Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Matching UV/LED Lamp to the Gel System.
Do I need to use the same brand of lamp as my gel system?
The real question is whether the nanometre (nm) wavelength output of your existing lamp matches the photoinitiators in the gel formula to ensure proper curing.
Some gel systems use only one type of photoinitiator, which may not be efficient at curing. Others contain multiple photoinitiators, which polymerise at different rates.
Which Other Brand of Lamp is Compatible with Gellifique Products?
We cannot officially recommend another brand’s lamp, as we cannot take responsibility for the quality and performance of their products. However, if a professional-grade UV/LED lamp emits light within the 365–405 nm range, it should be able to properly cure our professional gel products.
That said, not all gel nail systems are designed the same way. To explain this, let’s look at a well-known brand, Bio Sculpture, and their lamp and gel system.
Bio Sculpture’s gel formula contains photoinitiators—ingredients that help the gel harden when exposed to UV/LED light. Their specific blend of photoinitiators can be activated within a 365–420 nm range, which is broader than the standard 365–405 nm used by most brands.
However, the Bio Sculpture lamp only emits 400–405 nm, which is a narrower range compared to typical professional lamps. Because of this, it may not be able to fully activate the photoinitiators in other brands’ gel products, especially those that need 365–380 nm light to cure properly.
For example, if you use our lamp (which emits 370–410 nm) with Bio Sculpture’s gels, it may not cure them as effectively, since their products are specifically designed to work with their own 400–405 nm lamp.
Likewise, if you use a Bio Sculpture lamp with our gels, it may not fully activate all of our photoinitiators, particularly those that require 370–399 nm light to cure properly. This could result in incomplete curing.
Is it true that a gel system needs to be cured to 100% to be considered safe?
Not necessarily. Most gel systems are considered fully cured at 80–90%, meaning that any remaining photoinitiators are no longer in a reactive state and will not cause skin irritation when used correctly.
However, if a gel is only 50–70% cured, residual uncured ingredients (such as monomers and photoinitiators) can remain active on the nail or skin, potentially leading to allergic reactions over time.
How to Minimise This Risk:
✔ Use a high-quality, properly functioning lamp that emits the correct UV/LED wavelengths.
✔ Ensure proper exposure time for each layer.
✔ Do not overbuild layers, as excessive thickness may prevent full curing.
Do all professional brands confirm their lamps cure their gels?
Most reputable brands confirm their lamp/gel compatibility through internal or third party testing. However, companies do not disclose full test results or follow standardized industry testing methods as these do not yet exist.
We ensure that our formulas contain multiple photoinitiators that respond to a range of wavelengths, increasing the likelihood of proper curing. Please always follow our application guidelines in order to avoid product misuse.
What is the difference between the Pro Cure Lamp and Optima Cure?
Any equipment we retail to our professional customers is designed for professional use, offered at an affordable cost, but must be maintained and replaced as per recommendations.
Pro Cure Lamp is our older model which has now been replaced with Optima Cure.
Pro Cure Lamp:
- 365–405 nm wavelength.
- Single mirrored surface.
- Smaller size with a less efficient heat dissipation system.
- Plastic LEDs, which degrade faster than ceramic LEDs.
- Recommended replacement: Every 3–6 months.
Optima Cure Lamp:
- 370–410 nm wavelength.
- Completely mirrored surface for enhanced reflection.
- Larger size with improved heat dissipation.
- Ceramic LEDs with a lifespan of 6–8 months.
- Recommended replacement: Every 6+ months for optimal performance.
Why Change 365 nm to 370 nm?
The shift from 365 nm to 370 nm was made to enhance curing efficiency and client comfort.
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365 nm is a high-energy, short-wavelength UV that triggers rapid polymerisation, making it highly effective but also more intense. This can sometimes result in heat spikes during the curing process.
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370 nm has slightly lower energy, allowing for a more controlled, gradual curing process. While this may require a slightly longer curing time, it helps ensure even polymerisation and reduces the risk of over-curing or uneven curing in thicker gel applications.
✔ Outcome:
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Less heat buildup = A more comfortable curing experience, especially for high-viscosity builder gels.
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More controlled polymerization, reducing the chances of overheating and discomfort during the curing process.
Do lamps from mass marketplaces like Amazon pose a risk?
Yes. Many low-cost UV/LED lamps do not emit the wavelengths stated on their packaging. Some have weak LEDs that degrade quickly, leading to inconsistent curing and premature failing.