How to do a gradient manicure at home. How to make a gradient manicure with gel polish at home: step-by-step guide. Gradient manicure at home step by step

Every representative of the fair sex wants to look stylish and fashionable, keep up with the times. A lady's well-groomed hands become the key to her success in all areas of activity, including with the opposite sex. A neat and creative manicure will become the subject of admiring glances from your family and friends. You don’t have to go to a salon; you can do the procedure at home. It is important that the materials and tools are of high quality and reliable.

Recently, an interesting technique for applying gel polish – gradient – ​​has been gaining popularity. Let's look at its features and advantages in our article.

What it is

Gradient manicure (aka stretching, aka Ombre style) is a smooth transition from one shade to another. It appeared in the world of nail design relatively recently, but has already won the hearts of many fashionistas. Now this type of coating is also in great demand and popularity.

Many ladies prefer this technology because it allows you to use several colors at once. Such nails will always look fashionable, creative and will successfully complement the stylish look of any fashionista. It is worth noting that the border between colors is smooth, but not pronounced. The shades penetrate each other, complementing the previous color.

From French “Ombre” is translated as “shadow”. The word "gradient" is of Latin origin. However, no matter what you call this nail technique, the result will not change - your nails will be attractive and well-groomed.

There are several types of gradient. You can choose the option that suits you, which will look fashionable and attractive:

• Vertical manicure. This option is a color transition from top to bottom. This design will look great on your nails, transforming them.
• Horizontal option. Accordingly, the shade will change from left to right. Medium-length nails will look especially attractive with this technique.
• Original manicure. This option represents a transition of shades from one finger to another. This nail design will look great even on short nails.
• French gradient. With this technique, a white color is applied to the edge of the nail, which will turn transparent towards the bottom of the nail. This option will look great on long and thin nails.

The main advantages of this technology include the following:

• Simplicity and ease. Of course, in order to masterfully create such a creative design, you should be patient, especially for beginners. With the help of practice, as well as high-quality reliable materials and tools, you will be able to achieve professionalism over time and pleasantly surprise your family and friends.
• Availability. You can purchase gel polish to create this technique at any professional store. All you need to do is choose a suitable color palette, choose your favorite brand and use the product with pleasure.
• Democratic price. You can purchase cosmetic products at a favorable price. All ladies will be pleasantly surprised by the optimal combination of price and quality. You can save your family savings.
• You can also save time. Now you won’t need to visit expensive beauty salons or wait for an appointment with the right specialist. You can create a creative design with your own hands at home. Again, this will require regular training and quality products. With experience, you will be able to make the gradient smooth, beautiful and graceful.
• Great mood. Design " ombre" – stylish and fashionable. It will ideally suit any of your style. Well-groomed and attractive hands will be the key to success in business and the attention of others. All this will lift your spirits and put you in a positive mood.

How to do this manicure

If you are just learning the basics of manicure and have no idea how to create a gradient on your nails, the following information will be useful to you. There is nothing complicated about technology. You can create a beautiful nail design yourself. First you will need to stock up on all the necessary equipment.

There are several ways to apply varnish. You can use any of them:

Sponge

With the help of a sponge, you can turn your creative Ombre design into reality. You need to take several colors that suit you best or that you like. Now it’s time to varnish part of the surface of the sponge in the desired shades. Slowly apply stripes of color that will touch each other.

remember, that The sponge should be well washed and dried. The one you use to wash dishes will also work. You will need to first cut it into small pieces. Remember to protect the cuticle. To do this, cover it with tape or spread it with PVA glue. Upon completion of the procedure, you can easily remove this layer and the varnish will not remain on the skin of your fingers.

Let's consider various technologies for high-quality coating using a sponge:

1. You should first apply a base to the nail plate., which will dry under a UV lamp.
2. Take some foil and apply a few drops of gel polish on it. not far from each other. Now you should mix the substance together, using a toothpick to create a medium shade.
3. Take a sponge and apply it to the varnish. Let her absorb it. If you want to avoid unwanted bubbles on the surface of the nail, you should make the first couple of prints on foil.
4. Using gentle springy movements, transfer the gel polish to the nail.. Apply as many layers as needed to achieve the desired color intensity.
5. It is worth noting that each such coating must be dried well under a lamp.. Once you are satisfied with the color, apply the top coat and dry thoroughly in a lamp.

There is another option for applying gel polish using a sponge:

1. The base should be applied first and dry it well under the lamp.
2. Now take two of your favorite shades and apply them directly to the nail plate end-to-end in a thick layer.
3. Next, take a sponge and blot the nail with a quick movement.. This should be done easily, but with little pressure. As the tone evens out, reduce the pressure. This will help you get rid of the bubbles.
4. Don't rush to dry your nails right away.. Wait a bit until the product takes the shape of the nail surface. Do the rest of your fingers. If random bubbles appear, they should be eliminated with a toothpick.
5. Then you need to apply the second layer in a similar way.. Their number will depend on the desired effect, as well as on the materials used.
6. After this, you should cover the surface with topcoat. and secure it under the lamp.

If you weren’t able to create a smooth transition the first time, don’t be discouraged. Just lightly dust the color mixing area with clear glitter. This design will be even more interesting and creative.

Brush

You can also create a gradient using a brush. There are also several ways to help you create a creative manicure. To do this, you should take a flat synthetic brush with a straight or semicircular end. Or it is better to use the one with which you apply the base. The basic technology is as follows:

1. It is worth choosing several shades of gel polish and cover half a nail with each of them. Layers should be thin so that they can be easily shaded.
2. Now take a flat brush, soak it in the clinser, let it become wet. Now, using light movements, move it from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. You need to hold the brush almost parallel to the nail surface. This is done so that it does not spoil the gradient, but evenly smoothes it out. When you see that the transition area has become soft, you can send your hands to dry under the lamp.
3. Now, using the same technology, it is worth applying a second layer and a third. Then the color itself will be saturated. Secure everything with a topcoat and dry the surface.

You can create a style Ombre"and using a fan brush. Of course, the transition will not be as smooth, but this will be the highlight of this design. You can quickly create the manicure you want at home. This is easy to do:

1. First you need to apply a base to the nail surface. Take the lightest shade that you will use in the gradient. Apply varnish in one or several layers. Now let everything dry under the lamp.
2. The next step is to take the foil. Mix suitable shades on it to get a medium color. You will apply it to the middle of the nail. This will be the transition area.
3. A little lower Apply the darkest shade almost at the very tip. Now take a slightly damp brush and move it from side to side, lightly touching the surface of the nail. Do this until you get the desired effect.
4. Now all this will need to be dried in a lamp.
5. Then add a second layer and repeat the above procedure. Remember that it is better to apply the main shade to the top area of ​​the nail so that it does not overlap the gradient. Dry everything under the lamp.

For adherents of the classics, you can create an unusual jacket using a gradient. It is created similarly to the technologies described above. In this case, it is worth taking classic shades as a basis. An experienced master will easily make your hands beautiful and attractive. Yes, and at home you can make a similar coating for yourself.

Design

It is worth noting that using a gradient you can create a wide variety of designs. We have already discussed the horizontal and vertical options, which can be done with a wide brush or comb, as well as a sponge.

• This technique with sparkles will also look elegant. You can focus on your nails. This manicure will fit perfectly into any special event, friendly party or family shower.

It is worth noting that no matter which method you choose, you need to carefully prepare your nails for this procedure. To do this, first of all, you need to give your nails the desired shape and length. This is done using a soft nail file. The next step will be cuticle correction. This is done without steaming in water.

To do this, you first need to soften the cuticle with a special product, pushing it back a little. Now take the buff and remove the shine from the nail surface. Finally, you should degrease all the nails, including the cuticle and cuticle. And only after the hands are prepared, you can begin the procedure itself: apply base, gel polish, top coat, dry in a lamp.

• Another common way to create a gradient is geometric.. It looks quite stylish and original and will add a fresh touch to your look. The design itself is done with a thin brush. To create it you will need two shades. For example, you can take colored and white gel polish. It will be necessary to sequentially dilute the colored shellac, creating lighter versions. With their help you will draw geometric shapes.

Go from the lightest shade to the darkest one. In this case, only a thin layer should be applied so that the gel polish does not spread. It is not necessary to dry each layer. Only after completing the entire process can the nails be sent to dry under the lamp. One of the popular geometric gradients this season is the rhombus. It looks fashionable, stylish and attractive.

To make this design option clear and neat, you should use special stencils. However, it should be remembered that the structure of the gel polish is such that it can flow under the stencil. Be extremely careful and careful. Once you get the hang of it, you will do it quickly and accurately.

• Another fashionable option - air gradient. It is done using an airbrush. The advantages of this method include efficiency, accuracy, accuracy and speed. Thanks to this device, you can create a fashionable design in a short period of time. It will take about two minutes for one nail.

To do this, you need to pour paint into the device, turn on the compressor and spray the product onto the surface of the nail plate. Typically, paint is water-based or alcohol-based. Then, after application, the skin can be cleansed with a special liquid. It is noteworthy that the paint itself is sprayed in a thin layer. Thus, its consumption will be minimal. You will get a beautiful manicure even at home.

Certainly, The gradient is best done with gel polish. This surface will last much longer, you will be able to do your homework without fear that the varnish will crack or lose its original appearance. The richness of the color coating is also an advantage of each bottle of product. Shiny nails will be the key to your success and good mood.

Colors

As for color, there is no consensus on which one is better to choose. You should focus on your taste preferences and favorite shades. Don't be afraid to experiment and combine colors. You will be able to get, to your surprise, an attractive original version.

• Many conservatives prefer the classics: black and white shades. With their help, you can create an office manicure with a gradient that will look stylish on your fingers and match any of your business suits.

• Bright people who want to stand out from the crowd and emphasize their individuality prefer red shades. They can be successfully combined with pink, white, burgundy, lilac, black and other colors. If you are creating a manicure for going out, you can use glitter. This will make your look extravagant. Do not forget to observe moderation in clothing.

• The original color onyx is fashionable this season. It can also be paired with your favorite shades. It is worth remembering that it is better to choose contrasting light and dark tones. They will look great on your hands.

Master classes

Experienced professionals in beauty salons will be able to demonstrate the Ombre technique quite quickly and without any problems. However, many newbies in the nail industry will have a hard time. At home, and even more so on short nails, it is sometimes so difficult to create such a design, although nothing is impossible.

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to simply, correctly and effectively apply such a coating.

• Step 1. The gradient technique is special in that you need to create a smooth transition from one color to another. To ensure a high-quality and durable coating, you need to properly prepare the nail plate and degrease it. Remove the old coating, correct the nails and cuticles, set a certain length. In order for the gel polish to have good adhesion to the surface of the nail, you need to apply a special primer and also cover your nails with a special base. Dry everything thoroughly under the lamp.

• Step 2. After everything is thoroughly dried, you can start creating the design. Using a brush, apply two colors of polish to the nail end to end.

• Step 3. Take a brush and carefully shade the border of shades. Then you need to apply a layer of varnish again, repeating the same procedure. You will need to achieve the desired color brightness, remembering to dry each layer in a UV lamp.

• Step 4. Now you can cover your nails with top coat. Be sure to dry the surface thoroughly under the lamp. As a result, you will get a beautiful and fashionable manicure that you can easily do at home.

It is called ombre, degrade, gradient design. It lengthens the nail plates and looks bright and elegant. You can perform a gradient manicure manually or with an airbrush device. Materials – varnishes, paints, gels, acrylic powder. A modern master may have several methods and techniques in his arsenal.

We will look at what is needed to create a gradient on nails, the most popular techniques in step-by-step instructions, and also share bright and inspiring ideas. Let's get started!

What is a gradient in manicure, features in preparing the design and choosing colors

Ombre or gradient is a manicure built on smooth horizontal, vertical, diagonal transitions of several shades of varnish or paint on the nail plate.

Rubbing: what it is, how to use it and all application methods with step-by-step instructions

The most popular option is a combination of two or three colors. The darkest or densest color always “works” in a set. It will be required the least, and it is it that affects the saturation and coloring of other colors.

So, when creating a manicure, a gradient of red and pink colors - darker red must be introduced with a brush into pink, smoothly painting over the intermediate zone and creating a third, coral color at the junction.

The most complex combination of shades is the black-red gradient. Masters say that once you master black and red ombre, all other combinations will seem easy to perform. This is due to the fact that black is the dirtiest color in the palette. Even the smallest uneven strokes or an extra drop of black can ruin the entire transition. Especially if you work with a brush.

Nude manicure ideas

It is better to choose shades for a gradient based on the color wheel. Neighboring colors of the same group go well together, cold with cold, and warm with warm. Contrasting tones look original.

The easiest way for beginners is to work with neon gel polishes when drawing a gradient in a manicure. Neon colors blend perfectly on the blending line, and ombre always results in an almost imperceptible transition.

1. For the base, it is recommended to use white varnish. This is more true if you use loose, soft shades for the gradient. White makes light and pastel colors brighter and more expressive.
2. The second option is to use the lightest shade of varnish from those selected for the composition for the base. If the colors are well pigmented, you can work without a base coat, applying the shades directly to the varnish base.

Materials needed to make the gradient

Depending on the chosen method of applying the gradient, you may need different materials and tools. We will provide a list of everything you need, and all you have to do is choose what you need for each specific design from the methods listed below.

1. Gel polish in 2, 3 shades or shellac
2. Acrylic paint when working with an airbrush or sponge (optional)
3. Gel paint
4. White gel polish or shellac for base/base
5. Base, top for gel polish
6. Degreaser, dehydrator
7. Brush: flat, comb, fan
8. Acrylic powder of different shades (for design with gradient powder)
9. Pigments (for ombre manicure with pigments)
10. Cuticle protector: cream, tape, liquid cuticle tape, cuticle stickers
11. Final cuticle oil

On the Internet you can find many instructions and life hacks on how to make a comb brush yourself. You can take any flat brush for watercolor or acrylic paints and trim it with scissors.

In order not to wash off the paint or varnish from the cuticle with all available means, it is better to protect it before starting work. You can carefully apply the nourishing cream, but if it gets into the gel polish when working with a sponge, the polish will swell with bubbles.

Manicure brushes - types, purpose, how to choose and care

At home, regular tape or PVA glue for cuticles is often used. In salons, professionals use Skin Defender - this is a liquid product that resembles the action of PVA glue. We apply it to the cuticle, it hardens, forming a thin elastic film. After applying the gradient, simply remove the film and the skin remains clean.

6 Gradient Ways with Step-by-Step Instructions

The popularity of this technique forces manicure masters and fans to come up with more and more new ways to apply it. They are easy to perform and suitable at different stages of mastering ombre. The easiest one is to work with a sponge. Professional level – working with a brush and airbrush.

The real breakthrough was the advent of the airbrush tool. It saves craftsmen time, materials, and allows them to achieve perfect, gentle transitions.

So, 6 ways to do it:

1. Sponge
2. Flat or comb brush
3. Fan brush
4. Pigment
5. Acrylic powder
6. Airbrush

Let's look at each method step by step. In the instructions we do not use regular varnish, only gel polishes, paints and other materials from the list above. Working with regular varnish will require a lot of time to dry the layers of base, varnish and top to fix the ombre.

First, you need to prepare your nails, do a trimmed or untrimmed manicure, buff the surface, degrease, remove dust and protect the cuticle.

Gradient with a sponge: how to make gel polish

A popular, simple and proven way to create a gradient. You can work either with a special sponge for ombre or use a regular kitchen sponge with small pores. An alternative is a car wash sponge. Usually these are finely porous large sponges; this supply will last for a long time.

A new sponge can be washed and dried, or taped over the work surface to remove fine dust and particles. They will definitely get stuck in the varnish layer and may cause bubbles.

Second method with a sponge:

1. Cover your nails with a white base or base coat.
2. Paint the nail with stripes of the varnish chosen for the gradient.
3. Use a sponge to mix the layers on the nail using patting movements, without pulling.
4. Repeat in 2 or three layers. It is recommended to take a few minutes break between them so that the varnish “settles down”. Remove the excess with a brush and wait for the bubbles to settle.
5. Only then dry it in a lamp.
6. Cover with top coat, dry, remove the sticky layer.
7. We process the cuticle.

Gradient flat or comb brush with gel polish

1. Cover the nails with a base layer of gel polish. It can be a white or pink shade, as it is lighter in the chosen combination of pink and blue.
2. On the base layer we apply the shades selected for the gradient - pink in the upper part and blue in the lower part. Varnishes can be applied at the joint or left a small gap if they are dark, contrasting tones, so as not to smear the brush.
3. Wet the brush in a cleanser to achieve the effect of light moisture. Then it is convenient to wipe it on a cotton pad, also soaked in cleanser. Some craftsmen use wet baby wipes for their work. The brush is initially blotted with a napkin, and then all remaining varnish is also removed from the brush with a damp napkin while working.
4. Holding the brush almost parallel to the nail, we begin to “pull” the pink color down from the cuticle with light touches, moving from side to side. It is important to immediately outline to what area you will “pull” the top color, and more intensively remove the color from the brush in the final transition zone.
5. We do a light ombre in two or three layers. We dry each one in a lamp.
6. We start the new layer by applying shades along the old transition lines, then tighten it again with a brush.
7. It is important to constantly remove excess varnish from the brush. In the area of ​​the free edge, the layer should be thin and neat.
8. We seal the resulting layers with an ombre top coat and dry them in a lamp.
9. Remove the sticky layer, remove the protection from the cuticle and treat it with oil.

We do not get such an even and smooth transition as other methods, but the technique allows you to work quickly and get good results even for beginners.

1. Apply the base pink color in two layers.
2. Mix pink and red 1:1 on foil, and apply the resulting color to the transition zone on the nail with a brush.
3. Apply red color to the tip of the nail.
4. Wet the fan brush by pressing it against a napkin soaked in clinser.
5. We place the brush perpendicular to the nail and “sweep” the layers of varnish from left to right again and again until we get the desired intensity of the transition.
6. Dry it in a lamp.
7. We repeat everything with the second layer, dry it in a lamp.
8. We fix the result with a top coat and process the cuticle.

For the base, use white gel polish or just a base. If pigments are used to create the entire gradient in two shades, and not half of the nail, then a silver layer of varnish or just a base will be enough. The sticky layer does not come off.

1. We cover the nail with two layers of colored blue or turquoise varnish.
2. Using a flat or round brush, select the pigment and place it on the sticky layer using small strokes and lightly patting movements.
3. We move from the zone of maximum color intensity to the transition zone, depending on how you arrange the shades.
4. We make the layer of pigment thin but dense.
5. If you combine two pigments, then start applying it in the same way from the edge to the middle of the nail. In the middle, where two pigments meet, carefully mix them with a brush, drawing one into the other. We get the pigment and put it where the bald spots form.
6. We seal the result with topcoat.
7. We process the cuticle.

Options for applying a “cat eye”, what 3D gel polishes and pigments are available and how to work with them

Degrade with acrylic powder

A simple method suitable for beginners. The fine, free-flowing texture gives a transition effect with a minimum number of strokes.

1. We paint our nails with white varnish and dry them in a lamp.
2. We cover the nails with top, leaving a dispersion layer.
3. Place one shade of powder on a fan brush and sprinkle it onto half of the nail with small movements. We start from the zone of the most intense color location and move towards the transition zone as the amount of powder on the brush decreases. The higher the brush is above the working surface of the nail, the wider, thinner and blurrier the layer is, so closer to the shade mixing area we raise the brush higher.
4. Shake off excess powder periodically to ensure even coverage.
5. We do the same with the second shade of powder.
6. Dry it in a lamp.
7. Brush off any remaining powder with a brush.
8. Use a soft buff to remove rough bumps to achieve a uniform coating.
9. We process the cuticle.

Shellac gradient: how to do it with an airbrush

In the warm season, I really want to pamper myself with an unusual and bright manicure. Standard techniques are no longer interesting and boring. Fortunately, fashion trends do not stand still, but develop at a rapid pace. So, just recently, nail technicians surprised us with a new technique called gradient manicure. Its peculiarity is that it creates the effect of a blurred transition from one color to another. The gradual change in color scheme looks very impressive!

Gradient manicure can have a lot of different colors. To make your manicure more expressive, you can use contrasting shades. To create a successful combination, you can use the color spectrum.

Gradient manicure at home

Gradient manicure, despite its apparent complexity, can be done at home. And how exactly, you can watch video lessons for beginners, which provide step-by-step instructions.

Gradient manicure with gel polish

So, how to do a gradient manicure, and what tools will you need to do it?

• Nail file with abrasive coating 801 – 100 grit.
• Degreaser for nail plates.
• Transparent gel is the base.
• Special brushes.
• UV lamp for drying gel polish.
• Colored gel polishes.

Making a gradient with gel polish (step by step instructions with photos).

Apply a gradient to the nails.

Remove any remaining gel polish.

Align the gradient pattern using a topcoat. Ombre manicure is ready.

Video tutorial: Secrets of creating the perfect gradient

Prepared nails must be degreased. After which the nails are coated with colorless gel polish and placed in a lamp for 30-40 seconds. The sticky layer is removed using a degreaser. Then colored gel polish is applied to the middle of the nail. The brush should move strictly from the cuticle. Next, the unpainted part of the nail is covered with a different shade of gel polish. After that, a thin brush is used to paint the transition border between colors. The result must be fixed in a UV lamp (hold for 3 minutes). To remove the sticky layer, wipe each nail with a cloth soaked in degreaser.

The resulting result is coated with finishing gel polish. It gives your nails a beautiful glossy shine.

4 Ways to Do a Gradient Design

Nail design experts have come up with quite a few ways to perform home gradient manicure. Some people use a sponge and eyeshadow applicator the old-fashioned way. Advanced craftsmen have already armed themselves with such a fashionable and convenient tool for creating a gradient as a comb brush or a simple gradient brush. Well, lovers of new products are in full swing painting a geometric gradient on their nails for themselves and their clients.

Gradient on nails with a sponge step by step

Gradient on nails with eye shadow applicator step by step

Gradient brush step by step

Geometric gradient on nails: step by step implementation

Gradient manicure. Ideas and new photos of nail designs with shimmering sand

Gradient manicure with design

If you have a good sense of style and imagination, then you can try to make a gradient manicure with a design.

Gradient manicure can be combined with sparkles, rhinestones, foil, and patterns.

Gradient design is performed in the following sequence:

• The nail plates are covered with base varnish.
• Then colored varnishes are applied to the polyethylene or foil in the required order. This season's trending colors are: pink, white, red, black, violet, turquoise, coral.
• The sponge is pressed onto the varnishes and carefully transferred to the nail. The shades are transferred using patting movements so that the boundaries are as blurred as possible.
• This procedure is repeated for all nails.
• The obtained result is secured with a finishing coating.

Tips for Newbies

In order for a gradient manicure to turn out neat, you need to follow certain rules.

Rule of a good gradient manicure No. 1. First of all, you need to choose the right sponge. It should be fine-mesh. The cells must be of the same shape and size. Otherwise, a gradient manicure may not work. Instead of a smooth transition, you will end up with unattractive points that are far from the gradient.

Rule of a good gradient manicure No. 2. It is also not recommended to skimp on varnishes. A gradient manicure, done to save material, turns out uneven and awkward. Smooth transitions are achieved only when using varnishes in the required quantities.

Rule of a good gradient number 3. As for the color scheme, the best base option is beige, white, milky, peach shade. Additional colors can be any. In order to choose the right combination, you can look at various options on our website. Here are various options for gradient manicure (photo below).

Video tutorial on how to perform the correct gradient manicure with gel polish

How to achieve an ombre effect on nails? Let's watch the training video.

Ideas and new photos of gradient manicure

Gradient. Like any other manicure option, it has its advantages and disadvantages. And you need to create it following certain recommendations.

Peculiarities

Gradient nail design is remarkable because the transition in it is carried out not only between dark and light tones of the same color. A girl can choose absolutely any shades and try to combine them with each other. This is its advantage - an unexpected combination becomes an original solution and allows the owner to stand out. By varying the color scheme and types of gradient, you can get a unique design.

The use of various decorative elements (rhinestones or small stickers) will also add zest and even enliven an already boring design. In addition, no matter how complicated the technique may seem, such a manicure is very easy to do even at home.

One small disadvantage of this design is that not all colors combine well with each other. If a girl is young and bold, and is not afraid to be bright and noticeable, she can experiment without hesitation. Business women and modest women are better suited to pastel colors that will not create a sharp contrast.

Types of gradient on nails

A gradient, or stretching as it is also called, can be drawn in several ways. In this regard, it is divided into several types:

1. Simple. This type differs from the others in that the gradient effect will be created not on each nail, but on the entire hand as a whole. It is perfect for manicure at home and is created using 5 shades of the same color. To do this, a darker varnish is applied to the thumb or little finger nail. Next, the nails are painted in increasingly lighter colors. Alternatively, 3 shades can be used. In this case, the middle nail will be either the darkest or the lightest.
2. Classical. Here, a smooth transition between two or three colors is carried out along the width of the nail in its central part, i.e. across. This type is also called horizontal.
3. Vertical. In it, the transition occurs along the surface of the nail, i.e. vertically.
4. In style. The principle does not change, but or are used as flowers, turning into milky or.
5. With painting. In this case, the gradient will be used as a basis for the pattern.
6. Brilliant. There is no play of colors as such; only one varnish is used. Sparkles are added to it, the amount of which will decrease closer to the transition border.
7. Chaotic. The boundaries of transitions between colors can be located anywhere, and the colors themselves can change direction. A great example is the colorful Skittles design, which takes its name from the colorful candies of the same name.
8. Linear. The design on the nails is often represented by vertical lines, which are carefully drawn with thin brushes. This type of gradient nail design does not imply blurring the boundaries between colors. A good example is the diamond geometric gradient.

Video "Geometric Gradient"

You can see how to correctly create a 2018 diamond gradient nail design in this video.

Required Tools

Preparation for creating a gradient manicure begins directly with the collection of tools and materials. An approximate set can be seen in the table.

If the manicure is created using gel polish, you will additionally need a lint-free cloth, which will allow you to remove the sticky layer after polymerization, and a UV lamp directly.

Application rules

To get beautiful nails and not look funny or awkward, it is advisable to learn how to choose the right colors and type of gradient. Here are some recommendations on this matter:

• if your nails are short, but you still want to make a fashionable design, you should pay attention to vertical or simple stretching;
• a dark tone at the base of the nail plate is better suited to long nails, because can visually shorten them;
• when colors are contrasting, the boundary between them should be defined as clearly as possible;
• to get an interesting manicure, it is better to use more varnishes;
• the choice of matte varnishes will not be the most successful when creating a gradient design, while glossy ones will enhance the effect;
• The varnishes themselves should be of the same texture; the result from using thermovarnishes will be interesting.

Gradient design technology

Smoothly blurring the boundaries between the colors used is quite easy to do when using regular varnish. However, this manicure does not last longer than a few days. A gradient nail design with gel-based polish will be more durable, but it is also somewhat more difficult to make. There are several ways to create such a design; we will tell you about the most popular ones.

Using a sponge

This technology for creating a gradient nail design is possible with a sponge or a piece of kitchen sponge. It is performed as follows:

1. First of all, you need to accurately determine the colors that will be used in the manicure.
2. Next, you should apply a base coat, which will protect the nail plate and make the gradient long-lasting.
3. Now we take the lightest of the selected varnishes, completely cover the nail with it and let it dry.
4. The sponge or sponge must be slightly moistened so that the material becomes damp and does not absorb the varnish.
5. We take the varnishes and apply stripes to the sponge, moving from one tone to another. This is done with confident lines that touch each other.
6. At this step you will need foil or film, contact with which with a sponge or sponge will allow the boundaries between colors to blur. Before applying the gradient to your nails, it is also advisable to check the result on plain paper. Now you can finally transfer the pattern onto your nails. If you have no skills in this matter, you need to start with several touches of one nail. In this case, the sponge moves a little to the side each time for a more interesting effect. A professional can handle multiple nails with just one touch.
7. Remains of polish that gets on the skin around the nails should be removed before it dries completely. Here you will need the previously mentioned nail polish remover or corrector. In order not to remove the polish, you can stick stationery tape on your fingers before treating your nails with a sponge.
8. At the very end, be sure to apply a top coat to seal the result.

There is one trick to this method - to get a gradient, just apply a base color to the nail, and a second color to the sponge, which will be printed on the free edge.

Using foil

This method is not too different from the first in its technique. Its difference is in applying varnishes to a sponge, because... in this case, the pattern is created first on the foil. A flat plastic surface is also perfect for this. The initial blurring of the boundaries occurs with the help of a toothpick, and the complete blurring occurs after the sponge is soaked in varnish.

With eyeshadow applicator

The technology of this method is also in many ways similar to the previous ones. An eyeshadow applicator works better here, but you can also use a regular sponge or sponge. The procedure is as follows:

• using a manicure set, the cuticle is removed or pushed back (in this case, an orange stick will do);
• nails are coated with a base product;
• after it dries, one of the selected gradient colors is applied;
• now a second color is applied to the applicator, which is carefully imprinted on the nails at a short distance from its base (the distance depends on the desired area and the number of colors);
• if the gradient consists of more than two colors, the previous action is repeated the required number of times;
• at the end, the remaining varnish is removed from the skin and a fixative is applied.

Using a brush

This method can be called the simplest, because... to create a beautiful manicure you only need a flat brush:

• the required colors of varnish are applied to the prepared nails in a thin layer;
• the brush is slightly moistened in the cleaner;
• immediately, before it dries, several movements are made along the nail in a direction that depends on the type of gradient;
• Now the nails need to dry, after which the procedure is repeated completely;
• At the end, a fixing agent must be applied.

After each shade, the brush should be wiped with a napkin, which can also be slightly moistened with clinser. In the case when a girl wants to create a gradient nail design on her own, but does not have the skills to work with such a tool, a fan brush will suit her. The procedure changes slightly:

• due to the fact that such a brush does not give a very smooth transition between colors, it is advisable to create a middle tone yourself by mixing the main shades on the foil;
• fully processed nails are covered with a base layer of varnish, which is the lightest of those chosen for the design;
• nails need to be allowed to dry;
• With a brush damp from the cleaner, you need to make movements like a broom until the expected result is obtained;
• after the nails are dry, you can apply a second layer of varnish;
• The last step will also be to apply a top coat.

Gel polish

As already mentioned, such a manicure will last much longer. In addition, ordinary varnish tends to break off in small pieces and wear off along the free edge. The procedure for creating a gradient gel polish design is as follows:

• first, the cuticle is moved back, and the surface of the nail is slightly filed and polished;
• after removing the remaining nail dust, a degreaser is applied to the nail;
• hands are sent to an ultraviolet lamp to dry;
• Now the nails are coated with base gel polish, after which they polymerize;
• Next, you should remove the sticky layer, for which a lint-free napkin is suitable;
• gel polish of one color is applied to one half of the nail, and a second color to the other;
• take the first gel polish again and paint the smooth border between the colors with a thin brush;
• Now you can send your nails to dry again;
• a lint-free cloth is used again;
• All that remains is to apply the top fixing agent.

During polymerization, it is important to remember that holding your fingers under the light of an ultraviolet lamp for more than two minutes is undesirable.

Gradient Nail Design Ideas

As a result, we offer several examples with photos of gradient nail designs, for which we again recall its types.

Simple gradient.

Classical.

Such a modern trend as a gradient on nails with gel polish can be easily created at home with the appropriate tools and cosmetics. In addition, there are many variations in creating a gradient with gel polish; they can only be limited by your imagination and the color palette of the varnishes.

Technologies for making gradient gel polish

To create a memorable gradient, you can use various techniques. Some require a little experience, while others are quite acceptable for beginners to create an unusual manicure at home. Please note that when applying gel polish or shellac, you must follow the general rules for performing a manicure with these products. For this you will need:

• UV lamp;
• base for gel polish;
• fixative;
• main varnish (if a gradient is applied to the nails, there should be several of them);
• nail polish remover.

Sponge application

For one of the techniques for applying a gradient on your nails, you will need a dishwashing sponge or sponge. A small piece, slightly larger than a fingernail, is cut off from it. Two thick drops of gel polish of different colors are placed close to each other on the surface of the sponge. Using a brush, they should be mixed together, creating a color stretch. Then imprint the resulting gradient on the nails. It is important not to let the gel polish dry out.

Gradient brush

When using a brush, a gradient transition is created directly on the nail. You can do this in several ways, using different brushes:

• There is a fan brush used in manicure to create abstract designs on the nails. It is great for creating a gradient with gel polish. The shape of such a brush resembles a fan, and its size should not greatly exceed the size of the nail plate.
• The second option for making a gradient using a brush involves applying gel polish with a comb brush. Its width is much narrower than that of a fan brush, and in general it resembles an ordinary flat brush. Its difference is the sparse pile at the tip. It creates a smooth iridescence, and should be included in the manicure process at the stage of mixing two colors. You can also first apply one color of gel polish to the entire surface of the nail, and use a comb brush to carefully apply the second shade on top.

Advice: it is better to purchase brushes with rubberized handles. Plastic or metal can slip out of your hands at the wrong moment.

For short nails

With short nails, you can use all the same techniques as with long ones, except that they can cause difficulties due to the small surface being treated. In this case, gel polish can get on the cuticle and fingers. The most convenient way for short nails is the traditional one. The surface of the nail is covered with a base shade, and another is applied to it, creating a smooth transition with a narrow brush.

Vertical gradient

With this type of gradient transition, gel polish of different shades is applied in vertical stripes, overlapping one on top of the other. An interesting solution could be a transition that involves all fingers - it will start from the little finger and end with the big one. The shades should not contrast strongly with each other, and together the nails of one hand should represent a complete gradient transition.

Horizontal Gradient

When creating a horizontal pattern, you can be guided by two options: select colors from the same palette, resulting in a smooth color, or use contrasting colors, bringing originality and a little extravagance to the manicure.

Ombre gel polish

The term “ombre” refers to a gradient made with smooth shading of transitions from one tone to another. Ombre is done without sharp boundaries, unlike a regular gradient. You can use any application technique - sponge or brush. You need to know that doing ombre with gel polish is much more difficult than with regular polish, due to the consistency of the product, so it is better to first practice doing stretch marks on an artificial surface.

iridescent gradient

This solemn version of the gradient is achieved with the help of added sparkles. They are sold in specialty stores and are a loose, shiny powder. A manicure using it is performed according to the same rules as a regular one - you can create horizontal or vertical stripes, and apply glitter along the entire length of the nail before the fixer. Shiny shimmers look best on dark shades with a smooth transition from one tone to another.

Degrade

Degrade - transition from light to dark color. To do this, colors of the same tonality or the opposite are used, gradually moving from one to another through the use of intermediate shades. The degradation looks interesting if the gel polish is applied not in the usual way, but at an angle. You can also cover not all the nails on your hand with a gradient, while painting others with a single-color coating.

Glitter Gradient

There is a technique by which a gradient is created with colored sparkles. To do this, completely cover each nail with one color and apply glitter to the dried gel polish. This must be done by adhering to the rule: leave the base of the nail uncovered, and closer to the tip, press harder on the brush, adding more glitter. Thus, it turns out that the tip is covered with glitter will be thicker, which will create a gradient effect.

Rainbow Transition

This unusual type of nail coloring is distinguished by the selection of colors - they imitate a rainbow. You can apply them however you like - horizontally, vertically, at an angle, or by painting each nail a separate color. You can create a smooth transition by mixing three primary colors and creating additional ones from them, or apply gel polish in separate lines with clear boundaries.

Using an airbrush

This method of painting is also called air painting; it is performed using a special device - an airbrush. It is usually used in salons, but it is also easy to use at home. Its action is based on the jet spraying of a special paint, which is applied dropwise to the coated nail. It is enough to apply only a layer of fixative on top. This device greatly simplifies the application of a gradient thanks to a directed jet of pigment, which can be controlled and the color saturation adjusted. The paint is washed off from hands with ordinary soapy water.

Nail coloring with pigments

The use of dry pigments on nails has become widespread. This specialized product is a powder paint for adding color to the nail plates. The pigments are applied with a dry brush to the dried surface of the nail. You can cover the nail plate completely with one color and apply pigment powder only to the tip, but it is also possible to apply dry paint directly to the base, without using liquid gel polish. In any case, applying pigments is as convenient as possible—with a brush you can easily create smooth transitions.

geometric gradient

It is created from clear geometric shapes. In this case, the boundaries of different colors of gel polish do not mix, but retain their clarity. To get even shapes, you can use tape, but it is most convenient to use special stencils, of which a large number are now produced. Such patterns can be applied to all nails, or you can select only one or two.

Step by step instructions

To create a personalized and colorful manicure using a gradient, you can use step-by-step instructions.

Applying a gradient with a fan brush

You can create gradient stretches of gel polish using a brush from two or more colors.

How to make a rainbow gradient

In order to create a rainbow ombre on your nails, in addition to the fixer and base, you will need gel polish in 4 colors: yellow, blue, red and green.

Video tutorial: how to paint gradient nails with gel polish

The following videos show in sufficient detail how you can achieve neat coloring of nails with gradient gel polish using various means and techniques at home.

Photo

The photographs show examples of manicure design using a gradient transition. They can be dark, light, sharp or smooth.

In order to create a gradient with gel polish yourself, you can currently purchase many different products and devices in stores. Due to its durability, gel polish will stay on your nails for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of such an unusual manicure. The gradient must be applied very carefully, avoiding contact with the skin. After several sessions of this manicure at home, applying a gradient color to your nails will not cause any difficulties.