Here's a breakdown:
* Traditional Acrylic (Powder and Liquid): This type of acrylic air-dries and does not require a UV or LED light. It hardens through a chemical reaction when the powder and liquid monomer are mixed.
* Gel Polish on Acrylic: If you apply gel polish or a gel top coat over your acrylic nails, then you will need a UV or LED light to cure the gel. Gel polish and top coats contain photoinitiators that react to UV/LED light to harden.
In Summary:
* No UV/LED Light Needed: Traditional acrylic nails made with powder and liquid monomer.
* UV/LED Light Needed: Gel polish or gel top coats applied over any type of acrylic nails.
Important Note: Make sure to use a UV or LED light that's specifically designed for curing nail products. Using other UV lights (like tanning beds) is not recommended and can be harmful.