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Getting manicures is great for my nail game but absolutely tragic for my wallet. Doing my nails at home, though? A game changer. The only thing I need for a salon-worthy mani is a steady hand, my trusty nail file, fave gel polish, and the right UV nail lamp. Sounds simple, but when you're trying to perfect the pearl nails trend or try your hand at shellac nails, you need the best equipment possible. So, I polled my fellow Cosmopolitan editors, did some research, and read through countless online reviews to find the top recommended UV nail lamps for at-home gel manicures just for you. filament dry cabinet
First off, what does a UV nail lamp actually do, and why the heck do you need one? UV nail lamps use either LED or UV lights to cure (i.e. harden and solidify) gel nail polish, ensuring that your polish dries strong and chip-resistant. In other words, it's an essential tool for any nail DIYer, which is why you'll want to check out these user and Cosmo-editor-recommended UV nail lamps before your next nail refresh.
Cosmopolitan Video Editor Sarah Ng uses this UV and LED lamp to do her acrylics at home. "It's lightweight and super easy to use whenever and wherever you need it." She loves that the lamp has a motion sensor and four timer settings (10, 30, 60, and 99 seconds) that automatically shut off. "It makes for seamless curing without worrying about touching any of your tools," she says.
Glowing Customer Review: "For the cost of one manicure, my nails look professionally done without all the hassle or cost of going to the salon every 2 weeks. I can even buy a new nail polish color every other week and still spend less than I was spending at the salon. Time and money saver!”
This individual UV nail lamp is a fave of Cosmo Beauty Editor Beth Gillette. "For gel extensions, this is the best ever ever ever," she attests. What's unique about this UV lamp is that you can use it as pictured, like a flashlight, but it also has a mechanism that folds out so the lamp can stand on its own. That versatility ensures you get an even cure.
Glowing Customer Review: "I was worried about the size of the light, but it's perfect. I love that the neck extends and bends. When closed, it's perfect for curing charms or 3D gel quick and easy."
You won't need to worry about the fuss of extra buttons and settings with this nail lamp. Equipped with an auto sensor and soft lights to protect the skin, this easy-to-use DIY nail lamp will have your mani lookin' professional.
Glowing Customer Review: “This UV light looks and works exactly like the ones in the nail salon. It’s lightweight, but large enough to fit your hand in comfortably without fear that you’ll ruin your polish by touching the top or sides. And I’m saving so much money doing my nails at home!”
Yes, this nail lamp is a splurge. But sometimes, it's worth the investment if you want a good-quality product that doesn't break down after a few months. This one by Gelish uses 18 LED bulbs and a motion-activated sensor, so you can easily cure five nails at once. But the best part is that it comes with a protective eyeshield, so the light won't damage your eyes.
Glowing Customer Review: "This is so worth the buy! I have literally saved myself hundreds of dollars by doing my mani at home," writes a tester. "It may seem pricey initially, but the other lamps don't pack the punch of this one and will leave you frustrated with a crappy job!"
Nervous about jumping into the gel polish game? This lamp is the perfect starting point. Not only does it feature powerful LED lights, but it also has two timer settings—30 seconds and 60 seconds—and a sensor that will automatically turn the machine off when it is not in use. This reduces the risk of over-exposure and means you can use this baby pretty much hands-free, which is great if you're new to doing your manis at home.
Glowing Customer Review: "I truly enjoy the simplicity of this light. I'm a first-time learner and I can get overwhelmed easily. I like that it's open, so I'm not going to accidentally dent my nails moving in or out (trust me, I've done that many times at the salon)."
Don't have enough room on your vanity for a bulky nail lamp, or worried about fixing up your gel manicure on the go? Get yourself a handheld UV LED nail lamp like this one. This pen-like light has a 40-minute battery life, so it should work for quick fixes and even full manicures (though you might not want to depend on it to last through curing 10 fingers and 10 toes).
Glowing Customer Review: "Sent this to my daughter who was traveling overseas. I was skeptical of whether it would work well or not because of its size. She loved it! The compact size made it so easy for her to travel with and she said it worked perfectly."
I could write a love letter about my experience with Aprés Nail. Basically, this brand was the one that made me take the leap and convert to being a primarily at-home gel girlie. The kits come with everything you need to do your own Gel-X—i.e., a "soft extension" that is less damaging to the nail compared to traditional gel polish. It includes Gel-X tips (choose btwn almond, coffin, round, square, or stiletto in various sizes), a top coat, pH bonder, primer, extend gel, nail file, and the star of the kit, the brand's Beta LED Nail Lamp—which has three timer settings and a USB port so you can charge your phone while you cure.
Glowing Customer Review: "I've only used [the Beta] three times, but it has been great! Love that the bottom tray comes off so I can do pedicures without a problem. I do wish it had a longer cable, but totally not necessary since it still fits in my work area. Absolutely love the look and it fits the aesthetics of the rest of my tools."
If you're like me, then you don't love the idea of spending hours doing your nails. You have a need for speed, and the best way to pick up the pace of an at-home gel manicure is to get a UV LED nail lamp that fits both hands or feet at once. Not only does this lamp have enough room to cure 10 nails in one go, it's got four timer settings, a sensor to power on and off, 57 LED bulbs, and a long cord so you can set it up anywhere.
Glowing Customer Review: "This is the first light I have owned that actually cures the gel fully in less than 2 minutes," writes a reviewer. "The gel stays on until I decide to take it off. I am so very pleased with it. Plus it's big enough for both hands or both feet at the same time."
The worst caveat of some UV nail lights is when it takes a few rounds to truly cure your gel nail polish. This one by Red Carpet Manicure is absolutely loved for its ability to speed up the whole process in...wait for it...just thirty seconds. Basically, it gets the job done—as in it cures your gel nail polish quick, quick.
Glowing Customer Review: "Polish dries quickly and usually doesn't chip for at least seven days. It's a DIY salon-quality manicure - and touch-ups are easy! "
I'm no expert nail artist, but you best believe that I watch every single TikTok and YouTube tutorial from my favorite nail gurus out there. This UV nail lamp includes a dedicated spot for your phone to go so you have easy viewing capabilities for all those tutorials you're inspired by. Or, let's be real, it's also great for when you wanna watch a Netflix series.
Glowing Customer Review: "After purchasing many different UV lights, this one has been a great addition to my DIY nail equipment. I also enjoy the fact that the bottom piece comes off if you want it to; it's nice when I’m doing my toes."
This OPI gel nail lamp will cost you a pretty penny, but think about all the money you will save from those trips to the salon. In fact, many professional nail salons use this very lamp. Seems like a winner, huh?
Glowing Customer Review: "My clients love how roomy it is inside, the handle is GREAT for moving and handling purposes. It looks very professional and clean, and there is ample room for clients to rest their hands on top as I polish."
If you're taking the salon home, you're going to need to remove the old gel polish before your fresh set. With this nail lamp, not only will you have access to a quick curing tool, but you'll also get a nail drill to help you remove those bbs when it's time.
Glowing Customer Review: "I like this kit—my nails look more professional. The lamp is easy to use and it has an included nail drill. It's very cost-effective, and I recommend it," writes one customer.
If you travel a lot and want to ensure that your mani stays in tip-top shape, this compact cure mini gel lamp is just the thing for you. It's the perfect tool to keep on hand in those emergency nail chipping scenarios.
Glowing Customer Review: "This lamp is a must-have. Perfect to take with you and it is a powerful little thing—love that you can fold it and close it.”
No, LED lamps are not necessarily better for you than UV lamps, and both can damage skin. "UV manicure lamps emit UVA radiation, which is a known cancer-causing agent," says board-certified dermatologist, Karan Lal, MD adding that exposure to this radiation may lead to sun spots and damage to the skin.
However, LED lamps also expose you to UV light. It might feel less hot and look less bright than a UV lamp, but LEDs still emit levels of UVA radiation. “Nail lamps use LED bulbs because they are long-lasting and they do not emit heat—but they are still UV light,” cautions board-certified Dornechia Carter, MD. “These are not safer.”
LED nail lamps will cure gel polish much faster than UV nail lamps. On average, an LED lamp takes 30 to 60 seconds to cure your gel, whereas a UV lamp takes up to two to three minutes. My personal preference is an LED lamp due to it also having a longer lifespan than UV options. However, as noted above, both pose risks.
Yes, both UV-only lamps and UV/LED lamps can be harmful to the skin, especially if used frequently, as both emit UVA radiation. "We don’t have evidence to prove UVA lamps cause skin cancer, but based on our understanding of UVA radiation, the risk exists," Dr. Lal says. Dr. Carter broke down the risk in even more detail: Assuming each gel manicure takes about five separate layers of polish (including a base and top coat), and each layer takes about two minutes to cure (this is a general estimate), she says, “This is a 10-minute tan for the back of the hands.” And that time “increases your risk for the signs of aging, such as age spots, thinning, wrinkles, as well as skin cancer.”
Due to the increased risk of repeated exposure, Dr. Carter suggests reserving gel manis for special occasions and using long-lasting polishes. And if you use UV/LED nail lamps regularly, then she recommends wearing a hydrating sunscreen, like the EltaMD Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ or the LaRoche Posay Melt-in Sunscreen Milk (which needs to be applied 15 minutes prior to UV exposure), to protect your hands from sun damage and keep them nice and smooth. There are also special gloves for gel manicures with exposed fingertips that will protect the top of your hands, but Dr. Carter wants you to remember, “This does not protect the tips of the nails or nail beds from the potential adverse effects of UV exposure.”
Gel nail polish differs from regular nail polish due to the fact that it is set or cured with ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light can come from either a UV or LED source, and in the world of gel manicures, not all nail lamps are created equal.
The key difference between UV and LED nail lamps is the type of lightbulb used. LEDs are usually more energy efficient and emit weaker rays than UV light bulbs. Here’s what that means for your nails:
If you still don’t know how to decide, start by picking out what brand of gel polish you want to use. Once you’ve hit purchase, take a peek at the label and see what type of light—UV or LED—is needed to cure the polish and go from there.
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, with over three years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She’s an expert at researching and writing nail stories, like the best press-on nails and the top nail stickers. She regularly tests and analyzes UV nail lamps on her own nails for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top professionals to assess new formulas and brands.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan with 10 years of experience writing about culture, news, fashion, and beauty. She loves to dive into beauty products and reviews, learning everything about tinted sunscreens and magnetic eyelashes to find the best for Cosmo readers.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
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