Key points:
- Lamps catalyze the semi-permanent polish and allow polymerization.
- The polish transforms into a solid, shiny, and long-lasting film.
- Essential for at-home or salon semi-permanent manicures.
How does it work?
If you are a fan of Green Flash™ semi-permanent polish or fake nail application, you have surely already used drying lamps, at home or in a nail salon. Whether LED or UV, the lamps emit ultraviolet rays that trigger a chemical process called “polymerization”. Under the effect of the rays, the molecules present in the polish bind together to form a solid and resistant film, called a “polymer network”. Thanks to this technique, gels and semi-permanent polishes take on that shiny and gel-like appearance we love. They offer a flawless manicure, able to resist shocks and chips much longer than classic polish! In short, only advantages at first glance… so how to tell the difference?
UV lamp vs LED lamp, differences and advantages
The 2 types of lamps mainly differ in their mode of operation:
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Traditional UV lamps, called incandescent, use fluorescent tubes to emit ultraviolet rays. They are compatible with most UV gels and semi-permanent polishes because they cover a wide range of wavelengths. But they are very energy-consuming, emit more heat, and require longer drying times.
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LED lamps (Light Emitting Diode) are more recent and work thanks to light-emitting diodes that emit specific UV and are called cold. Their strong point: a faster catalysis time with low energy consumption and reduced heat emission. However, some LED lamps do not catalyze all types of gels, their wavelength being more limited.
Another differentiating factor of drying lamps lies in the wavelength range at which they emit light. Ultraviolet rays are generally emitted at wavelengths between 100 and 400 nanometers (nm). But gels do not catalyze under the same wavelength. Some types of semi-permanent polish polymerize around 350 nm, while others, like the Green Flash™ LED semi-permanent polish for example, will need a higher wavelength for optimal polymerization. LED lamps, used by Manucurist, therefore emit between 370 nm and 400 nm. It is precisely this LED technology that allows catalyzing the Green Flash™ semi-permanent polish in a few minutes, for a shiny and long-lasting manicure.
To summarize:
- UV: compatible with almost all gels, longer drying, more heat, high consumption.
- LED: fast drying, low heat, reduced consumption, limited wavelengths.
- Choose the lamp according to gel type and available time.
Are UV rays dangerous to health?
It has long been known that sun exposure carries risks due to the UV it emits. Frequent and prolonged exposure to UV, especially UVA, can cause sunburn, premature aging, allergies, and in extreme cases, skin cancers.
UV and LED lamps used in manicures also emit UVA, but they are different from those of the sun and are diffused more locally during manicure sessions. Following a laboratory study on cells exposed to high doses with very powerful lamps (48W and above), the Academy of Medicine recommends adopting precautionary principles in case of frequent semi-permanent applications over several years or during medical treatment including photosensitizing drugs. At minimum, it is advised to apply sunscreen before each manicure session.
Rest assured, with Manucurist, you can continue your manicures without fear of damaging your nails. On one hand because the power of our LED lamps does not exceed 36W with an exposure time ranging from 5 to 9 minutes per session. On the other hand, because by choosing Green Flash™, you opt for a non-toxic, clean & safe semi-permanent polish. Its innovative formula is vegan and HEMA-free, meaning free of methacrylate monomers. These monomers are molecules that under UV action form the desired plastic film. However, these monomers are sensitizing molecules that can infiltrate the body and cause allergic or inflammatory reactions. In the Green Flash™ formula, methacrylate monomers have been replaced by copolymers that have the same polymerization properties under LED lamp but without side effects.
By adopting a healthy and sustainable manicure routine that avoids too frequent semi-permanent applications and favors quality products, you preserve the good health of your natural nails and ensure beautiful manicures to come.
To summarize:
- Localized exposure to UVA → sunscreen recommended for frequent applications.
- Manucurist LED lamps: max 36W, express drying, safe.
- Choice according to need: Slim 24W (portable, full manicure in 30 min), Premium 36W (portable, ultra-fast, full manicure in 20 min).
- Work exclusively with Green Flash™ polish.
How to choose the ideal lamp for your manicure?
Slim or Premium lamp, it’s all about watts
At Manucurist, we offer 2 models of LED lamps for an easy and quick manicure at home, at the office, or on vacation:
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The Slim lamp (24W): foldable and lightweight, it slips into a handbag or suitcase, ready to go whenever you need it. With this model, your manicure takes about 30 minutes in total.
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The Premium lamp (36W): larger and more powerful, it is also foldable and easy to carry. Ideal for express manicure fans, it allows you to complete your semi-permanent polish application in 20 minutes flat, all included.
Our tips for using your Manucurist LED lamp properly
☝️ Only Green Flash™: our LED lamps are designed to be used exclusively with products from the Green Flash™ range (base coat, color, and top coat). They emit UV at a wavelength between 370 nm and 400 nm, specially adapted to our Green Flash™ formulas to achieve perfect polymerization. They do not work on Green™ polishes that dry without a lamp, in open air, nor on semi-permanent polishes from other brands whose formulas catalyze at different wavelengths. Unsure whether to choose classic polish or semi-permanent polish? Discover the advantages of each option in our complete guide.
🥪 The 4-layer rule: for a manicure like a pro, apply four successive layers starting with a layer of Vitaminated Base Coat, then two layers of Green Flash™ color, and finish with a layer of Top Coat. A key step not to be neglected: find all the advantages of the Top Coat in our dedicated article here. Each layer must be flashed under the LED lamp before applying the next, respecting the recommended drying times.
🕰️ Respect drying times: each applied layer must therefore be placed under the LED lamp for a precise duration that varies depending on the product and lamp power.
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With a Slim 24W lamp, count 2 minutes drying for the Base Coat, 2 minutes for each polish layer, and 3 minutes for the Top Coat.
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With a Premium 36W lamp, count 1 minute drying for the Base Coat, 1 minute for each color layer, and 2 minutes for the Top Coat.
😎 For frequent manicures: apply sunscreen on your hands before each session.
To get started, Manucurist has thought of everything with its Starter Kit which brings together in a pretty pouch the LED lamp of your choice, our gentle remover, the Base coat and Top coat, removal tweezers, and three Green Flash™ colors of your choice. For purists, the Trousse Addict also includes Green Oil, Effective Emollient, a steel cuticle pusher, the Corrector Pen Remover, the preparatory Lime, and a Lime for natural nails.
To combine the LED lamp and application essentials, you can choose a Green Flash™ semi-permanent polish kit, suitable for a complete routine at home.
You now have all the cards in hand to choose and use your drying lamp safely. All that’s left is to choose the color of your next manicure from the sublime palette of Green Flash™ LED polishes. And to get the most out of your manicure with an LED lamp, follow our tips for a top application. We can’t wait to see the result 🤩
