Do you have a favorite nail polish color that you like to wear, but it takes forever to dry? If so, you may be wondering if there is a way to speed up the drying process. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not you can use a UV or LED lamp to dry regular nail polish. Stay tuned to find out more!
UV vs. LED
When it comes to drying regular nail polish, there are two main options that people may want to try: UV lamps and LED lamps. Both of these devices will help the paint dry faster than if you let air dry without any heat. However, they have some distinct differences between them which should be considered before making a purchase.
UV Lamps
UV lamps are a type of light therapy that uses short-wave ultraviolet radiation to treat various skin conditions. They have been around for many years and are often used in dermatology clinics. UV lamps emit a higher level of radiation than LED lamps, so they should not be used on the same hand as the LED lamp. This is because the user may experience skin irritations from too much exposure to UV rays.
Also, it’s important to note that children should never use a UV lamp without an adult present. As a parent or guardian, you can purchase a home solution for this purpose if desired. But make sure your child understands how high of heat he/she should be exposed to.
LED Lamps
On the other hand, LED lamps are a type of diode that emits near-infrared radiation when turned on. They emit less heat than UV lamps and don’t pose any risks for skin irritations or burns in most cases. And because they use infrared light instead of ultraviolet light, there is less concern about skin damage.
However, it’s still important to be aware of the frequency in which you use an LED lamp. For instance, if used too often or for a long period, they can dry out your skin and cause damage just like any other type of light therapy.
How Does UV or LED Lamp Dry Regular Nail Polish?
Now that you know the difference between UV and LED lamps, it’s time to find out how they work. Simply put, these devices emit light waves which accelerate nail polish drying. It works by heating up the surface of your nails so that moisture evaporates quickly.
UV Lamp Uses Heat Waves
One common misconception about a UV lamp is that it emits UV rays. This is false! They emit heat waves that dry the nail polish faster than air alone. These lamps are designed to be used on light and dark colored polishes, but they may not work as well on bright colors like neons or reds.
LED Lamp Uses Light Waves
On the other hand, LED lamps emit light waves that dry the nail polish faster than air alone. They may also work well on bright colors like neons or reds, but you should check with a manufacturer to be sure before making a purchase.
What Are Other Options for Drying Off Regular Nail Polish Quickly?
There are a few other options for drying regular nail polish quickly. Here are some of them:
Hair Dryer
A hair dryer can be used to speed up the drying process for regular nail polish. However, you must use the low heat setting and keep it at least six inches away from your nails to avoid burning them.
Fan
A fan can also be used to dry regular nail polish, but it may not be as effective as a hairdryer. You must keep the fan moving across your nails to avoid any hot spots. This can be time-consuming and tedious.
Cool Nails with Ice Cubes
If you want to dry your nails quickly, try using ice cubes instead of a fan or hairdryer! Simply hold the ice cubes over each nail for several seconds without letting them touch one another. You should feel cold water dripping off after doing this successfully.
Nail Fan
If you want to speed up the drying process for regular nail polish, consider purchasing a nail fan. This device has an enclosed motor that rotates at high speeds and is designed specifically with nails in mind. You can use this on any type of color or finish without worrying about damage from heat exposure.
Be sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions before using any of these devices because they may vary.
Nail Polish Drying Spray
Lastly, there are a few types of nail polish drying sprays on the market that can help to dry regular nail polish quickly. These sprays work by coating your nails with a thin layer of chemicals that help the paint to evaporate faster. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using one of these products.
As you can see, there are several ways to dry your nails quickly! But if you’re looking for the shortest way possible, try using an LED lamp like this one here. It’s affordable and effective at speeding up the drying process.
Final Thought
When it comes to using an LED lamp vs a UV lamp, there is no right answer as this depends on your personal preference. If you don’t mind exposing yourself to some heat, then a UV lamp may be the best choice for drying regular nail polish quickly. However, if you’re sensitive to heat or have children that will use it, an LED lamp is probably a safer and more convenient choice.
At the end of the day, both devices are great for drying nail polish quickly. But you should choose the one that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
FAQs
Q: How long should I use a UV or LED lamp to dry regular nail polish?
A: Most manufacturers recommend using their device for two minutes. However, you should always check the instructions that come with your product.
Q: Can I use a UV or LED lamp on top of my gel manicure?
A: No! LED lamps are not designed to cure gel manicures. You should always remove your topcoat before using an LED lamp on top of any type of lacquer or paint job.
Q: Can I use a UV or LED lamp without the nail polish?
A: Yes! These devices can also be used as dryers for other products like glue for false eyelashes, adhesive rhinestones and diamonds, and more. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your product to see what else it can be used for.
Q: Can I use a UV or LED lamp if I have fake nails?
A: Yes! You should still follow the same drying time guidelines, but you may need to use more than one coat of nail polish depending on the type of fake nails you have.
Other posts:
LED Nail Lamp | A Helpful User’s Guide
