Spectacular gradient on nails with gel polish with photos and videos. Gradient gel polish on nails - how to make a fashionable manicure

Hello to all nail design lovers! Everyone loves ombre nails, but not everyone can achieve a smooth transition. You can make a gradient with an airbrush; You can use a thin brush or even a sponge. You can even try to cut a flat brush using MK from YouTube, or you can buy a special comb brush.

I bought a brush for 300 rubles in the store “Your Style” (St. Petersburg), but only because I was nearby. In Paris nail the brush costs about 230 rubles.

What kind of animal is this, a comb brush?

This is a synthetic flat brush with bristles of different lengths.

As I already wrote above, you can cut an ordinary flat hand, but in my case, the hands from the fifth point did their dirty work: the only thing I achieved by doing this was that I completely ruined the brush, which could still be used for a Chinese cut. But I’m not upset: a negative experience is also an experience))) From now on I won’t deal with such nonsense)).

How to use?

First of all, you need to clean the brush from the shipping adhesive. This can be done either by thoroughly rubbing the brush on the ribbed handle of the pusher:

Or on a napkin folded on your finger.

By the way, try not to lose the cap of the brush and store it in it for safekeeping. In addition, the brush should not be exposed to UV rays, either from a lamp or from the sun. Some table lamps also cause brushes to fall asleep.

For a wet-on-wet gradient:

Apply a lighter shade to the base:
Apply colors end to end:
Fluff the brush a little:
Using a comb brush, we begin to gradually pull the color from top to bottom, with small movements, periodically wiping the brush on a napkin:

In this case, be sure to reach the edge of the nail with the brush and remove excess material.
We remove all dirt and bubbles. If necessary, go through the comb from beginning to end again.
When the result is satisfactory, we send it to the lamp.
We repeat the steps 1-2 times.
Cover with top.

You can complicate the task and make a transition of 4 shades.

Apply the lightest one:
Apply shades end to end:
Shading
After 3 layers I got this:
The most difficult thing turned out to be shading the dense white color along with the blue.
And here's what happens on the nails:

I did it myself, on my right hand too. Naturally, such a design takes more time than a monochromatic design. Time was spent: it took about an hour on the right hand with a break for a cup of cocoa.
Some highlights from my observations:

With the invention of gel polish, maintaining a beautiful manicure for a long time has become easy.

Gel polish lasts on nails for about three weeks, does not chip, and retains a bright, rich color.

At the same time, there are incredibly many types of design. It is convenient to add sparkles and rhinestones to your manicure, combine different shades, and create designs and patterns.

Stretching nails with gel polish, or in other words, gradient manicure, is popular among girls.

Stretching is a gradual transition from one color to another. Implementing such a design is not easy, but if you practice and get good at it, everything will definitely work out.

Masters use two ways to create a gradient manicure. Let's consider Master class on stretching with gel polishes.

Method 1

To work you will need a thin brush. This technique is quite labor-intensive, but the result will be neat and you won’t have to remove excess polish from the nail ridges.

Operating procedure:

Preparing the nail plate for applying gel polish. To do this, we perform a manicure, remove or push back the cuticle, and also polish the nails with a buff. After this, degrease the surface.
Apply a thin layer of primer, then base coat and dry under a UV lamp. Now your nails are ready to apply gel polish.
We apply a plain gel polish (for example, black) to the nails that will not have a design. Dry under a UV lamp.
On the nails where the gradient will be made, apply camouflage to two-thirds of the nail, moving from the base to the middle.
Take a soft round brush and begin to stretch the camouflage to the edge of the nail. Hold the brush parallel to the nail to avoid streaking. Dry the coating under the lamp.
Using the same algorithm, apply the second layer (there is no need to dry it).
Mix the top with gel polish of a contrasting color (in our example it is white as a contrast to black). The consistency should be medium so that the resulting mixture is not too transparent, but also does not “strip” when applied.
Apply the mixture with a clean brush to the free third of the nail. Now we stretch this layer with gentle movements in the direction from the junction of the gel polishes to the base of the nail, but without reaching it. We also hold the brush parallel to the nail.
Using a clean brush with stronger pressure, we once again shade the junction of the camouflage and the mixture of gel polish and base. After this, dry the coating under the lamp.
Apply the second layer to two-thirds of the nail, stepping back slightly from the base, and blend again. To avoid streaks while blending, do not forget to remove excess gel polish from the brush. If desired, you can apply a third layer of gel polish to obtain maximum color density at the tip of the nail and blend again.
Dry your nails under the lamp and apply top coat. Remove the sticky layer with a cotton pad or lint-free cloth soaked in a special liquid.

VIDEO ON THE TOPIC

Method 2

This method will be easier for beginners to master, but will require more consumables.

Operating procedure:

Prepare the nail plate, degrease the surface.
Apply two colors to the palette, blend the border with a toothpick or needle to achieve a smooth transition.
Dip a sponge or sponge into this mixture and apply it to the nail. You should get a print of the drawing. Some of the varnish gets on the nail ridges and needs to be removed.
Dry the varnishes under a lamp.
Remove the sticky layer with lint-free wipes.
Apply top coat and dry under lamp.

A manicure using this method will turn out beautiful if the coating is done in one layer of medium density.

If you want to use a loose gel, it is better to use the first method. And if the gel is very thick, the coating may wrinkle when drying.

A few tricks:

if you choose the first method, prepare a napkin in advance to wipe the brush after each stroke so that the shades come out clean,
to save time, you can try not a thin brush, but a fan brush,
to obtain a beautiful jacket using stretching technology, it is better to use a transparent varnish as an additional color, which will not spoil the purity of the white shade,
if you plan to make a gradient using the second method, first apply cream to the nail folds to make it easier to remove excess polish.

VIDEO REVIEW

Not so long ago, girls could afford a brilliant manicure only for some kind of celebration.

Today, you can safely use sparkles in everyday life, especially if the shades are dim.

You can take both familiar shades and unusual glitter colors. The sparkles themselves can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types.

In stores it is easy to purchase both solid and diluted tones, as well as those forming holographic patterns. Glitter is found in crumbly form, and may also be included in the varnish.

Glitter is also used to create a gradient. The manicure turns out to be festive and bright, and many people think that it’s easier to work with glitter.

To stretch, you need glitter of two different colors.

Operating procedure:

Prepare the nail plate, shape it, and dehair it.
Apply base coat and dry under lamp.
Apply the gel and do not dry.
Prepare a tube with an obliquely cut edge. Scoop up glitter of the same color into it and, lightly patting it with your finger, pour it onto the nail up to the middle.
Using an applicator or brush, distribute them over the surface of the nail to the middle. Stretching can be done both obliquely and straight.
Dry under a lamp.
Apply another layer of gel and perform the procedure again on the free edge of the nail with glitter of a different color.
Dry under a lamp.
Apply top coat and dry.
Remove sticky layer.

A few tricks:

be sure to dry the base coat completely, otherwise the surface will be uneven,
hands and tools must be dry when applying glitter,
the brush can first be dipped into the fixing varnish, and only then into the glitter for further application of the design,
Before changing color, wipe the brush with acetone.

Experiment with nail design stretch marks with gel polish and your manicure will definitely not go unnoticed by others.

Simple Gradient

The simplest gradient is a transition of colors not on one nail, but from nail to nail. That is, you can use from three to five different shades in one color scheme.

It is important that the varnishes have the same texture and density. Masters do not recommend combining glossy, pearlescent, and matte finishes in one manicure; such a combination will look ridiculous.

This rule may not apply to glossy and matte varnishes.

If you apply a sealer to a matte color, it will become glossy, and the gloss will become matte after applying a transparent product with a velvet effect.
If you have chosen a simple gradient, distribute the varnishes according to tones. Start the best with the dark.
If there are three colors, apply the darkest one to the middle finger, make the index and ring fingers lighter, and the lightest varnish will go to the thumb and little finger.

If there are five shades, start with the little finger and make each subsequent nail lighter than the previous one.

VIDEO

You need to combine two colors on one nail carefully. For a party, you can use bright colors such as purple, orange, pink.

For a business meeting and everyday wear, the ideal option is pastel shades: white, soft pink, ivory, beige.

A vertical gradient, that is, a combination of colors along the length of the nail, looks original. At the same time, you don’t have to limit yourself to two colors; you can take three or more.

A rainbow banner will create a cheerful mood. Use all the colors of the rainbow - two or three shades for each nail.

A few tricks for gradient on short nails:

use a light shade at the base, and apply a dark shade to the tips - this will make your nails visually longer,
limit yourself to two colors, since on a short nail the area is small and with more shades the pattern may turn out blurry.

There are no restrictions on brands of gel polishes. All manufacturers offer a wide range of colors.

The gradient stretching method is very popular now. It is used to create stylish clothing and accessories, hair coloring, and eye and lip makeup. The fashionable phenomenon has also affected manicure: the smooth flow of colors allows you to create a bright and unusual nail design, which, depending on the selection of shades, looks appropriate both at a youth party and at a business meeting. Working with polishes is more difficult than working with lipstick or eye shadow, but now there are quite a few ways to create ombre nails yourself.

What is a gradient in manicure

The ombre technique is also known as degradé, stretch or gradient manicure. Its essence is to paint nails with varnishes of several shades so that there is a smooth transition between them, and not a clear boundary. Color stripes can be positioned vertically, horizontally, diagonally - the scope of imagination is not limited in any way.

A special type of gradient manicure is a stretch across the entire hand, when the thumb nail is painted in one color, the little finger in another, and the rest in intermediate shades. This ombre is not difficult to do, but it looks very impressive.

Degrade can be painted on artificial and natural nails of any length and shape, so no additional manipulations in the form of extensions or trimming are required. In addition, after gradient coloring, the nail plate looks longer and narrower, which is successfully used by girls who want to give their fingertips a more elegant look.

In a manicure, you can mix varnishes of different colors, arrange them as you please, decorate them with patterns or rhinestones. It’s enough to learn one or more ways to do stretching, and then you’ll have enough exclusive ideas for a lifetime.

Important! Ombre manicure does not combine varnishes of different textures, so pearlescent ones should be mixed only with pearlescent ones, cream ones with cream ones, and jelly ones with jelly ones.

What you need for an ombre manicure at home

The correct selection of tools and materials is already half the success, so first you will have to acquire everything you need. You probably already have a lot of things in your home cosmetic bins, and missing items can easily be bought in a store or ordered online. Some things can even be made from available materials.

Gradient stretching is performed with both regular and gel polishes, so every fashionista can work with those materials that are more familiar and convenient to her.

If you plan to paint your manicure with regular polishes, you will need the following:

for pre-treatment of nails: scissors, file, cuticle softener, orange stick or manicure hoof, protective coating for varnish;
for painting: colored varnishes and transparent glossy topcoat;
to perform stretching: pieces of sponge, palette (piece of plastic, cardboard, foil, saucer, plastic lid or any other item), toothpicks;
Auxiliary products: cotton swabs, nail polish remover, correction pencil, cuticle protective fluid, tweezers.

Those who prefer shellac or gel polishes will need the following set of tools:

for preparing nails: the same things as in the previous list, plus a polishing buff, degreasing solution or dehydrator;
for coloring: base gel, several colors and finishing coat;
for stretching: palette, sponges, toothpicks, manicure brushes;
for drying: UV or LED lamp;
auxiliary products: cuticle protection, lint-free wipes, cleanser to remove the sticky dispersion layer.

Reference! Gel polish and shellac are different things, but similar in many ways. Shellac is the first hybrid product that combines the properties of gel and varnish. It was created and patented by the American company CND. Other cosmetic brands began to copy the idea, trying to surpass the original, so their versions of gel polishes may differ in composition, price, wear time, methods of application and removal, color palette and other properties. On nails, however, all these products look about the same, so any one is suitable for a gradient manicure.

How to choose a sponge

The main tool when creating a gradient manicure is a sponge. Most often, an ordinary kitchen utensil is used, because such equipment is always present in the household and is at hand at the right time.

Colored pieces of foam rubber have another advantage - they are very cheap, and since after all the manipulations the sponge is usually not washed but thrown away, the economic benefit of using them is obvious.

Unfortunately, a kitchen sponge also has disadvantages. Foam rubber is a coarse material, so the shade transition line turns out grainy and uneven. To smooth it out, you need to press the sponge against the nail several times, which causes small air bubbles to appear in the varnish layer.

This can be avoided by controlling the intensity and number of prints, but skill comes with experience. Those who have just started mastering ombre manicure will have to practice in order to create a beautiful stretch with a piece of foam rubber.

There is another option: buy a latex sponge, which is usually used to apply foundation. It is just as elastic, but its pores are smaller, so the varnishes are mixed more evenly, there are almost no bubbles, and the gradient is smooth and natural.

The only downside of the tool is the price. A set of high-quality cosmetic sponges costs several times more than a package of foam rubber sponges for washing dishes. There are also cheaper latex sponges, but it is better not to use them. They are too soft, so it will be awkward to print the gradient. In addition, they absorb a lot of varnish and begin to crumble during the process, leaving small torn pieces on the nail.

In addition to sponges, fashionistas have mastered foam applicators for eye shadow. You can’t draw a complex multi-color gradient with them, but you can make, for example, a neat blurry jacket using the ombre technique.

The cosmetics industry could not ignore the growing need for tools for gradient manicure, so two types of specialized sponges appeared on sale.

Important! Both latex and foam sponges can be washed off after use. Regular polish is removed with remover or acetone, and gel polish is removed with a special cleanser solution or alcohol. Solvents hardly damage sponges, so you can calculate the costs of both and choose the most profitable option.

Ombre manicure at home: step-by-step instructions

Once the shades have been selected and everything necessary is prepared, you can begin to work. The sequence of actions is determined by what cosmetic product is used to create a manicure: regular polish, gel polish or shellac.

Manicure with regular polishes

Simple varnishes require speed, since they set in the air, but their advantage is that an unsuccessful gradient can be quickly erased and a new one can be applied immediately.

The creative process begins with nail preparation. You need to remove the old manicure from them, adjust the shape, and, if necessary, get rid of excess length. If time permits, you can make a hand bath. Then you should take care of the cuticle: treat it with a remover or carefully push it away with an orange stick.
After this, wipe the nails with nail polish remover to degrease, remove sawdust and residual cuticle softening liquid.
The next step is applying a special base. There are many varieties of such funds. They protect the nail from harmful substances in the color coating, and also smooth the surface and facilitate the application of varnish. This step, of course, can be skipped if you wish, but in nail salons it has long become mandatory.
The fourth stage is drawing a gradient. This is the most difficult part of the whole process. There are several ways to create a smooth color transition with regular varnishes, but they will be discussed in detail below.
The finishing touch is the application of a glossy transparent topcoat. It will even out the rough surface of the painted nail, and will also slightly dissolve the dried layer of varnish and thereby blur the boundary between shades.

Ways to create a gradient

There are three ways to create an ombre manicure, all of which require a sponge.

The simplest option: first, in the traditional way, paint the nail with varnish of the color that will be near the cuticle. When the product has dried, take a sponge, make one or two strokes of the second shade of varnish along its edge and press it to the tip of the nail. Distribute the paint with a few patting movements, reaching the gradient to the desired level. This method is most convenient for drawing an ombre of two colors, for example, a blurry French coat. However, if desired, you can add a third one.
For the second method you will need a palette. Apply short strips of the selected varnishes onto it so that they touch each other, and mix the borders of contact with a toothpick. Do not skimp on paint, otherwise it will dry out quickly. There can be two, three or even four colors, if the length of the nails allows. By the way, in this way it is convenient to combine contrasting varnishes, creating the necessary intermediate shade between them. When the gradient on the palette is ready, press the sponge onto it so that it absorbs the paint, and then stamp it on the nail with a few patting movements. In this case, the sponge can be slightly shifted perpendicular to the colored stripes for better blur, for example, up and down if the pattern is horizontal.
The third method differs from the previous one in the absence of a palette: stripes of paint are applied directly to the sponge and immediately imprinted on the nails. This makes it faster, which is especially important for quick-drying varnishes. As necessary, the strips are renewed without allowing them to harden, and the nails on both hands are painted in the same way. There can be two, three or more shades, but it is better not to use contrasting colors or make the first two or three prints on paper. This way the paints can mix in the pores of the sponge and the stretch on the nail will be more uniform.

Advice! It is often recommended to use a white varnish as a base for the gradient. The colors do look brighter on it, but you have to try very hard to completely hide the white background. Places near the cuticle and side ridges are usually poorly painted with a sponge, so they will have to be additionally treated with a brush or tweezers with a small piece of sponge.

Video: how to make a gradient manicure using a sponge

Manicure with gel polishes

Gel polishes seem to be created to realize complex artistic designs: they do not dry in the air, so stretch marks can be corrected until you are satisfied with the result. The process of creating a manicure is more complicated than in the previous case, but the gradient is smoother and more accurate.

The first step is similar to that described earlier and consists of preparing the nails, shaping them and removing the cuticles.
The next stage is polishing the nail plate with a buff. You don’t need to be particularly zealous, just remove the top glossy layer. This will help level the surface and allow the gel to adhere better.
Prepared nails are wiped with a degreaser or dehydrator. Both solutions perform similar functions, and the choice is determined by the physiological characteristics of the body. Those who often have sweaty hands should prefer a dehydrator, because it not only removes oil, moisture and dust from the nail plate, but also dries it deeply. For everyone else, degreaser is enough. After this treatment, you can no longer touch your nails with your fingers.
Next, the nails are covered with a layer of primer, which provides better adhesion to the gel and also has antibacterial properties. For gel polishes, acid-free products are preferable, as they are less aggressive. The primer is not dried in the lamp: as soon as the nail turns white, you can continue the process.
The fifth step is to apply a base transparent gel to the entire surface of the nail and its ends. The product is distributed in a thin layer and dried in a lamp for the time specified in the instructions. It may differ from one manufacturer to another, but the requirements must be followed to avoid peeling of the color coating. After drying, the sticky layer is removed with a lint-free cloth.
Now your nails are ready to paint the gradient. In the case of gel polishes, there are even more ways to create an ombre, and they will be discussed in detail below.
The final stage of the process is applying the top. When the design on the nails is ready, all that remains is to cover it with a layer of finishing gel, polymerize it in a lamp and wipe off the sticky dispersion. An important nuance: the ends of the nails must be sealed with varnish to prevent delamination and extend the life of the manicure.

Reference! In the case of shellac, the sequence of actions is almost the same. You can only skip the stage of polishing the nail plate and treating with a primer, since the base gel can be immediately applied to a natural, oil-free nail.

Options for creating a gradient

The methods described above to paint an ombre manicure using a sponge are also relevant for gel polishes. There is only one additional condition: in order to get a rich color and a neat, smooth stretch, you will have to make several imprints on the nail with a sponge. Each print must be dried in a lamp and the dispersion wiped off. In this case, the layers must be thin, otherwise the varnish will lie unevenly and waves, bubbles, and bald spots will appear on it.

Ombre on nails can be painted not only with a sponge, but also with a brush. This tool is a little more difficult to use, as it requires jewelry precision, but the gradient will be very smooth and natural. There are three ways to create a trendy manicure using a brush.

Gradient with a flat brush. To work, you will need a flat brush with elastic short bristles and a lint-free cloth soaked in cleanser. The creative process is as follows: apply a thin layer of all selected varnishes to the nail, placing the color stripes as close as possible. They may even touch or float on top of each other. Lightly moisten a clean brush in clinser and run it along the junction of shades, blurring the border. Make several such movements to make the transition smoother, and dry the first layer in the lamp. Then wipe the brush on a napkin, removing excess paint, and repeat the operation. While working, the tool must be held almost parallel to the nail and pressed very carefully so that the gradient turns out blurry and not striped. Dry the second layer too and, if necessary, apply a third in the same way. Usually three times is enough to get bright colors and a soft transition between them.
Gradient with fan brush. It is best to use this tool to create a stretch of three shades, when the middle one is intermediate between the other two. To begin, completely paint the nail plate with the first varnish, which will be near the cuticle, then dry the coating and remove the sticky layer. Then, separately on the palette, mix both colors equally to create an intermediate one, and apply it to the middle of the nail. Paint the tip with a second varnish, and then take a slightly damp fan brush and, holding it flat and moving from side to side parallel to the border of shades, blur the transition zone. Dry the first layer and repeat the manipulations until the desired result is achieved.
Ombre with acrylic powder. First, you need to paint your nails a base color. This could be, for example, white, on which any other shades look brighter. Beige tones or the lightest of those present in the gradient are also suitable. Dry the painted nail in a lamp, and then apply acrylic powder directly onto the sticky layer. Any dry and clean brush will be suitable for this purpose. Use it to shade the boundaries between colors, adding a little pigment if necessary. Shake off excess powder with another clean brush, cover the gradient with topcoat and dry in a lamp.

These were the most famous ways to paint an ombre manicure using brushes. In reality there are more options, but they are all based on the three listed. For example, you can stretch it with glitter, make stripes of different widths, place them diagonally, or completely abandon the stripes and paint the nail with colored highlights.

Video: how to make a gradient manicure with gel polishes

Gradient manicure “Five fingers”

This is a very simple but effective type of ombre manicure. It can be painted with regular and gel polishes, and the only additional equipment you will need is a palette, a clean brush and a napkin soaked in a cleaner or remover.

Sequencing:

apply the first color to the thumbnail;
mix a drop of the first varnish and a drop of the second with a brush on the palette, and cover the nail of the index finger with the resulting shade;
mix a drop of the first and two drops of the second varnish, paint the nail of the middle finger;
mix a drop of the first and three drops of the second varnish, apply to the ring nail;
Paint the nail on the little finger with a second polish.

Additional Tricks

A beautiful and neat ombre manicure is a difficult task, but doable. If you know some tricks, you will be able to achieve your desired goal almost the first time.

How to get rid of bubbles

This problem occurs to everyone who paints a manicure with a sponge. To avoid the appearance of bubbles, you must adhere to the following rules:

do not press the sponge too hard so that only paint is squeezed out of its pores, and not air, which causes trouble;
The sponge can be slightly moistened with water. Moisture does not interact in any way with either the varnish or the gel, but it occupies part of the pores in the sponge, displacing air from there;
the first two or three prints need to be stamped on paper. This way the paint will be absorbed deeper, and with subsequent presses less air will come out.

How to protect your fingers from staining

This is another trouble typical for ombre manicure. If you can still paint it carefully with a brush, then with a sponge you paint over both the nail itself and the skin around it. The following means are used to protect fingers:

PVA glue. It is affordable, safe, easy to apply and quick to remove. When drawing a manicure, spread it in a generous layer over the skin around the nail, and when it dries, start working with colored varnishes. At the end of the procedure, the adhesive film is removed with tweezers along with the hardened paint;
face masks. The operating principle is the same;
special products to protect the cuticle and skin around the nail. They are a liquid that hardens into a film in air. Like the previous two products, they are distinguished by convenient packaging (a bottle with a brush), the presence of useful substances in the composition and, of course, price;
scotch. This is the least convenient protection, because it is difficult to cut a piece of suitable shape and size from adhesive tape. In addition, the varnish still flows under it, so the skin will have to be scrubbed off anyway.

Important! There are often tips on the Internet to apply a layer of rich cream to the cuticles and side ridges, but this should not be done. This is especially true for those who use gel polishes and carefully degrease their nails to prevent peeling. Ordinary varnishes are not so capricious in this regard, but the manicure will also be short-lived if a portion of the cream from the fingers is absorbed into the sponge with paint.

How to choose shades

For a beautiful ombre manicure, it is very important to choose the right varnishes, since if you make a mistake, the gradient will turn out dirty and sloppy, even with perfect blurring of the boundaries. A win-win option is a combination of different shades of the same color, for example, beige and coffee. Tones that are located next to each other on the color wheel also look good: yellow with orange, blue with blue. If you don’t have such a circle at hand, then you can focus on alternating stripes of the rainbow.

It is also possible to combine contrasting shades in a manicure, but it is better to do this using an intermediate color, otherwise the transition zone will turn out uneven. For example, if you want to make a gradient from blue to red, then you need to add a purple stripe in the middle.

Online services, of which there are quite a lot now, will help you accurately select manicure polishes. Another reliable tool is the Itten color wheel. This device is sold in art shops, but the easiest way to find it is on the Internet.

Ombre manicure is good because it has no restrictions in terms of working with color. Using this technique, you can create combinations for any occasion: to the office, on a date, and even to a carnival. At the same time, the most strict and restrained pattern will not look boring and banal, since the gradient gives the color depth and expressiveness. It’s worth mastering the technique, if only because just two shades of varnish allow you to come up with at least a dozen ideas for manicure, and the creative possibilities of owners of more extensive varnish collections are truly limitless.

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 to the tip of the nail from dark to light tones, 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 transparent 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.

If you use a technique using a sponge, you need to remember that if you press it too actively and strongly against your nails, you should not paint more than 4 fingers. Otherwise, the sponge will begin to crumble, and the manicure will be completely ruined. Therefore, it is worth preparing several pieces of sponge in advance so that you can change them in time.

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 erase the polish from the nail.
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.

If you do not plan to do this type of manicure regularly, it is best to contact an experienced manicure, because you will have to spend a lot on all the necessary materials.

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.

The ombre manicure in the photo of the beautiful design of 2018 takes pride of place. Nail designers of all stripes never tire of singing odes of praise to him. Almost any nail fantasy only becomes more beautiful if you skillfully design the color stretch. You will find exquisite examples of fashionable gradient nail designs and two popular master classes on how to do them in this article.

Fashion trends of ombre manicure 2018

Gradient, ombre, degradé, stretch... Whatever this nail design has been called over the past few seasons. All this means a smooth transition from one tone to another. At first the technique referred to the gradual darkening of a light shade, but then the concept expanded. Today, this is no longer enough for a trendy manicure, and the coolest gradient is obtained by combining contrasting tones like orange and blue, pink and green. In a word, combine the incongruous and you will be happy!

Fashion trends of 2018 identified neat horizontal stretching as their favorite. Vertical is no longer in trend, and the flow of tones from finger to finger is considered clumsy.

But in decor, art is not limited to the word “at all.” Drawings, rhinestones, monograms, applications are only welcome, because the only thing to be wary of in 2018 ombre manicure is banality! So the craftswomen practice color combinations and their decoration.

How to do an ombre manicure: two master classes in 5 minutes

The main thing that attention is paid to in fashion technology is gradual stretching without flaws. Just last year, you could smear a couple of stripes on a sponge and press it onto your nail. With a 99.9% probability, the result would not be accurate, and even with bubbles.

Today the maneuver is “and so it will do!” it won't work. One has only to look at the ombre manicure 2018 in the photo - the impeccability and purity of the fusion of shades catches the eye. The easiest way to achieve this beauty at home is in two ways. We will talk about them.

Lesson No. 1: gradient with gel polish (shading with a comb brush)

A special brush will allow you to create a gradient on your nails with gel polish faster than all other tools. Her hairs are of different lengths, and towards the tip they are sparse. You can cut the same shape from an ordinary flat brush, if, of course, your hands grow from the right place. Or you can buy ready-made.
Gel polishes for this technique are needed with clear pigmentation, but not very dense. They should not be noticeably striped, otherwise the result will be untidy. In addition, you will not have the opportunity to apply 3-4 layers. It’s always easier to start practicing with light colors, and then start with rich contrasting ones.

So, you will need:

Base and finish for gel polish.
Blue and black gel polishes.
Comb brush.
LED lamp.
Liquid for removing stickiness.
Cotton pads.

File the edges of the nails, apply a buff, shake off the sawdust and degrease the nails.
Apply base and dry for 60 seconds.
Cover the nail with blue polish, along which you will stretch the gradient, and dry it.
Carefully fluff the comb.
Paint the area around the lunula black. Having retreated the symbolic border a couple of millimeters, cover the rest of the edge with blue varnish.
Now, using small strokes up and down, pull the black lake to the bottom. Make a couple of rows and wipe off the brush. Continue your strokes from where you left off.
When the strokes become almost transparent, wipe the brush and separate the bristles.
Start stretching the pigment again from the first row. By this time the transition will become noticeable. Having reached the end, polymerize the result.
Again apply black and blue to the same borders and drag down. After two or three rows, wipe the tool.
As a final touch, use a clean “comb” to stroke the entire stretch using patting movements. This is done to ensure that there are no bubbles left. Dry.
Cover your work with finish.

For inspiration, here are some striking examples of this technique. Once you get the hang of it, you can use not just two colors, but much more.

And this video tutorial clearly shows the whole process:

Lesson #2: Airbrush Gradient

An airbrush is a pen-shaped device with a nozzle on top. Pour special paint into a funnel and “blow” it onto your nails. The advantage of technology is time saving and high-quality results. The downside is that a good tool is quite expensive, it costs about two thousand rubles.

Tools:

Airbrush.
Paint for him.
A piece of paper (so as not to stain everything around).
Base, top and gel polish.
Defender.
Liquid for degreasing and removing stickiness.
Ultraviolet lamp.

Apply a base to prepared and degreased plates, dry and coat with gel polish.
After drying, remove the sticky layer and buff the surface a little. Shake off the sawdust.
Coat the skin around the plates with defender and wait until dry.
Pour paint into the nozzle and, holding the “handle” at an angle, spray on the tips of the nails from a distance of 15-20 centimeters.
Pull off the defender film.
When everything is dry, cover your work with finish and send it for polymerization.

The design becomes more original if you use various airbrush stencils. This is exactly what the second video lesson is about:

Rainbow nail art ideas in today's trends

Learning to blend colors perfectly is an achievement in itself. But look at the amazing possibilities the combination of gradient with decor and imagination opens up.

On short nails

It’s easier to practice at a short length, especially if you want to learn how to use a brush. The palette is any, pastel or, on the contrary, very rich, even neon. The rounded square loves kamifubuki, rhinestones and rubbing on the fusion of tones.

On long nails

Dark colors will look magnificent and predatory. Combine black with red, purple, emerald, dark blue... Draw, draw geometry, add sparkles.

And now about each nail art in more detail!

Matte

It's simple. Cover your work with a matte finish for sophisticated, muted art. For autumn and winter manicure, this is a win-win option.

Geometry

A geometric gradient is best displayed on a pastel base. Mix pink with white, blue, mint green and black or white gel paint and draw subtle patterns. The fence gradient is still in trend.

The schematic depiction of animal silhouettes is gaining popularity. Of course, it’s difficult to draw a fox’s head on your own, so use stencils.

"Broken glass"

Glass claws and ombre complement each other perfectly. Create a vertical stretch so that the color flows from one finger to the next one. Glue foil in darkened areas.

Monograms

You can decorate all fingers with a gradient, but place curls on only one, preferably the ring one. The purple-pink base and graceful curls with gel paint sprinkled with powder look luxurious.

Lunar

A hole designed in negative space and a colored weave below will be immensely aesthetic. Give preference to juicy colors. Black can be mixed with dark pink, lilac, blue...

Watch this master class and learn unusual art:

French

The most common solution is to duplicate the color of the smile with one of the tones used in the base. For example, did you design a red and black ombre? Extend a black smile below. This jacket flaunts mainly on short square nails and looks completely non-trivial and very catchy.

Gradient strip

The new product is just gaining popularity and one glance at this art is enough to fall in love once and for all. The stripes are quite easy to draw by hand, just follow the algorithm as in the video:

You can also use an airbrush. Stencil tapes are useful for this.

Cover the plates with gel polish, top coat, remove the stickiness and stick the strips near the side rollers so that they fit very tightly.
Spray the paint and remove the stencil.
Finish line. If desired, you can sprinkle the strip with glitter or powder.

Kamifubuki

Select sequins to match the palette from which the ombre will be drawn, so that the design is not tacky. Stretching can be done on all nails or just one, but let the kamifubuki be in minimal quantities. A good example in the photo is two nails with a blood-black gradient, and one has confetti perched on it.

With an image

Thin stems look great on a colored field. Choose dusty shades for combination, and then the art will be very delicate. Pastoral pictures are also difficult to imagine without ombre. Of course, floral images hold the palm. You can even draw a whole bouquet on your fingers if the petals are in harmony with the base palette.

By the way, the ability to stretch colors will be useful to you in your drawing. Gradient buds or butterfly wings will become much more realistic than in mono color. Choose a clear palette - yellow, a huge range of blue, green in combination with milk.

With rhinestones

Feel free to indulge your imagination! Pebbles perform superbly in color fusion. Make a blue-black gradient and draw a fragile line of rhinestones near the hole. The more shades there are in the ombre, the more elegant the rhinestones will look. Don’t be afraid to mix warm and cold tones; art with a yellow and blue transition will be very catchy. You can build a whole “starfall” on the matte indigo sky - from large stones to small ones.