Gel polish manicures can give long-wear and glossy finished nails. Getting nails done by a professional might be the best idea, but the expensive on-trend nail manicures can be out of the range sometimes. But now people can even dry gel polish at home for one shiny and long-lasting manicure, just like they have gotten it from their neighborhood nail salon.

A nail gel polish is usually cured under UV light. The gel polish must be solidified under a UV light lamp or else a UV LED nail lamp.

UV light exposure promotes aging skin. Exposure to UV light even increases the risk of skin cancer. Many people have already made the switch to UV LED nail lamps from the UV light lamps to dry gel polish without much UV light.

LED nail lamps can harden the gel polish the same way as UV light does. But LED nail lamps use light-emitting diodes to produce lighting on the UVA spectrum at a more concentrated wavelength in comparison to UV light lamps.

A must-try DIY method to dry gel polish without UV light is to use a non-UV gel polish. The non-UV gel polish can be dried through application of a drying agent and then soaking them in cold water. Taking an ice bath is another great option.

Method 1: Using LED Nail Lamp

UV LED nail lamps utilise a narrower UV light spectrum in comparison to traditional UV light lamps. They are a worth drying alternative for gel polish because of their UV curing efficiency as well as lesser skin damage. People can dry their gel polish without any associated risks with quality UV LED nail lamps out there. The LED lamps take from 30 to 60 seconds to dry gel nails, whereas UV light lamps take from 2 to 3 minutes.

Method 2: Using Non-UV Gel Polish

People can purchase non-UV gel polish formulations instead of UV gel polish. Non-UV gel polish is one convenient and secure option over UV light lamp curing methods.

Method 3: Taking Ice Bath

People can set their gel polish with an ice water bath. They can dip gel polish nails in ice water for a few minutes. Ice water bath takes usually 1 to 2 minutes to solidify the non-UV gel polish.

Benefits Of Using LED Nail Lamp To Dry Gel Polish

Fast Curing Time

LED nail lamps are a perfect solution for the ones who want salon-like gel nails at home. LED lamps can offer a fast and convenient curing experience. People do not have to sit for hours after application; rather, they can enjoy a quick and relaxing gel nail manicure drying session. Good-quality LED nail lamps take from 30 to 60 seconds to dry the gel polish completely.

Lasts Longer Than UV Light Lamp

The bulb in an LED nail lamp can last longer than the UV light lamp. Everybody wants a good gel nail session but has low maintenance concerns. The longer lifespan of the LED nail lamps promises that.

Consumes Less Energy

UV LED nail lamps make a low-energy alternative to the UV light lamps. Environment-friendly purchase options like the UV LED nail lamps can take the whole gel nail polish experience to the next level. 

Less UV Exposure Than UV Light Lamps

UV LED nail lamps use lower UV emission or a narrower spectrum of UV light. The LED nail lamps will dry gel nails without exposing the skin to high UV radiation exposure. The low UV emission by LED lamps makes them a considerable alternative for regular gel nail polish drying needs.

Long-Lasting Gel Nail Polish

The UV LED nail lamp utilises a technology that makes the gel nail polish last longer. This nail lamp offers consistent and long-lasting curing results even for a gel nail manicure done at home.

Cons

May Emit Some UV Radiation

UV LED nail lamps do emit minimal levels of UV radiation in comparison to the UV light lamps. Nail experts recommend application of sunscreen is a must to wave off the ill-effects of limited but present UV radiation inside the lamp.

Benefits Of Using Non-UV Gel Polish

No UV exposure

People who are confused about whether or not they should get gel nail polish because of the UV exposure no longer have to be disappointed. They can purchase non-UV gel polish to eliminate UV light exposure completely.

Faster Application

The gel nail experience has become less complicated with quick application and drying solutions like the non-UV gel polish. Non-UV gel polish takes usually an hour or more to fully dry, and that too without any UV light. The quality and brand you shop for non-UV gel polish from can offer formulas that dry faster.

Readily Available In The Market

Non-UV nail gel polishes are readily available in the market. Customers can shop for non-UV gel polish conveniently online. The hype of non-UV gel polishes is quickly taking over traditional gel polishes.

A Gentle Option

Non-UV gel nail polishes are a less damaging option for application on natural nails. The skin as well as the nails are also not exposed to any kind of UV light but still deliver long-lasting results.

Cons Of Using Non-UV Gel Polish

May Not Cure Fully

Non-UV gel polish will not always fully harden. They can smudge easily and may not be scratch-resistant. The shorter dry time and less durability of non-UV gel polish can make the experience somewhat disappointing for people.

Benefits Of Taking An Ice Bath

Fast Drying Time

Gel nail polish can also be dried faster by taking an ice bath. Ice bath is all about dipping the nails post-application in extreme cold water to accelerate the gel nail polish curing process.

Improved Finish

Air drying the gel nail polish can be a bad decision because it won’t prevent unevenness or smudging of the polish. But dipping the nails inside an ice bath can help to set the gel nail polish and deliver improved finishing without any cracking.

Cons Of Taking An Ice Bath

Dipping the nails in extremely cold water to dry the gel nail polish might not be a comfortable idea for everyone.