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While gel nails last a long time compared to regular nail polish, they do require a few pieces of extra equipment to get you started.
In addition to the specialty gel base, nail polish, and topcoat, a special LED nail dryer for gel nails is also of utmost importance. These dryers are LED and UV-based and are what cures the polish for a quick, efficient, and long-lasting manicure.
Below are some ideal nail dryers that are made for both home and professional use. These dryers all come with portable designs, have room for either one or both hands, automatic sensors that turn on and off, and preset timer controls to allow for quick and precise drying no matter the type of gel you are using.
The Top LED Nail Dryer Models Reviewed
DIOZO Nail Dryer — Best Overall
This LED nail lamp has everything you need to create your best gel nails. It is lightweight yet sturdy and has a big enough space to cure five fingernails or toenails at one time and has an automatic sensor design where it will turn on and off the lamp when any hand or foot is detected. It also comes with multiple timers depending on the type of gel and includes special protection for eyes and skin.
Pros
- Fingerless gloves are included for protection
Cons
- This is not USB compatible
MelodySusie Cordless LED Nail Dryer For Gel Nail — Runner Up
If you’re essentially a pro at doing gel nails, but you’re still blowing on them to dry, you need to get this cordless LED nail dryer for gel nails from MelodySusie. The LED and UV nail lamp will dry your nails so fast you’ll never need to hit the salon again. After four hours of charging, you can use it for a full 90 minutes, which is more than enough time to dry both hands. In case you forgot how long you have left on the dryer, the LCD touchscreen on the front of it will tell you how long you have left as well as the battery life status.
If you just need a quick dry, you can stick your hand in the dryer and the automatic sensor will recognize your hand and turn on for 15 seconds. It’s just that simple! Not to mention, it’s also easy to clean and will last a lifetime. Get this nail dryer and save tons of money from unnecessary trips to the salon.
Pros
- Powerful 16-piece LED light beads
- Built-in 4000mAH battery
- Four presets for time control
Cons
- Bottom falls off if you transport it
Gelish Nail Lamp — Honorable Mention
The Gelish Nail Lamp is a great pick for manicure and pedicure enthusiasts as well as professionals. With its 18-watt LED lights, you can cure all five fingers and toes in a matter of seconds, which is among the fastest drying times in the industry. Moreover, the preset LED display timer makes settings easy, and the acetone-resistant and magnetized tray makes cleaning a breeze.
Pros
- Compact size for easy transport and setup
Cons
- Expensive price tag
SUNUV UV Nail Lamp — Most Notable
This UV LED salon-quality lamp is made for professional and home use and comes with everything you need for the most professional DIY gel manicure or pedicure. This lamp is suitable for all types of gel polishes and provides plenty of space to fit the whole hand or foot.
Pros
- A large LCD screen is included to show curing time
Cons
- Gel polish might be slightly sticky after curing
Liteland Nail Lamp — Fastest Drying
With its 150W high power capability, this LED gel nail dryer promises to dry your nails 80% faster than many other LED lamps. Included with this lamp is a comfortable curing mode that can sense when you put hands into and out of the machine, a detachable base designed for easy curing of the feet, and a large enough space to dry two hands at once.
Pros
- This lamp as a 50,000-hour lifespan
Cons
- This lamp will not dry regular nail polish
Jewhiteny Nail Dryer — Large Nail Lamp
If you need a larger nail lamp, this version holds both hands or both feet at the same time, comfortably. This curing lamp is suitable for curing all types of gel polish and has an automatic sensor so it will turn on and off automatically when you place your hands inside. Four different timers allow you to set and customize how long you need to cure and an anti-glare feature protects the eyes.
Pros
- This LED lamp will not need any bulbs changed
Cons
- The cord is slightly on the short side
Hepaz Nail Lamp — Contender
This stylish gel lamp comes in a fabulous pink color and combines UV and LED light sources to cure all kinds of nail gels, rhinestones, and glue. This nail dryer comes with 15 LED lights which will help dry your nails faster and a large space to comfortably place your hands and feet. This lamp is also convenient as it can be charged via USB so you can easily take it with you wherever you go.
Pros
- An instruction booklet is included
Cons
- This will not dry regular nail polish
Goyaesque Nail Dryer — Best Value for Money
Another cute pink dryer option is this convenient nail lamp that easily goes wherever you go. It contains all the similar amenities as our other options including auto sensor, multiple timer functions, and the ability to pair with most gel nail polishes. This lamp also comes with a USB cable and has a low heat mode for comfort.
Pros
- This lamp comes with additional accessories including polish remover wraps, a toenail clipper set, and an instruction manual
Cons
- A wall outlet plug is not included
Buying Guide: LED Nail Dryer for Gel Nails
LED nail dryers are a great investment for any salon, spa, or other business that offers manicures and pedicures. These devices speed up the drying process of your clients' nails, which means you can get more customers in and out the door, and you'll have more time for each customer. However, choosing the right LED nail dryer for gel nails can be tough. But don't worry. In this buying guide, we will tell you everything about these dryers so you can make an informed buying decision. So, let's get started.
What Is the Difference Between a LED Nail Dryer and a UV Nail Dryer?
LED nail dryers are a type of artificial nail drying machine that uses a specific wavelength of light to speed up the drying process after a gel application. They're also portable, so you can take them with you wherever you need to go. These machines generate minimal noise while operating and usually take almost 30 seconds to dry the nails. The best thing is they can be used for straight 5,000-10,000 hours without any issue.
On the other side of the spectrum, UV nail dryers take 3-4 minutes to dry the nail gel. These devices employ ultraviolet light as opposed to LEDs to speed up the drying process. Since UV radiation is extremely harmful to humans, UV nail dryers are usually only recommended if you have access to a UV-protected room or windowless bathroom. The UV lamp bulbs only last for 4000 hours so you have to replace them after every 6 months or so to keep them in good condition.
Essential Features of LED Nail Dryer for Gel Nails
LED nail dryers are a popular way to dry your nails quickly and conveniently, but every device comes with its own unique features. Here is a list of essential features that you should look for while buying a LED nail dryer.
Timer control
Many LED nail dryers come with timers that give you some control over how long the product will run. The timer can be set for any amount of time up to 60 minutes and has an automatic shutoff feature as well as a restart button. This is an extremely convenient feature as you won't have to keep checking back on your nails to see if they're dry yet or not.
Automatic sensors
Another handy feature to look for in an LED nail dryer is automatic sensors. These sensors are located at the bottom of the machine, and they detect when the fingers are placed onto them, so they start immediately saving you time. These models are much more convenient and efficient than those that require manual activation.
Anti-glare feature
Anti-glare is another great feature that you should look for in a LED nail dryer. It helps to reduce eye strain from working in front of a UV light and allows operators to see better when working on clients with dark nails or tanned skin.
LED screen
Some models also have an LED screen that displays information about the machine's settings and allows users to see their work as it is drying. For maximum convenience, opt for a model that comes with LED screens.
How to Choose the Right LED Nail Dryer for Gel Nails
Size
The first important factor that you should consider before buying an LED nail dryer is its size. Some nail dryers can only accommodate 5 fingers at one time while others can easily hold all 10 fingers at once. Always choose an appropriately sized nail dryer so you can dry all your fingers without having to wait for too long.
Dry time
Next, you have to check the dry time of the LED nail dryer. There's no point in using a nail dryer that takes hours to dry because then your nails will end up smudged and messed up. Always invest in a LED nail dryer that only takes less than 30 seconds to dry.
Compact design
You should think about how compact you want your machine to be. It's easy to underestimate how much space a full-size nail dryer will take up in your storage area. If you have limited shelf space or if you plan on traveling with your LED nail dryer, look for a portable and lightweight travel-size machine instead of a desktop unit so you can easily place it anywhere.
Durability
The product's overall durability will determine the quality as well as its longevity. Some flimsy and low-quality nail dryers only work a few times before they start to rust or fall apart. Therefore, it is crucial to opt for a sturdy model that can be used for 5-6 years without being replaced.
How Much Does a LED Nail Dryer for Gel Nails Usually Cost?
LED nail dryers come in a wide range of price points. On average, they can cost anywhere between $30-$100. If you're just starting out, we recommend getting a basic model in the $30-$50 range. These models come without any bells and whistles but get the job done. High-end LED nail dryers come with more features like timer controls, automatic sensors, anti-glare features and can cost upwards of $1000, but even at that price point, they're still an excellent investment for a nail salon.
