Nail modeling and nail art in studio quality is often carried out using the popular UV products. These are creamy and soft in the jar or tube and are only hardened by the power of UV light . UV gels ensure wonderful artificial nails and UV nail polishes or Shellac ensure long-lasting, radiant color on natural nails. The task of the UV light device in nail design is to reliably dry the applied and suitable products in the shortest possible time and thus give them durability - after the modeled or painted nail has been cured under the UV light for a few seconds it is fully ready for use and no longer needs to be protected. On the contrary: these nails are characterized by their high resistance and incomparable color brilliance compared to conventionally painted natural nails.
How does light curing work in nail design?
The curing of UV varnishes , Shellac and gels in nail design is carried out using classic UV lamps and modern UV LEDs. UV or LED lamps are the basis for the curing process, which is also known as radiation curing: They provide high-energy radiation that cures UV-sensitive gels and nail polishes because they contain reactive components. These ensure that gels and varnishes change from a low molecular weight (liquid) to a high molecular weight (solid) state through the crosslinking of polymers. The advantages of this method are obvious, because the viscous gel or liquid nail polish can be easily applied to the nails and modeled, while the hardened, solid and dry substance ensures the longevity and durability of the artificial nails. Furthermore, light curing using UV rays is particularly fast and efficient - the nail design products harden within a few seconds.
- Basis: UV lights or UV LEDs
- Radiation hardening using high-energy rays
- Nail design products contain reactive components
- Light curing from liquid to solid
- Advantage: Good workmanship & long durability
- Fast & efficient
What is UV radiation?
The word UV radiation is another name and abbreviation for ultraviolet radiation or black light. This electromagnetic radiation cannot be seen by humans with the naked eye. It is an “opponent” of infrared radiation (heat radiation) and lies on the opposite side of the light spectrum: In nature, ultraviolet radiation is found in the short-wave components of sunlight as well as in lightning during thunderstorms or in northern lights, but also in the cosmos, for example fixed stars.
- Ultraviolet light: electromagnetic radiation
- Opponent of infrared radiation
- Not visible
- Of course it happens
💡UV lamps: Accessories for perfect nail design
To use the energy of ultraviolet light in nail design, special lamps have been developed. Thanks to their shape, which resembles a tunnel, and thoughtfully placed lights, they are the perfect helpers for flawless and durable nail design. For this reason, a high-quality UV lamp is essential for professional work in the nail salon or perfect nails at home. In addition to the tried and tested classics, there are modern LED variants, as well as replacement tubes for replacing lamps.
UV light device
Classic UV light devices for nail design generally have several lamps, so-called UV tubes, in order to achieve the most even and effective curing possible - they are classics in nail design and have been used by private users and nail salons alike for decades.
UV LED light device
A modern alternative to the tried and tested lights are lights with UV LEDs . They are effective and fast and have a long service life - this is particularly important for commercial use. These often involve many small individual lamps that are attached to the UV lamp in the form of an arc, for example.
tubes
There are conventional UV tubes on the market that generally combine two elongated round or square lamps on a pin for plugging in. The tubes of some UV LED light devices can also be changed - LED tubes with many small LEDs are required here. Original replacement tubes for light curing devices can be purchased separately.
Extras
Popular details that a UV lamp can offer include automatic switching on and off, a timer function, removable base plates for easy cleaning and uncomplicated bulb replacement, as well as a light barrier and low heat mode to prevent excessive heat development.
💡Light curing device in nail design: expert tips from our nail designer
The UV light devices are used every day in the nail salon - our nail designer Stefanie has gained a lot of experience with these important accessories and gives you practical tips on how to use them correctly.
ND24: When do you replace the tubes of your UV lamp?
Nail designer Stefanie: The classic UV tubes should be replaced after around 500 hours of use, but at the latest one year after they were first used, so that they continue to cure UV gels and nail polishes effectively and evenly. The UV LEDs, on the other hand, can have an operating life of up to 10,000 hours - I simply follow the manufacturer's instructions. You should definitely stick to these in order to use the device safely and reliably for you and your customers.
ND24: What do you consider when using a UV light curing device in nail design?
Nail designer Stefanie: At the beginning of my work, I always check whether the lamp is working properly and whether all the lamps shine with the same power. I also take a look at the device every now and then to see if everything is okay. If that weren't the case, I would immediately replace the bulbs or, depending on the problem, stop using the device.
ND24: Do you have any tips for working with the lighting devices? Nail designer Stefanie: My insider tip for best results is to harden your fingers one at a time for a few seconds immediately after modeling or applying the nail polish. Finally, the entire hand is held under the lamp and finally hardened. I always start with the little finger because the thumb has to occupy a special position in the light device and otherwise the results can be uneven.
ND24: What is important when purchasing a UV light device? Nail designer Stefanie: I make sure that the light device is made from high-quality materials that are easy to clean and ensure a long service life. Furthermore, it is important to me that the fluorescent tubes, whether UV or UV LED, are arranged in such a way that their radiance can perfectly illuminate the nail from every side.
ND24: How do you clean your light device?
Nail designer Stefanie: After each customer, I disinfect the device inside and out to remove file dust and pathogens. For this I rely on classic surface disinfection or practical disinfectant wipes . Particularly important: Sometimes gel residue can accidentally harden on the walls, floor or ceiling of the light device - they have very sharp edges and should definitely be removed!
