When choosing the correct replacement bulb for a UV nail dryer is it important to make sure that it will work with the UV dryer that you are using in order for it to continue to cure the gel polishes effectively.  You will need to consider what wattage; technology and bulb colour that is required.

What Type of Light Bulb Do I Need for My UV Nail Dryer?

The first step is to figure out which bulb you need for your UV nail dryer lamp. Nail curing lamps generally are available in two types: fluorescent UV bulbs or LED bulbs.

1. Traditional UV Lamps (Fluorescent Bulbs)

• Technology: These older models use fluorescent tubes and they are often referred to as "UV bulbs".  They emit a broad spectrum of ultraviolet UVA light.
• Appearance: These can be long U-shaped tubes or straight glass tubes.
• Key Requirement: You will need to match the wattage of the tube and the pin configuration/base when choosing your replacement bulb.  This will be listed under the cap/base for the majority of bulb manufacturers.  A common one that you might see is “UV-L.”

2. LED Lamps (Diodes)

• Technology: These lamps use small LEDs to emit a much narrower, focused spectrum of UV light. This specific wavelength has been optimized to cure modern LED-compatible gel polish formulas.
• Appearance: These lights are small diodes that have been fixed into the body of the lamp.
• Key Requirement: These LED bulbs are generally not replaceable by the end user. If the LED diode burns out this means that the entire lamp will have to be replaced. If the lamp is labelled "LED" or "UV/LED" and it is a lightweight model it will be one that uses these non-replaceable diodes.

Summary Table for Bulb Identification:

How many watts do I need for the bulbs to cure Gel Nails?

24 watts should be sufficient for curing standard gel nails.  The key factor in curing is not just the wattage but the intensity of the UV light delivered at the specific wavelength required by the gel polish.  An example of this can be seen in the table above under wavelength range.

• LED Lamps: Modern LED lamps are incredibly efficient. A 24W LED lamp can sometimes cure gels faster than a 36W or 48W older-style fluorescent UV lamp as the LEDs focus the curing wavelength directly onto the polish's photoinitiators and they give the nails a more complete finish compared to using fluorescent lamps.
• Fluorescent Lamps: If you are using an older style fluorescent UV lamp, 24W is generally considered the minimum amount required for a full-hand unit and this would consist of having four 6w tubes or three 9 watt tubes. 
• Considerations: Always check the advised cure time recommended by the gel polish brand that you are using, as some highly pigmented or dense builder gels may need a higher wattage or a longer cure time.

What Can Replace a UV Light for Nails?

The only reliable and safe replacement for a UV light used for curing traditional gel polish is a light source that emits UV wavelengths in the 365 nm to 405 nm range.  The most common standard dryers today use UV/LED hybrid lamps.  They can emit the UV light required whilst using as small amount of power (wattage) as possible.  These are the recommended replacements for the older fluorescent lamps.  Please be advised that you can use household lamps or flashlights to cure gel polish as the will not produce the correct wavelength to dry them correctly.

Is UV Light Just Purple LED?

The visible purple/blue light that can be seen from UV lights is a side effect of the UV spectrum produced by the light rather than a purple light producing the UV wavelength.  The reason this UV light looks purple/blue is because the diodes emit the same amount of visible light that is found at the end of the visible light spectrum.  This light serves as an aid to know that the light is on but it is the invisible UVA light produced that does the curing.  Whilst the lamp appears purple, the actual curing is performed by the invisible ultraviolet radiation produced by the diode. A purple household LED light will not cure gel polish because it does not emit the same UVA wavelengths.