With new safety standards taking over the nail industry, HEMA- and TPO-free products are gradually replacing traditional formulas. This shift is a natural response to rising allergy cases and updated EU regulations coming into effect in 2025. But it’s not just about compliance — these changes deeply affect how techs work and what tools they need.
Why HEMA- and TPO-free gels are a challenge for lamps
HEMA is a monomer responsible for adhesion between the material and the natural nail. Thanks to its small molecular structure, it penetrates the nail plate deeply and cures well under most lamps. However, this very quality also makes it a strong allergen.
TPO is a photoinitiator that activates polymerization under UV light — but it’s also considered a potential allergen. That’s why both components are being banned across EU countries starting in 2025.
Brands have started updating their formulas, but HEMA- and TPO-free materials have different chemical behavior. They react less effectively to the usual light spectrum, cure more slowly, and require a more precise match between the gel’s composition and the lamp’s output. Standard lamps that worked perfectly with traditional gels may fail to provide full polymerization. This is not a flaw in the technician’s process or in the material — it simply signals that the lamp is no longer suited to the new reality.
Common polymerization problems with new gels — and how they affect service quality
HEMA- and TPO-free materials polymerize differently than what most techs are used to. They are less sensitive to standard light wavelengths and need exact synchronization between the photoreactive ingredients and the spectrum emitted by the lamp. This leads to technically “invisible” problems: the surface of the gel may appear cured, but the product underneath remains soft and undercured.
As a result, the coating becomes unstable. It reacts to moisture, swells, or begins lifting just 2–3 days after application. Even if the technician follows all application steps correctly, the issue repeats — not because of application mistakes, but because the equipment isn’t adapted to the new formula.
In practice, this means wasted time on corrections, increased repeat visits, and a drop in client trust. These situations don’t just reduce efficiency — they also impact the technician’s own confidence in their skills.
A tool that supports the new safety standard
To work with new-generation materials, a basic LED lamp with a standard spectrum isn’t enough. ÜLKA LÜMOS is a stable and reliable solution for full polymerization of all materials that are free from HEMA and TPO. By combining LED and UV technology, the lamp provides a wide light spectrum — 365 nm + 405 nm — which is essential for consistent results with modern formulas that have different chemical profiles. Its 30 evenly distributed diodes eliminate dead zones and ensure complete curing on every part of the nail.
The lamp’s low-profile dome and white diffused base offer efficient light dispersion and precise polymerization, even with more complex materials. Its power is calibrated to guarantee strong curing without overheating, ensuring both client safety and technician comfort. ÜLKA LÜMOS is available in two versions — with or without a built-in battery — allowing each technician to choose the model that best fits their work style. For mobile specialists, the cordless version offers convenience and portability, while salon-based pros may prefer the classic corded version.
Additionally, the lamp features touch activation, a removable bottom for pedicures, and built-in USB ports for charging other devices — making it a truly versatile tool for everyday work. The soft pink light not only adds a pleasant aesthetic touch, but also reduces eye strain.
In a time when change is becoming the new normal, ÜLKA LÜMOS helps nail professionals stay steady and confident.