In this article we will talk about gradient manicure. You will learn about its types, and also get acquainted with step-by-step instructions for recreating such a manicure at home.
Did you know that at home you can not only do a manicure consisting of one tone, but also recreate beautiful smooth transitions of shades? The so-called gradient manicure or ombre appeared relatively recently, but has gained wild popularity. What gives it a special charm is that, as it turns out, even children can learn the ombre technique. And the result is simply amazing - see for yourself.
Gradient manicure at home step by step
- First of all, you should stock up on all the necessary materials and tools in advance. You will need everything you can use to remove the cuticle - tweezers, an orange stick, scissors. Also prepare a base for manicure, varnishes, topcoat, sponge or cosmetic sponge, nail polish remover, corrector pencil or cotton swabs, a piece of polyethylene, foil or cardboard, a little water in a container
IMPORTANT: Be sure to purchase a polish of some light pastel shade or deep white - against the background of this coating, the gradient manicure will turn out clear and bright.
- Now you can begin the nail preparation procedure. Carefully shape them, adjust the length to your liking. A gradient design looks more impressive on long nails, but even short ones can be transformed, especially since this type of coloring visually lengthens the nails. In any case, they should be given a neat shape. Make sure there are no hangnails, trim the cuticle
treatment - It's time to degrease your nails and use a base coat. Do not neglect this stage - this will allow the polish to last much longer and, most importantly, the nails will be protected from the appearance of a yellowish tint
- Now apply the same colored polish that we talked about above - some pastel or white color - over the entire length of the nail plate. Make a start from the fact that this shade should be included in the intended palette. Take your time - let this coating dry thoroughly
- At this stage, you can already use a sponge or sponge. Dip it in water and wring it out until the moisture is barely felt, otherwise the sponge will only absorb the varnish.
sponge - Now make a line on the sponge with each polish. In this case, the lines should be adjacent to each other, having a neat common border. However, there may be a larger number of lines - for example, three. It all depends on how many tones you plan to get in the end
IMPORTANT: Perform all actions as quickly as possible, because the varnish dries quite quickly on its own, and some of it will be absorbed into the sponge. Therefore, you can apply several layers to each line.
drawing lines on a sponge - It's time to print your nails one by one. And to do this, you can choose different methods: either apply the sponge to the base of the nail, stretching it to the tip, or make blotting movements over the entire surface. Keep in mind that frequent blotting will add brightness to the manicure.
- Usually, after treating one nail, you need to reapply varnish to the sponge. However, if you do everything quickly, you can have time to print several nails without re-painting the sponge. It is recommended that before applying nail polish, you still print it on a piece of cardboard in order to make sure that everything is satisfactory.
IMPORTANT: If you want to visually make your nails longer, make a transition from light to dark shades, with the darkest one being located at the tip.
- As you noticed, such blotting movements leave marks around the nail. You still can’t do it without them, so don’t worry, but rather carefully get rid of them. For this you will need a special corrective cosmetic pencil or a cotton swab, previously soaked in nail polish remover.
- However, you can avoid unwanted contamination - to do this, before starting a manicure, simply seal the skin around the nail with stationery tape or treat it with some greasy cream. All this will allow you to create a protective film, which will bear the entire “impact”. However, there is a possibility that the area on the nail itself will be glued or covered up, so do everything carefully
- The final stage is the application of finishing varnish. This action will lead to the fact that the manicure will be given shine, evenness, and the boundaries of the shades will be smoothed out - they will become smoother and softer
How to make a gradient on nails with polish?
Choosing the right shades is not as simple a task as it might initially seem. They can be either the same color or contrasting. But if you still want a similar palette and have difficulty choosing, there is the opportunity to purchase a special set of varnishes containing up to 7 shades. Be that as it may, you need to have a pastel-colored polish or a rich white – they are excellent as a base.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the varnishes have the same texture.
- Varnishes do not necessarily need to be applied to a sponge. As an alternative, you can smear them on the lid or plastic film. In this case, the strokes should be adjacent to each other, and the joints can be smeared with a toothpick or some kind of sponge. After this, you can transfer everything to the nail plate.
- There is one secret to applying varnish: for example, if the coloring involves a transition of colors from light at the base to dark at the tip, you need to make this dark color the base color. If, on the contrary, from dark to light, then light is initially applied to the entire plate. By the way, in this case, you can apply a non-base shade to a sponge and simply stamp it on the tip of the nail
- The varnish can be evenly distributed over the plate thanks to the finishing coating. By the way, thanks to it, the boundaries of the shades become more blurred, and the surface of the nail itself is evened out.
- The latter is especially true if the varnish was applied using a sponge and pores from it are visible on the surface. Color stripes can be placed both horizontally and vertically - it all depends on the idea.
- There is a little trick: so, if you want to get as many shades as possible, try mixing different colors of varnish on some surface. White and black are especially suitable for this - they allow you to successfully recreate dark and light shades
vertical stripes IMPORTANT: In order to create shades that are as close as possible in the palette, you should work hard, adding the same number of drops of varnish each time you mix. For example, try to increase the number of drops by two over and over again - this will help you achieve a smooth color change. If you like this method, apply the second layer immediately after the first has dried, and only then start experimenting with mixing again.
How to make a gradient on nails with gel polish?
The sequence of coating nails with gel polish is almost the same as in the case of regular polish, however, you need to stock up on an ultraviolet lamp with a power of 36 Watts for drying. In addition, in order to remove the sticky layer, you need napkins that do not contain lint. Once the necessary tools have been purchased, you can start manicure:
- First, carefully treat the surface of the nail. This can be done with a special file, the abrasiveness of which is 80-100 grit.
- Now you should degrease your nails with Bondex
- After this, you should use an ultraviolet lamp to dry it.
- The nails are covered with a gel base and dried again using a lamp.
- Using a degreasing agent, you need to remove the sticky layer.
- To improve adhesion, it is recommended to file the nail
- One color should be applied to half the nail plate.
- Now apply a different color to the second half
- Carefully paint the border with the first color so that it is smooth. It is recommended to do this with a small brush
- Use the lamp again
- Remove the sticky layer with a degreaser. This should be done with gentle blotting movements using a cotton pad.
- The final step is to apply the top coat.
IMPORTANT: Drying with an ultraviolet lamp should not exceed two minutes.
The undoubted advantages of gel polish include the fact that it dries very quickly and lasts for about three weeks. At the same time, it does not break off in small pieces as is the case with ordinary varnish, and does not even lose its shine. There is also no need to worry about allergic reactions. True, it is not recommended for weakened nails; removing it requires longer soaking.
Gradient gel polish brush
It is advisable to choose a flat brush with a semicircular or straight tip, made of synthetic materials. The brush you will use to apply the base will also work. So, the principle of operation of such a brush is as follows:
- Paint half of the nail plate with one tone, then the other half with another. Try to make the layers as thin as possible - they will be easier to shade
- Now take a flat brush and moisten it in the cleaner so that it is barely wet. While it is still wet, swipe several times from the cuticle to the tip. In this case, the brush should be as horizontal as possible to the surface of the nail - this will allow you to achieve smoothness when smoothing out the lines. After this procedure, you can dry the nail
- Now it's time for the second layer for each shade. Again, use a slightly damp brush to soften the lines.
IMPORTANT: Between stages of brushing your nail, wipe it with a napkin. Also soak a napkin in the clinser.
If working with a flat brush seems difficult for you, but the brush application technique itself is attractive, you can try starting with a fan brush. The transitions, however, are not so smooth, but this method is quite easy:
- First, apply a base coat of your lightest shade. Dry it with a lamp
- Since the shading will not be very smooth, it is advisable to create a third transition shade yourself. You can make it on a piece of foil and apply it to the middle of the nail plate between the two main shades
- Moisten the brush in the clinser, then mark with it until you get the expected effect
- Dry the nail
- Repeat the procedure, creating a second layer of coating
Gradient gel polish with sponge
- A sponge is the most effective tool for creating a gradient manicure, since the transitions are so smooth that a brush cannot do it even with all your efforts. Above we described the technique of applying a coloring layer to nails.
- It is worth adding that prints should be made carefully. As for their number on one nail, it all depends on what intensity of coloring suits you - the brighter and more saturated you want to get a manicure, the more prints it costs to make
- Apply the fixing composition immediately after painting the nail plate - this way you can avoid transferring the porous structure of the sponge to the nail. The disadvantage of this method is that before treating each nail you will have to reapply the varnish to the sponge each time, since a certain part of it will quickly be absorbed. However, the result is worth it
Gradient shellac manicure
A mixture of gel and varnish - shellac - is gaining increasing popularity. If you are a fan of this coating, you can try doing a gradient manicure with it. For this, as in the case of gel polish, you will need lint-free wipes and an ultraviolet lamp. The sequence is as follows:
- Degrease the nail plate and dry it
- You can apply shellac with a sponge - as we wrote above, this is the most optimal way to achieve smooth transitions. Only in this case, it is recommended to first apply one shade near the cuticle or on the tip of the nail
- Dry with a lamp
- Now you can apply the second shade to the free part of the nail. At the same time, lightly touch the part that was already painted for the first time, thus going beyond the border
- Use the lamp again
- Now you can use a fixative that will even out the coating and add shine.
- Dry your nails again and remove the sticky layer with a degreaser.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to treat the nail with a buff - in this case, the shellac will adhere well.
A shellac manicure compares favorably with a regular manicure in that it is much brighter, more neat and lasts longer. However, in the latter case, this is not entirely convenient, if you are tired of the manicure and want to try something new - such a coating is much more difficult to remove.
Nail design gradient gel polish
- As for design, it all depends on your imagination. Improvisation is welcome here. Even stripes can have different directions - not only horizontally, but also diagonally and vertically
- The colors can be either the same palette or contrasting - the only important thing is to create a smooth transition. You can also create transitions not within one nail, but paint each nail a slightly darker or lighter shade than the previous one.
- Lovers of rhinestones, stickers, and patterns will also have plenty to roam around - all these elements will fit perfectly into the design. Instead of a glossy fixer, you can try using a matte one - maybe it turns out to be something you like
Varnish gradient
So, what should the varnish be like so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your nails? After all, a gradient manicure will certainly captivate you so much that you will want to constantly experiment. First of all, it must contain a large percentage of cellulose, since it is a natural product. You don’t have to look far for an example: cellulose is found in many plants, and 90% of cotton consists of it.
It helps strengthen your nails, and you don’t have to worry about their strength. And for nutrition and hydration, the content of camphor oil is necessary. Betonite is saturated with sea minerals, which whitens nails and helps to moisturize them. Brightness, shine and polishing effect are provided by silk amino acids. And, of course, you cannot do without vitamins, especially vitamin E, which helps strengthen, maintain health and beauty.
IMPORTANT: What should not be in the varnish is toluene formaldehyde, which has a destructive effect on the nail plate. In other words, it is a carcinogenic substance that it is better not to mess with.
Correctly selected varnish is the key to a good manicure There is a little trick to preserve the varnish longer - you should shake it, roll it between your fingers - then, due to the appearance of air bubbles inside, its service life will be longer. Store the bottles in a warm place, but under no circumstances in the light.
For a perfect manicure, be sure to use a manicure base and a quick-drying product along with the polish itself.
Use a base and dryer As you can see, any fashionista can master a gradient manicure. The effect is no worse than the salon one. A little skill, accuracy and patience - and now your unique manicure is ready! Please yourself and others, but do not forget about purchasing a quality product.
Video: Gradient ombre manicure
Video: Festive gradient manicure
Involves a smooth transition from light to dark shades.
It appeared in the fashion world several years ago and continues to hold its position, which is great, everyone loves the gradient on their nails and clothes.
Many fashionistas prefer this style because it allows you to combine as many colors as you like.
A gradient on nails with gel polish is a smooth transition from one color to another. You can imagine what nails with such a pattern look like: the colors penetrate each other, the boundary between them is blurred, a spectrum of shades is formed in the interval between the primary colors, as can be seen in the photo.
Ombre in French means shadow, but in the fashion world there are several synonyms for it: dégradé, balayage, etc. The word gradient is of Latin origin and is used specifically in relation to nail care.
There are several types of gradient, don’t worry, variety will allow you to be different from others and surprise others:
- Most often used classic, vertical manicure. The color transition occurs from top to bottom, it looks great on any hands.
- Horizontal manicure changes color from left to right, medium-length nails look especially attractive with this manicure.
- Beautiful manicure It happens when nails are painted with different varnishes, but the shades change from one finger to another; this manicure is suitable for short nails.
- French gradient manicure It looks like this: white varnish is applied to the edge of the nail, which turns transparent towards the back of the nail. Only graceful women with thin, long nails will suit this manicure.
How to make a gradient on nails with gel polish: basic methods
Many manicurists know how to create a gradient on nails with gel polish and are able to apply a beautiful and long-lasting manicure to your fingers, but you can try your hand at this yourself. In this case, you will need some knowledge about manicure techniques and basic equipment.
There are several ways to apply varnish with a gradient effect:
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We take a sponge, select two colors, cover part of the surface of the sponge with them without a gap, then the sponge should be lightly pressed onto the nail several times, so that the color transition is smooth. If everything goes wrong the first time, we recommend practicing on paper. When the desired effect is achieved, remove excess varnish and apply a transparent layer on top. |
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We take the thinnest brush (zero), select 2 or 3 varnishes, the colors must, of course, be combined, apply them to the nail and begin to slowly rub them with horizontal movements until the desired effect appears; for durability, a transparent top should be applied on top of the gradient. |
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Let's take a large sponge and a piece of aluminum foil, apply several strips of varnish of different colors without gaps on a piece of foil, use the sponge as a stamp, dip it in the varnish and transfer it to the nail. In this case, you can make both vertical and horizontal gradients. |
Before making a gradient on your nails with gel polish, lubricate your hands with a rich cream, this will make it much easier to remove droplets of varnish that accidentally get on the skin.
You can also prevent polish from getting on your skin by making a stencil of adhesive tape around your nail.
Gradient manicure with gel polish: step-by-step instructions for creating
For a gradient manicure, it is not necessary to choose shades of the same color palette; for example, any combination of colors is possible: from blue-yellow to green-black, and to add zest to an evening look, you should use varnishes with glitter.
The smooth interweaving of rainbow colors will look extremely expressive; blanks of various combinations will greatly facilitate the choice before the manicure procedure itself.
The length of the nails is one of the deciding factors when choosing the number of colors and stripes. For example, long nails are more convenient to use; they can accommodate more stripes than short nails. Combining two colors will give a short length elegance and neatness, because more colors will simply ruin the whole picture.
In manicure, you can use a gradient in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Gel polish is no less popular in the nail industry, and combining this trend with a gradient is the height of nail art. You can do a gradient manicure with gel polish at home. First, you should prepare the necessary supplies and materials for coating your nails with gel polish.
You will need: a dehydrator, a base, a primer, a topcoat, a UV lamp, gel polishes in two colors, a brush, and a set for painting nails.
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A manicure using a gradient will take more time and effort than a regular manicure, but in return you will get a more durable and elegant nail design.
Nail design "Gradient" with gel polish using glitter
Previously, a manicure made with various sparkles was appropriate only on the occasion of a holiday or a magnificent celebration, however, the world is changing, and “Gradient” nail design with glitter gel polish has found its niche in everyday life. Masters use both unpretentious shades and very bright ones; in addition, they use various shapes and sizes.
Many stores offer a selection of solid, crossed colors, and you can also purchase glitter with holographic patterns. Glitter can be either crumbly or included in the varnish itself. Many are sure that working with glitter is much easier, and the result looks more colorful and festive.
For stretching you need glitter of two different colors:
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Step 1 |
It is called ombre, degrade, gradient design. It lengthens the nail plates and looks bright and elegant. You can perform a gradient manicure manually or with an airbrush device. Materials – varnishes, paints, gels, acrylic powder. A modern master may have several methods and techniques in his arsenal.
We will look at what is needed to create a gradient on nails, the most popular techniques in step-by-step instructions, and also share bright and inspiring ideas. Let's get started!
What is a gradient in manicure, features in preparing the design and choosing colors
Ombre or gradient is a manicure built on smooth horizontal, vertical, diagonal transitions of several shades of varnish or paint on the nail plate.
Rubbing: what it is, how to use it and all application methods with step-by-step instructions
The most popular option is a combination of two or three colors. The darkest or densest color always “works” in a set. It will be required the least, and it is it that affects the saturation and coloring of other colors.
So, when creating a manicure, a gradient of red and pink colors - darker red must be introduced with a brush into pink, smoothly painting over the intermediate zone and creating a third, coral color at the junction.
The most complex combination of shades is the black-red gradient. Masters say that once you master the black-red ombre, all other combinations will seem easy to perform. This is due to the fact that black is the dirtiest color in the palette. Even the smallest uneven strokes or an extra drop of black can ruin the entire transition. Especially if you work with a brush.
Nude manicure ideas
It is better to choose shades for a gradient based on the color wheel. Neighboring colors of the same group go well together, cold with cold, and warm with warm. Contrasting tones look original.
The easiest way for beginners is to work with neon gel polishes when drawing a gradient in a manicure. Neon colors blend perfectly on the blending line, and ombre always results in an almost imperceptible transition.
- For the base, it is recommended to use white varnish. This is more true if you use loose, soft shades for the gradient. White makes light and pastel colors brighter and more expressive.
- The second option is to use the lightest shade of varnish from those selected for the composition for the base. If the colors are well pigmented, you can work without a base coat, applying the shades directly to the varnish base.
Materials needed to make the gradient
Depending on the chosen method of applying the gradient, you may need different materials and tools. We will provide a list of everything you need, and all you have to do is choose what you need for each specific design from the methods listed below.
- Gel polish in 2, 3 shades or shellac
- Acrylic paint when working with an airbrush or sponge (optional)
- Gel paint
- White gel polish or shellac for base/base
- Base, top for gel polish
- Degreaser, dehydrator
- Brush: flat, comb, fan
- Acrylic powder of different shades (for design with gradient powder)
- Pigments (for ombre manicure with pigments)
- Cuticle protector: cream, tape, liquid cuticle tape, cuticle stickers
- Final cuticle oil
On the Internet you can find many instructions and life hacks on how to make a comb brush yourself. You can take any flat brush for watercolor or acrylic paints and trim it with scissors.
In order not to wash off the paint or varnish from the cuticle with all available means, it is better to protect it before starting work. You can carefully apply the nourishing cream, but if it gets into the gel polish when working with a sponge, the polish will swell with bubbles.
Manicure brushes - types, purpose, how to choose and care
At home, regular tape or PVA glue for cuticles is often used. In salons, professionals use Skin Defender - this is a liquid product that resembles the action of PVA glue. We apply it to the cuticle, it hardens, forming a thin elastic film. After applying the gradient, simply remove the film and the skin remains clean.
6 Gradient Ways with Step-by-Step Instructions
The popularity of this technique forces manicure masters and fans to come up with more and more new ways of applying it. They are easy to perform and suitable at different stages of mastering ombre. The easiest one is to work with a sponge. Professional level – working with a brush and airbrush.
The real breakthrough was the advent of the airbrush tool. It saves craftsmen time, materials, and allows them to achieve perfect, gentle transitions.
So, 6 ways to do it:
- Sponge
- Flat or comb brush
- Fan brush
- Pigment
- Acrylic powder
- Airbrush
Let's look at each method step by step. In the instructions we do not use regular varnish, only gel polishes, paints and other materials from the list above. Working with regular varnish will require a lot of time to dry the layers of base, varnish and top to fix the ombre.
First, you need to prepare your nails, do a trimmed or untrimmed manicure, buff the surface, degrease, remove dust and protect the cuticle.
Gradient with a sponge: how to make gel polish
A popular, simple and proven way to create a gradient. You can work either with a special sponge for ombre or use a regular kitchen sponge with small pores. An alternative is a car wash sponge. Usually these are finely porous large sponges; this supply will last for a long time.
A new sponge can be washed and dried, or taped over the work surface to remove fine dust and particles. They will definitely get stuck in the varnish layer and may cause bubbles.
Second method with a sponge:
- Cover your nails with a white base or base coat.
- Paint the nail with stripes of the varnish chosen for the gradient.
- Use a sponge to mix the layers on the nail using patting movements, without pulling.
- Repeat in 2 or three layers. It is recommended to take a few minutes break between them so that the varnish “settles down”. Remove the excess with a brush and wait for the bubbles to settle.
- Only then dry it in a lamp.
- Cover with topcoat, dry, remove the sticky layer.
- We process the cuticle.
Gradient flat or comb brush with gel polish
- Cover the nails with a base layer of gel polish. It can be a white or pink shade, as it is lighter in the chosen combination of pink and blue.
- On the base layer we apply the shades selected for the gradient - pink in the upper part and blue in the lower part. Varnishes can be applied at the joint or left a small gap if they are dark, contrasting tones, so as not to smear the brush.
- Wet the brush in a cleanser to achieve the effect of light moisture. Then it is convenient to wipe it on a cotton pad, also soaked in cleanser. Some craftsmen use wet baby wipes for their work. The brush is initially blotted with a napkin, and then all remaining varnish is also removed from the brush with a damp napkin while working.
- Holding the brush almost parallel to the nail, we begin to “pull” the pink color down from the cuticle with light touches, moving from side to side. It is important to immediately outline to what area you will “pull” the top color, and more intensively remove the color from the brush in the final transition zone.
- We do a light ombre in two or three layers. We dry each one in a lamp.
- We start the new layer by applying shades along the old transition lines, then tighten it again with a brush.
- It is important to constantly remove excess varnish from the brush. In the area of the free edge, the layer should be thin and neat.
- We seal the resulting layers with an ombre top coat and dry them in a lamp.
- Remove the sticky layer, remove the protection from the cuticle and treat it with oil.
We do not get such an even and smooth transition as other methods, but the technique allows you to work quickly and get good results even for beginners.
- Apply the base pink color in two layers.
- Mix pink and red 1:1 on foil, and apply the resulting color to the transition zone on the nail with a brush.
- Apply red color to the tip of the nail.
- Wet the fan brush by pressing it against a napkin soaked in clinser.
- We place the brush perpendicular to the nail and “sweep” the layers of varnish from left to right again and again until we get the desired intensity of the transition.
- Dry it in a lamp.
- We repeat everything with the second layer, dry it in a lamp.
- We fix the result with a top coat and process the cuticle.
For the base, use white gel polish or just a base. If pigments are used to create the entire gradient in two shades, and not half of the nail, then a silver layer of varnish or just a base will be enough. The sticky layer does not come off.
- We cover the nail with two layers of colored blue or turquoise varnish.
- Using a flat or round brush, select the pigment and place it on the sticky layer using small strokes and lightly patting movements.
- We move from the zone of maximum color intensity to the transition zone, depending on how you arrange the shades.
- We make the layer of pigment thin but dense.
- If you combine two pigments, then start applying it in the same way from the edge to the middle of the nail. In the middle, where two pigments meet, carefully mix them with a brush, drawing one into the other. We get the pigment and put it where the bald spots form.
- We seal the result with topcoat.
- We process the cuticle.
Options for applying a “cat’s eye”, what 3D gel polishes and pigments are available and how to work with them
Degrade with acrylic powder
A simple method suitable for beginners. The fine, free-flowing texture gives a transition effect with a minimum number of strokes.
- We paint our nails with white varnish and dry them in a lamp.
- We cover the nails with top, leaving a dispersion layer.
- Place one shade of powder on a fan brush and sprinkle it onto half of the nail with small movements. We start from the zone of the most intense color location and move towards the transition zone as the amount of powder on the brush decreases. The higher the brush is above the working surface of the nail, the wider, thinner and blurrier the layer is, so closer to the shade mixing area we raise the brush higher.
- Shake off excess powder periodically to ensure even coverage.
- We do the same with the second shade of powder.
- Dry it in a lamp.
- Brush off any remaining powder with a brush.
- Use a soft buff to remove rough bumps to achieve a uniform coating.
- We process the cuticle.
Shellac gradient: how to do it with an airbrush
Until recently, the classic French manicure was popular. But fashion does not stand still, and now a new trend has emerged - gradient manicure. The features of its creation are described in detail below.
One of the latest innovations in the world of manicure is the ombre, or gradient, technique. This interesting design instantly became very popular among girls and women of all ages, because it is almost perfect for any occasion. You can get a gradient manicure in a salon from an experienced nail technician, or you can carry out the entire procedure yourself. But first you need to find out in more detail what this technique is and the features of its implementation.
What is a gradient manicure?
A perfectly done manicure with a touch of creativity can be the best addition to almost any clothing style. If desired, it can be supplemented with various decorations - for example, sparkles, rhinestones, etc.
Gradient manicure is a unique technique of coating the nail plate with varnish, during the use of which a smooth transition of colors is created. A combination of several shades of varnish looks very unusual, stylish and modern. A wide range of colors and a play on contrast can be used. There are several options for performing this type of manicure. The color scheme can become brighter or paler, it all depends on personal preferences and taste.
To make the manicure look more expressive, not only related or closest shades can be combined, but also contrasting colors. To create a harmonious combination of shades, it is recommended to use a color spectrum.
Methods for applying ombre manicure
- The nail plate is completely covered with base varnish, which can be not only colorless, but also colored. Varnishes of several shades are applied to the surface of a clean sponge in horizontal or vertical lines. Then the design is carefully imprinted on the nail.
- You can also apply the varnish using a plastic cover or film. When applying shades, you need to make sure that they touch each other. In order to make the transition of shades smoother, take an orange stick and carefully mix the colors in the line of contact. Then the varnishes are transferred to the nail, which is pre-coated with a base.
- The simplest method is to use two shades. To make a transition from dark to light tones to the tip of the nail, you should use dark varnish colors for the base.
- A base shade is applied to the nail, then the sponge is moistened with a contrasting color, which is simply imprinted on the first layer of varnish. To ensure uniform and smooth distribution of the varnish over the nail plate, a base coat is used.
Manicure tools
If you plan to make a stylish gradient manicure at home, you need to prepare in advance a simple set of tools that you will need during work:
- moisturizing hand cream;
- colorless varnish, which will be the base;
- nail polish remover without acetone;
- set for cutting manicure;
- fixative varnish;
- cotton swabs to remove nail polish from the skin;
- a set of different shades of varnish;
- sponge or sponge, eyeshadow applicator;
- scotch.
Gradient manicure using a sponge - classic technique
To get a beautiful manicure, you need to strictly adhere to the scheme below:
- Take a simple sponge and cut off a piece of the required size to fit your thumb.
- Now you need to select several varnishes of any shades, which can be as close or contrasting as possible.
- Varnishes are applied to cardboard (vertical or horizontal stripes), then carefully transferred to a sponge.
- A layer of base is applied to the nail plate (you can use colored or clear varnish).
- As soon as the base dries, a sponge is carefully applied to the nail and the varnish is applied.
- Before you start working on the next nail, you need to refresh the varnish on the sponge.
- At the end, the nails are coated with a colorless finishing varnish, then you need to wait 10–15 minutes, since the gradient manicure dries much longer than usual.
How to do a gradient manicure at home
To begin with, a simple classic trimmed manicure is performed, the nails are carefully filed, and the cuticle is removed. Then you need to adhere to the following scheme:
- The nail plate, cuticle and adjacent skin are covered with peach oil.
- Take a sponge, which is used to apply foundation. Several shades of varnish are applied to it in not too thick strips.
- The sponge is brought to the nail and carefully sealed. You must work very carefully, as the skin around the nail may become stained, and it will be difficult to clean it. You can use a little trick and stick simple tape to the skin.
- This procedure is performed one by one for each finger, and for each nail you need to refresh the strips of varnish so that they have a rich shade.
- If polish residue appears on the cuticle or skin around the nail, take a cotton swab and soak it in nail polish remover. Then the skin is carefully worked over so as not to rub off the nail polish.
- At the end, the nails are covered with a transparent varnish with a fixative, thanks to which the manicure will last much longer. At the same time, the fixing layer perfectly masks the small irregularities that remain on the nail after pressing the sponge.
Gradient manicure with gel polish
Every day, a material such as gel polish is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to which the manicure remains perfect for several weeks. You can use it to create a gradient manicure, but first you need to file the nail plate and remove the top layer.
You will also need special tools. For a gradient manicure using gel polish, you need to follow the following instructions:
- Using a file with an abrasiveness of 80–100 grit, you need to lightly file the surface of the nail plate, removing the top layer.
- Each nail is treated with Bondex, which degreases the surface, making the gel polish last much longer.
- Using a cotton swab, excess Bondex is carefully removed, after which each nail is kept in an ultraviolet lamp for exactly 60 seconds.
- Take a transparent gel base and apply a thin layer with a brush. Again, each nail is kept in an ultraviolet lamp, but now for 30 seconds.
- Use a cotton pad to carefully remove the sticky layer. To do this, the cotton wool is soaked in a degreaser.
- To ensure stronger adhesion of the gel polish to the nails, you need to slightly file them.
- The first shade of varnish is applied to half of the nail plate, the direction of movement should be strictly from the cuticle.
- Apply the next shade of gel polish to the unpainted part of the nail.
- The first shade lightly paints the border between the two colors so that it is not too sharp. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a thin brush.
- At the next stage, the marigolds are dried in an ultraviolet lamp for exactly 3 minutes.
- Again, wipe the surface of the nail with a cotton pad, as you need to remove the top sticky layer.
- A transparent gel is applied on top, which will be the finishing coat, and the nails will acquire a beautiful shine.
The subtleties of creating a gradient manicure
- If, when creating an original gradient manicure, several shades of varnish will be used simultaneously, but the created nail design should be discreet and stylish, it is recommended to make a coating that is as similar as possible to a classic French manicure. For this purpose, one strip of varnish is applied on a sponge slightly wider than the second.
- You should be extremely careful when using chameleon varnish, as the result can be a completely unexpected result, which does not always look beautiful.
- If you choose matte shades of varnishes, the ideal choice would be the technique of creating a gradient manicure with a sponge.
- Glossy varnishes have one negative feature - over time they begin to darken, and the color becomes not so beautiful and bright. That is why it is recommended to apply several layers of colorless fixing varnish.
