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While a trip to the nail salon can be quite the treat, bi-monthly visits are often time-consuming and expensive. A simple way to save without giving up on the joy that is experimenting with cherry jelly manis or soap nails is by learning how to do them at home—and the key is investing in the right tools, starting with the best UV nail lamp for you.
Vogue’s Favorite UV Nail Lamps:
- Best Overall: SunUV 48W LED/UV Lamp, $65
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: LKE Gel UV LED Nail Polish Lamp, $18
- Best for Professionals: Gugusure UV LED Nail Lamp, $40
- Best Splurge: Aprés Nail Beta LED Nail Lamp, $140
- Best for All Levels: SunUV SUN3 Professional UV Light, $70
In This Story:
- How do UV nail lamps work?
- Is it safe to use UV light on nails?
- What’s the difference between UV and LED nail lamps?
- Is a LED or UV lamp better for gel nails?
- How to Choose a UV Nail Lamp
- Meet the Experts
For gel polish lovers, these lamps are easy to use and deliver salon-quality results once you get the hang of them. They work by emitting ultraviolet (UV) light to cure and harden gel polish, creating a long-lasting, chip-resistant finish that can last for weeks, all from the comfort of your home. Below, we asked four celebrity manicurists to share their favorite UV nail lamps across all price points, along with expert insights on how to keep your hands and nails safe, the difference between UV and LED, and what to consider when choosing the best UV nail lamp for you.
Best Overall: SunUV 48W LED/UV Lamp
- Why We Love It: A favorite of manicurist Jin Soon Choi, she recommends this lamp because “it’s one of the best at-home UV/LED lamps for anyone who wants reliable, even curing at an affordable price.” She explains that it features dual light technology, meaning it works with both UV and LED gel formulas, so you’re not limited to specific brands. “The full-hand curing space is a huge plus, especially for avoiding that annoying thumb situation where you have to cure separately.” With multiple timer settings, it allows you to control the curing process, which is key for preventing overheating. “It’s a great choice if you want salon-quality results at home without spending pro-level money.”
- Cures: All gel polish
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 48 watts
- Weight: 1.1 Pounds
- Time Settings: 10, 30, 60, 99 second timers
Best Cordless Option: Kiara Sky LED Light Lamp
- Why We Love It: Cordless, rechargeable, and lightweight, this LED lamp makes at-home manicures easier than ever—you can even use it from your bed. While it’s on the pricier side, its sleek design and high-quality build make it worth the investment. It features smart sensor activation and dual light technology for a seamless experience. Available in light blue, pastel pink, lavender, and white, it lets you play around with colors to match your style. Celebrity manicurist Lily Nguyen is a fan, saying, “It’s one of the most reliable and durable lamps in the industry!”
- Cures: All types of gel polish
- Power: Battery powered
- Wattage: 48 watts
- Weight: 2.03 Kg
- Time Settings: 15, 30, 60, 90 second timers
Best Lightweight Option: Kiss Salon X-Tend Pro LED Lamp
Kiss
Salon X-Tend Pro LED Lamp
- Why We Love It: Another recommendation from Nguyen: “If opting for a more cost-effective LED lamp, KISS Salon X-tend Pro is a great option.” This compact and lightweight lamp is perfect for storing in a desk or drawer at home, or packing in your suitcase for vacations. It’s straightforward to use, featuring a built-in timer, and works especially well for gel tip application.
- Cures: LED soft gel nail extensions and gel adhesives
- Power: USB-powered
- Wattage: 6 watts
- Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Time Settings: 5-7 seconds for flash curing and 1-2 minutes for full curing
Best Budget-Friendly Option: LKE Gel UV LED Nail Polish Lamp
LKE
Gel UV LED Nail Polish Lamp
- Why We Love It: For under $20, Choi recommends this lamp as a solid budget-friendly choice. It’s lightweight, compact, and features three timer settings plus an auto sensor for easy use. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also performs just as well as other lamps in its price range. For salon professionals, Choi notes, she can’t vouch for its long-term durability, “but for home use, it’s definitely a great option.”
- Cures: Various types of gel polish including including UV and LED gels
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 110-240 voltage
- Weight: 7.04 ounces
- Time Settings: 30, 60, 90 second timers
Best for Professionals: Gugusure UV LED Nail Lamp
- Why We Love It: If you’re planning to do your nails regularly, Choi recommends this high-powered 180W lamp with 42 LED beads, making it a great choice for frequent use. “The large curing space is ideal for both salon and home users, and I really like that it has pre-set timers (30s-120s),” she says. “It’s perfect for experienced nail stylists who need to quickly select the right curing time for different gels. It’s designed for efficiency and convenience, which is always a plus.”
- Cures: Most UV-led gel nail polishes
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 180 watts
- Weight: 4.23 ounces
- Time Settings: 30, 60, 90, 120 second timers
Best for All Levels: SunUV SUN3 Professional UV Light
SunUV
SUN3 Professional UV Light
- Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a pro-level lamp that’s reliable, efficient, and compatible with all gel types, this one checks all the boxes. With 48W power, 30 LED beads, and a smart sensor, it’s spacious and works seamlessly for both home and salon use. “I love the 99s low-heat mode, which helps prevent heat spikes, especially great for builders and hard gels,” says Choi. “Unlike traditional purple-light lamps, this one emits a soft white light that’s easier on the eyes, making it ideal for frequent gel applications.” While it delivers high-end performance, it’s also durable and built to last, making it a great investment for serious gel enthusiasts.
- Cures: All types of UV and LED gel polish
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 48 watts
- Weight: 1.52 pounds
- Time Settings: 10, 30, 60, 99 second timers
Best for Beginners: Le Mini Macaron Le Pro Lamp! Professional LED Manicure Lamp
Le Mini Macaron
Le Pro Lamp! Professional LED Manicure Lamp
- Why We Love It: Cute, compact, and beginner-friendly, this lamp is a great option for at-home users. “I appreciate the low-heat setting alongside the regular setting,” says Choi. “However, I wish it were wireless, and the curing space is very limited—which might be frustrating for some. That said, it does the job, so it really comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize design over function.”
- Cures: All types of gel polish
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 36
- Weight: N/A
- Time Settings: 30, 60, 120 second timers
Best Splurge: Aprés Beta LED Nail Lamp
- Why We Love It: Available in three shades—including white, black, and nude, which Nguyen says this high-quality, rechargeable lamp offers both portability and strong curing power—a great option that also happens to be “so chic.” She adds, “This lamp is also pedicure-friendly with a magnetic removable base plate. It’s perfect for mobile nail techs or at-home use.”
- Cures: Most LED gels
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 36 watts
- Weight: 2.14 pounds
- Time Settings: 10, 30, 60 second timers
Best for Pedicures: SunUV UV LED Nail Lamp
- Why We Love It: Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards recommends SunUV—noting that it’s a popular brand that works with everything from soak-off gels to hard gels. It’s lightweight and even comes in a cordless version, making it a great travel-friendly option. She adds, “It has a removable base for positioning hands and feet on even surfaces. It’s also very cost-effective!”
- Cures: Dry gel polishes
- Power: Cord
- Wattage: 48 watts
- Weight: 1.26 Pounds
- Time Settings: 5, 30, 60-second timers
Best for Traveling: Kiss Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lamp
Kiss
Salon X-Tend LED Curing Lamp
- Why We Love It: Small enough to fit in your purse, Edwards recommends this mini lamp for its convenience. “It’s nice for on-the-go usage if you prefer curing one nail at a time,” she says. While it may take longer than a full-hand lamp, for under $20, it’s a great entry point into at-home nail care. You can purchase the lamp separately, but the brand also offers a DIY Starter Kit, which includes everything you need to get started including a mini nail file, LED soft gel adhesive, full cover nails, and more.
- Cures: LED soft gel nail extensions and gel adhesives
- Power: USB-powered
- Wattage: 6 watts
- Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Time Settings: 5-7 seconds for flash curing and 1-2 minutes for full curing
Everything You Need to Know
How do UV nail lamps work?
According to celebrity manicurist Ami Streets, UV nail lamps work by emitting UVA light to cure and harden gel nail polish. She explains, “When a gel polish is exposed to UVA light, ingredients in the formula called photoinitiators absorb the energy, initiating a reaction called polymerization—ultimately causing the gel to form a solid and durable finish on the nails.”
Is it safe to use UV light on nails?
Streets explains that while UV nail lamps are generally safe when used correctly and sporadically, it’s important to be aware that UVA rays have been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer after prolonged exposure. “Although this could be concerning to some, even the most intense UV gel lamps present a far lower risk than other tanning lights, such as sunbeds,” Streets notes.
To protect your skin during gel manicures, Streets recommends the following precautions:
- Use SPF: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 20 minutes before your appointment to help shield your hands from UVA rays. This not only protects against UV exposure from nail lamps but should also be part of your daily skin-care routine. Hands are one of the first areas to show signs of aging and are often neglected when it comes to sun protection.
- Wear UV-Blocking Gloves: Fingerless UV-protective gloves are an easy and effective way to shield your skin while keeping your nails free for curing. Streets also highlights that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends both SPF application and protective gloves to help minimize UV exposure during gel manicures.
- Consider Alternative Manicures: If you have a history of skin cancer or other adverse skin conditions, consider sticking to classic nail polish application (especially from organic, “free-from” brands).
What’s the difference between UV and LED nail lamps?
Streets explains that while both LED and UV nail lamps cure gel polish, they differ in speed, light type, and product compatibility. “UV lamps emit a broad spectrum of UVA light, allowing them to cure all types of gel polishes, but they take longer, about 2-3 minutes per coat, and require bulb replacements over time,” she says.
“LED lamps, on the other hand, use a narrower UVA range that emits lower UV radiation, reducing skin exposure while curing compatible gels much faster, typically in 30-60 seconds.” In addition to faster curing times, LED lamps have longer-lasting bulbs and require less maintenance, making them the better choice for convenience and safety. However, for those looking for maximum versatility across different polish brands, she says that dual UV/LED lamps offer the best of both worlds.
Streets also advises that, when possible, you should use the same brand nail lamp as your gel polish. Many brands design their lamps specifically to match their formulas, ensuring the polish cures at the correct wavelength and intensity for the best durability and wear time. If your lamp and gel polish aren’t compatible, it can lead to longer cure times (increasing UV exposure), uneven curing (causing peeling or lifting), or even adverse reactions such as contact dermatitis, skin sensitivity, or heat spikes, especially if the uncured product comes into contact with the skin. To avoid these issues, always check your lamp’s compatibility with your polish, especially when switching between UV and LED formulas.
Is a LED or UV lamp better for gel nails?
“LED lamps are a safer alternative to UV lamps—not only do they reduce cure time to speed up your gel manicure, but they also emit lower levels of UV radiation and therefore pose less of a health risk,” says Streets. If you’re using an LED lamp, she recommends making sure your gel polish is compatible with the wattage and type of lamp for the best results.
As noted previously, using the wrong formula can lead to uneven curing, peeling, or a manicure that just doesn’t last. If you’re not sure which products work best together, she suggests checking in with a nail tech who can walk you through the options and help you find the right fit.
How to Choose a UV Nail Lamp
According to Edwards, the first step in choosing a UV nail lamp is figuring out what you’ll be using it for. “Are you doing soft gels, hard gels, or soak-off gel polish?” she asks. A 54W lamp is a solid all-around option since it works for all three, but if you’re just applying gel polish, you can get away with a lower wattage while still achieving a long-lasting manicure.
Nguyen adds that there are a few key factors to consider when shopping for a UV nail lamp. Wattage plays a big role, higher wattage means faster curing times. Timer settings are another important feature, as they allow you to adjust the shut-off time based on how long your gel needs to cure. Lastly, she suggests paying attention to size. “I personally prefer a larger lamp so you can cure the whole hand at once,” she says.
It’s also important to make sure your UV lamp is compatible with the gel nail polish brand you’re using. Different brands formulate their gels to work with specific light wavelengths, so checking for compatibility will help promise an even cure and long-lasting results.
- Ami Streets is a London-based celebrity manicurist whose clients include Saoirse Ronan and Venus Williams.
- Lily Nguyen is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles, CA.
- Jin Soon Choi is a New York-based celebrity manicurist and the founder of JinSoon. Her work has been seen on the hands of Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and Anne Hathaway.
- Gina Edwards is a New York-based celebrity manicurist known for her work with Taraji P. Henson, Priyanka Chopra, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
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