Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?

April 19, 2011

If you are a nail technician looking for a good UV light right now, that is both an easy and a difficult thing to do. First, there are many good quality UV lights on the market. Perhaps the better search should be for a good UV light with a great warranty. Each company will warranty different things on the light and for differing amounts of time. Perhaps a light made in the U.S.A. is important to you. If it is, then look for one that satisfies this requirement. Lights are just as personal as gels — find one that you believe in and one that the company will repair or replace for you if needed.

Second, what gel are you trying to cure? It is always strongly suggested that you use the light that your gel manufacturer sells. They will support you if they know you bought from them. You will find that some lights on the market will cure more than one brand of gel. If this is the case, find the light that has a good warranty and will cure more than one selection of gels and purchase this light. If your gel requires the use of an LED UV light, then use the one the manufacturer suggests.

Third, find a light that fits on your table. Many nail tables are small and will not accommodate a large light unit. There are many UV lights on the market. This was not the case 10 years ago, so shop and search for the right light for you, your work space, and your gel. An expensive light is not always the right light for you. Sometimes the more expensive the light, the better the bulbs that are used in the light. Sometimes, a light is just more expensive.    

 — Jim McConnell is president of Light Elegance.

More FAQ

Why aren't my soak-off gels looking shiny after the first few days?

All these soak-off gels are great, but I’ve noticed after a few days they aren’t as shiny as when first applied. I’ve tried several different top coats from regular nail polish top coats to the UV-cured top coats but they all peel off.  Any suggestions?... read more

Is it true that most white gels do not cure all the way?

Is it true that most white gels (whether traditional or soak-off) do not cure all the way? If so, why is that?... read more

A client wearing acrylics wants to come in weekly. Should another coat of acrylic be added or is there another procedure to follow?

A client wearing acrylics wants to come in weekly. Should another coat of acrylic be added or is there another procedure to follow?... read more

I have tried different products with no noticeable improvements [in lifting or popping]. Am I clipping too much?

I have been working as a nail tech for some years now, but have always had problems with clients’ nails lifting or popping off within two to three weeks. When they lift, I use a nail dehydrator after clipping the edges and filing the exposed natural nail, and then I double prime before applying acrylic. I have tried different products with no noticeable improvements. Am I clipping too much?... read more

Why do tiny white spots appear on my finished acrylics?

When I apply acrylic I sometimes get tiny white spots in my finished product. I was told that this could be from contaminated powder. I also sometimes get bubbles with the white spots. I assume the bubbles are form too much liquid to powder.... read more

If oil causes acrylic nails to lift, then why are we urged to use it and to tell clients to use cuticle oil?

If oil causes acrylic nails to lift, then why are we urged to use it and to tell clients to use cuticle oil?... read more

My client has constant lifting problems. Is she doomed to lifting, or am I doing something wrong?

I have a client whose nails always seem to lift around the cuticles no matter what I do. It happens as soon as her fill is finished. I’ve etched the nail well, cleansed it more than once, and always use a primer. Is she doomed to always have lifting, or am I doing something wrong?... read more

When someone comes to me for an acrylic fill and I wasn’t the one who put on the previous set, does it matter what product I use?

When someone comes to me for an acrylic fill and I wasn’t the one who put on the previous set, does it matter what product I use? Will my product adhere regardless?... read more

Can you use any primer with any acrylic?

Can you use any primer with any acrylic?... read more

What causes the burning sensation when gels are curing?

I recently tried out a UV light-cured gel system on myself. A couple of times, when letting the gels cure, I experienced a really intense burning sensation. What caused this and how can I avoid it?... read more

Could chlorine in the water make my client's acrylics lift?

I am a new tech with a client who does water aerobics for two hours each day. Her acrylics are always lifting. Could the chlorine in the water cause this?... read more

What methods and type of equipment do I need for paraffin treatments?

I want to start doing paraffin treatments on my manicure clients, but I’ve never done this before. I’ve heard some techs use a crock pot for warming the paraffin. What methods and type of equipment would you suggest?... read more