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Velvora

How to Use an LED Nail Lamp for Gel Strips

To cure gel nail strips, slide your four fingers flat into a UV or LED nail lamp for 60 seconds, then cure your thumb on its own for another 60 seconds. Very dark or glittery shades may need an extra 15 to 30 seconds.

Our lamp is the mini UV/LED lamp. It costs £11, charges by USB-C and comes in blue or pink.

Setting up

  • Place the lamp on a flat, steady surface and make sure it is charged.
  • Apply and file your strips first, then cure. Wipe off any filing dust before the hand goes in.
  • Slide your fingers fully inside and keep your hand flat. Don't tilt or hover.

How long to cure gel nail strips

  1. Four fingers in the lamp for 60 seconds.
  2. Thumb on its own for 60 seconds.
  3. Repeat with the other hand.
  4. For very dark or glittery shades, add 15 to 30 seconds.

Once cured, the strip should feel hard and smooth. If it still feels soft, give it a little longer.

Why cure thumbs separately?

In most lamps your thumb sits at an angle, facing away from the light. Curing it on its own, laid flat, means the whole strip gets proper exposure and the sides don't stay soft.

Feeling a warm spot?

A brief warm feeling while curing can happen as the gel hardens. If it bothers you, slide your hand out for a second and put it back in. For more on lamps and skin, read are UV nail lamps safe?

Looking after your lamp

  • Wipe the inside with a dry or lightly dampened cloth after use. Never put it in water.
  • Avoid looking directly at the lights while it is on.
  • Store it somewhere dry and keep it out of reach of children.

Common questions

Do gel nail strips need a UV lamp?

Yes. Gel strips are semi-cured, so they need 60 seconds under a UV or LED lamp to finish hardening. Polish strips need no lamp. More in do gel nail strips need a UV lamp?

How much is the Velvora lamp?

The mini UV/LED lamp is £11. It charges by USB-C and comes in blue or pink. It is also in every starter kit, with two sets of your choice and a cuticle oil pen.

Can I use a lamp I already own?

Gel strips cure under UV or LED light, so a nail lamp you already have should work. Check the strips feel hard after 60 seconds and give them a little longer if not.

How do I know a strip is fully cured?

It feels hard and smooth rather than soft or bendy. If it is still soft, especially at the sides of a thumb, cure it again for 15 to 30 seconds.

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