How to apply pigment to nails. How to make a beautiful manicure using nail pigments

In order to create a beautiful and unique manicure, today you can purchase a lot of products, thanks to which you will realize a wide variety of design ideas and make a real artistic masterpiece. One of these products is a cosmetic pigment for nails, freely sold in all beauty stores. Small jars and containers filled with multi-colored light, neon or matte dust, shimmering with sparkling mother-of-pearl, are inexpensive, but with their help you can create an unusual, colorful and pearlescent, very rich design, and get a delicate shade of any color.

You can even create a chameleon manicure that will change its color and shine depending on the angle at which the light hits your nails. The northern version of the design also looks stylish when you use different shades of gray and silver pigment, creating a frosty effect on the nails.

Such pigments have different textures, so the manicure is quite durable and lasts a long time on the nails. The pigment is used even when you do nail extensions using gel and you can get a wide variety of colors and create a shadow. Manicure using the ombre technique is also trending today, which also successfully uses acrylic and regular pigments and powder.

There are several types of nail pigment:

Natural or inorganic. This pigment for nail design can be obtained by mixing various mineral rocks.
Synthetic may be organic or inorganic.
Metal produced by mixing various alloys and metals.

Cosmetic pigments also differ in other properties: there are matte dyes and pearlescent ones, which add radiance and shine, creating iridescence.

To correctly take your first steps in the design technique with pigments, you can view photo and video materials that abound on the Internet, which provide step-by-step instructions.

Nail design with pigment: step-by-step instructions and popular design options

Cosmetic pigments are great for creating original pigmented nail designs.

To obtain the desired color, tone or shade, to make a soft and smooth transition, you need to correctly mix pigments and modeling material.

If you use a gel as a modeling material, then you should add no more than 5% of the dye into it.

This proportion will allow you not to lose the gel properties of polymerization, and the ultraviolet lamp will quickly dry your manicure.

When using colored gel, in which a certain color is already present, which the pigment gives, no more than 2% of the cosmetic pigment is added.

Acrylic Powder can absorb up to 50% of the pigment, because The consistency of the materials is the same and they mix well.

Gradient stretch- This is one of the most fashionable manicure designs today. You can do it using already painted varnishes or acrylic paints. Pigments, both matte and pearlescent, are also perfect.

You need to take a base - any transparent varnish or gel polish - and add to it the pigments that you have chosen for the design.

When you have mixed all the necessary pigment colors with the base, start stretching.: Use a sponge to blot the entire palette and apply it to the surface of your nails. After complete drying, it should be coated with a finishing varnish to secure it.

Pearlescent pigments can create beautiful iridescence, soft and smooth transitions from one radiant color to another. A particularly elegant design is achieved when you use pigments of different textures. In this case, you get an original, three-dimensional design, very bright and lively drawings.

Stained glass nail design with pigment is one of the most stylish and unusual nail painting techniques. By mixing a transparent base with multi-colored pigments, you can get colored glass with interesting visual effects and shimmers.

Pigment for gel polish, acrylic and gel: application features

The most beautiful and durable manicure can be obtained by mixing the pigment for gel polish with such a base.

The technology for this manicure is quite simple and understandable, you can easily learn it:

		Step 1 Like all other types of manicure, when applying pigment, you should first put your nails in order: soften and remove the cuticle, level the surface of the nail plate and sand it, give your nails the shape you want.
		Step 2 Apply a base to your nails, which will ensure a more effective adhesion of the pigment and gel polish on your nails, ensuring your manicure lasts longer.
		Step 3 You can choose a variety of varnish colors as the main color; apply it in a thin layer and dry thoroughly.
		Step 4 Now, using a thin brush and clear varnish, paint the decorative elements that you would like to depict. It can be anything: lines, curls, elements of Chinese painting, hieroglyphs, etc.
		Step 5 Using a contour brush, pick up pigment onto it and use it to repeat the lines that you drew with clear varnish. Your movements with the brush should be as if driving in so that the pigment is firmly embedded in the varnish. This rubbing also helps to obtain three-dimensional images.
		Step 6 Place your nails under a UV lamp and wait for your first manicure design elements to dry completely.
		Step 7 If you want to combine pigment for gel polish of a different color, paint the elements on your nails again with transparent varnish, pick up the pigment on a brush and tap it into the base.
		Step 8 As you can see, each subsequent design element that you want to highlight with a different color must go through the same process as the previous two.
		Step 9 After you have completely done your manicure, apply a topcoat and dry it thoroughly.

You can also use acrylic, which is a material similar in structure to pigments. It is best to mix such substances with a brush, and for each color you can allocate a separate container.

When working with pigments and acrylics, first learn the correct dosage for mixing pigment and base so as not to disturb the polymerization process.

The advantage of pigment over acrylic is its cost - the price of a jar of pigment is much lower than the same amount of acrylic.

To create a beautiful and colorful manicure with pigments and gel polish, you will need brushes of different thicknesses and lengths. Thanks to such tools, you can use a variety of drawing techniques (thin and thick lines, curls, dots, letters, etc.).

Don’t forget about the topcoat; you can also use other manicure techniques - ombre, Chinese painting.

If you are working with extended nails, then the presence of pigments in the gel should not exceed more than 5%, which will allow the gel not to lose its strength properties. When applying color gel, you can only add 1% pigment. Masters recommend using pearlescent and metallic pigments for the gel, as they are the brightest and most beautiful.

You can use the product not only when performing a manicure. It is often used to create spectacular makeup.

What is nail pigment?

The pigments have the form of ground material, which is used to correct the shade when performing gel or acrylic manicures. Such substances are highly resistant to external influences and remain on the surface of the nail plates for a long time, providing a deep, excellent shade.

Even the most complex design ideas require nail pigment in minimal quantities. Therefore, purchasing such funds is an economical solution.

Material structure

Pigment contains tiny particles of coloring matter ranging in size from 5 to 180 microns. This structure allows you to achieve a special color density.

Visually, the nail pigment resembles starch. Particles of the material not only add color, but also provide surfaces with shine and can give off a mother-of-pearl appearance. There is also a chameleon nail pigment that changes color in different lighting conditions.

Features of working with the material

Usually pigments are combined with gel for nail extensions. However, individual shades are often combined with each other. Proper combination of colors makes it possible to obtain quite interesting effects.

Mix pigments using any convenient means at hand. During the preparation of the material, transparent bubbles often appear in its structure. To eliminate the latter, the gel is left alone for a while. To lift the settled small particles of pigment, the material is stirred before applying to the nails.

Pigments and acrylic have similar properties. Therefore, they are prepared in separate containers. Using nail pigment in excessive quantities can reduce the rate at which acrylic hardens. At the same time, the resistance of the coating to external influences will also deteriorate. To avoid troubles when using the material, it is worth experimenting with the consistency in advance.

Types of pigments

Nail pigments are classified according to texture. There are liquid and dry varieties of material. The use of the first option helps to create a uniform coating without pronounced stripes and stains. As for dry pigments, the material is not so practical to use, but has a low price, which makes it extremely popular.

Nail pigment: how to use?

The following approaches to the use of pigments are currently used:

The selected material is placed in a clean, dry mixing container, to which a few drops of clear nail polish are added. The components are stirred until a homogeneous substance is formed, which is applied to the surface of the nails in the form of a pattern.
The required amount of pigment is added directly to the bottle of varnish, and then shaken several times. This way the nail coloring agent is evenly mixed with the powdery substance.
The polish is applied to the nails and sprinkled with powdered pigment before it dries. After the nails dry, a metallic effect is formed.

Cautions

Craftsmen are absolutely not recommended to purchase pigments from unverified suppliers, in particular, to resort to purchasing uncertified Chinese products. Manufacturers of pigments from the Middle Kingdom most often sin by producing low-quality raw materials, the composition of which does not meet safety standards. Tested cosmetics always contain packaging with information about product certification.

To get positive results with the use of pigments, you should use the following tips:

The pigment should be applied to the surface of the nails as quickly as possible, since the prepared mixture hardens quite quickly.
When using powdered material, it is necessary to mix it thoroughly with the varnish until a homogeneous liquid substance of a uniform shade is obtained.
It is recommended to additionally treat the applied yellow pigment or a product of a different shade with fixing agents. This is the only way to get a truly stable surface that is not susceptible to chips and scratches.
To eliminate flaws that arise during the application of pigment to the surface of the nail plate, it is enough to use a cotton swab or swab moistened with nail polish remover.

Finally

Pigments are used extremely rarely as independent coloring substances. Their main purpose is to transform the shade of the modeling material, which opens up the possibility of implementing rather unusual color solutions. In contrast, it is insoluble in water. However, in combination with manicure gels they allow you to obtain dense, rich shades.

In general, by combining red, blue, green, yellow pigment and other shades, you can create a truly original, unique work. Proper formation of a color palette using the material allows you to create a manicure that allows girls to always remain in the center of attention.

Many women, when they come to a cosmetic store, do not understand how to use loose paints, which are sold in small jars. In fact, we are talking about cosmetic pigments.

Therefore, the question involuntarily arises, how to use pigment for nails? First of all, it is worth noting that the pigment is a powder product, which is added as the main component in eye shadow. But various binding components are added to the shadows, which allow the shadows to stay on the eyelids longer. As a result, the pigment loses its brightness.

Therefore, recently experts have tried to use an innovation - nail design with pigment. As practice has shown, the result is a clean and bright, rather saturated color. If desired, you can choose both shimmering pigments and matte, as well as pearlescent shades.

With the help of pigment, every girl can create her own unique shade of nail polish at home. For example, if you add a small amount of colored powder to a clear varnish, you can get an interesting and unusual shade. But you can add pigments to colored varnishes that have different textures. As a result, nails with pigment will not only be beautiful, they will last longer, maintaining their original appearance.

In order to figure out how to work with nail pigment, you need to familiarize yourself with all the details of this material. For example, you need to know that each pigment has its own characteristics. For example, there are those that give nails a pearlescent effect or a metallic shine. The pigments can also be unpainted, but if you place the nail at a certain angle, a pleasant shimmer will emanate from it.

Every girl can experiment with pigments if she wishes; it’s very interesting to mix them to get interesting color variations. You just need to first familiarize yourself with the entire assortment in the store. Also, before carrying out “experiments” you need to remember the amount of a particular pigment, so as not to overdo it, you need to know when to stop.

It is worth noting that approximately 5% of pigment should be added to colorless varnish, and 2% to colored varnish, so as not to spoil the resulting shade. By the way, in order to get a pearlescent shade, you only need 1% pigment.

If you want to get beautiful extended helium nails, then in order for the gel not to lose its natural properties, you need to add about 5% pigment to the gel. As for the colored gel, you only need 1%. As practice shows, it is advisable to introduce metallic and pearlescent pigments into the gel base, as well as those that can glow in the dark.

As for acrylic, absolutely any amount of pigment can be introduced into it. It works well if you mix white and transparent acrylic, and then add a little colored pigment to it.

It should be added that in order to obtain a material of an interesting color, you can use either a single-color pigment or a multi-colored one. In order to make your nail design much brighter and more beautiful, you can combine pigments of the same shade, but so that they consist of different shimmering particles.

To begin with, it is advisable to purchase only three pigments, and by experimenting with them, you will be able to get a huge palette of different shades; you just need to remember how to combine colors correctly.

Pigments can be used not only in nail design. Their discreet colors are boldly used instead of shadows, and shimmering shades can be combined with regular face powder. This option is perfect for a disco or party.

In conclusion, it is worth adding that you should not be afraid to do something new. Properly selected pigments will make a girl’s manicure unusual, so she will definitely be the center of attention.

Pigment is an interesting material for creating creative designs using gel polishes. Outwardly similar to sand or starch.

The coloring matter in the form of small particles can have a size from 5 to 180 microns. These particles easily fall on the nails in a thin, even layer.

Pigments can have a variety of shades - from pearlescent and matte to transparent with original tints. They can be safely mixed with each other, and also added to gel polishes to obtain unusual shades.

It is no coincidence that manicurists have in their arsenal several options for pigments of different colors.

They love them for their special properties:

the particles are securely held on the surface of the nail,
the ability to get a rich, deep shade, as well as easily create a gradient design that is popular today,
versatility - pigment particles of different colors can be easily mixed with each other and open up opportunities for creating the most complex designs,
resistance to external influences - a manicure with gel polish will last for at least 2 weeks,
affordable price and minimal consumption - the cost of one jar is about 50-60 rubles, and it will last for a long time.

What is needed to apply a design with pigments to gel polish?

Types of pigments

Based on their structure, the following types of dyes are distinguished:

Liquid - allows you to get a uniform coating without streaks.
Dry - crumbly particles are not so convenient to use, but are much cheaper and more accessible. These are the ones most often used by nail art masters.

They are also classified into groups such as:

Natural - they are obtained by mixing mineral rocks.
Synthetic - created artificially.
Metallic - formed by mixing alloys and metals.

Cosmetic pigments can be either single-color or with different tints. You can also purchase materials with a chameleon effect.

What is needed for work

In addition to the dye itself, to create an unusual design you will need:

mixing container (you can take a glass jar),
spatula for collecting pigment from a jar,
design brush,
UV lamp for polymerization,
If desired, you can take acrylic powder to further mix it with the pigment.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Techniques of use

There are several techniques for using coloring particles. All of them are actively used by professionals in beauty salons, and are also available for use at home.

The first option is to mix them with a top coat. It is necessary to mix in equal proportions, apply to the nail plate and polymerize under a lamp.
The second option is to apply gel polish directly to the sticky layer. It can be applied both to the base and to the color coating. A dry brush should be dipped into the pigment and, with gentle slapping movements, distribute the coloring particles over the entire surface of the nail or part of it. The result is secured with a top.

You can mix pigments with acrylic powders.

To do this, pour three parts of transparent powder into a container, add one part of the pigment to it and mix.
Apply a small amount of monomer to the nail, pick up a little of the resulting mixture with a brush, carefully apply and distribute over the nail plate.

Instructions - rubbing pigment into gel polish

We prepare the nail plate and perform a manicure. We apply the base, dry it, then a layer of gel polish, and send it to dry again.

We pick up pigment with a brush and apply it to the nail in a chaotic manner using gentle tapping and rubbing movements. We wipe the brush to shake off excess, and draw on a different color. Rub again next to the pigment of the previous color. Gently walk along the joints between the two colors. Use your finger to gently rub the pigment into the nail. Using a brush, shake off excess from the nail and place it under the lamp. In our example, the nail has a design with two colors, but you can use one or, conversely, more.

Use a fan brush to shake off any remaining residue. Apply top coat and dry in a lamp. Remove the sticky layer and admire.

VIDEO DESCRIPTION

You should not use cheap Chinese-made material. In most cases, it does not meet safety requirements.
You can correct the pigment applied to the nail with a cotton swab moistened with nail polish remover.
If the pigment is needed to create a pattern, then paint it on top of the gel polish with the sticky layer removed - this way the pigment will remain only on the stickiness of the pattern.
No more than 5% of the coloring matter can be added to the gel, otherwise it will not be possible to properly polymerize the coating. In the case of acrylic, the figure can reach 50%.

Be sure to purchase at least one jar of pigment and try using it to create a bright manicure!

A variety of colors and materials, but how to apply pigment to gel polish? The structure of sand or powder allows you to implement the most daring design options. It is used exclusively with gel, but it can also be mixed with acrylic powder and varnishes; it is these coatings that ensure the durability and practicality of nail art. Thanks to different particle sizes, they can be combined to create an interesting palette and transitions.

Manicurists have a variety of pigments at their disposal, which allows them not to restrain their imagination, fulfilling all the client’s wishes. You can also purchase a jar for independent use. The technique is simple enough for a beginner to succeed the first time; it is not necessary to go through special seminars.

How to apply pigment to gel polish? You shouldn’t even try to decorate a regular coating in this way. Time will be wasted, and the manicure will have to be redone again. The coloring matter (pigment) itself comes in different textures, the size of the grains ranges from 5 to 180 microns. The powder is not used as an independent option for design; it is used to enhance the effect of the base. The pigment does not dissolve in gel polish, but when interacting with it, it allows you to create incredible effects.

Kinds

The structure, similar to starch, helps to obtain bright, rich shades, while maintaining practical properties; you can lead your usual lifestyle without fear of peeling. Depending on the consistency, you can buy 2 types in stores:

dry– the cost is much cheaper, it is possible to mix different colors, getting interesting combinations of glossy and matte finishes, they are also used for evening makeup, such versatility is very convenient, especially when preparing for a celebration;
It’s more convenient to work with liquid pigments, especially if you don’t have much experience in design techniques, the shade goes on evenly, and it’s easier to get the intended picture.

Based on the origin of the material, it can be divided into the following categories:

mineral, or natural, are obtained by grinding natural raw materials;
synthetic;
metal.

You can choose matte, glossy, more saturated or pastel colors; they are perfectly combined, creating stunning results on nails of any length. It’s easy to find monochrome powder, or with beautiful pearlescent tints; options with a chameleon effect are interesting.

Tools

To create a unique design with pigment you need to collect:

basic set for performing hygienic manicure;
gel polish;
top or fixative;
polymerization lamp;
brush;
the pigment itself;
mixing container, you can take a metal tablet;
pusher - a special spatula for collecting powder.

Different techniques may require additional tools and materials. For example, pigment is often used for bonding. You should be wary of cheap Chinese analogues; they often provoke allergic reactions.

Preparation

In order for the intended design to turn out perfectly, an important part of the whole work will be putting the nails in order:

remove the previous coating;
move the nail hole away with a nail file or spatula;
carefully trim the cuticle, try to do it in one line without gaps, then you will be able to avoid the appearance of hangnails;
then use a nail file to give the desired shape;
align all plates to the same length;
sand with a low-abrasive buffer or use a special machine, you need to lightly walk over the nail itself for better fixation during subsequent coating with gel polish;
clean from dust and sawed-off keratin layer using a special stiff brush;
treat with primer, wait a minute for it to dry completely.

Applying pigment. There are 2 options - mix with top coat or apply gel polish to a still wet coating. It all depends on the desired result; in the first case, you will get an interesting monochromatic coating in a matte or glossy finish. For the second method, you can use the gradient manicure technique, or apply it to create different accents.

Mixing

When using this technology, it is important to maintain proportions. When working with a clear base gel, you only need 5% pigment. To combine with colored gel polish, measure only 1% of the powder with a pusher. If more is added from the heart, it means that the polymerization time in the lamp will have to be increased, otherwise the material simply will not have time to fix in 3 minutes.

When mixed with acrylic powder, the proportions can reach 50%. Having chosen a pastel pigment, it is better to combine it with white gel, then you will get beautiful delicate shades. Monochrome coating is performed as follows:

apply a thin layer of base and dry for a minute in a lamp;
then mix in the required proportions with gel polish on the tablet;
then cover all the plates with a thin layer and seal in a lamp - 3 minutes;
apply top coat, dry for 1 minute.

Can also be used for patterns, drawing with a thin brush. Any ornaments look better on a white matte background. Also, in this way a smile or edging in a French manicure is highlighted, and a dark, pearlescent pigment is used.

Rubbing

To perform this technique, standard skills in working with gel varnishes are sufficient. A little more difficult to mix, but allows you to achieve interesting design solutions. You need to act according to the following plan:

For a hygienic manicure, after the primer, a layer of base coat is applied and dried in a lamp;
then comes the turn of the gel, spread in a thin layer and set for fixation for 2-3 minutes;
pick up pigment with a pusher, shake it in a chaotic manner onto the plate, rub it into the coating with a brush;
then add another color or pigment with a contrasting effect, thus distributing it over the entire area of the nail;
limit yourself to 2 types, or add more, the same rule applies to the coating, it can be partial or completely fill the entire plate;
smooth out the boundaries between different shades with your finger, shake off excess with a fan brush;
cover with topcoat and fix in a lamp;
remove the sticky layer with lint-free wipes.

Advantages

In salons, experienced professionals have dozens, or even hundreds of jars of pigmented powder at their disposal. This material is often used due to its obvious advantages:

reliable fixation, the powder is perfectly fixed on a gel base for the entire period until the next correction;
the ability to easily create a gradient manicure, which is great for any special occasion, and a good option for everyday life;
it’s easy to combine different types of pigment, just a few jars, and you get an unlimited number of nail design options;
affordable pricing policy and minimal consumption, one jar is enough for a long time, and the cost does not exceed 80 rubles.

If you are tired of the usual monochromatic coating, you should pay attention to bright powder that shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. How to apply pigment to gel polish? The material spreads very easily on the base and can also be used when mixed with a liquid composition. A variety of decorative solutions will allow you to create real masterpieces of nail art.