To be retained :
- The lamps catalyze semi-permanent varnishes and allow polymerization.
- The varnish turns into a solid, shiny and long-lasting film.
- Essential for semi-permanent manicures house or living room.
How does it work?
If you are a fan of semi-permanent varnish Green Flash™ or false nails, you have necessarily already used drying lamps, at home or in manicure salon. Whether LED or UV, lamps emit ultraviolet rays that trigger a chemical process called. Under the effect of the rays, the molecules present in the varnish bind together to form a solid and resistant film, named polymer network. With this technique, semi-permanent gels and varnishes take this shiny and gelled look We love it. They offer an impeccable manicure, able to withstand shocks and shrapnel much longer than a classic varnish! In short, what benefits at first sight... then how do you make a difference?
UV lamp vs LED lamp, difference and benefits
The two types of lamps are distinguished mainly by their mode of operation:
-
Traditional UV lamps, known as filaments, use fluorescent tubes to emit ultraviolet radiation. They are compatible with most UV gels and semi-permanent varnishes because they cover a wide range of wavelengths. But they are very energy-intensive, release more heat and require longer drying times.
-
LED lamps (from the English Light Emitting Diode) are more recent and work thanks to LEDs which emit specific UV and are said to be cold. Their strong point: faster catalysis time with low energy consumption and reduced heat emission. However, some LED lamps do not catalyze all types of gels, their wavelength is more limited.
The other parameter differentiates drying lamps is the wavelength range at which they emit light. Ultraviolet is generally emitted at wavelengths including between 100 and 400 nanometers (nm). But not all gels catalyze under the same wavelength. Some types of semi-permanent varnishes polymerize around 350 nm, while others, such as the semi-permanent LED varnish Green Flash™ For example, a higher wavelength will be needed for optimal polymerisation. LED lamps, used in Manucurist Thus, between 370 nm and 400 nm emit. It is precisely this LED technology that can catalyze the semi-permanent varnish Green Flash™ In a few minutes, for a shiny and long-lasting manicure.
To summarize :
- UV : compatible with almost all gels, longer drying, heating more, high consumption.
- LED : fast drying, low heat, reduced consumption, limited wavelengths.
- Choose the lamp according to type of gel and time available.
Are UVs dangerous to health?
We've known for a long time, The risks of exposure to the sun and this is due to the UV it emits. Frequent and prolonged exposure to UV, particularly UVA, can lead to sunburn, premature aging, allergies, and in the most extreme cases skin cancers.
UV lamps and LED lamps used in manicure also emit UVA, but they are different from those of the sun and disseminated more locally during manicure sessions. Following a laboratory study of cells subjected to high doses of exposure with very powerful lamps (48W and more), The Academy of Medicine recommends that precautionary principles be adopted in the event of frequent semi-permanent poses over several years or during medical treatment including photosensitizing medicinal products. At a minimum, it is advisable to apply a sunscreen before each manicure session.
Don't worry, with Manucurist , you can continue your manicures without fear of damaging your nails. One part because the power of our LED lamps does not exceed 36W with a exposure time that varies between 5 minutes and 9 minutes per session. On the other hand, because by choosing Green Flash™ , you opt for a semi-permanent non-toxic, clean & safe varnishes. Its innovative formula is vegan and without HEMA, i.e. free of methacrylate monomers. These monomers are these molecules that under UV action will form the desired plastic film. These monomers are sensitizers that can infiltrate the body and cause allergic or inflammatory reactions. In the formula Green Flash™ , methacrylate monomers have been replaced by Copolymers which have the same properties of polymerization under LED lamp but without adverse effects.
By adopting a healthy and sustainable manicure routine that avoids too frequent semi-permanent poses and favours quality products, you preserve the good health of your natural nails and make sure you have some nice manicures to come.
To summarize :
- Localized exposure to UVA → recommended sunscreen for frequent poses.
- LED lamps Manucurist : max 36W, express drying, secure.
- Choices according to need : Slim 24W (portable, complete manicure in 30 min), Premium 36W (portable, ultra fast, complete manicure in 20 min).
- Only operate with varnish Green Flash™.
How to choose the ideal lamp for its manicure?
Slim or Premium lamp, everything is a matter of watts
At Manucurist We offer 2 LED lamp models for easy and fast manicure at home, office or on holiday:
-
The Slim lamp (24W): foldable and light, it slips into a purse or suitcase, ready to take action as soon as you need it. With this model, your manicure takes about 30 minutes in total.
-
The Premium lamp (36W): Larger and more powerful, it is also foldable and easy to carry. Ideal for fans of express manicure, it allows you to close the installation of your semi-permanent varnish in 20 minutes all inclusive.
Our tips for using your LED lamp Manucurist
☝️ Only Green Flash™ : our LED lamps are designed to be used exclusively with the products of the range Green Flash™ (coat base, colour and top coat). They emit UV over a wavelength of 370 nm to 400 nm, specially adapted to our Green Flash™ formulae to obtain a Perfect polymerization. They don't work on varnishes. Green™ which dry without a lamp, in the open air, or on semi-permanent varnishes of other brands whose formulas catalyze at different wavelengths. Do you hesitate between classic varnishes or semi-permanent varnishes? Discover the benefits 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 Base Vitamin Coat then two layers of color Green Flash™ and finish with a layer of Top Coat. A key step not to be overlooked: find all the advantages of Top Coat in our dedicated article Here. Each layer shall be flashed under LED lamp before placing the next one according to the recommended drying times.
🕰️ Compliance with drying times : each layer laid must therefore pass under the LED lamp for a precise duration which differs according to the product and the power of the lamp.
-
With a 24W Slim lamp, count 2 minutes drying for the Base Coat, 2 minutes for each coat of varnish and 3 minutes for the Top Coat.
-
With a 36W Premium lampCount 1 minute drying for the Base Coat, 1 minute for each color layer and 2 minutes for the Top Coat.
😎 In the case of frequent manicure Apply sunscreen to your hands before any session.
To get you started, Manucurist thought of everything with his Starter Kit which brings together in a nice kit the LED lamp of your choice, our soft solvent, Base coat and Top coat, the pull-out clamps and three colors of choice Green Flash™ . For purists, the Addict kit includes also Green Oil, Effluent Emollient, a steel cuticle shoot, Dissolve corrector pen, Preparer Lime and Natural Nail Lime.
To combine the LED lamp and the installation essentials, you can choose a semi-permanent varnish kit Green Flash™, adapted to a complete routine at home.
You now have all the cards in hand to choose and use your drying lamp safely. You only have to choose the color of your next manicure from the sublime palette of LED varnishes Green Flash™ ." And to get the most out of your manicure with LED lamp, follow our tips for a top-down application. We're looking forward to finding out the result.
