Can you cure regular nail polish in a UV/LED lamp for gel polish: a complete guide
Many nail polish enthusiasts prefer regular nail polish for its ease of application and simple removal process, but everyone wants the same thing — faster drying. This naturally raises the question: can you put your hands under a gel nail lamp to speed up drying? Let’s take a detailed look at how the polymerization process actually works and whether it’s worth using a lamp for regular nail polish.
What’s the difference between traditional nail polish and gel polish?
Before considering the possibility of drying regular nail polish under an LED/UV lamp, it’s important to understand the key differences between regular polish and gel polish.
Regular nail polish dries naturally—through exposure to air, as the solvent evaporates. Its formula does not contain components that react to lamp light, so using a UV or LED lamp does not speed up the drying process.
Gel polish, on the other hand, is specifically designed to cure under a lamp. It contains photoinitiators that, when exposed to UV/LED light, instantly transform the polish into a durable, long-lasting coating in just a few seconds.
Therefore, the answer to the question “Can you dry regular nail polish under a lamp?” is a definite no. Regular polish simply does not react to lamp light.
It is worth noting that lamps sometimes heat up slightly, which can slightly accelerate the evaporation of the solvent, but the effect is minimal and almost unnoticeable. Some nail technicians also use the lamp to help keep the client's hands still during drying.
Is it possible to cure regular nail polish with a UV/LED lamp?
It may seem that heat speeds up nail polish drying, but in reality, excessive heating often does more harm than good. Regular nail polish needs room temperature to set evenly. If exposed to overly hot air, the top layer may dry faster while the lower layers remain liquid. As a result, the manicure becomes uneven and loses its neat appearance much sooner.
Using a lamp on regular polish can cause other issues as well. The polish stays sticky for longer because the natural evaporation process is disrupted. Moreover, the light from the lamp can slightly alter the shade of the polish. Using a lamp on products not designed for quick drying is pointless—not only is it a waste of money, but it also risks ruining the result.
Why do some nail technicians use a UV/LED lamp to cure regular nail polish?
Some nail artists use a clever trick: they apply the base and color as in a classic manicure, but finish with a gel top coat. The result? The nails become stronger, and the manicure can still be easily removed at home.
If you want to try this trick yourself, remember the main rule: the polish must be completely dry before applying the top coat. Any remaining moisture can cause bubbles or reduce the manicure’s durability.
First, pay attention to quick-drying nail polishes. They have the familiar formula of regular polish but contain additional solvents, which allow for smooth application even in slightly thicker layers and ensure long-lasting wear on the nails. The main drawback of these products is their shorter shelf life, as they evaporate more quickly in the bottle.
Second, you can opt for gel polish — a product that combines the benefits of regular polish and gel. It applies easily, provides a rich shine comparable to gel coatings, lasts on the nails for up to three weeks, and is removed just as easily as regular polish. The only catch is that it requires a special lamp for curing.
We recommend Global Fashion gel polishes! Our gel polishes are of high quality, free from ingredients that could damage natural nails, and offer a rich palette of shades, textures, and effects to create any stylish look.
Published: 10.12.2025 16:36
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