EVERYTHING ABOUT UV LAMPS
Everything about UV/LED Lamps
A UV/LED lamp is not just a lamp. There is a lot of science and chemistry behind the simple facade. The lamps come in different shapes and types. Some lamps have specific capabilities, and it is not always easy to figure them out. That's why we've created this guide for you!
General information about lamps
Fundamentally, all types of gel products need contact with UV/LED light in order to cure. UV/LED light causes the chemical particles in the products to transition from a liquid to a solid form.
The lamp's power is indicated by Watts. At The Gel Collection, our large lamp has a power of 48 watts.
To get even more technical:
The lamp emits a mixture of light at different wavelengths, from 200nm (nanometers) up to 500nm. The particles in gel products react chemically when exposed to the right wavelength. At The Gel Collection, our products cure at 365nm and 405nm.
The Gel Collection's lamps
At The Gel Collection, we have created the best lamps on the market. They have been tested and are fully compatible with our products.
We offer two different lamps; our UV/LED Flash HOME and our mini lamp.
The Dual LED Flash™ HOME
The Dual LED Flash™ HOME is a UV/LED lamp of the highest quality. It has been specifically developed for home users, making it the best lamp on the market when you want to do your nails at home.
HOME is small in size, has an open design, and features a digital timer on the top. Additionally, the buttons are placed in a way that makes it easy for the home user to select the correct light setting. The inside is made of fully reflective material, which reflects the UV light efficiently inside the light chamber. This, combined with dual wavelength technology (365-405nm), ensures effective and even curing every time.
- Digital timer on the top that indicates the lamp's time setting.
- Small and lightweight design, making it easy to use and store.
- Buttons on the top of the lamp for easy access to choose the right light program.
- Fully reflective interior that reflects the UV rays effectively inside the light chamber.
- Dual wavelength at 365 & 405 nm using the latest UV technology, ensuring even and effective curing every time.
- Extra long cord, making it easy to reach the power outlet.
- Automatic hand sensor and 3 different light programs.
Light Programs
- Automatic hand sensor: When the infrared hand sensor detects a hand in the lamp, it triggers a 60-second light program at full power.
- 10sec Flash Cure: Flash Cure mode delivers 5 light bursts over 10 seconds. This can be used for surface curing to prevent products from running or to reduce the exothermic reaction (burning sensation) of gels.
- 60sec timer: 60 seconds at full brightness.
- 90sec Low Heat mode: Low Heat mode gradually increases the UV power from 35% to 55%, then to 75%, and finally to 100% during curing. The purpose is to reduce the exothermic reaction (burning sensation) of gels while ensuring full curing. The curing efficiency is the same as with a 60-second full brightness light program.
The open design of the HOME requires precise hand placement in the light chamber. However, a simple guide for hand placement is included to make it easy to follow the instructions.
Low Heat
Some people experience a burning sensation when the product is exposed to light from the UV lamp. This is due to the chemical reaction when the product transitions from liquid to solid form. During this chemical process, heat is generated. With a thick layer of product, the heat has a harder time escaping. Therefore, the heat can move inward through the nail, causing a burning sensation - and for some, a painful feeling.
Fortunately, there is a solution to the heat problem: slower curing / low heat. It is a special function where the lamp gradually increases its power.
The connection between the lamp and products
The lamp you use, and the products should always come from the same brand. The lamps are developed to cure the chemistry in the specific products.
Nail products are chemistry. The chemistry consists of small particles/molecules, which, when exposed to the correct light at the correct wavelength, bond in a new chemical formula, transitioning the product from liquid to solid. It is during this process that the product may feel like it’s burning.
Nail products do not only cure through UV exposure. The right wavelength is required in the lamp to change the chemistry of the nail products. If your lamp doesn’t have the correct wavelength, your nail product may still cure, but the small particles in the underlying product will not be fully cured. This means you have uncured product on your nails, and during subsequent filing, there is a risk that uncured chemistry may enter the dust and the air. This poses a significant allergy risk.
Mini Lamp
The new Mini Dual LED Flash™ is a mini UV/LED lamp of the highest quality. It has been specifically developed for The Gel Collection's Soft Gel Press On Tip system, ensuring surface curing of the Gel Glue, so the tip adheres to the natural nail.
The Mini Dual LED Flash lamp offers dual wavelengths (365nm + 405nm), ensuring effective and fast curing, which makes working with Press On tips easier.
The lamp’s shape is designed to easily position the finger under the UV light while the other hand holds the press-on tip in place. This prevents poor clamps and misaligned tips.
The lamp is ideal for both home salons and professional use.
NOTE. This lamp can only be used for flash curing of press-on tips.