Gradient on nails with gel polish: application technique and design ideas

Among the many techniques, gradient coloring is popular not only on hair but also on nails. The popular design looks very stylish and effective. And you can do a manicure in this way yourself. To get a correct and neat manicure, you should use the tips and tricks of professionals who perform the ombre technique on nails every day. It is now easier to create your own unique look with smooth or structured transitions using gel polish.

Gradient is a popular technique for applying two or more colors to a nail plate, blending one into the other. The blend can be smooth, creating another halftone on the border, or clear in the form of a geometric pattern. Contemporary design features offer a wide variety of incarnations of this familiar technique. You can take as a basis the shades of the same color or the most contrasting in the palette. The gradient is created with a color transition from one to another finger or within one nail plate. Loved by women of all ages for its endless color combinations and compatibility with other popular techniques.

The technique is also interesting in solo performance. You can choose any material for application: regular varnish, shellac, gel, glitter, dry pigment. The greatest durability and the best quality of work is given by a manicure made with gel polish. This foundation gives you the broadest scope for experimenting with design, style and color palette. The coating, special in its characteristics, makes the work convenient.

Gradient nail designs have a number of benefits:

• fits a wide variety of styles and outfits;
• you can choose for any occasion and occasion from a wedding manicure to a theme party;
• looks great in everyday manicure when performed in neutral nude tones;
• the technique is easy to perform and is suitable even for beginners;
• no special professional tools are required, you can use available tools;
• matches a wide variety of textures and designs: acrylic sand, broken glass, monograms, rhinestones, etc.

There are several different graded coating techniques. All of them are called by one word gradient, but each has a more specialized name. They are united by one fundamental principle of applying several shades side by side with a transition. However, the effect is different depending on the subtleties of the application technique.

The simplest option is performed by staining each nail on the hand in one tone of the same color, for example, chocolate or blue. Thus, a perky transition from a nude beige on the little finger to dark rich chocolate on a large nail is obtained. Such a manicure on short nails looks good for young active girls.

In the classic version, the stretch between the layers of color is done horizontally. However, modern techniques also welcome the equally spectacular vertical gradient. Also popular is the direction of the stripes diagonally. And the freshest solution is a chaotic flow of colors.

Ombre is often confused with a gradient. Technically, this is the gradient. But if in the first case fairly clear boundaries between colors are permissible, then ombre allows only a smooth flow of shades one into another with borders blurred in any of the popular ways, for example, orange and indigo.

Such an artistic solution in manicure is ideal for marigolds of different shapes and lengths. It is only necessary to harmoniously select shades and techniques for the features of your nail plate. So, for short nails, it is considered optimal to use no more than two colors, so as not to visually shorten the fingers. The vertical pattern also looks great on them. It's better not to overdo it with additional decor. Long and medium nails have more opportunities to create a variety of colors. The ballerina nail shape is ideal for creating a smooth ombre blend technique. A matte finish will look especially elegant on them. Transitions from shining particles go to everyone, without exception.

Vertical designs are usually done with two colors. They can be both tinted and contrasting. Distributed exactly in half, or one of the tones can occupy a large area of ​​the nail plate. Such a manicure visually lengthens the fingers.

Horizontal gradient is a classic of the genre. It is performed in a variety of techniques using a wide variety of tools and colors. It often serves as the backdrop for other richer designs in the form of murals or sparkling decorative elements.

The classic ombre is one of the French manicure options. Performed horizontally overlapping two light nude shades. The most commonly used are ash pink, light beige, peach or milky. In this case, a lighter tone is placed closer to the tip of the nail plate.

Striped manicure is one of the easiest options to complete. Several tones of the same color are simply applied to the nail, one after the other, from the most delicate to the rich. The direction of clear stripes is usually chosen horizontally or diagonally.

The geometric version came into fashion quite recently along with the trend for geometry in the design of nails. The transition here is emphatically clear. And on the nails, a pattern of clear geometric shapes repeating one after another is important. These can be corners, triangles, rhombuses, ovals, and other shapes.They paint them from light to darkest shade, each in its own color.

To design marigolds for a special occasion or just to create a holiday mood, you can make a gradient from glitter. It looks good on any nails. Traditionally, girls choose a combination of gold and silver. You can use either a special pigment, a small shimmer, or rather large glitters and even kamifubuki of different diameters.

Air manicure is the same ombre, but applied not by hand, but by machine. It is usually used in workshops by nail art professionals. The colored coating is applied in layers on a white neutral base using a special device, an airbrush. The result is simply amazing, with smooth transitions.

Chaotic manicure is the latest trend in gradient technique. Color nuances here do not follow strictly one after another in a clearly defined direction, but blur on the nail plate in chaotic spots. It takes some experience and artistic taste to create an extraordinary effect.

Design "Beverly Hills" is similar to a classic manicure and is performed with smooth transitions in the ombre technique. This coating is distinguished by a special noble color palette. The coloring is performed as a smooth transition of two delicate tones: delicate coffee foam, marshmallow, cream, a shade of the finest Chinese porcelain, etc.

Skittles is the complete opposite of the previous design. Such a manicure wins due to the use of juicy and bright colors. They are reminiscent of the basic tones of the world famous sweets. Smoother and clearer transitions are allowed. And you can combine the most unusual contrasting colors on one nail.

Designers tirelessly come up with new versions so that any woman can delight herself with a special manicure that will help her stand out from the crowd and look perfect. Even if you choose the classic two-tone ombre or the simplest gradient with a transition of pure colors from nail to nail, heightened attention is provided. In combination with any manicure techniques, the gradient helps to create even more impressive nail art on the nails.

Gradient on nails with gel polish is the most convenient, effective and practical solution. The coating looks amazing, it is easy to apply, and the design will be pleasing for several weeks. You can choose any of the options - from a classic jacket to a seasonal (autumn, spring) or thematic painting. The colors are selected according to the standard table of combinations of shades and in accordance with the color type of the skin. You should not be afraid to combine seemingly opposite shades, because in this way you can get a very effective manicure and individual design.

The ombre technique is simply the perfect all-round finish that looks perfect on nails of all shapes and lengths. The only thing to consider is that you cannot use more than two shades on short nails when drawing a pattern in a horizontal direction. Otherwise, the choice is quite wide. This design will suit any style of clothing, mood and women of different ages.

To create a carefree summer mood, you can use the brightest berry shades: raspberries, blackberries, bright orange, fresh mint. The brightest transitions are allowed. The coating looks especially good on nails of medium and short length. Additional accents are usually not required. Although bright details are not prohibited.

Where without a fashionable matte finish this season - the matte fever and the ombre technique have captured. You can arrange all fingers in one style, through one or accent ones. And sand and powder are also good in this combination, giving extra volume to the nails. However, the colors will be more washed out and lighter.

Metallic effect can be achieved using foil and rubbing on accent nails. A manicure with a "chameleon" coating looks good. You can add a delicate and mysterious shine to the nails with glitter. A gradient manicure can only be created using shining particles of different sizes and densities. In this case, as a rule, a denser coating and large shiny particles are applied at the base of the nail. Towards the end of the marigold, the shine becomes fine and rare. Although it is possible to apply in the opposite direction.

On working days, instead of the classic French manicure, they increasingly use a delicate ombre in the style of a jacket. The most delicate shades are used to create the pattern: salmon, heavenly, milk, baked milk. The rim of the nail can be decorated in the traditional white color. To highlight the lunula, a contrasting dark tone, silver or gold is often used. Highlighting an accent nail with a delicate liquid glitter is quite welcome.

Geometry is more popular than ever, especially in the ombre technique. An interesting effect is obtained with a clearly graduated color transition in geometric shapes. Most often, rhombuses, triangles, ovals are used. Radial color transition is the latest trend in this technique. Sparkles of color are created in circles from a more saturated center to the periphery. In addition, the chaotic application of the gradient is becoming fashionable. It takes a little imagination, initial gradient skills, and an artistic sense of color to create this type of manicure.

For autumn, a gradient in red-yellow-orange tones is often chosen, repeating the natural shades of bright nature. As a calmer option, you can prefer shades of chocolate or overflows of gray combined with delicate fuchsia. A design in the style of imitation of a knitted sweater on nails will help to add coziness to a manicure. In the ombre technique, it has its own unique charm.

Drawings on the theme of the season will help to create an autumn mood. A chanterelle, falling leaves on accent nails, monograms reminiscent of the first patterns of frost on the window, create a complete picture. Soda will ideally fit in the usual companions of autumn - raindrops. They can be made using a special technique of "dew drops" or simply glue a scattering of small transparent crystals.

A variety of decorative elements will help create a luxurious evening look. Shine will be created by various types of glitter, iridescent shimmer, patterns and designs, stones, rhinestones and broths. Professionals advise not to decorate all nails at once, but to try to curb the desire to shine from head to toe. By decorating just a couple of fingernails on your hand, you can look stylish and be in trend without going over the edge of bad taste.

A very fashionable flock coating is also performed using the gradient technique to obtain a greater effect. Floral motifs and various types of monograms, loved by all women without exception, are perfectly combined with gentle ombre transitions. In this case, it is better to choose a medium-sized drawing and place it on the side of the nail.

Complement with ombre and other fashionable techniques. So, Chinese painting, origami, hieroglyphs, made in laconic black, look very elegant on a nude ombre. The techniques of creating the effect of a broken mirror or glass, as well as stained glass drawing in combination with a gradient, have been popular in recent seasons to create stunning combinations. When creating an ombre manicure, the selection of the moon is often used, which creates an additional effect of a complex transition and fashionable geometry.

The most fashionable is not a single use of the gradient on all fingers of the hand, but a combination of it with other patterns and techniques. Each subsequent season tends to complicate manicure. Ideally, at least 4-5 techniques should be used on the hand. So, the thumb can be colored in the classic gradient manner. The index finger with a gradient can be decorated with a lunula selection.On the middle finger, add an accent moon with rhinestones and the "broken glass" technique. Sprinkle the accent nameless with small eggs or highlight with metal foil, and cover the little finger with a matte top.

Modern trends in nail art do not impose strict requirements on the choice of colors for manicure. Fashionable and stylish is exactly what suits you. Colors should be chosen based on compatibility with skin tone, appropriateness in a particular situation of wearing a manicure, and your own taste preferences. There are some classic combinations like red and black, yellow and blue, milky and pink. But adhering to these rules is not at all necessary. The trendy gradient leaves complete creative freedom.

White goes well with everyone. Moreover, it often serves as a clarifier-thinner to create gradients in shades of the same color. The trendy light beige is gorgeous with blue, milk and all shades of chocolate. Noble gray is successful in combination with noble wine, dusty pink, milky and blue. Pink looks with mint, olive, pale blue, melon and lime.

Red is very rich in various shades. Each specific combination depends on the main tone. So, tomato looks with creamy, sandy, blue. Crimson tone is combined with white and damask rose. Orange is good with purple, yellow, black and indigo. Olive color looks noble with black, brown, dark orange. Turquoise is luxurious with fuchsia, yellow, dark purple and marshmallow. Versatile black, gold, silver and copper are beautiful in every possible combination.

Gradient manicure does not imply complex techniques or special devices for its execution. An ordinary flat brush with a rounded tip and a UV lamp are enough to dry the gel polish. If you are going to do manicure professionally, then you can gradually acquire professional tools, because the gradient is very much in demand in any season.

Among the required attributes you will need:

• base, top coat and the gel polish itself in two or more shades (depending on the chosen manicure design);
• a sponge, an ordinary sponge for dishes with small pores (you can use a small sponge on a stick to apply shadows), as well as a brush (depending on the application technique);
• cotton swabs, foil, manicure correction agent;
• cleanser and UV lamp.

Additionally, you may need decorative items, tape, wooden toothpicks, a palette. If you can get professional tools, you should buy a comb, fan brush, and aero puffing attachment.

If it is not possible to purchase some of the tools so far, you can make them yourself. For example, a brush is often used from old varnish, pre-cleaning and trimming the hairs in diameter at the base to the desired size. But you should not save on high-quality gel polish coating, because the accuracy and appearance of all work will depend on it.

Gradient manicure is pretty easy at home using a step-by-step guide and little tricks for the perfect effect. A smooth transition is made using a special brush, novice craftsmen use sponges or ordinary household sponges with small pores. You can draw clear transitions using a stencil or tape.

Before creating a unique design, your nails should be carefully prepared. The old coating is carefully removed, the nails are dipped in a nourishing bath with oil and salt. After that, the hands are treated with a nourishing agent, and the nails are degreased. The nail plate needs to be aligned, given the desired shape and length. A base coat is then applied to protect the nail.If the selected shades of gel polish are light and transparent enough, they will be brightened by a milky white base instead of the usual transparent one. The detailed technology for applying a gradient manicure is described below.

Classic horizontal gradient with a sponge.

• After drying the base layer, take the selected two or three tones of gel polish and drip a drop of each color onto a piece of foil next to each other. Using a needle or a toothpick, mix the edges of the coating.
• We take a sponge with a fine-pored structure and dip it in the resulting colors. To begin with, we make two or three prints here, on the foil, to get rid of excess paint. Then, using light strokes, apply a three-layer gradient to the nail.
• To smooth out any resulting bubbles, immediately apply a transparent top coat on top and then dry under a UV lamp for 10 minutes.

A vertical ombre flat brush with a rounded tip.

• Take the two selected shades and apply vertically on the dried and prepared base next to each other. You can make two layers at once.
• Using a damp brush in a cleanser with quick vertical movements from the lunula to the tip, lightly rub the border between the layers of gel polish.
• Dry the coating under the lamp. Then we repeat the procedure to obtain a richer tone one or two more times. We cover the top with a protective coating and finally carefully seal the manicure under the influence of a UV lamp.

Thanks to the bold ideas of nail art masters, you can independently create an actual manicure using the gradient technique, which is loved by many. You can cover the nails with them in a solo performance or combine with one of the fashionable techniques, decorate with decor. Choose the option to your liking and create a unique look with a delicate feminine ombre manicure.

• Ombre with smooth transitions in delicate creamy shades on short rounded nails is an ideal option for every day.

• Two gradient techniques in one manicure coexist quite harmoniously. Finger-to-toe gradient on accent nails complemented by austere geometric.

• Ombre will effectively decorate nails of any length and shape. The application of transitions in the diagonal direction is one of the latest fashion trends. For daytime manicure, the most delicate shades are suitable. For a special occasion, you can choose a rich palette.

• Any gradient with the addition of black looks gorgeous and mysterious. Black gives depth and ambiguity to a manicure.

• Red is never boring, it has too many shades. You can choose any shade that creates the image of a femme fatale or a sophisticated lady.

• Skittles gradient is the perfect solution for a breezy summer manicure. It is especially suitable for young and perky, and is also recommended as a means of raising the mood.

• Juicy berry shades are in trend. When choosing gentle tones, don't be afraid to experiment with combinations.

• Neon shades look great on tanned skin. An excellent choice for travelers. The shape of the nails is very practical and will allow you to forget about their condition for at least a couple of weeks.

• Saturated shades look noble and luxurious. Ombre is becoming more than just a blending technique. This is the perfect finishing touch to any look.

• If you need to quickly transform a modest office manicure into an evening version, just add luxury to it in the form of a pattern of rhinestones and stones. It turns out very effectively.

• Glitter gives a gradient manicure volume, depth and a special mysterious shimmer.

Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that the gradient manicure looks great and impressive. It can be used to create a trendy geometric pattern, a delicate translucent effect in the style of a watercolor painting, a luxurious manicure with a shining decor. It looks great both in the original design and in combination with various techniques.

You will learn about six ways to apply a gradient manicure in the next video.