Best Nail Dryers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 28, 2023
Take a full joy of living with the fabulous, professionally done nails. Whether you are tired of beauty salons or work at one, check these out! You'll be able to improvise with colours and materials for your nails just as you always wanted! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Dryer Type
Working Element and Capacity
Service Life
Timer Settings
Features
Power Supply
Fits
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The set includes cuticle oil and a metal cuticle pusher that will help you remove the cuticle without a need to use nail drills. The cuticle oil contains the apricot kernel extract to strengthen the nails.

CONS

The lifespan of the LED lamp is a bit shorter than advertised.

OUR VERDICT

The Mylee Complete Professional Kit includes everything you may need for a professional-looking manicure at home. Apart from the LED lamp, you also get a gel polish remover, top and base coats, 4 gel polish colours, and some other useful extras.

detailed parameters
Dryer Type

LED light

Working Element and Capacity

9 lamps total (18 W)

Service Life

Up to 50,000 hours

Timer Settings

15, 30 and 60 sec

Features

Convex Curing technology, Wide curing window, Removable bottom tray, Non-skid feet, 1 x Mylee Prep & Wipe 250ml, 1 x MYGEL base coat 10ml, 4 x 10ml of the most popular MYGEL gel polish colours, 1 x MYGEL top coat 10ml, 1 x Mylee gel remover, 100 x lint free wipes

Power Supply

Mains

Fits

5 fingers or 5 toes

Dimensions

20.5 x 16 x 10.5 cm

~0.45 kg

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Each LED light has 2-Watt power output. So when you apply a UV Gel Base and UV Gel Top layers, the lamp thoroughly dries them, which prolongs a lifespan of the manicure.

CONS

Touch sensor buttons are a bit inconvenient to operate. 

OUR VERDICT

The Mylee PRO 18 Watt Nail Drying Lamp is quite versatile and one of the top choice for salons. With three timer presets and innovative convex curing technology, you'll be able to achieve professional-grade results without leaving your home. Plus, it is compatible with all nail polish brands.

detailed parameters
Dryer Type

LED light

Working Element and Capacity

9 lamps total (18 W)

Service Life

Up to 50,000 hours

Timer Settings

15, 30 and 60 seconds

Features

Convex Curing technology, Wide curing window, Removable bottom tray, Non-skid feet

Power Supply

Mains

Fits

5 fingers or 5 toes

Dimensions

20.5 x 16 x 10.5 cm,

~0.45 kg

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Thanks to a long lifespan of 50,000 hours, this LED and UV lamp will serve you for quite a long while even if you use it on a daily basis. A built-in handle allows you to carry it around comfortably.

CONS

The LCD screen is a bit too bright. 

OUR VERDICT

This model from L.K.E. SUN is highly praised by users for its versatility, which allows using it with just about any type of polish. What's more, the unit is fitted with 36 LED beads: thanks to that, the gel dries evenly on each finger or toe, without smudges.

detailed parameters
Dryer Type

LED + UV light

Working Element and Capacity

36 LED lamps total (72 W)

Service Life

Up to 50,000 hours

Timer Settings

10s, 30s, 60s, 99s (low heat mode)

Features

Double-power feature, Auto-sensing, Removable bottom tray, LCD-screen, Built-in handle, Non-skid feet

Power Supply

Mains

Fits

5 fingers or 5 toes

Dimensions

22 x 20.5 x 10.4 cm

~0.5 kg

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Auto-sensing technology activates the lamp only when you put your fingers or toes inside. Over-temperature protection technology lowers the risk of damage after prolonged periods of non-stop work.

CONS

The bottom tray gets wobbly over time. 

OUR VERDICT

This nail lamp features as many as 42 lamps, and the total power of this functional device equals 80 Watts. All this makes it a good option not only for home use but also for professional manicure salons.

detailed parameters
Dryer Type

LED + UV light

Working Element and Capacity

42 lamps total (80 W)

Service Life

Up to 50,000 hours

Timer Settings

10s, 30s, 60s, 99s (low heat mode)

Features

Double-power feature, Over-temperature protection technology, Auto-sensing, Removable bottom tray, LCD-screen, Built-in handle, Non-skid feet, 1x nail file, 1x nail buffer block, 1x cuticle fork, 1x double-side cuticle pusher, 1x nail clipper, 1x nail soft brush, 1x cuticle nipper, 2x nail separators, 200x cotton pad sheets, 10x nail polish remover clips

Power Supply

Mains

Fits

5 fingers or 5 toes

Dimensions

24.4 x 22.8 x 10.8 cm

~0.5 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

It's a 168W UV LED nail lamp with dual light sources designed to dry out all types of nail gel effectively. Besides, it has enough room inside to accommodate your entire hand or foot, which saves a lot of time and effort.

CONS

The exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints. 

OUR VERDICT

The GVKAR nail dryer can be the right choice for both professional and home use. Featured with a digital screen, 42 reflective light beads, 4 timers and smart auto-sensing, it is very easy to use while also being efficient at curing almost all nail gels available on the market.

detailed parameters
Dryer Type

LED + UV light

Working Element and Capacity

42 lamps total (168 W)

Service Life

Up to 50,000 hours

Timer Settings

10s, 30s, 60s, 99s (low heat mode)

Features

Smart Auto-sensing, Touch display, Top handle, Removable bottom, User-friendly design

Power Supply

Mains

Fits

5 fingers or 5 toes

Dimensions

‎23 x 18 x 11 cm

‎~ 0.6 kg

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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Mylee PRO Kit

Suitable For Any Nail Polish

To get a professional-looking manicure you don’t necessarily have to visit salons and spend your time and money there. The Mylee PRO Kit can help you get a perfect manicure in the comfort of your own home.

The set includes lots of extras that may be very useful for beginners who are just starting their manicure experience. First and foremost, you get a high-quality nail drying lamp. This electric device works from the mains and consumes 18 Watts of power. It is fitted with 9 powerful LED pcs that are smartly placed across the whole lamp to cure the polish from different angles. The device has a wide curing window which is big enough for drying 5 fingers or 5 toes at the same time. Also, it features a bottom tray that can be removed if needed.

What also boosts the performance is the Convex Curing technology that allows this appliance to cure any sort of nail polish and do that in a fairly short time. The dryer offers 3 timer modes with the shortest curing time of 15 seconds and a maximum of 60 seconds.

Speaking of the included nail polishes, the manufacturer offers 4 popular colours - beige, coral pink, red and dark red. What is more, to make the polish application easy and even, you get a base coat and a top coat that seals everything in place and makes the manicure more long-lasting.

Review of Mylee PRO Kit Complete Professional Gel Nail Polish LED Lamp Kit

Offers Everything You Need For Perfect Manicure

Unlike many other similar products, this one has everything you may need for your first-time manicure.

Before applying polish on your nails, you should prepare the nail plate. First of all, you need to get rid of the cuticle by using the cuticle remover of your choice and metal cuticle pusher included in a set. Then, you should clean your nails with the Prep & Wipe solution on a lint-free wipe and buff the nail. After you’re done with the polish application, add a cuticle oil on the nails. The oil comes in a 50-ml bottle and contains the apricot kernel extract that strengthens the nails and boosts their growth. When you need to re-do your nails, you can use the gel remover. Both the remover and the wiping solution have the 250-ml capacity, which should be enough for long individual use.

As for the LED lamp, its lifespan is stated to be 50,000 hours, yet technically it may be a tad shorter. Nevertheless, it will serve you for a long while even if you use it quite frequently. All this makes the Mylee PRO Kit perfect for getting a professional manicure at home.

Mylee PRO Kit Complete Professional Gel Nail Polish LED Lamp Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £89.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B075LJFX98

 

Mylee PRO

Advanced Convex Curing Technology

If you look for a professional nail drying lamp with the best quality/price ratio, look no further. The Mylee PRO is an excellent option that will perfectly meet the needs of manicure porfessionals working in salons as well as regular customers doing their nails themselves at home.

The Mylee lamp uses advanced Convex Curing Technology which allows curing gel polishes much faster than what you'd get with many other nail dryers out there. It has 9 LED lamps inside, each with 2 Watts of power, which allows it to thoroughly dry your nails and ensure a longer life of your manicure. It goes without saying that you'll also benefit from a much safer operation of the device: as it is fitted with LEDs, it doesn't affect your skin as much as any of the ultraviolet lamps.

As for the dimensions, this nail drying lamp is pretty big. Measuring 20.5 x 16 x 10.5 cm in size and weighing around half a kilo, it's bigger than many similar models we've seen. However, it is not a disadvantage, and especially if you're looking to buy a nail dryer for making both manicure and pedicure. With a bigger size, the unit also has a bigger curing window, which allows you to dry all five fingers at once and as a result, significantly reduce the time of the procedure.

Size aside, the Mylee PRO has everything necessary for comfortable procedures. It is fitted with non-skid feet keeping it stable on the working surface and it comes with a removable magnetic tray so you can use it for pedicure as well.

Review of Mylee PRO 18 Watt Nail Drying Lamp

Durable Unit

Regarding the use of the device, all is simple here. You get three preset timer options - 15, 30 and 60 second settings - and three touch buttons placed on the top of the device. Not all users find this placement convenient, but most professional users say they have no problem with that.

Naming this model PRO, the manufacturer stands by it, providing it with reliable lamps boasting up to 50,000-hour lifespan. Electronic parts and LED modules have an impeccable quality, too. And to give you peace of mind about the quality of the unit, the dryer is backed by a decent 2-year warranty.

What is absolutely great about this nail dryer is that it provides versatile compatibility. In the box, along with the dryer, you get a US, UK and EU plug so you can use it virtually anywhere you go with it.

So, if you look for an efficient heat lamp that will make the gel polish dry in a matter of seconds, the Mylee PRO Lamp with the Convex Curing Technology is a solid fit. This electric device is durable and convenient in use, plus it comes at a very honest price.

Mylee PRO 18 Watt Nail Drying Lamp in the use
Last updated price £49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0749NNMDK

 

L.K.E. SUN X2 Plus

Unusual Design

If you seek a LED and UV nail dryer that is both functional and reasonably priced, we highly recommend taking a closer look at the L.K.E. SUN Nail Lamp. This device will be of great use for both professionals and beginners.

The first thing that makes this curing lamp stand out from its counterparts is its unusual design. The lamp is round-shaped and offers a bit more space for placing a hand. Thus, it will be harder to scratch your freshly-painted nails inside the lamp.

In general, it is not much bigger than its counterparts (22 x 20.5 x 10.4 cm). It also features a convenient handle on top. The handle, combined with light weight (0.5 kilos), allows for carrying the lamp around with comfort. The other convenient addition is the non-skid feet, making the lamp stay sturdily while you or your clients cure nails.

Moving on, this LED and UV nail dryer is fitted with 36 lamps (total working power of 72 Watts). Thanks to the technology that uses dual light sources, you will be able to cure gel, acrylics, base, top coats and any other type of polish much faster than with LED lamps.

The lamp is suitable both for manicure and pedicure, since it lets you place 5 fingers or 5 toes inside. It also has a removable bottom tray, which makes curing gel on your feet more convenient.

Review of L.K.E. SUN X2 Plus 72 Watt LED UV Nail Lamp

Automatic Nail Dryer

As for the timer features, you will be able to select the working time of 10s, 30s, 60s and 99s on low heat mode. The last setting will be especially handy if you or your client have sensitive skin: it will make the curing completely painless.

In addition to this, the lamp has a memory function, so even if you accidentally remove your hand from the lamp in the middle of the curing process, the timer will continue the countdown.

As a nice touch, this lamp comes with a big bright LCD display that shows the remaining curing time. Above the display, you can find the control buttons that allow you to select the timer setting and the button that activates the double power feature. So, we believe both experienced nail techs and newbies shouldn't get confused.

We also really like that this model comes with an auto-sensing function - you don’t need to turn it on manually each time you need to dry your nails. It will start working as soon as you put your hand or foot in the lamp.

To wrap the whole thing up, we consider the L.K.E. SUN LED and UV Nail Lamp one of the best models on the market. It is very affordable and comes packed with a number of convenient features. On top of that, it has the same lifespan as more expensive counterparts (50,000 hours).

L.K.E. SUN X2 Plus 72 Watt LED UV Nail Lamp in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07QRYMHPV

 

L.K.E. 80 Watt

Extremely Powerful

The L.K.E. LED Nail Lamp is one of the most powerful devices on our list, so it may be a great choice not only for home use but also for nail salons. Besides, it is less expensive than professional models, which makes it a real steal. 

Starting off, this unit is super mightly thanks to the big number of built-in lights. The model is fitted with as many as 42 lamps, all of which boast a power yield of 80 Watts. This puts it among pro nail dryers and makes it extremely universal, allowing you to use it for efficient curing of any sort of nail polish in mere seconds. What's more, the device uses the combination of UV and LED light and has a long working source of 50,000 hours.

Moving on, this model is fully automated and easy to use. The auto-sensing feature turns the lamp on when you put your hands directly under the light. This helps avoid the accidental start of the device in case you move your hand nearby and, accordingly, prolong the lifespan of the LED beads.

The manufacturer also made sure this model is safe enough for frequent use. The dryer is fitted with over-temperature protection which allows you to cure nails virtually for hours without the risk of overheating.

Review of L.K.E. 80 Watt LED Nail Lamp Kit

Reliable Product With Handy Tools

Now let's talk performance. This advanced nail lamp features multiple options for timer settings. You can choose between 10, 30 and 60 seconds, as well as set it to work for 99 seconds on the low heat mode. The latter will be especially handy if you or your client has sensitive skin. The selected mode will be shown on an LCD display placed on top of the unit.

As we've mentioned before, this model will suit both professional nail technicians and amateurs who want to get gorgeous nails in the comfort of their own home. Luckily, this UV lamp comes with a number of handy accessories that anyone will be able to put to good use.

To elaborate on that, with the purchase, you get a nail buffer and an average file for creating a perfect nail shape, multiple tools for taking care of the cuticles, nail separators that can be used both for hands and for feet, as well as cotton pad sheets and polish remover clips. With such a set, doing your manicure will be extra comfortable, and you won’t need to pay extra money for purchasing all these tools additionally.

Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that this nail dryer comes with a 1-year warranty, and the manufacturer offers 24/7 online customer support service in case you have any problems with the product. So if you choose this nail dryer, you have nothing to lose.

In conclusion, no matter if you pick this lamp from L.K.E. for salon or home use, it will reliably serve you for long years to come. It is super powerful and will cure gels or polishes quickly and efficiently.

L.K.E. 80 Watt LED Nail Lamp Kit in the use
Last updated price £26.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07PHZ1GHM

 

GVKAR 168W Professional LED

Affordable and Functional

It is not always easy to find a professional LED UV nail lamp that will be affordable while also having all the features you need in a device like this. However, the GVKAR is one such finding. It's a powerful 168W lamp with dual light sources that comes with 42 and 180° multi-dimensional reflective light beads, making it efficient at curing almost all types of nail gel.

Furthermore, this lamp has the capacity to comfortably accommodate your entire hand or foot at the same time, which helps greatly speed up the process, especially if you're doing manicures for other people. It also has four timer settings (10/30/60/99s) and a touch screen for checking the current settings. All the buttons are conveniently spaced on the top of the lamp, plus you have the smart auto-sensing function that automatically kicks in once you place your fingernails or toenails inside.

Surely, the most important thing when choosing a nail lamp is its compatibility with different types of nail gel. In this regard, the GVKAR doesn't disappoint. As we've mentioned earlier, it can be used to cure pretty much any nail gel, including cat eye, shellac, extension gel, hard builder gel, topcoats, primers and many others, which makes it a safe option for both home and professional use in salons.

Review of GVKAR 168W Professional LED UV Nail Lamp

A Perfect Gift for Nail Artists

While cheaper than our best pick, the GVKAR has no less appealing design, featuring a sleek white casing with a black magnetic bottom and a handle for hassle-free carrying. The light emitted from the lamp is a soft violet colour, which adds a fashionable flair to the product. For quick access to the light beads, the top of the lamp can be removed from the base thanks to the magnetic connections. In general, though, beyond cleaning purposes, you won't need to open it that often, as the curing bulbs have a whopping 50,000 hours of lifespan.

All in all, if you are looking for a professional nail dryer at an affordable price, the GVKAR is one of the best choices. It's very powerful and compatible with almost all types of nail gels you can find on the market. In addition to that, it has a very professional design, making it a lovely present for seasoned nail artists and all those looking to try their hand at this beautiful art.

GVKAR 168W Professional LED UV Nail Lamp in the use
Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08RD1BPR2

 

Infographics

Comparison of Nail Dryers

What Is a Nail Dryer?

Looking great every day is not only hard work. It's a real art. At all times people put a lot of stock in their appearance and did their best to look beautiful and well-groomed, performing various manipulations with their bodies: plucking hairs, piercing ears, nose, etc., painting hair and polishing nails, of course. And today, as never before, the beauty industry thrives, offering us plenty of care tools and products to make grooming easier.

In this article, though, we'd like to focus on nail dryers, a must-have for professional manicurists as well as those who do their nails at home. Long gone are the days when painting nails could take ages and often entailed sitting for long periods of time and waiting for the polish to dry completely. With a nail dryer, you'll get your nails dry almost instantly and won't need to worry about the gel smudging or crumpling if you touch it accidentally.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your old nail dryer or you're just at the start of mastering nail art, this review covers the best models to help you choose the right thing.

And if you want additional skincare accessories, you might be interested in checking our selections of the best face brushes and callus removers. We have models for every taste and need.

What Features to Compare

Design

First things first, you should consider the design of a nail dryer. Depending on the model you choose, drying nails will be done either with the help of light or with airflow.

The former is the most popular option. Dryers of this type have LEDs or UV bulbs inside that polymerise polish. They do not heat, dry nails incredibly fast and boast up to 50,000 hours of service life, which will be enough for many years of regular use. What's more, they are also shatterproof, which makes them pretty portable. The only problem with them is that they can't be used with all types of nail polish. If you decide to buy a LED nail dryer, remember to check if nail polish works with LED.

In this regard, UV models, which can work with all gel polish, are a bit more versatile. However, they aren't flawless as well. Compared to LED nail dryers, they need more time to dry, and they also have a shorter lifespan making only 15,000 hours.

There are also nail dryers that come with a built-in air fan. They polymerise nail polish by directing at it the blow of cool air. They are usually rather cheap, and many people buy them for on-the-go use. That said, they cope with the task just as well as the competition and will allow you to keep your hands beautiful and well-groomed at reduced costs.

Functionality

Additional features can make the use of the device much more convenient. Therefore, make sure to see into the specs as well. Modern nail dryers often feature a motion sensor that will automatically turn the lamp on once you put your fingers inside. There are also models with a removable bottom tray - these will not only simplify maintenance of the device providing you with easy access to the LEDs but also ensure you can use the dryer for pedicure as well. Some additional things are always welcomed and many models come including nail files, UV gloves and more. Finally, you can find battery-powered nail dryers, which may come in handy for visiting manicurists and those who often travel.

Capacity and Dimensions

Finally, consider the size of the dryer. It should have the right size to fit all five fingers or toes at once. This is important not only in terms of convenience but also it speeds up the process, reducing the time spent on drying each nail. That said, manicurists who look for a portable model to carry along with them might want to sacrifice capacity for a smaller size. So, ensure that the lamp you're buying has all the right specifications you need for comfortable use or work.

FAQ:

Q: Are UV nail dryers safe to use?
A: Nail dryers emit a minimal amount of UV light, and using these devices is much safer than walking under the sun in summer, for example. If you’re still concerned about the harm of UV rays, you could try wearing anti-UV gloves or, alternatively, choose a LED nail lamp. Please, note that LED nail dryers are compatible with LED-based gel polishes only.

Q: What kind of polish do I cure with a nail dryer?
A: It depends on the type of nail dryer you choose and the purpose of your purchase. LED nail dryers work for LED gel polishes only, while UV lamps can handle both UV and LED coatings. If you do acrylic nails or you prefer to apply regular nail lacquers, we’d recommend you to get a nail dryer with a built-in air fan. Keep in mind, though, that in order to harden acrylic nails, you’ll need the airflow to be warm, while for the lacquers to dry faster, you’ll need to switch it to blow cold.

Q: Which dryer is better – with or without a display?
A: Buying a device with or without a display is just a matter of personal preference. In general, a lot of nail dryers today come with displays to allow users to see the time left and control it more accurately.

Q: Do I need to take a special course to use a nail dryer?
A: You don’t need to have special skills to use a nail dryer. Even if you’ve never done your nails in a nail dryer before, you’ll be able to do it, given its intuitive controls. What you may need to google, though, is how to apply and remove gel polish correctly, so that you didn’t ruin your nails by the wrong nail treatment.

Q: Can I dry gel nail coat without a nail dryer?
A: No. The thing is that gel nail polish is made with the application of either UV or LED technologies and it doesn’t actually dry, it hardens due to the chemical reactions that start only under the influence of a special light source. Only regular nail polish can dry without any additional devices used.

Q: Does gel nail polish harm my nails?
A: A gel coating itself isn’t detrimental to your nails. Moreover, if your natural nails are thin and weak, wearing a gel polish will only harden them and make less prone to breaking and peeling. But it is worth mentioning that a wrong coat removal can cause damage to your nail beds. If you want to keep your nails healthy, make sure you remove gel polish correctly.

Q: How often do I need to recoat my gel polish?
A: When to re-apply gel polish is up to you. Some people can wear it for a whole month, while others may need to change it once every two weeks. It all depends on your normal nail growth.

Sources:

1. Terry Kelly What Are the Different Types of Manicures, LoveToKnow.

2. Laura Gianino Types of Manicures & Pedicures, Synonym.

3. Pusha Preetha 25 Types of Manicures for You to Try, FashionLady. December 24, 2014.

4. Gel nails, Wikipedia. November 21, 2016.

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