While I love a gel mani, I don’t love the expense that comes with it. That’s where the best UV lamp for gel nails come in handy. It’ll still give you that chip-resistant and salon-glossy finish for much longer than a regular mani (at least two weeks). This is all thanks to the UV light emitted from gel lamps that cure the polish and seal it on your nails. We polled nail artists on their favorite UV lamps, and then tested a handful (pun intended), evaluating them on functionality, value, and ease of use. Consider this your ultimate UV gel curing guide, whether you’re a beginner DIYer or aspiring nail-tech.
The best UV lamp for gel nails, at a glance
Your UV gel lamp questions, answered
How exactly does curing work?
First off, “LED stands for light emitting diode, which are tiny, bead-like structures you see inside the lamp,” says Kandalec. When we use gel nail polish, the molecules in the gel polish connect to form a hard plastic structure, creating a durable, glossy finish that can last for weeks without breaking or chipping, she says.
This is ideal if you’re someone who works with their hands a lot or dish washes a ton. As a general rule of thumb: nail artists recommend using UV gel lamps that match the polish you’re using, so you’ll want to start your gel mani routine by picking out a polish brand and its counterpart lamp. Depending on nail polish type and instructions, curing gel polish can take up to 60 seconds for a full cure, 30 seconds for a half-cure, and anywhere from 3-5 seconds for a touch-up cure.
What wattage is best for UV nail lamps?
As mentioned, it’s not so much about the wattage when shopping for the best UV nail lamps, it’s more important that it matches the specific nail polish product you’ll be using. “Each lamp is designed to work with certain products, so there isn’t a universal wattage that fits all,” says Julie Kandalec, NYC-based celebrity nail artist. If the wattage is too low, you risk under-curing the gel; if it’s too high, it might not cure properly either, she says. This is why it’s important to match your polish to your lamp. As always, be sure to read the instruction manual of all UV nail lamps before use.
What’s the difference between UV and LED lamps?
“This is something a lot of people might not realize, an LED lamp still emits UV (ultraviolet) rays,” says Kandalec. The difference between UV and LED is the bulbs used. LED lamps generally cure gel faster than traditional UV bulbs, but they still work by emitting UV rays. “While the physical components differ, both LED and UV lamps serve the same purpose, but LED is a bit faster,” she says.
The truth is, we don’t fully known whether UV nail lamps are safe for the skin, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Although we know UV exposure can increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, based on the limited duration during a manicure, the exact risk associated with UV nail lamps is unknown,” she says. She shares that while occasional use is likely safe for most people, repeated exposure over time may have cumulative effects. Pro tip: Dr. Garshick recommends applying a board-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, like the Supergoop! Hand Screen, to your hands before using your UV gel lamp for precaution. “Additionally, wearing UV-blocking gloves, like ManiGlovz with the fingertips cut out is another effective option,” she says.
Best Overall: OPI Star Light Corded 3.0 Gel Lamp
Julie Kandalec, an NYC-based celebrity nail artist prefers to use this lamp by OPI when she’s using OPI polish. “I love that you can switch back and forth easily between using the sensor or turning the light on manually with a touch of a singular button,” she says. This lamp is ergonomically designed to make it easy and comfortable for your hand to slip in, and can be used on fingers or toes. It has 5, 30, 60, and 90-second buttons to customize your cure, is suitable for sculpting builder gels, and is acetone resistant (meaning if you spill nail polish on it, you can clean it right off with acetone, without worrying about taking the paint off). The best part is that it’s professional-grade at under $200—a professional lamp you’d find in a salon can run you anywhere around $250-$300— easy to use, and pairs with affordable OPI gel polishes that you can pick up at your local drugstore or on Amazon, which is why it’s the best overall in our book.
- Pros: Has a finger-stopper for precision nail curing
- Cons: Must be plugged in
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You’re an intermediate nail artist
- Skip if: You’re a beginner
Best for Beginners: CND LED Lamp – Version 2
Kandalec also recommends this easy-to-use LED lamp that has multiple timer settings from 3 (for touch-ups) to 25 (for half-curing), to 60 seconds (for a full cure). This one prevents the polish from curing too fast, has a removable power cord, and works well with all CND nail polishes. Bonus: it’s roomy and wide enough to use for a gel pedicure, too. A Glamour reviewer calls this a fantastic lamp because the polish stayed on for six days after using it without any lifting or chips. They do wish the instructions were a little clearer for each step when it comes to how long to cure the base coat, color, and top coat.
- Pros: Suitable for shellac polish and gives off a high-quality finish
- Cons: Pricey for beginners
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You’re ready to commit to their at-home gel mani journey
- Skip if: You’re not ready to make gel manicures an integral part of your routine
Best Professional: The GelBottle Inc Nail Lamp
This UV-LED nail lamp is another favorite of Kandalec’s because of the low heat button with 99-second cure, which prevents heat spikes. (These spikes are short bursts of intense heat that can cause a burning sensation under your fingernails.) Heat spikes happen when the polish is not meant to cure under a specific lamp, or when the gel polish is applied too thick, causing the lamp to emit excess UV.
As a professional-grade nail lamp, this one is perfect for intermediate to expert nail artists at home, especially those who might be creating nail art (the longer the cure, the better for nail art to set). Elle Gerstein, celebrity nail artist that if you mix and match your polish and lamps, you may not be able to troubleshoot certain issues, or the polish won’t cure the same, so it’s key to use a GelBottle polish with this lamp as well.
- Pros: High-quality and professional-grade, great for nail art
- Cons: Some reviewers report that this lamp breaks down after a few months of use
- Lamp type: UV/LED combination
- Use if: You’re an avid at-home nail artists or an aspiring nail tech
- Skip if: You’ve never used a nail lamp before
Best Rechargeable: Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp Vol II
Part of the hassle of a UV nail light is that most have to be plugged in, which is why a rechargeable pick like this lamp is a major win. Gerstein loves using this one while traveling, as cordless lamps make it super convenient to cure nails wherever needed. Something to note: “When you’re using cordless lights, make sure they’re at 100% charge, as the charges decrease, the lamp won’t work the same,” she says. One Glamour tester said that there’s lots of room in the interior of this one, and it automatically goes on when you put your hand in.
- Pros: Cordless, making it easy to use in various places.
- Cons: Must keep the battery charged
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You like to do your friends nails, or you travel a lot and always want your mani looking fresh
- Skip if: You don’t want to spend over $200 on a lamp
Best Splurge: Harmony Gelish LED 18G Light PLUS with Comfort Cure
“This is the nail-curing lamp I use the most because it’s cordless, rechargeable, and pairs with Gelish polish,” says Kandalec, who also notes that she likes to bring it to house calls when she sees her clients. With professional-grade wattage and an acetone-resistant finish, this lamp is a splurge at $230, but well worth it, according to reviewers. One Glamour tester said she’s used hers for four years regularly and it’s remained in good condition.
- Pros: 60-second cure to avoid heat spikes
- Cons: It’s expensive
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You’re already doing gel manicures at home and want to upgrade their lamp
- Skip if: You’re a beginner
Best for Travel: Dashing Diva Mini LED Gel Nail Lamp
Original video by Glamour tester Alanna Kilkeary using the Dashing Diva Mini LED Gel Nail Lamp
A mini LED nail light is ideal for traveling, and this tiny pick is a great option if you’re on the go. The LED lights work to cure polish with two timer options: one is a 45-second curing time, and the other is a 60-second curing time. This nail lamp is perfect for curing Dashing Diva nail strips but can also be used for other gel products. Glamour reviewer Rosa Lilian shares that it’s the perfect mini lamp for curing a clear coat on top of your natural nail.
This mini lamp is probably the cutest of the bunch. I love how compact it is, how easy it is to use, and how quickly the polish cures—I didn’t spend more than a minute drying each nail. What I will say, though, is that the set up is a little flimsy, and the wire is a little short, so be sure to use it near an outlet, and expect to have to hold onto it as you cure each hand to prevent movement.
- Pros: Perfect for travel, available on Amazon
- Cons: Some users dislike the quality
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You like to touch up your manicure while you’re away on vacation, or on business
- Skip if: You prefer a high-quality professional lamp
Best UV Gel Lamp Kit: Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit
Original video by Glamour tester Alanna Kilkeary using the Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit
Another great buy for a beginner, this UV light for nails kit has everything you need to get started on a gel manicure including a mini lamp. After testing this starter kit myself, I can say that it was extremely user-friendly and took me less than 15 minutes to use on both hands. It is a bit tiny, but that didn’t get in my way while using it, and I also liked the step-by-step polishes included (a base coat, gel color, and top coat). The only critique I have with this one is that the polish is very thick and contains tiny bubbles if you apply too much. I’d stick with thinner coats for this one for a more even application. Despite this, I can still definitely see myself using the kit again if I need a manicure and don’t have time to hit the salon.
- Pros: All-in-one kit, including nail care products and available on Amazon
- Cons: Reviewers share that the light is very small and difficult to get all of your fingers under
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You want to apply gel manicures at home, but you’re not sure where to start
- Skip if: You already use gel at home
Best for Nail Extensions: KISS Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lamp
Original video by Glamour tester Alanna Kilkeary using the KISS Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lam
Kandalec loves this one-finger curing lamp if you’re looking to apply soft gel tips or press-on nails or nail wraps. “It’s motion-activated as the LED bulbs get brighter gradually, is ergonomic, and only $15—a very good price point for at-home DIY users,” she says. Simply apply the gel adhesive, then the nail tip, and flash cure it for 5-7 seconds, and then again for 1-2 minutes.
- Pros: Nail extension friendly, nail salon quality finish
- Cons: Can only cure one finger at a time
- Lamp type: LED
- Use if: You have a big occasion coming up, and don’t have time to go to the salon
- Skip if: You prefer polish to press-ons
