The Lamp
Online lesson about the lamp
Since we now a new lamp, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain a few things...
about the lamp.
I keep harping on this because it’s a very important part of your work. If not the most important thing. And this is and will remain my pet peeve for as long as necessary.. :)
The reason for this is that there has recently been some controversy again regarding nail technicians’ lamps in general...
...claiming that they aren’t safe...
This gets thrown around every now and then. But if you read further, they say they haven’t fully investigated it yet... (even though so many studies have already been conducted by scientists who specialize in this field)... and of course it’s good that research is being done... That’s not the point.
But throwing something out there when you don’t actually know what you’re talking about, or about something that isn’t fully understood... seems like scaremongering.
A witch hunt. There are doctors warning us that the nail lamp is dangerous, so you think it must be true... But they aren’t scientists either.
So you might have clients who’ve read or heard this and are now scared or becoming scared… and who might no longer feel comfortable during your treatment. It makes sense, if you read the stories or just the headlines, for example. It raises questions… and everyone wants to be safe.
So it’s important to be able to explain this to your client.
Just like with everything else… when used properly, the lamp is safe.
Water is safe too, but not if you drink 5 liters a day... or if you get caught in a whirlpool
Although both UV LED and fluorescent UV lamps emit the same UV light and, in principle, work in the same way, they differ in terms of their position in the light spectrum.
If you can't convince them that it's safe, you could try using cotton gloves without fingertips or a good sunscreen.
But this is just for peace of mind... because the lamp uses UVA light, not UVB (which is the light that causes your skin to "burn" if you stay in the sun too long).
What do we mean by "proper use"?
- using the right lamp. And that’s the lamp designed specifically for your products!
Because then you know you’re curing thoroughly. Manufacturers and suppliers spend years testing lamps so that we can work safely. They employ scientists or consult with scientists who have specialized in this field.
The problem is that you can’t see the curing process. When the gel is 50% cured, it looks hard on the outside, but it isn’t fully cured all the way through. That means there’s uncured gel on the natural nail.
This has serious consequences—it can actually lead to allergies.
Yes, but... people often say, "I don't have any problems. It's never happened to me."
We're not just going to sit around and wait for that to happen, are we?Ithinkwe need to do everything we can to prevent that from happening!
The gel contains photoinitiators that absorb specific wavelengths of light, which provide the energy needed to cure the product. If too many monomers remain uncured, you may develop an allergy.
If you want to be—and are—a professional nail technician, you follow the product guidelines exactly as they are. You wouldn’t experiment with the health of your clients or your own, would you? ..
So that means that if you use 10 different brands in your salon, you’ll need 10 different lamps.
And we’re not going to mix and match products either.. If you use Brand Y, you stick with everything from Brand Y, and if you work with Brand X, you only use products from Brand X. Simple. Period.
We’re not scientists, so let’s not try to play that role...
by thinking we know better. To each their own profession.
I understand that a lamp is a significant investment, but your clients trust you to know what you’re doing as a professional. So show them that you are the professional they see you as and that you’re worthy of their trust.
The lamp is the best investment you’ll make for your entire salon.
Don’t forget to replace it on time... in a busy salon, that means after 2 years.
It’s just like a computer or your cell phone… it gradually deteriorates…
Tip: set up a “bulb fund” and put a small amount from each client into it so that you can simply replace your bulb after 2 years.
I also understand that you might have your doubts about this... because, if you’re skeptical—and you have every right to be—I could just be saying all this to make a sale. So don’t just take my word for it. Do your own research. Dive into the subject.
That’s what I did, too.
Because I used to think the same thing... a lamp is just a lamp.
And I wouldn’t be a good trainer if I didn’t share the knowledge I have now with you…
We currently have 3 different lamps:
- the Ultra Unit : this allows you to cure allBio Sculpture Gels.
- the 'standard' LED lamp: this cannot cure Conditioning Gel
- the Ultra Lite: our mini lamp with a USB connection, for on the go or when there’s no outlet nearby. Does not cure Conditioning Gel.
Finally, I’d like to direct you to this article to learn more about this topic
so you can properly inform your clients. It was written by Doug Schoon, an independent researcher from the U.S. who has studied hair and nail products in depth ..
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
Best regards,
Lenette
Psst... Have you watched the video yet?
This is an online lesson about the lamp