Difference Between UV and LED Lamps

LED (light emitting diode) is a direct light. This means the diode inside the lamp must shine directly onto the gel product to cure it. LED light normally takes 5-60 seconds to cure most gel nail enhancement products. LED bulbs traditionally last 50,000 hours.

UV (ultraviolet light) radiates light inside the lamp so all nails are exposed to the light. UV lamps usually cure gel nail products in 1-2 minutes. UV bulbs last about six months before they are in need of replacement.

The nail industry has turned to the newer technology of LED for a number of reasons; time saving, cost savings in bulbs and the fact that LED is a cool light, so there’s less heat transmitted during the curing process.