LED, UV & UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps: What’s The Difference?

Curious about the differences between LED, UV, and UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps? Want to better understand how your gel manicure and pedicure products work—and whether they’re safe? This guide covers everything you need to know, from lamp technology and curing science to safety and best practices.

What’s the difference between UV, LED & UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps?

All Gel Nail Lamps use UV light to cure Gel Nail Polish, whether they’re labelled UV, LED, or UV/LED. The key difference lies in the type of bulbs used and how efficiently they deliver UV light.

Old vs. New Technology

Traditional UV lamps used UV bulbs that needed replacing every six months and could take around two minutes to cure each layer of Gel Polish. Modern UV/LED lamps, like the Gelous UV/LED Lamp, use LED bulbs that operate within the UV spectrum, delivering faster, more energy-efficient curing. These bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours and cure Gelous Gel Nail Polish in just 60 seconds.

Efficiency & Safety

LED bulbs are safer and faster than traditional UV bulbs. They emit less UV radiation and, because of their efficiency, they reduce exposure time significantly.

Why Some Brands Avoid "UV" When Marketing Gel Nail Lamps

Some brands avoid using the term “UV” due to negative associations. However, we believe in transparency—which is why we clearly label our lamps as UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps, so customers understand exactly how their products work.

What Type of UV Rays Are Emitted by Gel Nail Lamps?

Both UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps and LED Gel Nail Lamps primarily emit Ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays. UVA is considered safer than Ultraviolet-B (UVB), and the low levels used in modern nail lamps make them safe when used as directed.

How Gel Nail Polish Cures Under Gel Nail Lamps

Gel Nail Polish contains special ingredients that react to the UV rays emitted by the Gel Nail Lamp. This process, known as curing, transforms the liquid gel into a hard, durable coating in just 60 seconds.

After curing, the Base Coat, Builder Gel, and Colour Coat layers will remain slightly tacky so the next layer can bond properly. The Top Coat, however, cures fully and dries to a smooth, glossy finish.

Why 365+405nm Matters for Perfect Gel Curing

The Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp operates within a 365+405nm wavelength range, which is specifically chosen to match the curing needs of Gelous Gel Nail Polish. This dual wavelength ensures that the Gel Polish cures effectively and safely, providing a long-lasting, durable finish.

Using the correct wavelength is essential for achieving flawless results, as it ensures the Gel Nail Polish cures evenly without compromising your nail health. For optimal results, it’s important to use Gelous Gel Nail Polish with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. This combination guarantees compatibility, preventing under-curing, which could lead to damage or premature peeling.

The 365+405nm wavelength emitted by the lamp is carefully designed to meet the specific curing requirements of Gelous Gel Nail Polish:

• 365nm: This wavelength is ideal for the initial curing process, as it helps the Gel Nail Polish to begin hardening and bonding to the nail surface. It’s particularly effective for curing the gel’s base and ensuring adhesion. 
• 405nm: The slightly longer wavelength of 405nm is important for the final curing stages. It allows the Gel Polish to fully harden and gives the nails that glossy, durable finish.

Together, these two wavelengths ensure a complete curing process, allowing your Gel Nail Polish to fully harden and reducing the risk of under-curing. This guarantees a smooth, long-lasting manicure or pedicure. Using the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp in combination with Gelous Gel Nail Polish ensures your products work together seamlessly for the best results.

Are Gel Manicures Safe? 

Gel manicures are safe when Gel Nail products are used correctly and with proper care. Although prolonged exposure to UV rays has been linked to skin damage, research has shown that the amount of UV rays emitted by UV, UV/LED or LED Lamps used for gel manicures is very minimal, making them safe for use.

Should I be wearing sun protection when curing my Gel Nail Polish?

The risk of sunburn or skin damage from using Gel Nail Lamps is extremely low, as the recommended usage time of up to 5 x 60 seconds is well below the threshold for potential harm. This has been confirmed by reputable sources such as Dr Stern, a New York City-based dermatologist and nail specialist, who states that "even if you were to have a gel manicure every week, your chances of developing skin cancer would not be increased."

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also views nail curing lamps as low risk when used as directed. A 2013 study found that even for the worst lamp evaluated, 30 minutes of daily exposure to this lamp was below the occupational exposure limits for UV radiation. Further, at this time, there is no evidence that Gel Nail Lamps cause cancer. You can feel confident in your gel manicure knowing that your Gel Nail Lamp poses very little risk to your skin when used as directed.

Although the risk of skin damage is low, we understand the importance of protecting your skin. We recommend applying sunblock 15-30 minutes before using your Gel Nail Lamp, just as you would before going for a walk.

Gel Nail Lamp Safety & Best Practices

Check your medication before gel manicures or gel pedicures

Before your gel manicure or pedicure, make sure to check if any medications you’re taking may react poorly to UV light. Dr Stern points out one such medication is Doxycycline, commonly used for the treatment of acne and infections. If you're unsure about the potential side effects of other medications, it's best to consult with your doctor to determine any risks before placing your hands under a UV or LED light. This is a simple step you can take to ensure your safety and give you the peace of mind to properly enjoy your gel manicure or pedicure.

Only use compatible Gel Nail Polish and Gel Nail Lamps

To achieve the best results, it’s essential to use Gelous Gel Nail Polish with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Our lamp operates at dual wavelengths of 365+405nm, and our Gel Polish is specially formulated to cure within this range. Using non-Gelous products may lead to incompatibility, resulting in under-cured polish—which not only affects your manicure’s longevity but can also harm your nails.

For beautiful, long-lasting nails it’s essential you follow the proper application process: apply Gelous Base Coat, Colour Coat and Top Coat, curing each coat for 60 seconds under the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Skipping crucial steps—like the Base or Top Coat—or attempting to air-dry your Gel Polish can lead to poor adhesion, undercuring, and potential damage to your nails.

How to Keep Nails & Hands Healthy Before and After Gel Manicures

• Apply Cuticle Oil and a Hydrating Hand Cream regularly to keep your hands nourished.
• Dispose of Gelous Orangewood Cuticle Sticks after use. These cannot be disinfected, so it is unhygienic to use them multiple times.
• Replace your Gelous Nail File approximately every three months if you’re a regular user. Keeping it any longer can lead to nail damage (as the buffing plates wear down) and a build-up of bacteria.
• Carefully read our Application & Removal Guides before use, or watch our handy step-by-step video tutorials on our Youtube channel.
• Remove your Gel Nail Polish according to the Gelous Removal Guide. Avoid picking at your Gel Nail Polish, as you will inevitably peel away part of your natural nail, leaving it thin and weak.
• Avoid getting back-to-back gel manicures. This break will allow your nails to rehydrate and repair. We recommend a break of at least 1-2 weeks.
• Be careful not to over-file the nail plate as it may cause sensitivity.
• Avoid touching your skin with Gel Nail Polish and if you do, make sure to wipe it off immediately before curing. Curing Gel Nail Polish on your skin can cause mild to serious irritation.
• Do not use if you have extremely short nails or if your nails are in poor condition (thin, dry or split). We recommend using Cuticle Oil and The Aromatherapy Co Hand Cream until your nails are in a better condition for a gel manicure.