---
description: Lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation have become a standard at nail salons, causing patrons to wonder about skin cancer risks.
title: "Ask the Expert: Are the UV Lamps in the Dryers at the Nail Salon Safe to Use? - The Skin Cancer Foundation"
image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/uv-nail-dryer.jpg
---

![Sun \& Skin News]()

# Ask the Expert: Are the UV Lamps in the Dryers at the Nail Salon Safe to Use?

By Skin Cancer Foundation •  Published On: January 23, 2023 •  Last Updated: January 24, 2023

![nails drying uv light](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/uv-nail-dryer.jpg)

Lamps that emit [ultraviolet (UV) radiation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/) have become a standard at many nail salons, causing patrons to wonder about [ skin cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) risks while getting a manicure. These lamps are typically used to speed-dry regular manicures, and they are required to set gel manicures. Some nail lamps are called “UV” lamps, and some are called LED lamps, but *both* emit UV radiation. They predominantly produce [ UVA rays](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/#uva), which have been linked to both premature skin aging and skin cancer. **However, even the most intense of these devices presents only a moderate UV risk — a far lower risk than that presented by [UV tanning devices](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/indoor-tanning-101-do-you-know-the-risks/).**

**What you can do:** To play it safe with gel manicures, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) [sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/) to hands 20 minutes before your hands are exposed to UV light. However, even this precaution does **not protect against subungual (under the nail) [squamous cell carcinoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/), a rare but potentially aggressive form of skin cancer.** If getting a regular manicure, the safest bet is to allow nails to air-dry naturally, avoiding the drying lamps altogether or use an air blower or fan without UV lights.

---

##### About the expert:

![Dr Hale]()**Elizabeth K. Hale, MD,*** is a board-certified dermatologist, cofounder of CompleteSkinMD and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. She specializes in Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery and teaches advanced dermatologic surgery to NYU dermatology residents.*

 

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