Top 10 Best Nail Polish Dryer Machines: 2020 Review & Buying Guide

Spending a lot of time waiting for the nail polish to dry? This part of the nail decorating and designing is the most frustrating and stressful. And moreover, sometimes the nail polish layer can get smudged or smeared accidently.

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If you are facing this problem then it is time to invest on a nail dryer – you may have observed it in any nail art salon. They can cure or dry the polish within seconds – which saves a lot of time. So, you can passionately try variety of nail arts in your home.

However, choosing the right nail polish dryer is not an easy task because there are different types available in the market like – UV lamps, LED Lamp, and air dryer. Nail dryer with just lamps are suitable for normal nail polishes. UV and LED ones have a different working principle – and are suitable for UV, lacquer and gel based nail polishes.

Apart from these, there are several others factors – we have mentioned them in our Buying Guide. Make sure to take a close look at them before you purchase a nail polish dryer.

To ease up things for you, our expert team has gathered all the information, did an extensive research on every product and finally picked up the best.

Reviews of Nail Polish Dryers

1. MicroPure LED Nail Lamp

MicroPure has taken the first place in our list due to its advanced technology and amazing features like timer settings, autosensing and others.

This nail dryer uses advanced technology to dry all kinds of nail polishes or gels that include nail sculpture gel, rhinestone glue, CND shellac, LED nail gel, nail builder gel and UV gel. It just takes 30 seconds to dry a UV gel and 60 seconds for rhinestone gem glue. Isn’t that amazing?

It has 4 timer settings: 10, 30, 60 and 90 seconds. In the 99second timer function, the temperature and power will gradually increase to avoid any pain problems caused by curing gels. This product has a heat dissipation hole which cools the machines for 30 seconds continuously. This prevents the machine from getting overheated.

It has auto-sensing feature which enables the machine to turn on when the hands are in and turn off when the hands are out. It has 24 durable LED light beads which are not like the traditional ones. They can last up to 5 years of continuous usage. And these LED light beads have light that is closer to white so they do not harm the eyes or skin. The reflective panel can be separated to use as toenail dryer.

Pros:

• 24 hour long lasting UV LED light beads.
• 4 timer settings.
• Low-heat protection mode.
• 36 Watts lamp.
• Wide opening and detachable bottom plate.
• LCD display screen shows drying time.
• Heat dissipation hole.
• Works for all types of nail gels or polishes.
• Affordably priced.

Cons:

• Only cures one hand or foot at a time.

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2. Deep Dream Nail Dryer

Deep dream nail dryer comes next in our list. It is helpful in curing all kinds of nail gels that include nail sculpture gel, rhinestone gem gel, CND shellac, nail builder gel, UV gel OPI as well as LED nail gel.

Its auto-sensing technology uses infrared induction which means that the product turns on when the nails hands are in and turns off when the hands are out. It comes with two timer settings: 30 and 60. By default if no setting is selected then it cures at 99s low heat mode.

The UV led light can last 50000 hours. The LED light beads are evenly distributed so that it can cure nail gel uniformly. The large space makes enough room for both hands at a time.

Pros:

• Suited for all types of nail gels.
• Auto-sensing by infrared induction.
• 24 hour long-lasting 50000hrs lifetime.
• Evenly distributed LED light beads.
• 2 timer settings.
• Big curing size.

Cons:

• Nothing much.

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3. SUNUV SUN2C Nail Lamp

Next in the list comes SUNUV SUN2C nail lamp. This product has the capacity of drying all kinds of nail polishes and gels. The light beads are developed with advanced technology which is known as optical wavelength.

This nail dryer has durable 50000 hours of lifetime and 36 LED beads. They are evenly distributed which uniformly cure nail/gel polish. It can dry the nails 2 times faster than UV LED lamps.

The 99s low heat mode is perfect for curing hard gels. As the power slowly increases, you can experience painless drying. It has 4 preset time control settings: 10s, 30s, 60s and 90s.

Pros:

• Comfortable white light.
• Smart auto-sensing.
• 33 lamp beads.
• Patented UV/LED lamp.
• 4 preset time control settings.
• Efficient and durable construction.

Cons:

• The material is not so sturdy.

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4. Sunyear Upgraded UV Nail Dryer

The Sunyear upgraded UV nail dryer is perfect for nail art professionals and hobbyists. It has 48W portable nail light which dries almost all UV and LED gel based lights. It can be a perfect gift for your loved ones.

The USB powered light offers glossy dry nails in no time which do not chip, foam or wrinkle. It offers you a customized nail-drying experience with pull-down cover. The temperature regulating feature guarantees a safe and low temp of the UV light.

The built-in cooling fan will save time as it will support nail curing. With automatic sensor, you will experience maximum convenience.

Pros:

• Ergonomic pull-down cover.
• 3 preset time control settings.
• Built-in cooling fan.
• Perfect for toenails.

Cons:

• Nothing much.

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5. SUNUV Nail Dryer

This is a specially designed one piece UV LED nail dryer. It has 36 pcs UV LED light beads which can cure almost all nail polishes and gels that include top coat, color gel, builder, sculpture gel, gem glue, base coat and top coat.

Its double power capacity ensures that it can cure the nails quickly. The LCD screen provided on the product displays the curing time and other information. Its bigger body ensures to cure 5 finger nails or 5 toenails at a time.

It has 36 LED beads that are evenly distributed inside. They last almost for 50000 hours. It has 4 timer settings that include 10s, 30s, 60s and 99s (low heat mode or double power settings).

Pros:

• Painless builder/hard gel curing.
• Smart time memory function.
• Digital time display.
• Over-temperature protection.
• Double speed curing.
• Suitable for all types of UV and LED nail gel polishes.
• Cures 5 fingernail or toenails at a time.

Cons:

• The material used for making this product is not sturdy.

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6. Melody Susie LED Nail Dyer

Melody Susie was developed by two cosmetologists Melody and Susie. This product has a cutting edge gel drying technology which ensures high quality and time-saving nail cures.

This product has 4 time settings: 30s, 60s, 90s and 30 minute automatic setting. The 12w nail lamp contains 60 LED light beads which can cure any type of nail gels. This LED light beads emits a very minimal UV radiation, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your eyes and skin.

This product is a valuable addition to your beauty arsenal. It is small, powerful, lightweight and compact, so, you can carry it with you.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design.
• Developed by two renowned cosmetologists.
• 4 preset time settings: 30s, 60s, 90s and 30 minutes.
• Safe and reasonable.
• Friendly customer service.
• 12 month warranty.

Cons:

• The automatic sensor will not activate if the fingers are not completely inside.
• Cure only one hand or feet at a time.

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7. Melody Susie UV Nail Lamp

 

If you are looking for a top notch UV nail lamp with decent quality and affordable price then Melody Susie 36W nail dryer has to be your choice. It is one of the Amazon’s top rated and leasing manicure beauty brand.

This UV curing lamp works with four 9W UV light bulbs to cure the nails perfectly every time. It is super compatible with most of the UV gel polishes. This nail lamp has 4 UV light bulbs which are capable of curing all types of nail gels.

It has a sleek and comfortable design with a removable base. It is also safe because of the ample verification and minimal UV radiation.

Pros:

• Developed by two cosmetologists.
• Can easily cure all types of UV nail gels.
• Minimal UV radiation.
• Super compatible with all types of UV gels.
• Amazon’s best leading manicure brand.

Cons:

• You must place the fingers properly or else the automatic sensor technology will not detect.

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8. Makarrt Professional Nail Dryer

If you want professional nail dryer at a competitive price then Makarrt is the best choice. However, it can also be used at home as well. This nail polish dryer comes with 24 light beads which has the light within 355nm – 405nm. Due to this wavelength, it is considered one of the versatile polish dryers.

Both your hands will perfectly fit at once in the curing space. The controlled motion sensors enable the fan automatically when the hands are put inside and turn off when the hands are removed. A wide metal base completely covered underneath with a sheet of non-slip rubber, which makes it very safe and stable to use, even on polished surfaces.

Pros:

• Non gel varnish nail air dryer.
• Stylish and elegant white surface.
• Built-in fan for quick drying.
• Sensor activated automatically.
• Suitable for both home and salon use.

Cons:

• Takes more space than compact dryers.
• It has to be plugged in while using.

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9. USpicy MACARON Nail Dryer

Get spa like salon service at home with USpicy macaron nail dryer. It uses 4 highly efficient and safe PL UV-A bulbs which enables a quick nail curing without any lingering odor.

It has flexible drying options preset to 120-sec, 180 seconds and constant timers. This settings let you dry the nails no matter how many coats you have applied.

It not only works with nail polishes but also with UV top coat, UV builder gel, and other UV based products.

Pros:

• Flexible drying options.
• Salon like experience.
• Suitable for all types of nail polishes and other UV based products.
• Faster, safer and odorless.
• Smart adjustable timer.

Cons:

• You have to plugin while using.
• Only one hand at a time.

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10. Lumcrissy Nail Dryer

Last but not least in our list is Lumcrissy Nail Dryers. This product is suitable for both personal and professional nail cares. It works best for all types of nail polishes and gels.

The LED light beads used in this product are non-harmful to the human body. The design of this product makes it even more fashionable. It has a touchscreen LCD which enables you to choose between 15s, 30s, 45s and 50s.

The improved LCD enable rapid drying regardless of how many coats you put on the nails. It is much faster than conventional photo-therapy lamp.

Pros:

• Refined LCD.
• Lightweight, fashionable and compact.
• Suitable for both professional and personal nail care.
• Fast, safe and odorless.
• Works on all types of nail polishes.

Cons:

• For effective performance, you have to follow the instructions very carefully.

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Different Types of Professional Nail Dryers

Before judging a nail dryer on its features, first you have to understand which type is appropriate for you. For this you have to know the pros and cons of each nail dryer. There are three types of nail dryers: UV, LED, and dryer fans. Let’s have a close look at them below…

1. UV Nail Dryer

UV dryers emit UV rays to dry the nail polish faster. These dryers have the option of switching between the warm air and cool air. As they save a lot of drying time, you can have a wide range of creative finishes. UV dryers are perfect for drying shellac polishes and gel nails.

These dryers emit UV light rays on the nail to harden the polish which ensures a long lasting finish. Though the rays emitted by these dryers kill bacteria but a few health risk factors are associated if they are used for long periods of time.

They are available at different prices so, you can select any one based up on your frequency of using it. You can get them in either two handed or single handed.

2. LED Nail Dryers

LED nail dryers are considered to be faster and safest. They only take 30 seconds to cure one layer of polish while the UV ones take at least 90 seconds. So, based on this information if we calculate – LED nail dryer takes 2 minutes to complete the curing in a manicure. However, UV ones take over 5 minutes.

The maintenance of LED dryers are much less as they has last for 50,000 hours and needs only less power to work. However, initially the device is a bit costlier than UV nail dryers.

If you are thinking to purchase an LED nail dryer then you have to make sure to use only gel nail polish.

3. Nail Dryer Fans

Nail dryer fans have the same working principle of hair dryers. Usually, other types of nail dryers use heat or light as a source. But this device uses mini fans to produce air. Some modern devices available in the market have a combination of air and LED/UV power features.

The pros of this device are – affordable, easy to operate and portable. But nail dryer fans only work for regular nail polishes. They don’t have the capability to cure gel, lacquer or acrylic nail polishes. As they work on batteries, you will have to replace them every time they are out of power.

4. Nail Polish Dryer Spray

This is another alternative for drying up your nails faster. These sprays contain special chemical compound formulas which ensure the polish gets dries up. For using it, all you have to do is spray it on nails at a distance of 5 – 6 inches after applying the nail polish. After spraying, wait for few seconds to let the spray work its magic.

Benefits of nail polish dryer spray include – convenient to use and there is no need of replacing batteries or charging them up. However, they contain toxic chemicals which can be harmful and even lead to fire if left near a heat source.

Ultimate Guide on How to Select Best Nail Dryer:

Most of the nail art enthusiasts and nail salons prefer using nail polish dryer for speeding up the drying process. If you want to purchase one for yourself then you have to consider certain factors because not all nail dryers are created equal. Below, let’s have a clear look on each factor…

1. What Are Your Requirements?

If you are looking for some simple nail polish drying then normal fan based dryer is good enough. They don’t cost you more than $30. Some of them can be battery operated while some of them can be electricity operated. If you paint your nails frequently at home then go for a plug-in nail dryer, or else battery operated ones are more convenient. Battery ones can be taken to anywhere like travels, office, picnics or anywhere.

However, if you want a dryer for shellac nail polishes, arcylics and gels then U.V lamp or LED lamp curing machine. These little device work like oven – generate enough amounts of light and heat to dry the polish or cure the gel within 1 – 2 minutes. Mostly these devices are found in professional nail salons. They are actually a little costlier as they range from $30 – $100.

2. What Should Be The Curing Time?

If you are professional nail artist then you will need a nail dryer with good curing time. However, if nail art is just hobby for you can be lenient with this aspect and save some money. Generally, an LED lamp nail dryer takes more time for curing than UV lamp. Typically, it takes 30 seconds for a LED and 90 seconds for UV lamp. If you want the nail polish to dry as quickly as possible then LED nail dryer is the best one. However, make sure to choose based on the nail polish type you will be using regularly.

3. How to Choose a Nail Dryer Based on Nail Polish?

This is the most important and confusing factor. Usually, UV lamps are suitable for both LED gel and UV polishes. However, LED lamps are only suitable for LED gel nail polishes. If you use only a single brand nail polishes than it is better to purchase a dryer of the same brand as they will specifically designed keeping its requirement.

4. How Much Should be the Span of Bulb Life?

The bulbs of LED lamps are usually never replaced because they last 50,000 hours. However, bulbs of UV lamps vary depending on the manufacturer. On an average, they work for 100 hours and can be replaced for $30. Each manicure takes at least 5 minutes of curing. Based on that, on an average an UV bulb lasts for 23 years if you use it for once in a week.

5. What is the Appropriate Lamp Size?

When it comes to lamp size, choose it depending on your manicure requirements like how fast you want to get it done. Usually, they come in 2 sizes: two hands or one hand. Nail lamps that come under $40 will not fit the entire hand as the thumb will be left out separately.

6. What Functionalities Should I Look Out?

This is another important factor to check out. Actually, fingernail lacquer requires some wrist twist to avoid slushing and shloshing of the fresh polish. So, if you use lacquer nail polishes then some of the functionality features, you should look out for are – motion sensors (enables to turn the lamps when fingers are placed) and removable bottom panel (this enables to change the lamps for comfortability). Having additional accessories (nail file or UV gloves) included with the product can be more beneficial.

7. How Much Does a Nail Polish Dryer Cost?

Before searching for nail polish dryer, figure out how much you are willing to pay. Usually, these devices range from $20 – $150. If you don’t require a manicure regularly then spending $150 on nail polish dryer can be waste of money. So, carefully analyze your requirements and spend the money wisely.

8. What About the Warranty?

Usually, a 1 year warranty is provided by most of the manufacturers in the market. However, some of them provide 90 days warranty and others may provide 2 – 3 years warranty as well. It is always better to choose a device which has highest number of warranty years. Because, if you experience any lamp issues then you can get a replacement quickly without any additional cost.

9. Which Extra Features are Beneficial?

If you can afford an expensive one then you can get some additional features like timer and a fan. If nail art is a hobby then these features are not so important. Having a special timer features can be an added advantage. If the lamp has a fan included then it can be more beneficial for people who use gel nail polishes.

LED Vs UV Nail Dryer – Which one to choose?

LED and UV lamp work on light system. They generate either LED or UV light to cure the nails. This light is generated by built-in lamps which are placed inside the device. Once the gel is applied, you have to place your nails inside the dryer. The UV light rays interfere with polymers and monomers present in the nail gel to cure it. In the same way, LED nail dryers use LED light to cure the nails.

Below are some of the other differences between the UV and LED nail dryers…

• Usually, UV lamps are capable of curing all types of nail polishes but LED ones are only formulated for only gel nail polishes.
• When it comes to price, UV lamps are quite affordable and LED ones are expensive.
• UV lamps take almost 2 minutes to cure. However, LED ones take only 30 seconds.
• LED lamps don’t require bulb replacement but UV lamps require it.
• When it comes to efficiency, UV ones require more power. But LED lamps use only less amount of energy which makes them eco-friendly.
• LED lamps are considered to be safer than UV lamps. Because UV light rays are connected to cancers and other health risks. However, as the UV light is too low in nail dryers, it will not cause cancer. But people with pigmentation disorders or melisma should avoid them.

Benefit of Using Nail Dryer:

When compared to drying nails naturally, using a nail dryer has many benefits. We have mentioned them below for your knowledge.

1. Fast Drying: Waiting for the nails to dry naturally can take almost 30 minutes. However, a nail dryer is capable of drying the nails in less than 5 minutes. So, it saves you a lot of time.
2. Best Suited for Nail Salons: As nail dryer saves a lot of time then you will have plenty of time to attend many clients in a day. Even the clients will be happier as they receive a fast service and moreover you can make more money too.
3. Shellac Nails: A UV nail dryer is perfect for nail polishes like the ones made up of Shellac as they take a lot of time to dry.
4. Excellent Finish: For people who apply multiple layers for perfect finish can save time with a nail dryer. And they also provide a professional and fine finish.
5. Avoid Accidents: As nail polish dries faster, you no longer have to worry about smudging of nail polish.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Are Nail Dryers Safe?

Both LED and UV lamp nail dryers emit some form of UV radiation. UV rays are predominantly linked with cancer and pre-mature aging. However, these devices emit very less UV radiation. So the risk of cancer is too low. And moreover using this nail dryers are considered to be much safer than walking under the sun (in summers). However, if you are still concerned then try wearing anti-UV gloves.

2. Which Nail Polishes can be cured with a Nail Dryer?

This depends on the type of nail dryer you select. If you select an LED nail dryer then you have to use only gel polishes. However, UV ones can handle both LED gel and UV nail polishes. If you love doing acrylic or lacquer nails then purchase any one with built-in fan. Also remember that acrylic polishes need warm air flow and lacquer polish need the air to be cold to harden.

3. Is It Better to Have a Display or Not?

It is a matter of personal choice or requirement. If you are doing a lot of nails then a display will beneficial in knowing the time left out to dry. So, you can control the manicure accordingly.

3. Is a Special Course is Necessary to Use a Nail dryer?

No special skills are required to use a nail dryer. If you are new to using a nail dryer then you can follow the instructions specified in the list provided by manufacturer.

4. Is It Possible to Dry a Gel Nail Polish Coating Without a Nail Dryer?

Actually no. Because they are made of UV and LED technologies which harden only due to chemical reactions that takes place when it is placed under a special light source. Only normal nail polishes dry without any help of additional devices.

5. Does Gel Polish Cause any Harm to My Nails?

Gel polish itself isn’t harmful for your nail. In fact, if you are nails are weak and thin then applying gel polish will actually harden them and prevent breakage. However, if you use a wrong coat removal then it can damage your nail beds. In order to maintain your nails healthy, we recommend to remove the gel polish with appropriate remover.

6. How Soon Can I Recoat Gel Polish?

It depends on your interest and requirement. Some people don’t require a re-coat until a month. While some want to change it once in 2 weeks.

7. Is a Nail Lamp With Higher Wattage Better?

Nope, it is not true. Higher wattage doesn’t mean it is a better nail dryer. Wattage specifies the power the nail dryer will use. If you are purchasing a nail lamp with low wattage then make sure to check out which nail polishes it can handle. Because sometimes low wattage cannot cure LED polishes.

8. How Exactly Do Nail Dryers Work?

Before learning how nail dryers work, we have to understand working principle of polishing gel. Gels are formulated using special ingredients that stick to nail only when they are exposed to light (that has wavelength between 365nm – 405nm). This wavelength excites the molecules present in the nail gel that eventually lets the nail polish dry and hardens.

9. What is benefit of Having Both UV and LED in a Single Nail Dryer?

If you have a combination of both UV and LED in your nail dryer then you can cure any kind of nail polish. However, the main light source in these devices will be LED. And only a small part of it will be UV light.

10. Which Types of Nails Gels Do UV or LED Dryer Cure?

They are helpful to cure a wide range of nail polishes that include acrylics, shellac and silk.

11. Do Nail Polish Dryers Help to Cure Regular Nail Polishes?

Regular nail polishes are not meant to be cured under LED or UV lamps. Only a nail air dryer is helpful.

12. Are LED nail dryers safe?

Both LED and UV lamp nail dryers emit some form of UV radiation. UV rays are predominantly linked with cancer and pre-mature aging. However, these devices emit very less UV radiation. So the risk of cancer is too low.

Conclusion:

If you are professional manicurist then nail dryers is an important investment. So, make sure to purchase right one. Our buying guide can be helpful in helping you choose the best.

As per our expert’s review, “MicroPure” is the right choice. But which one did you pick?

If you have any queries, write to us in the comment section below. Our experts will clarify them as soon as possible.