If you’re a regular user of gel manicures, a good quality uv lamp for nails is an essential cog in the process. These small devices are used to activate the photoinitiators in nail polish formulas, which then catalyzes the process that turns the chemicals into a long-lasting, durable plastic film on your fingernails. These are a bit of a splurge, but they’re a worthy investment because you can easily use one on each hand for up to 12 days or more.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Nail Wraps Like a Pro

As you shop around for a nail curing device, it’s important to consider the size and power of the lamp as well as your budget and nail care tools. Generally speaking, higher-wattage lamps tend to cure nail coatings more quickly than lower-wattage ones. However, this doesn’t always mean that your nails will be cured any faster than others because it also depends on the type of light and the way it’s configured in the nail curing lamp.

For example, LED-style nail polish curing devices are currently the standard – they use less energy to achieve a stronger cure than the old fluorescent style lamp. Additionally, some models like this one by Mylee offer an even distribution of light rays so that all areas of the nails are treated equally.

This top-rated nail curing device is super simple and easy to use with no fiddly buttons or switches. You simply place your hands in the light and it turns on, and when you remove them, it shuts off. It’s also a great option for travelers, as it can fit easily into carry-on bags.