(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best nail dryers

These are all great tips!


Remember that cost does not necessarily equate to quality.

Coconut oil works wonders for my skin and hair! I put it on my face, in my hair, on my legs, my hands, lips, everything. It’s like $10 for a jar and lasts sooo long.

I do spend money on organic or all natural hand soaps, though. (Like Ms. Meyers.) A lot of stuff just dries me out like crazy.

As for a nail care kit... I bought a cheap UV light off of Amazon for $15, crystal nail file, and 6 different gel polishes in addition to the top and bottom coat. I had the polished shipped from China, so it was super super super cheap. Doing my nails makes me feel so beautiful and well put together. What a great suggestion!

For the people who wanted links:

UV LED nail dryer Mini Gel nail lamp Portable Curing light for Gel Nail Polish

These cuticle trimmers are utterly life altering. I’ve had mine since 2015:

Cuticle Trimmer Glass Nail File Set

But even better is this curved file literally changed my nail shaping woes for life. I’ve had mine since 2015:

Glass Nail File Manicure Set

Top Coat & Bottom Coat Gel

I’m still hunting for the nail polish brand I used. Hang tight.

Tips I learned:

• You’ll want tin foil to put under the lamp, as it reflects the light and helps the polish dry more evenly
  
• You need acetone to remove the sticky film off the top coat when things are all dry. Soaking in acetone is also what removes the gel. Don’t forget to get this, or you’ll be miserable.
  
• My nails usually last around 2+ weeks. Even with all my guitar playing (normally a nail killer, and why I got hooked on gel.)
  
  For tagging purposes, because a few people asked: /u/abimelech_ /u/beriutisback /u/ookai — sorry to tag y’all! It’s just too hard to respond to everyone!

>Does the base and top coats have to be UV/LED compatible too? I just got a normal bottle of Sèche-Vite top coat some months ago, can this be used as top coat? Or is it better to get a "gel top coat" that is compatible with the lamp?

Yes, you will need a gel base coat and top coat. The gel polish base ensures that your polish adheres properly to the nail, and the top coat provides strength and durability.


>Is a duel UV/LED harmful for the skin? To my understanding it is only using LED bulbs.

No, not really. You're not getting a very long exposure, so it's not a problem. It wouldn't be so good to spend hours under a curing lamp, but a few minutes isn't going to hurt.

>Is this a decent choice of led lamp or do you have any other suggestions?

No, in my opinion, it's not strong enough. A 5W lamp will cure the polish, but it will take forever! Look for something at least 30W. The wattage is the important thing. The higher wattage cure more evenly and more quickly. Brands don't really matter that much. Something like this would be fine: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Setting-Automatic-Display-Function/dp/B07SVQKCDY/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=gel+lamp+uv+led+light&qid=1572278132&rnid=2941120011&s=beauty&sprefix=gel+lamp&sr=1-7

She's looking for this


NEW 36W Portable UV Light Lamp Gel Nail Polish Dryer Manicure Machine White Perfect for Home Use and Professional Beauty Nail Salon (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VSRURXY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_fcYAwbF1PHZCP


But also know that you have to get special UV gel nail polish to be used with it. If you search on amazon, they sometimes have kits with a basecoat, color, topcoat, etc.

Got this from Amazon UK . I have found it to be a great desk light and the different light modes are good. Would recommend.

This one on amazon seems to be doing pretty well.


I just got this light and a set on amazon too. I enjoy how it folds up to the size of a deck of cards and can plug into any usb port.

Everything mentioned can be found on amazon ☺️:

kiaitre UV LED light:
Kiaitre 72W UV LED Nail Lamp with 4 Timer Setting - 36 Lamp Beads Nail Dryer for Gel Nails and Toe Nail Curing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PN4DT3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LS2oDbKG7PMK2

Modelones base & top coat:
Modelones Gel Nail Polish No Wipe Top and Base Coat Set（2x10ml）UV LED Soak Off New Upgraded Formula Long-Lasting and Shiny Finish ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NH0D2T5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D02oDbQFTNEAJ

Modelones gel polish in Nude:
Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set - 8 tiny bottles, UV LED Lamp Soak Off Gel Polish Varnish, 0.24 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QH6H219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O12oDbGDG8M9V


• so first I apply a thin layer of base coat then cure it for 60 secs under the UV lamp

• then I applied a thin layer of 8035 then cured for 60 secs & repeated this step 2 more times
(Total of 3 coats)

• then apply then top coat & cure for 60 - 90 secs

When applying the color, always make sure to do thin layers as opposed to thick. Thick layers won't cure as evenly!

I want an early present! I would love to have this please!

My husband bought me this UV lamp for xmas. It was $35 and it's incredible. I don't have any shellac sets yet (He wasn't sure exactly what to buy so he rather I pick it out) so I used it with regular polish (Essie Over the Edge) tonight. The lamp is as nice, if not nicer than the one my salon uses. Very high quality. It dried my regular polish in about two minutes.

You can buy sets of the shellac or OPI axxium on amazon. I saw a set for axxium for $100. It comes with 6 colors and everything you need to do the nails (except the UV light). They also sell gel nail kits at Ulta individually. They run about $9 a bottle.

Around here a shellac manicure runs about $45 with tip. I'd say if you like gel/shellac nails, it might be worth the investment.

STRUCTURE

Bonder - ibd led/uv bonder

Hard gel - ibd hard gel led/uv builder gel clear

POLISH

Shimmering baby blue gel polish - max estrada’s 124 gwiyeo from the HALLYU! metallic collection

Holo flake taco - max estrada’s sexy graffiti 177

Glossy taco - shine e by max estrada

MISC

lamp - USpicy 48W LED Nail Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NNL6P2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Gel brush - DDLBiz Gel Brush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNTR2SH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_g-rSBbH4JB8G6

I use this one.
It works wonderfully!

I use an LED lamp with gel polish too! Easily lasts 2 weeks without chipping. My favorite brand of polish right now is Aimeili. Their top coat is awesome, because you don't have to wipe it with alcohol when it's done drying. They have tons of colors and although it's not technically peel-off, I still do it and I don't have any lasting damage to my nails. And for a lamp, get one like this with multiple bulbs (in case one goes out) and a mirrored interior (helps bounce the light around all angles). I've been using gel polish for over 6 years now and I'll never go back to regular polish!

Sparkles!!

This is very much needed!

Formlabs actually used to use one of those nail ones in house until they made the Form Cure. It takes longer and may not reach optimal temps, but it works.. They used something like this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DUQDX68/ref=sspa_mw_detail_5?psc=1

I have seen a lot of places online selling gloves that are supposed to be used with these. They go on before you put on the polish and they don't have finger tips on them. I am sure that this would help keep this from happening again.

http://www.amazon.com/UV-Protection-Glove-Finger-show/dp/B007XMRJI4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1342880407&sr=8-7&keywords=gel+nail+polish+gloves

http://www.amazon.com/Escali-GLOVES-Dryer--Expose-Nails/dp/B0083XGNWK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342880407&sr=8-3&keywords=gel+nail+polish+gloves

http://www.amazon.com/ROYAL-NAILS-GLOVES-LIGHT-EXPOSED/dp/B006L6WNVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342880407&sr=8-1&keywords=gel+nail+polish+gloves

It’s for gel nails I think. I use the Sally Hansen. I got this one. LED UV Nail Lamp Light with Timer Auto-sensor J720 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9D9TYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OYDRDb7MX7EET It’s actually $13 and right now amazon has a 25% off coupon.

I am so impressed on how well it works. I dry for 60 seconds after each coat and don’t have any flaws.

I want to buy one nail lamp to dry my fingernail, how about this lamp? i like the appearance very much, but i don't know how's the quality. The link: www.amazon.com/dp/B011I8TQ66

I use some drying stuff in a green can that works well.

Please hold and I will try to find it.

Edit: Soooo no more green can. They have gotten fancier since I last bought some, but [here it is.] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004HJ1798/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410477189&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40)

The new formula is all coconut and stuff. The old formula has mink oil, so some may not be cool with that.

Doesn't sound promising.
Get one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Manicure-Machine-Perfect-Professional/dp/B0148N06US/ref=sr_1_12_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1465508929&sr=1-12&keywords=uv+nail+lamp

The lamp I've been using is a led lamp I purchased on Amazon (NailStar Professional LED Nail Dryer Nail Lamp for Gel Polish with 30sec, 60sec, 90sec and 30min Timers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DC414QO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_BoYEoNfThEmhC). It get the job done but after awhile I started to feel that the lamp may be the reason it's not curing correctly.
The also the possibility the nails are not prepped correctly before the building the tips(I just have to practice more) . Sadly I bit the bullet and bought ibd hard gel it seem to last longer. (Doing the extension with the hard gel and the rest of the natural nail with the soak off builder)

I recently bought a gel lamp and clear gel top coat. However, as soon as I apply the gel top coat (over normal polish) and put it in the lamp to cook, it BURNS!!! I have no idea what's going on but for at least 5 seconds, it hurts like hell around my cuticle area, then it passes. The nails cure perfectly well, allowing nail powders to be buffed in properly.

I've never gotten my nails done professionally, and this is my first experience with gel nails. Is this inherent to gel? Is my technique wrong? Should I be actually using gel base coat? Is it the chemicals, or heat from the gel curing? Is my lamp wrong? Help!

Gel top coat: AIMEILI No Wipe Top Coat 

Gel lamp: This one