Take your DIY mani to the next level.
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As prices rise and schedules get busier, weekly or monthly nail salon visits are becoming unrealistic for many of us. As a result, DIY manicures using tools like dip powder kits and press-ons have become increasingly popular. Perhaps the most popular among DIYers are at-home gel nail kits, which are perfect for gel loyalists. However, to get salon-quality results at home, you need an immaculate UV nail lamp to ensure longevity and prevent chipping.
“The light emits UV wavelengths that hit molecules in the gel called photoinitiators, or compounds, that absorb light and convert it into the energy needed to drive the polymerization process,” says Molly Romah, lead nail artist at NYC-based spa Chillhouse. “When the light from the UV waves bonds with those molecules, it activates them, making the gel cure into a hard plastic.” Repeated and frequent exposure to UV rays can be harmful in the long run, so make sure to apply a top-tier sunscreen before giving yourself a manicure and hydrate them with hand cream afterward.
We pored over online reviews to find the 15 best UV lamps for at-home gel manicures, including ones our editors have personally used and seen at their favorite salons, as well as mini lamps perfect for on-the-go. We even consulted Romah and dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara to share insights on the safety of nail lamps and how we should be using them.
Thanks to 48W high-power LED beads designed for even and quick gel curing, dry time is a breeze. The large opening allows up to five fingernails or toenails to be dried at once, and a pink hand pillow at the top makes polishing more comfortable.
An ELLE editor says: “My eyes love to wander whenever I’m at a nail salon. Which polish is the best? What lotion are they using for the hand massage? What UV lamp are they using to keep my gel intact for weeks? For the latter question, it’s this Amazon bestseller. I spotted it in my go-to salon and needed it for at-home maintenance ASAP. As much as I love sitting quietly in a salon chair doing my nails for up to an hour, nothing beats doing my nails in the comfort of my home. This lamp cures most gel polishes in a flash—or 10, 30, 60, or 90 seconds, depending on what your nail polish indicates—without any painful hot sparks. The bottom plate is removable in case you want to add some gel polish to your toes for a quick pedi.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Bypass buttons with the automatic sensors of this popular Amazon pick. An extra spacious drying chamber allows both hands to be cured simultaneously by 36 high-power LED bulbs. The box also has nail accessories, such as buffing blocks and nail files, to create the picture-perfect mani.
An Amazon reviewer says: “This lamp worked perfectly for my gel fill and gel OPI polish change. I like how it will turn on when you put your hand inside and will stay on for one minute and 20 seconds. It also has the option to use 10, 30, or 60 seconds with the push of a button. It has a nice-sized opening, so I wasn’t worried about messing up my nails (or toenails) when inserting them into the light. It’s not heavy, and the top snaps on or off to make it easy to clean.”
Big enough for both hands—or both feet—this 150-watt lamp has multiple timer modes, a motion sensor, and detachable plates to ensure every inch of your nail will be dried evenly.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Lamp is very lightweight and made a huge difference in how long my at-home gel polish lasts. I can easily get more than two weeks out of a manicure with just a little chipping. The higher wattage is the key!”
Touted as the “most reliable light ever,” Gelish’s 36-watt UV lamp works best with its Gelish soak-off polishes, but can still deliver fast results in just 60 seconds. Thanks to its Comfort Cure technology, you won’t feel the flash of heat you’ve likely experienced from other UV lamps.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve had my machine for four years now, and it still works great! I’m a professional nail tech, and I’ll definitely rebuy this machine again.”
This lamp comes in an easy-to-use kit complete with a base coat, pale pink polish, and top coat, as well as a polish remover. Although the manicures you’ll be able to achieve with this set look like gel ones, they’ll be as simple to remove as regular polish. Additionally, it’ll only take about 30 minutes to give yourself a full mani, thanks to the fast-acting LED nail lamp.
Battery: Rechargeable with USB cable
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wanted a polish that is quick-curing but not a true gel for my toes. After doing the research, I decided to try this brand. I followed the instructions and I’m now two weeks into my home pedi with nary a single chip. Even professional pedis usually start chipping in seven to 10 days for me. I have not yet tried removal but will update if [there are] any issues with that. Otherwise, so far I love this!”
With a strong 48W light, this lamp also features thoughtful details that’ll make your mani or pedi easier to complete, including a clear LCD display, four timer settings, and a handy countdown function.
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s powerful and cures fast yet does not give that burning/hot feeling on my hands. I also like that it has a sensor so you can place both hands at a time, and you don’t have to press anything for the light to turn on.”
Doing your nails means carving out some time for yourself, but that doesn’t mean you want to wait forever for them to dry. Let us introduce you to this 30-watt LED light that’s made to cure all your fingers or toes in 30 seconds.
An Ulta reviewer says: “I am a beginner nail tech, and this is perfect. It cures extremely well, is easy to carry around, and it’s sleek and stylish, too.”
When we say this kit has everything you need to start doing your nails at home, we’re not kidding. Of course, it has a plug-in LED lamp, but it also features gel polishes, a nail file, a cuticle stick, and more.
An Ulta reviewer says: “I literally bought this gel kit in 2014, and the lamp is still going strong. I had to replace the power cord a couple years ago, but no other issues. Figured it was worth writing a review to share this. It would be amazing if there were lights on the sides too, but honestly, zero complaints. So worth it!”
Don’t let this mini nail lamp fool you. While you can tote it anywhere, thanks to its compact size, the six-watt style can get the job done. Plus, it has three versatile time settings and is incredibly affordable.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love that it’s super small and it fits inside my purse! Very practical. It works perfectly fine. Perfect for travel. Definitely recommend it.”
Gone are the days of twisting and turning your fingers under a five-hand lamp to ensure the entire nail is dried. This flash cure light from Apres fits firmly in your hands to give each finger the same time to dry before one last cure under a larger lamp. Small but mighty, this nifty gadget holds up to four hours of charge, which makes it the ultimate gift for a fully booked nail tech.
An Apres reviewer says: “I was tired of wasting money at the nail salon, and my nails never lasted a week without chipping or falling off. My daughter and I did the coffin set. She’s 13, and my nails were still on after three weeks. The flash cure light is quick, and it works.”
A professional-grade UV lamp, Kiara Sky’s 48-watt iteration is powered by LG technology and rechargeable so that you can work for hours without long, tangled cords getting in your way. Plus, the bubble pink packaging elevates any working station.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Very nice looking—lots of room in the interior, timing buttons, automatically goes on when hand is put in. If you are serious about nails, I’d say this lamp is worth the price.”
Is there anything cuter than this mini UV lamp shaped like a macaron? This kit also has a mini gel polish, cuticle stick, nail file, and remover wraps.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Took this on vacation; this will be in my emergency travel kit for sure. It’s super easy to use; just apply and cure. No mess, and it doesn’t take up any space in luggage. Gel stays on for a couple of weeks, and it’s easy to take off with the acetone wipes and file that come with it.”
If you like to give every nail its own moment, this mini lamp ensures each one is properly and evenly cured, especially for those who prefer gel extensions. A built-in sensor guarantees you don’t have to fiddle with any on/off buttons either.
An Amazon reviewer says: “This little UV light was exactly what I needed! I was trying to use the one that I could put my whole hand under, and it made it extremely difficult to use when trying to cure nail gel glue to your fingernail.”
This UV light may be compact, but it cures more than nails on the go. For nail artists skilled at applying embellishments and accessories, this handheld lamp lets you get up close and personal with your nails to keep all rhinestones and charms intact.
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s great for fixing any mistakes when you’re on the go or even for travel purposes. I tested it out while doing nail art on one of my tip stand holders, and it was amazing. I could focus on one nail without worrying about plugging in my nail lamp and holding it over my nail tip stand. I love the pink color, too.”
Powered by a USB cable, this UV lamp is compact and portable for travel. The battery lasts up to three hours, so you can cure your nails as you watch, pause, and rewind your favorite movie.
An Amazon reviewer said: “What was I doing before this product? This is one of the best things I’ve purchased in a long time. I love that it has a 30-second and a 60-second setting. It’s easy to hold and works fast. I’m so happy.”
Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist and Dove dermatologist spokesperson.
Molly Romah is the lead nail artist at NYC-based spa Chillhouse.
“According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, both LED and UV lamps used for nail grooming emit ultraviolet (UV) light,” says Dr. Gohara. “They primarily are sources of UVA, which is a risk factor for aging and skin cancer. That said, the risk is considered moderate and significantly less than the risk incurred from a tanning booth.”
To help minimize potential risks and protect the skin, Dr. Gohara suggests taking a few precautions. “Keep your skin barrier strong by using gentle cleansers that moisturize as they cleanse,” she says. “I love the Dove Deep Moisture Hand Wash, followed by further strengthening of the skin barrier by using a corresponding lotion (she also recommends Dove’s Sensitive Care Hand Cream). Also, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply 20 minutes before your treatment.”
According to Romah, the answer really comes down to personal preference. “When you decide to choose between an LED and UV nail lamp, you should focus not only on your budget, but also on what you want to accomplish,” Romah says. Although typically more expensive, LED lamps cure gel nails faster than UV lamps—which can be a plus if you tend to be impatient or short on time. “LED lamps emit narrower UV wavelengths than UV lamps with higher concentration and more energy,” she explains. “These light-emitting diodes target specific photoinitiators in the gel polish, which enables the gel to cure much faster than UV lamps.”
Also, remember that LED lamps tend to last longer, while the bulbs in UV lamps often need replacing. However, not all gel polishes can be cured by LED lamps. “Salons that use strong gels like UV gel, or hard gels, will likely use UV lamps, which cure all gels,” she says. “UV lamps are also more effective at curing clear gel nails.”
As far as Romah’s favorite type of device? “I like LED lamps better because they dry faster, save time on getting gel manicures done, and last longer,” she says. “But that’s also because I only work with soak gels.”
According to Romah, most professional LED and UV nail lamps are at least 36 watts, while some have more than 36 watts, depending on the brand. “I just suggest looking for LED lamps with less time exposure to the light,” she says. “It should take five to 30 seconds to cure a base coat and 30 to 60 seconds to cure colors or a top coat.”
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, editor Sam Peters spoke with trusted nail experts about UV nail lamps. She and beauty writer Carol Lee also searched the internet for top-rated UV nail lamps, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
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