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Is there any benefit to using a UV light to cure top coat on natural nails?

September 1, 1999

Is there any benefit to using a UV light to cure top coat on natural nails? Our clients swear by it, but I’m wondering if this is just psychological, or possibly because I make them sit through two cycles of four minutes each.

Doug Schoon: Whether the UV light is truly beneficial depends on what type of top coat is used. The only effect a UV light will have on a non-UV curing system is to speed up evaporation. It may also cause yellowing. UV light is one of the primary reasons top coats and enhancements turn yellow. A true UV-curing top coat will behave like a UV gel enhancement. It will be almost impossible to remove with solvents and would have to be filed off the nail for quick removal.


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