LED vs UV curing lamp

Alice Luu
Oct 9
2 min read

Gel manicures have changed the way we think about nail polish. Instead of waiting for layers to air-dry, gel polish hardens within minutes under a curing lamp. But with so many options available — UV lamps, LED lamps, or even advanced hybrids — it’s important to understand how each works and what makes them different.

How Does a UV Lamp Work With Gel Polish?

Traditional UV curing lamps use ultraviolet light bulbs to interact with the special polymers in gel polish. When exposed to UV light, these polymers undergo a chemical reaction that hardens and sets the polish, making it more durable than traditional nail lacquer, which simply air-dries. While effective, UV lamps require longer curing times and regular bulb replacement to maintain performance.

How Do LED Lamps Compare?

LED lamps use light-emitting diodes instead of UV bulbs, and this makes several noticeable differences:

Less harmful exposure: LED lamps are considered safer because they emit narrower wavelengths of light, similar to those used in dentist offices for curing fillings.
Longer lifespan: LED bulbs last much longer than UV bulbs, up to 20000 hours of usage compared to the 4000 hours of UV bulb, reducing the cost and hassle of replacements.
Faster curing time: Gel polish typically cures more quickly under LED lamps, saving both clients and professionals valuable time. The standard time for a full cure with UV is 120 seconds or 2 minutes, while with LED lamps, you can achieve a full cure within 60 seconds, cutting down half of the process time.

The Downsides of LED Lamps

Of course, LED lamps aren’t perfect. They often cost more upfront than UV lamps, which can make them less appealing for beginners. Compatibility is also an issue: many gel polishes are formulated for UV curing only, meaning LED lamps won’t work unless you choose polishes specifically designed for LED. This makes product selection crucial for nail technicians.

The Evolution of LED Technology

As the beauty industry grows, so does lamp technology. Today, dual UV/LED lamps give professionals the best of both worlds by curing both UV-only and LED-compatible polishes.

Another advancement is the red LED lamp, which addresses one of the biggest concerns of traditional UV lamps: skin damage. Instead of exposing skin to potentially harmful rays, red LED technology is designed to protect and even boost skin health while curing polish.

Learning With the Right Tools

At our beauty college, students not only learn how to apply flawless gel manicures but also understand the science and technology behind curing lamps. From traditional UV systems to the latest LED innovations, our training prepares graduates to work confidently with the tools found in today’s salons — and to make informed choices for their future clients.