However, one of the biggest challenges associated with gel nail polish is curing it correctly. To ensure a perfect cure and an evenly smooth finish, many nail technicians rely on UV lamps to quickly set the polish in place. UV lamps emit ultraviolet (UV) light that penetrates the layers of gel nail polish to activate its chemical properties. Like gel nail polish, it does not contain ingredients that react to the wavelength of the light. LED and UV lights can cure gel nail polish only due to the photoinitiators they contain. Regular nail polish does not have such ingredients. If you use any amount of UV or LED lamp light to evaporate regular nail polish, it will not work. In general, expect gel polish to cost about $10 to $15 more than your regular manicure, depending on where you live. The cost of a gel manicure varies widely between cities, states, and nail techs. In major cities like LA and New York City, a gel manicure can cost anywhere from $30 to $50+. Keep in mind that you'll also have to pay for gel There are 2 types of gel nail polish. Proper and normal. Proper or true gel polish needs a UV or an LED lamp to cure. Normal gel nail polish is basically just regular nail polish plus fancy marketing. If you want to cure your soak-off gel nail polish without UV light, an LED lamp is the only way that works well. Essie Sheer Enamel Nail Polish. $10 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Ulta Beauty. Credit: Essie. Pros. Hundreds of colors. High shine. Easy to apply and remove. Cons. May take a few coats for best Regular nail polish does not have the components that react to the LED light so the light would be ineffective on your polish. However, you can use other methods to try and speed your drying process or even opt for a nail polish that includes gel properties but reduces the amount of work it takes to remove them like shellac nails. This guide will help you determine the type of nail lamp you need! A nail lamp that costs $40 versus one that is over $100 will not only give you faster results, it will also be of higher quality. Nail lamps aren't just light bulbs in a plastic package, they are specific to your needs, such as; time, reliability and ease of use. I am currently BILKyU.