4 Best Professional Nail LED Lamps for Salons

Choosing the best equipment for your salon can take time and a bit of research, and with so many options available, it can get overwhelming. But if you’re looking for the best professional LED nail lamp, we’ve got you covered. Gel manicures are a popular service, so you’ll need a reliable curing source. A high quality LED nail lamp can improve the client experience by helping their manicures last longer in less time, which can ultimately free up space at your salon to service more customers. This guide will provide a list of the best professional LED nail lamps, plus notes on their safety, features to look for, and how they differ from UV lamps. 

LED vs. UV Nail Lamps: Which One Is Best?

Professional gel nail lights come in two main forms: LED and UV. Here, we list a few of the key differences between these two options so you can choose the best nail dryer for your salon.

Curing time

The exact curing time needed for gel manis and pedis will depend on a number of factors, such as the thickness of the polish and strength of the lamp. However, UV lamps can take more than twice as long to cure as LED lamps. If you’re a busy salon that services several clients a day or you simply have a high demand for gel manicures, an LED lamp may be a wise investment for your nail salon. 

Cost

UV nail lamps are typically less expensive than LED lamps. While quality UV nail lamps generally cost $25-$50, LED nail lamps may run you $100-$250 a piece. If you have fewer clients or smaller demand for gel polishes (and a tighter budget), a UV nail light may be a better choice. 

Longevity

LED nail lamps last longer than UV nail lamps and their bulbs never need replacing. In fact, many brands claim their LED nail lamps can provide between 20,000 and 50,000 hours of use. UV nail lamps, however, need a bit of extra maintenance as their bulbs burn out after about 1,000-4,000 hours and require more frequent replacement. 

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Safety Considerations of Nail Lamps

Both LED and UV lamps emit ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA for the curing process, though LED bulbs emit much less in comparison. Despite this difference, both of these professional gel nail lights are safe to use, as the total emission of ultraviolet rays is not enough to cause any serious long-term damage. However, since you’re dealing with ultraviolet rays, it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to your hands to protect your skin and reduce any UV reactions while your nails dry. 

Top Professional LED Nail Lamps for Your Salon

Choosing the right tools for your nail salon business can make all the difference in how smoothly your operations run. Here, we list the best professional LED nail lamps you can buy, plus their advantages and general costs.  

Orly Gel FX 800FX LED Lamp

This lightweight, compact machine cures gel polish in seconds, with an automatic motion sensor that turns on as soon as the hand is placed inside. Roomy enough to fit an entire hand, this machine also comes with a preset digital counter with 10-, 20-, and 30-second timers. It even has a low heat setting for your more sensitive clients. This particular brand typically sells online between $140 and $200. 

Salon System Gellux LED Smart Lamp

Designed to work specifically with Gellux-brand polish, Gellux’s LED Pro Smart Lamp boasts over 30,000 hours of usage time and is large enough to fit all five fingers at once. With an acetone-resistant finish and removable stainless steel tray, this machine is easy to clean and keep looking like new. The Pro Smart Lamp comes with an LED-display countdown timer and four timer settings, plus an automatic motion sensor. You can find this nail lamp online for approximately $160. 

SUN7 UV LED Nail Lamp

This 48 watt UV/LED nail lamp is an affordable, versatile option for nail professionals. Featuring both light wavelengths, this lamp provides the curing speed of an LED nail light, with the gel polish versatility of a UV lamp. The Sun7 nail light comes with high quality bulbs and up to 50,000 hours of usage time, making it a reliable machine for your manicures and pedicures. There’s also a large digital display and customizable timer presets, plus an auto on/off feature. The Sun7 nail lamp is available for around $50. 

Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp Vol. II

Cordless and rechargeable, the Kiara Sky Beyond Pro is the latest in nail curing technology. Now with extended battery life, this nail lamp comes with a removable stainless steel tray and acetone-resistant surface for easy cleaning and sanitization. With 48 watt power, motion sensor activation, four preset cure times, and a low heat setting, this machine is easy and safe to use for clients. It also comes with a built-in handle for easy portability. This model is available online for $250. 

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Features to Look for in a Professional LED Nail Lamp

Not all LED nail lamps are created equal. When researching the best nail dryers for your salon, here are some key features to look for: 

High usage hours

Many LED nail lamp brands state their products have a usage life of 20,000-50,000 hours. Seek out an LED nail light with a good reputation for withstanding constant, daily use (this may involve checking out user reviews and testimonials). 

Enough wattage

Most professional gel nail lights operate at 36 watts minimum. However, the higher the wattage, the faster the gel will cure. 

Low maintenance

LED nail lamps may not need their bulbs replaced, but they will need upkeep like cleaning and disinfecting. To keep maintenance simple, find LED nail lamps that come with removable trays for ease of cleaning. 

Versatility

An LED nail lamp should be versatile enough to handle both manicures and pedicures so you don’t need to purchase multiple machines to do the same job. You should also look for nail lamps that come with multiple timer settings so you can customize the curing time for each client. While most LED nail lamps only work with certain gels, some machines may have the flexibility to work with different brands of polish. 

Large chamber size

Some LED lamps have smaller chamber sizes which won’t allow you to fit more than a single finger at a time. When considering options, machines that are large enough to fit a client’s entire hand can help optimize the curing process. 

Ease of Use

A cordless LED nail lamp can make it easy to move around your salon. When choosing a gel light, look for a machine that’s both lightweight and portable. (Some even come with built-in handles to make it easy to transport.)

Elevate Your Salon’s Efficiency with GlossGenius

Choosing the best professional LED nail lamp for your salon can ensure your salon stays efficient and your clients remain satisfied. Investing in the right machinery will not only enhance your business, but save you time and frustration from costly repairs or replacements. 

GlossGenius is a software platform built to enhance your day-to-day operations and free up more of your time to focus on client services. Calendar Management will allow you to view your entire schedule or filter by individuals, plus view all of your client and appointment info. And with features like Inventory Management, you can scan your product barcodes to update your stock quantities, ensuring you never run out of what you need.

‍Get GlossGenius today to see how we can simplify your systems and boost your business.