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About 18w led nail lamp

Types of 18w led nail lamps

An 18w led nail lamp is a popular choice among nail art enthusiasts and professionals. It is well-known for its power and efficiency in curing gel and acrylic polishes. Different models with unique features are available depending on preference and use. Broadly, they fall into the following categories:

  • Desktop LED nail lamps:

    These are the most commonly used nail curing lamps. They have a larger design and a higher wattage, usually between 36 to 48 watts. This enables them to cure multiple fingers or toes at once. Desktop models are best suited for home use or nail salons where professional-grade manicures are performed. They plug into a wall outlet for power and can accommodate whole hands or feet under the lamp.

  • Portable or handheld nail lamps:

    These smaller, battery-operated nail lamps are ideal for on-the-go use or spot curing of individual nails. They contain LED bulbs similar to larger models but have lower wattage around 9-12 watts. Portable nail lamps easily fit into purses and are convenient for travel. They are mostly used for touch-ups between appointments when full hand curing is not needed. Their compact size makes them easy to carry anywhere.

  • Foldable nail lamps:

    Foldable LED lamps combine features of both desktop and portable models. They have a foldable arm design that extends over the hand or foot for curing. When not in use, the lamp easily folds flat for storage. This style is suitable for both home and salon use. Users can benefit from the sturdiness of a desktop lamp while enjoying portability. Foldable lamps offer flexibility in nail treatments.

  • Clamp-mounted lamps:

    These LED nail lamps have a clamp that can be attached to tables or counters. The curing arm extends over the nails being worked on. Clamp-mounted models save space on the work surface and are ideal when desk space is limited. They provide stable, hands-free nail curing.

How to choose 18w led nail lamps

There are many factors to consider when choosing an 18w nail lamp. Below are some of them:

  • Curable Gel Types

    Check what gel polish brands the user usually uses and ensure they are all curable in the lamp. Some brands are picky and might not cure under different lamps, so check the compatibility list.

  • Multiple Nail Placement

    Nail lamps that cure all fingers at once are more convenient. Look for designs where the hand or feet fit inside easily without holding each nail separately. Curing time is also a factor. Is there a fast cure option for the gel types that require longer time? One to two-minute curing times are preferable. Check if the 18w lamp is powerful enough to handle the user's gel formulas.

  • Portability

    Consider if the user does nails in multiple locations, such as home, work, or traveling. A portable design that easily transports is ideal in that case. Look for features that allow convenient storage and transport. These include a compact size, foldable parts, or a carrying case. These make it easy to bring along the lamp without hassle.

  • Ease of use

    Check the ease of the operation controls. Some lamps have complicated buttons that may be hard for a beginner. Simple one-touch buttons are faster. Also, see if the lamp has an auto sensor that detects when hands are inside, turning on automatically. This requires no manual operation.

  • Safety features

    Look for a nail lamp with a protective shield to cover the light from the eyes. A timer shut-off feature is also good to prevent over-curing. Ensure the lamp has CE certification and meets safety standards to guarantee quality.

  • Customer support

    Check if the manufacturer offers a warranty, return policy, and contact information in case of questions. Good customer support is important in case issues arise with the product.

  • Reviews

    See what other customers say about the lamp. Check the ratings and read reviews to know the pros and cons from an actual user's experience. This gives insight into the product's real-life performance.

How to use and product safety

The 18W LED nail lamp is easy to use and provides a great nail curing experience. Users should ensure it has been correctly plugged into an electrical outlet. The nail curing lamp should be turned on manually if it does not turn on automatically. It will automatically shut off after 30 seconds if it does not receive any inputs.

Next, users should cure their nails under the lamp. They will need to select the appropriate timer setting based on the type of nail polish they are using. They should be aware that gel polishes typically require a longer curing time, ranging from 30 to 60 seconds. The chose timer will determine how long the lamp stays on, which can be 30 or 60 seconds.

It is important to note that certain gel nail kits come with instructions specifying the use of a specific LED nail lamp. This is because some lamps emit different wavelengths that may be suitable for specific gel formulas. In such cases, the lamp’s emitted wavelength will not be sufficient to cure the gel polish.

Furthermore, the nail curing lamp should be placed close enough to the user’s hands so that they do not touch the lamp. Users should avoid staring directly at the light emitted from the lamp, as it can be harmful to the eyes. Gloves can be used to protect the cuticles and fingers from UV rays.

Regarding product safety, it is advisable to avoid overexposure under the lamp, as this can cause skin damage. Users should ensure that the lamp is well-ventilated and that the bulbs are not damaged. It is also important to check the electrical cord for any damages and avoid using an extension cord. The lamp should be kept on a flat, dry surface, and users should avoid placing metallic objects or water near it.

Functions, features, and design of 18w led nail lamps

Function

  • Gel/UV nail curing

    The primary function of the 18w LED nail lamp is to cure gel and acrylic nails. The lamp's light hardens (cures) the gel or acrylic under the nails, slowly forming a solid, long-lasting manicure. Curing with an appropriate LED/UV lamp ensures the chemicals in the products fully activate to form a durable layer.

  • Drying time

    The nail lamp dries the freshly applied polish. The gel and acrylic formulas need around 30-60 seconds under the lamp to harden. The drying eliminates the risk of smudging or washing the designs away before they set. It allows the nails to be touched safely after the session.

  • Detachable hand/foot design

    Some models have a removable or detachable base, providing easier access for curing hand and toenails. The hands or feet can be fully inserted under the lamp for even drying without any awkward angles. This added convenience makes the manicure and pedicure processes smoother.

Features

  • Multiple timer settings

    The LED nail lamp has several timer options, usually 10, 30 and 60 seconds. It enables the users to select their preferred curing durations with the buttons. The nail lamp automatically shuts off after the designated time. This feature provides more control over the curing times for different gel formulas.

  • Smart sensor

    Some nail lamps are equipped with a smart sensor that automatically turns on when hands or feet are inserted under it. It automatically turns off when removed. The smart sensor provides a hands-free operation.

  • Low heat mode

    A low heat mode is a nail lamp feature that gradually increases the power from 30mW to 48mW. It starts at a lower wattage to cure the nails gently, preventing any burning sensations, especially during the initial application. After a set time, it boosts to the maximum power for faster curing.

  • Wide curing area

    The nail lamp has a spacious curing area to accommodate both hands or feet simultaneously. This feature shortens the drying time by curing more nails at once.

Design

  • Compact and portable

    Most 18w led nail lamps have a compact and lightweight design, making them easily portable. This feature is convenient for frequent travellers.

  • Stylish and modern design

    The 18w led nail lamps come in various elegant and contemporary styles to choose from. They have smooth, curved outer shells and glossy finishes that look great on any manicure table.

Q&A

Q1: Can an 18W nail lamp cure all gel polishes?

A1: An 18W gel nail lamp can cure most gel polishes. However, ensuring the lamp's wavelength range matches the gel's required curing wavelengths is important. This information is usually on the gel polish.

Q2: How long does it take to cure gel polish in an 18W LED lamp?

A2: The curing time depends on the gel polish brand and its formulation. Typically, it takes 30-60 seconds for the topcoat and 20-40 seconds for the color coat in a reasonably rated 18W LED lamp.

Q3: Is an 18W LED nail lamp good for acrylic nails?

A3: Acrylic nails use nail glue, and the mixture hardens independently, so an LED lamp isn't necessary. However, if someone is getting gel-over-acrylic nails, a lamp is needed to cure the gel.

Q4: What is the difference between LED and UV nail lamps?

A4: UV nail lamps use ultraviolet light to cure all gel types, while LED lamps work faster with compatible gels. UV lamps are usually more powerful than LED lamps.

Q5: Can LED nail lamps be used with UV gel?

A5: Yes. However, it will take longer to cure the UV gel if the lamp is not very powerful.