Gradient application technique. How to do a gradient manicure with gel polish

25.11.202127.05.2017

Gradient manicure (another name for it is ombre) is a nail design in which different shades of varnish smoothly flow from one to another.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to create such beauty on your own, but once you get the hang of it, you can perform simple versions of this manicure on your own. And ours step by step instructions will help.

We prepare materials for work

We will be doing a gradient manicure at home, so we can do without professional products.

Prepare:

Foam sponge. The one designed for washing dishes will do.
New transparent plastic bag, stationery file or foil.
A few toothpicks.
Base coat for varnish.
Fixing coating.
Tint varnishes.
Nail polish remover, cotton pads, sticks or special pencils to remove excess polish.

For the first time, it is better to take two colors, since applying more shades requires honed skills. These can be two different but compatible colors or two shades of the same color. Chameleon polishes are very difficult to work with, so when creating a gradient manicure at home, you should avoid them.

Keep in mind that a gradient manicure requires a lot of polish.

Cut out small pieces from the sponge in advance - about one and a half centimeters wide and three to four centimeters long.

Preparing your nails

Before doing a gradient manicure, carefully treat your nails to give them a neat and well-groomed look. These are standard procedures: filing and polishing, removing cuticles, degreasing the surface with nail polish remover.

After this, apply the base and wait for it to dry. This can be either a special base varnish or some colorless one. medicinal varnish(such as “Smart enamel”).

Method one

Place a package (stationery file or foil) on the table. Apply the lightest polish to the entire surface of the nail.

While the layer is drying, make two blots of the selected varnishes on the surface of the bag or foil. The droplets should touch each other. Use a toothpick to blur the boundaries between them.

Apply the sponge to the color spot and immediately after that to the surface of the nail. Make sure that the arrangement of colors on the sponge matches the one you want on your nails.

Blend the color with light pressing movements. Repeat this step if necessary. Don't be afraid to stain the skin around your nail; any excess can be removed later.

Repeat the procedure for all nails.

Apply a protective coating. Can be used clear varnish with sparkles.

After drying, clean the stained areas of the skin using a special pencil or a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover.

Varnishes can be applied directly to the sponge. Don't skimp on the coloring material. Apply enough so that it can be well imprinted on the surface of the nail.

It is advisable to have several pieces of sponge in stock in case one begins to crumble during the painting process.

If a gradient manicure is performed using matte varnish, then there should not be any particular difficulties. If the varnish is glossy, it may become cloudy when you stretch it with a sponge. If this happens, you will have to cover the nail with several layers of a fixing coating.

Method two

The principle is the same, but instead of a sponge, an applicator (sponge) is used to apply eye shadow. The skin will get a little less dirty than using a regular piece of foam, and some people find it more convenient to blend the color using an applicator stick.

But, in general, don’t be afraid to get dirty when doing a gradient manicure. The skin is easily cleaned with nail polish remover, but if you are too careful, you may not paint the entire surface of the nail, it will turn out ugly.

Method three

If you still dare to make more than two colors, you can apply the required number of shades to the sponge or proceed as follows.

Apply the base color to the entire surface of the nail.
After the first layer has dried, use a sponge to apply the second color from about the middle of the nail plate. Try to make the border between the colors a little blurry.
Using another piece of sponge, apply a third coat to the outer edge of the nail, making sure the edge is blurred.
Apply topcoat.

Method four

Suitable if you want to get a vertical gradient manicure.

Apply two (or more) shades of polish to the nail at once in stripes so that the boundaries between them meet.
Quickly, before the polish begins to dry, use a sponge to blur the boundaries between colors by lightly patting.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 if necessary.
Apply topcoat.

What problems may arise

If you don't get a smooth transition between colors, then perhaps you chose too contrasting shades. We'll have to find another combination. Or try applying several layers, letting each of them dry a little.

If bubbles appear after imprinting the sponge, use a finer-grained sponge. If this does not help, then after applying varnish to it, make prints first on foil or paper, and then on the nail.

If this does not work, then simply increase the number of layers of nail polish on the nail. Then the dots will become invisible.

Using gel polish for gradient manicure

A gradient manicure with shellac or gel polish looks more impressive and lasts much longer than using a conventional coating. The technique is similar, but if you do not have special equipment and cosmetics, then it is better to do this procedure in a salon.

A gradient manicure with gel polish is performed as follows:

Nails are degreased with a dehydrator.
An acid-free primer is applied. Then the base, which is baked for a minute under a UV lamp.
A lighter gel polish is applied from the base of the nail to the middle. The remaining part is painted over dark shade. The joint line should be smooth.
The border between colors is blurred with a thin paint brush or sponge.
After erasing the boundaries, the nails on each hand are dried under a lamp for one and a half to two minutes.
If it is necessary to obtain a more saturated shade, steps 3-5 are repeated.
The painted legs are covered with fixing gel polish and dried again under the lamp.

Benefits of gradient manicure

A gradient manicure looks unusual, adds zest and is appropriate in any setting, provided the colors are chosen correctly. The coating can be done using both bright and pastel colors. For the same reason, manicure is suitable for women and girls of all ages.

Despite the rather complex technique, “smearing” the varnish is undoubtedly easier than painting flowers, patterns or letters with it. Once you learn how to paint your nails this way, you will be able to choose from a wide variety of options. After all, you can endlessly look for interesting color combinations, and every time the manicure will look new.

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

Correctly selected material is already half the success

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. Gradient design looks more impressive on long nails, however, 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

processing

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 a single-color polish, which we talked about above, over the entire length of the nail plate - some pastel or white. 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 for this you can choose different ways: 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 stirring them on some surface various colors varnishes 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 covering 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. As soon as necessary tools 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 it’s time to 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 in this case It is recommended to apply one shade first 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 can’t do without vitamins, especially vitamin E, which helps strengthen and support healthy condition 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 agent 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

Gradient manicure became fashionable not so long ago, but at the same time quickly won the hearts of many ladies with its unusual design. It made it possible to make women's nails even more beautiful and well-groomed - and all this without even visiting an expensive salon. If you become familiar with the technique of correctly performing such a creative manicure and are able to competently combine the available colors, you will get results that will exceed all your expectations.

Today, a gradient will allow you to bring to life the most daring and fantastic ideas, play with different colors and tones, constantly combine them, finding new interesting solutions. In addition, the gradient will perfectly combine with other types of manicure.

Features of manicure

Gradient design is a popular subtype of French nail art, which represents a beautiful smooth transition of very close and similar colors or, on the contrary, contrasting opposite colors. In a gradient nail design, there are necessarily boundaries between the colors used, only they are not clear, but blurred.

The main distinguishing feature of a nail gradient is the fact that there is more than one color on the nail., but a whole inflorescence of colors and tones. And the colors themselves, which dramatically change from a more saturated and dark tone to a lighter one, and, conversely, at the request of the owner of the nails, create either light and smooth, or sharp and sometimes even rough transitions of the color spectrum.

The gradient is applied to the nails both vertically – which is more common – and horizontally- the main thing is to do this according to a clear pattern, and then with border mixing the much-needed transition from a faded color to a more saturated tone will be obtained. Few masters can tell you the maximum possible number of colors or tones: some choose no more than four colors, others work with a good dozen - here a lot depends on the creativity of the master, as well as on the shapes and parameters of the nails themselves.

To create a gradient manicure, all kinds of coating colors are used. Thanks to the universal appearance This coating with a catchy gradient will look great on nails of any length.

There are several types of gradient nail decor.

The tip of the nail is painted over with varnish of a lighter shade, after which this color will gradually flow into a much darker tone. For this kind of idea, you can choose colors from the same shade range or varnishes that are completely opposite in saturation and color.
The color of nails can change with a visually inconspicuous transition from one nail to the second. Here, they usually choose several shades at once in a single color scheme.

A gradient on a manicure always looks attractive, it will be more than appropriate under various circumstances, the main thing is to choose the right colors. Gradient coverage can be created using both bold and catchy and rather dull pastel undertones.

This type of coating is perfect for both respectable ladies and very young girls.- after all, he is of all ages. Many people believe that creating a gradient is a very complicated technique, but in fact it is much easier to “smear” the polish on your nails than to draw flowers, designs or letters on it. If you set out to learn how to decorate your nails using this method, you will soon be able to select the most interesting ideas for yourself.

Pros of gradient:

simple methods of execution;
magnificent combinations of any shades;
catchy look;
inexpensive tools and decorative materials;
the opportunity to come up with a unique design yourself.

Required materials

The gradient can be easily produced at home using ordinary varnishes.

In order for the varnish you have so carefully selected to lie smoothly, and the transitions from one color to another to look neat, you need to prepare in advance:

wax or cream with a moisturizing effect for your nails;
a product that will allow you to soften and remove the cuticle;
sticks with cotton wool that will be soaked in a special product to remove excess varnish on the cuticle;
a base for future manicure and a special fixer;
multi-colored varnishes;
sponge or sponge, tape, foil.

How to combine colors?

The simplest method of designing a manicure with a catchy gradient is to choose several of the most stylish shades of a single color, which will differ from each other by no more than 1-2 tones. They will allow you to create the most beautiful transition.

Considering the fact that choosing colors that are very close to each other is often not so easy, you can get them quite quickly by mixing different varnishes at home. To do this, you just need to mix varnishes of the same color to obtain intermediate colors; mix with a light varnish its darker counterpart. The saturation of the resulting tone will directly depend on the proportions in which the colors were taken.

A special color wheel will help you choose the best combinations.

To design the most eye-catching gradient, it is better to choose combinations such as:

adjacent colors - shades that are located in adjacent sectors of such a wheel (this can be orange and yellow-ochre, light green and light green);
very similar colors are those tones that are located 1 sector apart from each other (the most similar and are pure tones) - these are blue colors and soft purple, deep red and orange colors;
intermediate - lines are usually mentally drawn between them that intersect at an angle of 90 degrees (yellow and reddish-orange, brick-red and violet);
analog harmony is several colors that appear in a row on a color wheel (bluish-green, blue, bluish-violet);
alternative harmony - luxurious combinations lying on the color wheel opposite the main color and 2 more adjacent tones (yellow, faded purple, bluish-lilac and reddish-lilac).

Execution technique

To create a stylish gradient on your nails, you can choose from a variety of techniques. Most of them are very simple and do not require expensive equipment or special tools. Decoration can be done at home using regular varnish. Large quantities can be completed various options manicure design thanks to detailed step-by-step instructions.

The first way to create a catchy gradient on a nail is simple and perfect for beginners.

Varnish of a pre-selected color simply needs to be applied in even stripes onto a small piece of sponge or sponge. The coating should be absorbed a little.
The sponge is tightly applied to the nail until the transition from the first tone to the second becomes clearly visible.
The dried nail coating is covered with a transparent fixative.

Another interesting method that requires the use of a piece of foil.

The varnish is applied in neat strips as close to each other as possible directly onto the foil.
Using a toothpick or a stick specially adapted for this purpose, the existing shades are slightly mixed right at the joining points.
The varnish can be transferred from the foil to the sponge using the usual reprinting method. It is extremely important that the varnish does not dry out before this point. Then all that remains is to transfer the color from the sponge to the nails already prepared for the new coating.
The whole procedure ends with the application of a transparent coating.

When applying varnish to a sponge, it will be absorbed very actively, which can significantly increase the consumption of the coating, and then another method can be used.

The nail is simply covered with base varnish. The next layer of varnish with a pre-selected color must be applied to the nail end-to-end with the first color used.
Even before the varnish has time to dry well, you need to take a sponge and lightly tap it to create a border between the colors - the border should look blurry and not too distinct.
The finished gradient is covered with a transparent base.

A gradient with luxurious sparkles will look extremely unusual. Any available varnish can be used as a base. As soon as the first layer of colored varnish dries, you need to apply a layer of coating with shiny particles on it. For greater effect, it is best to apply glitter coating from the middle of the nail to its edge. The manicure is completed with a layer of protective coating.

You can also use a special thermovarnish. It is best used by owners of long nails: then the effect of changing colors will be visually more striking.

A correctly selected brush will allow you to create a neat decor with a gradient. To quickly apply the coating to the nail, it is better to choose a small and flat brush. To mix similar colors, you can use a flat brush or a special fan brush. If you need to create a geometric gradient, then you should also worry about having a stripper brush to apply thin stripes with.

The technique for creating a vertical gradient using a brush will look like this:

Use a flat brush to paint half of the nail;
another part of the nail is filled with a different color;
Next, the brush is slightly moistened in the clinser and carefully passed it at the junction of the border between two colors, while you can move the brush a little from right to left;
the colors will mix and you will get a very beautiful gradient.

To create a striped gradient, you just need to draw straight or curved lines on your nails. Such lines should be as thin as possible, and the transitions should be darker with each application. This kind of design can be considered both romantic and businesslike.

Current colors for a gradient of frequent stripes are the brightest or most saturated colors in combination with light undertones. Here, deep orange can turn first into peach, and then into a yellowish-cream tone, finally turning into a snow-white color.

The technique of creating a striped gradient is amazingly simple. You must first prepare the nails themselves and cover them with a special base. The main color should be applied closer to the base of the nails. Each layer will need to be dried under a lamp in turn. Using a sponge, apply a contrasting tone to the very tips of the nails, while shading towards the center of the nail plate. Contrasting stripes are made in parts, allowing you to add deep color towards the ends of the nail.

The air gradient is also considered quite popular. It is done using a special device called an “airbrush”, which sprays paint onto the nail in a thin layer under serious air pressure. Most often, an airbrush is chosen for applying horizontal ombre. You just need to pour the required amount of paint into the device, a special compressor is connected to it, and the varnish begins to be applied in a thin layer to the desired part of the nail surface. Next, you just need to change the color and spray it on the tips of the nails so that a smoothly passing stretch of colors is visible.

This interesting colored coating is carefully dried and covered with a top coat. Remains of sprayed varnish can be very easily removed from the skin; all you have to do is wash your hands. An airbrush will not only create a neat ombre, but will also significantly save time. The air gradient is suitable for ladies of any age group. You can choose absolutely any of the most relevant shades for the current season.

Gradient using a sponge - it should have flat and even edges. The sponge you select should be as dense and durable as possible, not too porous, and in no case should it crumble so as not to leave pieces on the surface of the nail. You can choose a makeup sponge or a regular kitchen utensil. To work, you will need to prepare a sponge - cut off a piece the right size.

It is best to first immerse such a sponge in water and then squeeze it thoroughly. Thanks to a slightly damp sponge, the varnish used will not fill its pores too quickly and therefore its consumption will be more economical. This way, most of the polish will be neatly transferred from the sponge to the nails.

There are other methods of creating a gradient with a regular sponge - for example, the varnish is first spread on a special palette in the required order or according to a pattern, then you need to press the sponge to this surface and use it to transfer the varnish to the nails. In addition, with a sponge you can define different directions of the gradient: make it vertical or horizontal, and also make it geometric.

If you cannot achieve a smooth transition between tones, then perhaps you have chosen too contrasting colors. It will be necessary to find another combination. Or you can apply several layers, giving each of them time to dry a little.

Until recently, the classic French manicure was popular. But fashion does not stand still, and now there is new trend- gradient manicure. The features of its creation are described in detail below.

One of latest news In the world of manicure, the ombre or gradient technique has become popular. This interesting design instantly became very popular among girls and women of different ages, because it is almost ideal 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 varnish using plastic cover or films. 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 the transition to the tip of the nail from dark to light tones, for the base you should use dark colors varnishes
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. For even and smooth distribution over nail plate varnish is used as a base coat.

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 desired 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.

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, perform a simple classic trim manicure, 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.
A sponge is taken and used for application. 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 lightly 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 this type of manicure is not planned to be done regularly, it is best to contact an experienced master, because everything necessary materials you'll have to spend a lot of money.

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.

If you are tired of the old manicure, but want to look bright and unusual, then a gradient manicure with gel polish, the video of which you can watch in this article, is for you. This type of nail art is always at the peak of fashion, because despite all its complexity, it is actually very easy to create. A gradient on nails can be done by any novice artist who doesn’t even need serious manicure tools. How to make a manicure with a gradient effect and achieve a smooth and beautiful transition? Read more in this article.

Ombre technique

Gradient manicure also has other names: ombre or degrade, as it came to us from romantic France. In fact, this is an excellent nail decor with plans for changing from dark to light colors, or vice versa, depending on the imagination of the artist.

The colors of this type of nail art can be either in the same shade range or in different ones. You can combine not only two different colors, but also much more.

There is another type of gradient manicure, when each nail on the hand is painted in different shades of the same color and then it turns out that we see an interesting transition from the thumb to the little finger. You can create a gradient correctly and use different color combinations quite successfully, the main thing is to use your imagination. This manicure looks great on both long and short nails, and they can be of any shape.

Ways to perform ombre

The gradient can be made in various variations, for example, you can make it with a sponge or with a brush, or use a special template. It all depends on which option is preferable to you. Let's take a closer look at them.

Gradient manicure using a sponge

In order to make a gradient manicure using a sponge, you can go in two ways. With the first method, one of the easiest, you only need a few shades of varnish and a sponge. You need to paint the sponge on one side in turn in the colors of each of the varnishes; the strip should not be wide. Don't forget that nails can be different lengths, so the length of your striped pattern should not be longer than the length of your nail.

Then you need to gently press the sponge to the nail plate and try to hold it for a few seconds so that the sponge does not move, otherwise the color gradation will not work. Then carefully remove and carefully wipe off any excess varnish. cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover. After this, you should coat your nails with a finishing polish to lock in the color and also give your nails a glossy shine. In order to make this manicure even brighter, you can first apply a varnish base in the chosen color - it will be a white varnish.

The second method is used when the most subtle color transition is needed. You need to make such an ombre step by step, first mix the varnishes on a flat surface, only then transfer it to a sponge, and then all this should reach the surface of the nail. Strictly speaking, this is the most best way do this manicure, and the most proven one. Since you will immediately achieve a smooth gradient, and you will not smear your manicure with a sponge.

The third technique allows you to do without any devices, but it is very complex in terms of execution. You need to cover the surface of the nail first with one and then with another layer of varnish. Moreover, in such a way as to achieve transparency of the second layer above the first. After this, apply the finishing base. Remember, the third technique requires quite a bit of skill so that the two polishes blend very nicely and form a smooth gradient.

Tools needed

To perform the gradient manicure technique you will need:

Among these methods there is one significant drawback: this varnish will last no more than a week. How to extend your pleasure for longer time? You need to make a gradient on your nails using shellac or use gel polish. In this case, the manicure will delight you for at least a month, without losing its pleasant appearance at all.

In fact, the technique is not much different, it’s just that each layer of durable gel coating will need to be dried in a light lamp before applying the next one.

If you're not sure how to do a proper manicure, then learn from bloggers who present excellent video tutorials in the field of beauty, watch special step-by-step instructions, or leave your nails in the hands of professionals.

Don't forget that any manicure requires practice and skill, so don't be upset if it doesn't work out the first time. Go ahead, experiment with colors, try different techniques, and the result will be the best, smoothest gradient you can achieve. Happy manicure!

Interesting video on the topic of the article: