like the previous layers for 3-5 minutes. Until completely dry.
6. Using a cotton pad and degreaser, remove the oily layer from the surface of the nail.
Manicure is ready!
This method of coating nails is convenient, unlike the usual long-drying varnish, in that after the final drying and treatment with a degreaser, you can immediately begin any task without fear of ruining your nails. If you rummage in your purse, reach into your pocket, fasten buttons, or do anything else that you couldn’t do for a long time after a regular manicure, nothing will happen to your nails. There will be no dents, frayed ends or pillow marks. And the gel polish lasts for 1.5-2 weeks absolutely calmly.

Sources of UV radiation are of open and closed type, depending on the material from which the glass is made, they are distinguished: quartz lamps, bactericidal and amalgam. An irradiator with a quartz flask produces the strongest radiation; during operation it produces ozone, which has an additional antimicrobial effect. Bactericidal and amalgam emitters prevent the formation of ozone, therefore they are more preferable for residential premises. Below we will talk about the most popular models of UV devices, and which ultraviolet lamp is the most suitable for home use.

We all know how dangerous it is to stay in the sun for a long time and how harmful ultraviolet radiation is to the skin. We know that ozone holes are bad, but can ultraviolet light benefit people? Yes, sources of ultraviolet (uv) radiation have long been used in everyday life, in production, in medicine and cosmetology.

What microbes does quartz treatment help with?

Cocci and bacilli are the first to die, and fungi, spore species of bacteria and protozoan microorganisms can withstand irradiation the longest. Quartz treatment is effective even against the bird flu virus. After 20 minutes of quartzization, the room can be considered sterile.

However, it is worth remembering that excessive disinfection of a home is also not good for a person. Even the body of a small child must develop immunity, coping with germs on its own. A child raised in a sterile environment gets sick more often when entering school and kindergarten than his peers who grew up in more natural conditions. It’s a completely different matter if there is mold in the house or one of the family members has contracted a contagious infection, in which case quartzing will be very useful.

Which UV lamp is best for home use?

In addition to the fact that UV lamps differ in radiation intensity and configuration, they also differ in their operating principle. When choosing a device for your home, you need to carefully study the instructions and determine exactly the purpose for which the device will be used.

Quartz

The lamp bears this name because of the bulb, which is made of quartz glass; such material directly affects the quality of the radiation. Quartz gas-discharge lamps, like bactericidal lamps, use mercury; under the influence of electricity, it begins to glow in the ultraviolet range from 205 to 315 nm.

It is thanks to this property that they have the maximum disinfecting effect. Intense radiation kills all known microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, unicellular algae and mold spores. However, these devices should be used in an apartment with extreme caution, because UV radiation in this range is harmful not only to microbes, but also to the cells of the human body. In addition, waves are shorter than 257 nm. provoke the formation of ozone - a gas with strong oxidizing properties. This is even good for disinfecting premises: some microbes are killed by ultraviolet light, and the rest are dealt with by ozone.

Ozone in high concentrations is poisonous to all living things, therefore, during quartzing of premises, all people and pets should leave the room; if there are indoor plants, it is recommended to take them out too.

Quartz treatment is used to disinfect operating rooms, hospital wards, industrial premises, and catering establishments. The use of irradiation simultaneously with ozonation in stores and grocery warehouses allows you to keep food fresh longer, prevent rotting and the development of pathogenic microflora.

Emitters bring tangible benefits during epidemics and are used in clinics, kindergartens, schools, sanatoriums, crowded offices and other crowded places. This helps stop the spread of infection.

In medicine, quartz lamps are successfully used to treat diseases of the respiratory system, nasopharynx, musculoskeletal system, inflammation, burns, frostbite, sore throats, etc.

Germicidal lamps

These are also ultraviolet emitters, but they are made a little differently, they are also gas-discharge mercury lamps, but their bulb is made not of quartz, but of uviol glass, which blocks “hard” radiation that provokes the formation of ozone. The bactericidal effect is achieved only due to “soft” ultraviolet radiation. Such devices are safer in an apartment, but are much weaker than their quartz counterparts.

Due to the absence of ozone, the lamps are safe for the respiratory system, time restrictions on the use of these devices are not so strict, and in medical institutions, bactericidal lamps can operate continuously, with one condition: they are equipped with a special casing, thanks to which the light is directed to the ceiling and cannot harm the eyes of visitors.

If you need a lamp only to combat pathogens, and you do not plan to treat at home, then a bactericidal or amalgam lamp will be a better choice than a quartz lamp.

Attention! While operating the device, you need to wear special protective glasses; UV radiation causes burns to the cornea of ​​the eye; at first this is not noticeable, but over time, vision will begin to deteriorate.

Amalgam

This is a new generation of bactericidal lamps, which differs from previous models in that instead of liquid mercury, a solid coating of amalgam (an alloy of indium, mercury and bismuth) is used in the flask; under the influence of current, the amalgam heats up and evaporates mercury, which produces radiation. When amalgam lamps operate, ozone is also not released and their antimicrobial effect is no less.

An important advantage is also that mercury is in a bound state. If the lamp accidentally breaks, it will not cause any harm to the people around you, you just need to sweep up the fragments and throw them in a trash container, and wash the place where the glass broke with water. If a burning lamp breaks, this is a little worse, since it contains mercury vapor, but in a non-life-threatening concentration, you need to remove the remains of the lamp and ventilate the room.

For comparison, a regular fluorescent, bactericidal or quartz lamp contains 1-3 grams. liquid mercury and if it breaks, it is really dangerous for those present. That is why you should not throw thermometers, batteries and energy-saving lamps into the trash container - this pollutes the environment. They must be handed over at special collection points (for example, at any IKEA store). There are only a few milligrams of mercury in amalgam lamps and it is in a bound state. The production, operation and disposal of such lamps is much safer.

Flasks coated with amalgam do not become cloudy over time, and therefore provide stable radiation throughout their entire service life. Over time, the bulbs of bactericidal and quartz lamps become coated, causing some of the radiant energy to be lost. The service life of such lamps is 8000 hours of continuous operation, and for amalgam lamps up to 16000 hours.

“Ozone-free” lamps are also available for sale; their bulbs are coated with titanium oxide, which does not transmit waves shorter than 257 nm. and, accordingly, no ozone is formed. This is also a suitable UV lamp for home use.

The Minin reflector (blue lamp) has nothing to do with ultraviolet radiation. This lamp emits visible light and infrared radiation. Used as a dry heat source to warm up diseased areas of the body. The blue lamp is not hazardous to eyesight, does not produce ozone, and is also useless for disinfecting premises.

UV lamp for home use

Quartz UV irradiator “Sun”

Consists of a quartz flask located inside a metal case, the device has legs and is installed on any horizontal surface. The sliding lid turns the treatment device into an irradiator for disinfection. It is used both in clinics and in residential premises. It is also used for the prevention and treatment of various skin diseases, arthritis, diseases of the nasopharynx, respiratory organs, and general strengthening of the immune system.

Before using the Sun irradiator to treat diseases at home, do not forget to consult your doctor. In order not to harm your own body and the health of loved ones, such procedures must be carried out according to certain rules, which your doctor will tell you about.

In addition to the Sun irradiator itself, the kit contains several plastic tubes for treating the inner surface of the ears, nose and throat, safety glasses to avoid burns to the retina, a biodosimeter and instructions.

Before purchasing, consult with a consultant; the fact is that there are several Solnyshka models, differing in strength and scope of application. A consultant will help you choose the best device for your family.

The time for quartzing the air with the “Solnyshko” irradiator is no more than 20-30 minutes; no one should be in the room during the procedure; do not forget to ventilate the room.

Bactericidal air recirculator “RZT-300”, “ORBB-30x2”

The device is a closed type, designed to purify the air from pathogens, allergens and unpleasant odors. There may be people in the room while the recirculator is operating, since the “ozone-free” lamp is located inside a metal casing.

The device consists of fans that suck air from the room and drive it along a bactericidal lamp, which destroys all microorganisms. In addition to UV cleaning, the recirculator is equipped with filters on which dust particles, pollen and other contaminants are deposited. Purified air is supplied back to the room.

These devices are recommended for use in children's playrooms, gyms, school classrooms, crowded rooms, offices and auditoriums, shops, household and warehouse premises. Also suitable as an air purifier for smoking rooms, public toilets, and train stations. Recirculators are used to purify air from bacteria in hospitals, virology laboratories, etc.

The recirculator can be hung on the wall or used as a tabletop one. Weight: 3.5 kg.

Lamps “Quartz”, “Promin”, “KBB”

These are all small portable open devices designed to disinfect premises in the absence of people. The metal case contains a quartz or bactericidal lamp; the models differ in power and scope of application. Before purchasing, carefully read the instructions, because different models are designed for different areas of premises, some emit ozone, others do not, some are used to disinfect medical and public premises, others are created exclusively for home use. The device has legs and is used as a floor or tabletop UV emitter.

Longevita UV CURE mini and Longevita UV Cure Home and Office device

Longevita UV Cure Home and Office– ultraviolet bactericidal lamp for home and office. The device is a closed type, can work continuously throughout the day, ozone is not released during operation, the emitter is closed with a lid and does not harm the eyes of people present in the room. The device operates on the principle of a recirculator; in addition to a UV lamp, it is equipped with a photocatalytic filter, which allows you to purify the air not only of microorganisms, but also of dust, smoke, allergens, and unpleasant odors.

Weight: 1 kg, plastic case: 36.5×14.5×14.5 cm, can be installed on a desktop or any other horizontal surface. Powered by network adapter. Designed for a room with a volume of 20 sq.m. Wavelength: 254 nm. Power consumption 8 W, 3 cleaning speeds.

Such a device is simply irreplaceable when there are bedridden patients in the house; ultraviolet light helps not only to destroy germs, but also where there are bedridden patients, small children and pets.

Longevita UV CURE mini– a small device designed for cleaning small rooms (up to 8 sq. m): bathroom, pantry, kitchen. The compact size (12 x 6 x 4.5 cm) allows the device to be used for refrigerators and wardrobes. The device operates on the principle of an ozonizer. Emits in the range from 185 to 254 nm. due to which it kills all known types of bacteria (salmonella, cocci, tuberculosis bacillus, etc.), viruses and fungi, including black mold spores. The device also helps to get rid of unpleasant odors in the room: the smell of tobacco, burnt food, old things, cat urine, toilet, dampness, mold. Operates on 4 AA alkaline batteries.

Longevita UV CURE mini, placed in the refrigerator increases the shelf life of products and prevents the growth of mold and putrefactive microflora.

Gel polish is still very popular and holds the palm among other types of decorative coatings due to its long period of wear, resistance to mechanical damage and giving additional strength to natural nails. But for various reasons, not every woman has a modern UV lamp on her manicure table for polymerizing layers of shellac or gel polishes of other brands that harden only in ultraviolet rays. On women's forums you can find interesting reviews about how some women showed miracles of ingenuity and dried the gel polish coating under a regular blue lamp or in direct sunlight. Gel polish gradually hardens when using such methods, but the drying process takes a lot of time, and the coating loses its decorative properties.

But you can buy a special gel nail polish that hardens without drying in a lamp. Now any woman can make a fashionable manicure at home without polymerizing gel polish in an LED or UV fluorescent lamp. In order to apply this gel polish to your nails, you do not need to buy additional tools. If you know how to apply regular nail polish to your nails, then you can easily make a spectacular manicure at home, since using this product does not require any special skills.

Of course, a special gel polish without drying in a lamp is inferior to the same shellac in terms of “life” and is not very resistant to mechanical damage. But within 5-7 days your nails will be decorated with a luxurious manicure with a delightful glossy shine. Regular polish does not look as impressive on long or short nails of any shape as gel polish.

If you want the gel polish to last on your nails for a week or more without drying in a lamp, then it is important to protect the coating from impacts and exposure to household chemicals. Be sure to wear special rubber gloves when washing dishes and before cleaning the room. Do not keep your fingers in hard tap water for a long time and wipe your hands dry after washing, as the decorative coating loses its glossy shine from frequent contact with moisture.

If you want to buy a special gel polish that does not need to be dried in a UV lamp, then choose bottles marked “no-light gel”. Some of them begin to harden if you put coated nails in cold water, and the colder the water, the faster the layers of applied gel polish harden. But there are also gel nail polishes on sale that harden on the nails under the influence of special catalysts. Such catalysts are sold in the form of a liquid or cream (with cyanoacrylate monomer in the composition), which must be applied over the gel polish coating. After the procedure, the gel polish hardens in a couple of minutes on the surface of the nail plates and without drying in a lamp.

♦ POPULAR BRANDS

Among the most famous and proven decorative products that do not require drying in a UV lamp are the following gel polishes: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, Nail Atelier from Vivienne Sabo, Eternail from Irisk Professional, Vinilyx from CND.

♦ BENEFITS

▪ The decorative product is very easily applied to the nail plate and lies in an even layer. There is no need to visit a beauty salon, since even an inexperienced girl can perform such a manicure at home;

▪ Gel polish applied to nails hardens quickly even without drying in a UV lamp. There is no need to buy expensive LED or fluorescent devices for coating polymerization;

▪ Removing this gel polish from nails is also very simple and without the use of a special product. It is quite enough to soften the coating with nail polish remover and clean the nail plates with an orange stick;

▪ Preparing the nail plates for applying the decorative product does not take much time. It is enough to give the free edge of each nail the desired shape and degrease the surface to improve adhesion. There is no need to sand the surface of the nails with a manicure file to remove the shiny layer;

▪ Some women's delicate skin becomes irritated and becomes very dry when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In addition, in some cases, UV rays can cause allergies on the skin. Do not irradiate the skin of your hands with ultraviolet light and choose a special gel polish for nail design that hardens without drying in a lamp.

♦ DISADVANTAGES

The need to take a long break (4-5 weeks) after several months of constant use of the decorative product;

The coloring pigments of gel polish penetrate deeply into the natural plate and stain it if you do not first apply a base layer;

Unlike shellac, this coating is more vulnerable to damage and moisture;

The products of some brands contain harmful active substances such as synthetic camphor, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene solvent, and formaldehyde resins. Choose a product marked 3-free on the bottle, but the best option is 5-free (the composition does not contain all 5 toxic components);

The coating on nails without polymerization in a lamp begins to fade already on the 5th day of wearing a manicure;

If the applied layer is too thick, the coating will harden for 5-6 minutes;

Even with careful handling of manicure, gel polish hardened without drying in a UV lamp retains its decorative properties for one, not several weeks.

♦ HOW TO USE GEL POLISH WITHOUT POLYMERIZATION

❶ Steam your nails in warm soda water or take a bath with sea salt (about 10 minutes), wipe your hands dry with a towel;

❷ We remove the remnants of the old coating with a special liquid, and give the free edge of each nail the desired shape. We remove the overgrown keratinized cuticle with a manicure trimmer or remover;

❸ Treat the surface of the nail plates with a degreaser;

❹ Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect the nails from penetration of the coloring pigment and active components of the gel polish (a base is not required if this is specified in the instructions for the product);

❺ When the base dries, apply a very thin layer of colored gel polish to it. To do this, leave a drop of product on the brush and stretch it over the entire surface of the nail, moving from the cuticle line to the tip of the free edge. If you apply a special catalyst to the coating, it will harden within 2-3 minutes (without a catalyst, gel polish usually hardens in about 10 minutes);

❻ Apply another layer of gel polish to the hardened coating to obtain a richer and deeper color of the decor;

❼ When the second layer of coating has hardened, apply topcoat and seal the end of the nail (topcoat is not required if this is specified in the instructions for the product);

❽ All that remains is to treat the cuticle with softening oil.

♦ VIDEO MATERIALS