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Because a mani shouldn't break the bank.
There are two things you should know about me: 1) a fresh manicure is my ultimate beauty must-have, and 2) I am the CEO of money-saving hacks. So, obviously, your girl had a biiiiit of a problem when each nail salon appointment began to cost upwards of $40 a visit. My gorge nails and fab IG aesthetic may have been happy, but lemme tell ya, my bank account sure as hell was not. If this also sounds like a ~you~ problem, I'm going to let you in on the life (and nail) saving tool that changed the way I invest in my manicures forever: The UV nail lamp.
What if I said that you could have picture-perfect nails at *all* times on the low-low? Enticing, but you'd probably think I was kidding, right?! Well, my friends, believe it or not, this is no cap. It's time to say a warm hello to the UV nail lamp because with the one-time purchase of one of these bbs and the occasional seasonal nail color investment, you can DIY your way to a fabulous at-home gel manicure.
Gel nail polish differs from regular nail polish due to the fact that it is set or cured with ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light can come from either a UV or LED source, and there are a few differences between the two. Let me break it down for you:
This being said, either way, you should protect your skin beforehand with sunscreen. If you want to be extra safe, some UV protectant nail gloves will help to limit radiation exposure as much as possible.
Depending on the salon or manicurist, and the type of LED gel polish used, it could be either-or. Because this is the case, there are gel nail lamps available that have both LED and UV lights to ensure that there will be no difficulties curing the polish.
And because I know the struggle of online shopping, I have taken the liberty of providing you with a variety of all. So without further ado, here are the 13 best nail lamps for an at-home salon gel mani that'll save you some big bucks.
Type of Nail Lamp: UV & LED
This UV and LED nail lamp works for each and every type of gel nail polish, meaning that you will have no issues curing any polish. The lamp also comes with four timer settings (10, 30, 60, and 99 seconds) that will automatically shut off at the end of the processing. Oh, and not to mention, the nail lamp has 4.5-star reviews from over 10K happy customers.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
If you're in the market for a fully LED nail lamp, this one by Red Carpet Manicure is for you. The LED lights work to cure each coat of your nail polish in thirty seconds per round.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
Similar to the product above, this nail lamp is fully powered by LED lights to ensure minimal radiation exposure. The lamp is cordless and rechargeable, offering a 30 percent longer battery life than most competitors. To top it off, this LED lamp also comes with a built-in motion sensor activation.
Type of Nail Lamp: UV & LED
You know anything that has a spot for your phone is totally practical in this modern day. I mean how else are you supposed to watch a DIY gel mani tutorial on YouTube?! With a designated phone holder, this UV and LED nail lamp has an auto on and off timer, and four modes, including one for those with sensitive skin.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
Most nail lamps only have enough room for one hand, but you won't have that problem with this nail lamp roomy enough to fit both hands (or feet) with ease. The LED lamp also comes equipped with a large LCD screen that shows the amount of time left in the curing process.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
Not only is this DIY gel mani kit totally adorable—the lamp is shaped like a macaron—but it's mini, and everyone knows the cutest things come in the smallest packages. If you're looking to dip your fingers in (hehe) the gel lamp world, consider opting for this kit that has everything you need to get it goin'.
Type of Nail Lamp: UV & LED
This OPI gel nail lamp will cost ya a pretty penny, but think about all the money you will save from those trips to the salon. One satisfied customer says, "my clients love how roomy it is inside, the handle is GREAT for moving and handling purposes, it looks very professional and clean, and there is ample room for clients to rest their hands on top as I polish."
Type of Nail Lamp: UV & LED
If you're taking the salon home, you're going to need to remove the old gel polish before your fresh set. With this nail lamp, not only will you have access to a quick curing lamp, but you'll also get a nail drill to help you remove those bbs when it's time.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
This sleek and lightweight nail lamp works for both traditional UV gels and LED gel formulations, offering 30 and 60-second timer options. The dome shape design allows for maximum space when curing the nails.
Type of Nail Lamp: UV & LED
With almost a 5 star rating, this holographic nail lamp works to cure gel polish with both UV and LED lights. The roomy size will allow for both hands to fit, and the removable magnetic base makes it so you can cure toes as well. According to a happy review, this light is a holy grail product.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
You won't need to worry about the fuss of extra buttons and settings with this nail lamp. Equipped with an auto sensor and soft lights to protect the skin, this easy-to-use DIY nail lamp will have your mani lookin' professional.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
If you're someone that travels a lot and always wants to ensure that your mani stays in tip-top shape, this compact cure mini gel lamp is just the thing for you. Although this LED lamp is not suitable for everyday use, it is the perfect tool to keep on hand in those emergency nail chipping scenarios.
Type of Nail Lamp: LED
This plug-in LED nail lamp uses a metal cover to prevent the nails from that burning feeling you may get with other nail lamps. Due to the open design, this lamp is also incredibly suitable for pedicures as well as manicures.