How to do ombre on nails. How to do an ombre manicure: photo and video instructions. Ways to create a gradient

Fashion trends in relation to manicure, as well as fashion for hairstyles, clothes and makeup, changes regularly.

In the coming season, the trend is a creative approach to creating a beautiful and luxurious manicure, in which there are a lot of colors, tones and shades that smoothly flow into each other. Moreover, ombre on nails is only one part of the image; today fashionistas can use such a smooth transition of shades and tones in hair color, in clothes, and when selecting various accessories.

The popularity of ombre is due to its unusualness and variety of design options.

The ombre technique involves a smooth transition from one nail polish color to another, and you can make a manicure from a two-color palette, combine three or more colors, add original decorative elements in the form of sparkles, patterns, etc.

You can combine different colors with each other, it's all about your preferences. You can also combine polishes with different textures and use ombre on extended nails.

You can use two colors that are different shades from each other and in this case you will get a light and airy gradient. Or combine the incompatible and make a contrasting, bright and rich manicure that will add originality and creativity to your fashionable look. This effect will not go unnoticed.

It is quite simple to perform such a fashionable ombre manicure; the main thing is to choose decorative varnishes, shellac (gel polish) and necessary tools that you can find at home.

Ombre includes two basic application techniques: A vertical gradient or horizontal transitions are created on the nails. There is an even simpler option, when the gradient begins with the lightest shade on the little finger and towards the big finger it becomes deeper and richer - such a manicure looks luxurious and elegant, regardless of the length of the nails.

Vertical ombre allows you to get a smooth vertical color transition and you can use two or more types of varnish, even with different textures, which will give your manicure more originality.

Horizontal ombre on nails - this is the creation of transverse smooth transitions along the entire length of the nail plate. And in this option, your imagination can tell you what and how many colors of varnish you can use.

For diagonal manicure, a peculiar flow of one color into another is obtained. The application technique involves up to five different colored varnishes, which are applied diagonally along the entire length of the nails.

Transitions from one color to another from finger to finger are the use of five shades that become richer and deeper: the lightest shade will be on the little finger, and the deepest on the thumb. This ombre color is considered the easiest to do at home, and you can do it just fine on your own.

How to do an ombre manicure at home

There are several options for performing ombre manicure at home:

  1. Ombre sponge. This option is often used to create a complex and multi-color horizontal or vertical ombre. Apply the selected colors of varnish to the prepared lip and quickly, but very carefully, transfer everything to the nails. After the gradient dries, seal it with clear polish and remove any excess from the skin around the nails.
  2. Ombre tassel. The main varnish is applied to the nails, preferably a light shade. Then a varnish of a darker tone is applied and, using a nylon brush, carefully shaded and mixed with the main color of the coating. After drying, seal everything with clear varnish. In this option, you can use several colors of varnish, where one tone will smoothly flow into another.
  3. Ombre with film. Take film, foil or a regular file, onto which drop drop by drop the varnishes whose palette you have chosen - shades of the same color or contrasting colors. Blend the boundaries between the varnishes with a toothpick and blot the resulting result with a sponge. Apply everything to the nail surface (previously coated with base varnish), dry and secure with clear varnish.
  4. Airbrush in ombre. This is the most difficult, but also the most impressive, stylish type of ombre, which only a professional master with the skills and necessary equipment can handle. In this option, you get the most unusual and complex transitions from one tone to another, the manicure turns out to be very rich and luxurious, dynamic and voluminous, and every new season necessarily places emphasis on this design.

Ombre nail design: various options for applying shades to artificial nails

If you don’t naturally have the best shape for your nails or you want to quickly get long nails, you can extend them and use an ombre nail design.

Ombre acrylic powder

When trying different options for applying shades to extended nails, you can start with the simplest thing - acrylic powder, which easily creates the desired variations in color transitions.

For example, apply a white base polish to your nails and let it dry for a couple of minutes. The varnish layer should be thin so that the powder sticks neatly and there are not too many grains.

Now take a fan brush, dip it in the powder and lightly tap it on the nail. You should start the process from the base of the nail to the area where you plan to mix colors. To get a softer, more diffused effect, lift the brush higher as it moves toward the middle of the nail plate.

Thus, we apply the second color and send it all under the lamp. After the powder has dried, remove excess powder with a brush and sand the coating to obtain an even and smooth texture. Brush off the powder again and cover everything with a fixative.

Ombre with acrylic paints

A stylish and beautiful transition between colors can also be achieved using acrylic paints. To create the required color design, you will need a set of paints and volumetric brushes.

First, apply the lightest color to the tip of the nail and blend it down to the base. The second color should be mixed on foil or any other available product and applied next to the first, forming a neat transition. Now again apply the second shade directly to the nail and combine it with the palette that is already on the nails.

If desired, you can apply a beautiful pattern to the resulting result and secure everything with transparent varnish.

Today, gel polishes are very popular, having very rich and rich, deep colors and a rich shade palette.

It’s quite easy to get a trendy ombre nail design using these polishes.

At the beginning of the process, you should degrease the surface of the nail plate and apply the first layer of varnish, dry it with a lamp. Now you can use the second type of varnish and shade the border between the two colors with a thin brush and dry. Apply sealer and remove all traces of polish around the nail.

Ombre manicure: step by step using polish or gel polish

In order to do an ombre manicure step by step and correctly, you must prepare properly.

First of all, collect the necessary set of tools with which you will create such luxurious beauty.

As you learn, you may need other additional tools and decorative products to create a manicure.

You will need:

  • varnishes of different colors and textures, acrylic paints;
  • nail polish remover, fixatives;
  • brushes of different lengths and volumes;
  • cosmetic sponges with different grain sizes;
  • toothpicks;
  • cotton sponges;
  • oil or special product to protect the cuticle and area around the nail from varnish;
  • ultraviolet lamp (if you use gel polishes or have extended nails).

How to make a manicure with nail polish step by step, let's look at simple example, let's look at the technique of applying a design with regular varnish:

Step 1
Get your nails in order, remove cuticles, polish the nail plate and give it the desired shape.

Step 2
Apply base polish to the nails of both hands and let them dry.

Step 3
On improvised means Apply the colors of polish that you have chosen for your nail design. You should drip the varnish in the sequence that you want to depict in the manicure and shade the boundaries between them.

Step 4
Take a sponge and dab it in this palette, then gently press the sponge onto the surface of the nail. There is no point in putting pressure, because... the varnish will be absorbed into the sponge and you will not get the desired effect; you will have to repeat the procedure. Repeated application of varnishes makes the manicure deeper and richer

Step 5
After drying, cover the nails with a fixative and remove all blemishes around the nails using nail polish remover.

If you use a brush rather than a sponge to apply varnish, try to make each layer the same in volume as the previous one, so as not to create unevenness and create a beautiful and smooth transition from one color to another.

In the case of gel polish, you will need an ultraviolet lamp, thanks to which the polish will dry faster and stay on the nails for up to 2 weeks:

  • Degrease the nail plate.
  • Apply a base coat of varnish and dry it under a lamp.
  • Apply the next coat of varnish and dry again.
  • Finish coating and drying.
  • Removing sticky moose from the nail plate using an alcohol-containing product.

Today it is very fashionable to do a stretched ombre, which can be done perfectly with the help of gel polishes and its implementation does not cause any trouble.

The preparatory steps are the same as for any other ombre technique. Apply the base color and dry under the lamp.

Now, from the base of the nail, apply one color to the middle, and then, from the tip of the nail, apply the second color. Take the thinnest brush and carefully combine two colors, making a smooth flow of one into the other. As you work on each nail, you should wipe the brush so that the color is rich and bright, not dirty and faded. Apply top coat and dry your nails under the lamp.

You can shade the varnishes in any direction, and when using a multi-color palette, you can generally create original and creative abstract art with smooth and contrasting transitions.

Ombre manicure: design options and technique

There are a lot of options for performing ombre today and with each new season, even more of them appear.

You can create an ombre manicure using two or more colors, use different directions of application, varnishes of different shades of the same color, or very contrasting decors, where the combination of colors creates an extraordinary effect.

Volumetric ombre is created using different shades of the same color, each of which is applied to a separate nail, and the lightest shade should be on the little finger, and the darkest and most saturated one should be on the thumb. It is this technique that is considered the most successful and stylish. The main thing here is the right color and its shades.

Monochrome ombre- this is luxurious grace and sophistication. In this technique, you can use two or more colors of varnish. One color of polish is applied from the base of the nail to the middle, and we use the second color from the middle of the nail to its tip. You can shade the border between colors using a thin brush or toothpick.

Contrast ombre involves the use of different colors of varnish. In this case, you can make smooth transitions using a sponge or brush, directly on the nail or using improvised means.

Classic French ombre- this is one of the most simple options manicure with a smooth flow of the main color into a lighter or, conversely, darker color, applied to the tip of the nail plate. Such classic manicure you can do at home.

Ombre glitter manicure it is also quite simple in execution, but looks simply luxurious and stylish. Apply a small amount of glitter onto the base polish using a brush, so as to get the effect of the glitter fading closer to the base of the nail. You can fix the glitter with clear varnish.

In addition to the basic ombre techniques, you can also additionally decorate your manicure with drawings, stickers and other decorative elements. In this case, on top of the resulting ombre design, which has already dried, designs are applied with a thin brush or an airbrush if you use the services of a master. You can diversify the original design with rhinestones and small sparkling stones.

Ombre manicure is a huge field for the flight of your imagination, thanks to which you can create everyday, business and evening manicures, you can harmoniously complete your stylish look and give it a unique charm and originality.

When it is difficult to decide on the main color of the nail coating, masters recommend ombre, made with gel polishes. This is a gradient on the nails, which consists of several colors, smoothly transitioning into each other.

Using this technique you can create a design in any style. Color transitions in pastel colors are suitable for a delicate, feminine manicure. Ombre, made with neon pigments or varnishes, will become part of a bright, summer look.

Ombre on nails with gel polish (photo samples are given below) is something every woman has done at least once in her manicure. It is impossible to remain indifferent to this technique. The elegant transition of color on each nail will attract the attention of others.

If you follow simple recommendations, even a beginner can achieve a neat gradient the first time. Using this technique, simple and elegant designs are created, and if used for a complex background, then multi-component compositions with decor.

Techniques and methods

Ombre nails with gel polish (photos of different techniques are given in the article) differ not only in color, but also in materials and spatial orientation. This type of design can be done by anyone. It is necessary to have a quality brush and patience when doing the meticulous work of mixing shades.


The photo shows a step-by-step creation of the ombre effect on nails with gel polish.

How to create your own gradient:

Tool Process description
thin brushUsing a thin paint brush, shade the border between the colors, drawing a wavy line and mixing the undried varnish
brush "Scallop"the brush is specially designed for creating a gradient; it has a long bristles at the end, which pulls one layer of color onto another
aeropoofingbrush with a foam ball at the end. The brush material resembles a cosmetic sponge, but has a ball shape. The background color is applied to the nail, and a gradient color is applied on top using slapping movements of the aerofoil. First, the free edge of the nail is worked on, and then the brush moves downwards, reducing the color to nothing.
gradient rubbed in with a spongeColor pigment or “chrome” rub is applied to a cosmetic sponge. The most concentrated strip is applied at the edge of the nail plate, then with the same spray (without adding pigment) the strip is shaded towards the center of the nail
glitter gradient (stretch)glitter on the palette is mixed with base or top gel. With a thin brush, apply in a thick layer at the nail hole or at the end. Then the brush is cleaned of the mixture on a napkin and stretches the glitter downwards in small straight lines. If the result seems pale, the procedure is repeated. It is necessary to stretch the thick strip of the mixture downward so that an accumulation of material does not form at the end of the nail, which will significantly thicken the end
gradient pigments stampstripes of glitter and pigment are mixed on the surface of a rubber or silicone stamp. The material is applied to the stamp with a sponge, then the gradient is printed onto the sticky layer of gel polish on the nail. This option is used to create horizontal gradients using neon pigments.

Types of gradient:

  1. Vertical– stripes of gel polish are located along the nail plate, given its width, as a rule, only 2 colors are used. This type of ombre is easier to perform. Horizontal color placement visually lengthens the nail. This type of gradient is recommended for a wide nail plate.
  2. Horizontal– stripes of varnish are located on the nail across the nail plate. On long nails you can combine up to 5 different shades. It is done with a special gradient brush, the bristles of which are cut in a special way.
  3. Along the perimeter– a smooth transition of color, as if creating a ring around the nail plate, with the darkest color located closer to the skin, and the lightest color towards the center of the nail. Consists of 2 shades and is done with an angled brush for painting using techniques Chinese painting(the same principle for putting gel polishes on a brush). Looks like a frame around a medallion.
  4. Angular– one of the latest trends in the use of ombre in design. The color transitions go from one corner at the nail hole to the opposite point at the end.
  5. Counter– usually consists of 2 colors. The darkest shade is applied at the nail hole and at the free edge. They are mixed on both sides with a light-colored stripe, which is located in the center of the nail. This ombre is often used as a background for sliders with inscriptions.

Ombre nails with gel polish (photos below) have different spatial orientations. A gradient made of the same colors, but in different directions, is perceived differently by the human eye. Masters in salons offer the client to choose a color, and then show samples with different orientations, which expand the choice of possible design options.

Technique for performing a horizontal gradient:

  1. Get a manicure (treat the cuticle and nail under the side ridges).
  2. It is good to clean the nail from dust using a dehydrator (you can use any alcohol-containing liquid). At this stage, the task is not only to clean the nails from dust after filing, but also to clean the coating.
  3. Apply an acid-free primer to part of the natural nail (if any), which air dries for 2-4 minutes.
  4. To level the plane of the nail and ensure the strength of the coating, apply a base layer.
  5. Select the shades that participate in the gradient and apply them in horizontal stripes using a thin brush or a brush from a bottle of varnish.
  6. When applying color, remember that the darkest shade is made in the form of the thinnest stripe, and, accordingly, the lightest shade is made in the form of a wide stripe.
  7. Prepare a brush for the comb gradient. It is enough to fluff its long fibers along the width of the tip of the brush.
  8. The brush has specially cut bristles, which are tightly packed at the brush socket and trimmed in steps towards the edge. At the end of the brush there are thin, long, scattered fibers; they are the ones involved in the work. The rest of the cysts are of an auxiliary nature and serve to provide density to the pile. The tips of the pile begin to make small strokes at the border of the junction of the colored stripes. You need to pull one color onto another using point-to-point touches, achieving a smooth transition from color to color. Movements are made from the cuticle to the free edge. You cannot return with the brush up without first cleaning the pile on a napkin. The brush needs to be cleaned and ensure that the bristles do not stick together.
  9. The gradient is made in 2 or 3 layers, each of which is dried in an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
  10. When appearance design matches your wishes, the nail is covered with a glossy or matte topcoat.
  11. If desired, proceed to further decoration.

Vertical gradient technique:

  1. The standard set of actions described above is performed - manicure, application of dehydrator and primer.
  2. Base leveling layer.
  3. Using a thin paint brush, apply two colors along the surface of the nail. In this case, the border of their connection can be located in the center of the nail or be shifted to the side.
  4. Using a dry fan brush, brush along the junction of shades from top to bottom, then move it to the left by 1 mm and repeat the stroke.
  5. After thoroughly cleaning the brush from varnish, the same actions, offset from the center, are repeated to the right.
  6. This type of ombre is also applied in at least 2 layers. Each of which is dried for 30 seconds.
  7. Once the appearance is satisfactory, the design is covered with a topcoat.

Technique for performing ombre around the perimeter:

  1. The creation of any coating begins with standard manicure procedures, primer and dehydrator.
  2. Apply the base coat to the nail and dry for 30 seconds in an LED lamp.
  3. The design consists of 3 colors - base coat and 2 ombre colors. Using a brush from the bottle, apply the base color to the entire nail. For coverage density, it is recommended to repeat the application of varnish after drying (30 seconds).
  4. Place two colors on the palette for a gradient. Place them simultaneously on a flat, angled brush so that the dark color is at the top of the brush and the light color is at the heel. The difficulty is that you need to shade two colors. To do this, long strokes are made with the plane of the brush across the palette.
  5. Repeat the set of colors and shading.
  6. The brush is placed on the nail at an angle so that the sharp end of the brush (dark color) is closer to the skin and the perimeter of the nail is outlined with broad strokes.
  7. The result should be a frame with a dark edge around it and the color of the main background inside. This amber is suitable for inscriptions and designs with floristry. In this case, the end result looks like a jewelry cameo. Ombre has an unusual and elegant appearance.

The uniqueness of the gradient technique is that it uses different directions of color on the fingers of one hand, you can create original designs that do not require additional decor.

There is another technique for creating a design - different combinations of top shades.

For example, dark blue color fills the base of the cuticle on all fingers, and the upper part is decorated: on the little finger - white, on the ring finger - blue, on the middle finger - nude, on the index finger - peach, etc. Colors are chosen at the request of the client. This technique will allow you to create a bright, avant-garde design that attracts attention.

Options in different shades

The gradient technique itself involves combining several shades. Experts recommend choosing related (close in color wheel) shades. They mix easily in the contact area and set the overall tone of the design. For example, delicate pastel and natural shades are suitable for gentle, calm manicure designs.

Without additional decor, they are used for everyday life and work. They have a calm, pacifying character. Combinations of dark colors are more suitable for evening and special occasions, but gold decor and rhinestones look perfect.

People subconsciously choose ombre shades depending on the season. So in summer, women prefer bright colors reminiscent of the sea, sun and relaxation. Even office manicures at this time are full of bright neon gradients. In autumn, shades are chosen to match the color of falling leaves and rainy skies - all shades of gray, dark blue and yellow-orange.

The choice of color also depends on the main theme of the design. For example, to decorate with inscriptions, it is necessary to provide for the presence of a light stripe, but with which black text is clearly readable.

Matte manicure

Matte manicure (without glossy shine) remains trendy this season. To create a fashionable design yourself, just purchase a special finishing coating and replace it with the usual glossy top coat.

The gradients under such a top serve as an independent, complete design without additional decoration. However, it should be remembered that light colors under this type of coating can get dirty. Dirt and other staining substances quickly stick to the nail, and the manicure becomes untidy.

However, if the finishing gel was purchased from a trusted brand in the nail art industry, then it is capable of being cleaned. To do this, just take a brush with soft synthetic bristles and rub the nail plate with a regular soap solution. Rinse your hands under cold water and the manicure will restore its original appearance.

There is another problem with matte manicure when worn for a long time. The top changes its properties and acquires a glossy shine. This depends on the quality of the material, and this can only be changed by correcting and removing the material. But if a manicure with a gradient was intended for daily use in everyday life, the resulting gloss will not in any way affect the appearance of the ombre.

Options with patterns and designs

It may seem impossible and pointless to place a design on top of a gradient. But many clients want to additionally decorate 1-2 fingers on their hand. In order not to block the beauty of the smooth transition of colors, a certain set of techniques is used. The drawings are created in a minimalist style and do not overload the overall design. They are placed on the ring and middle fingers.

What patterns are most often used together with a gradient:

  1. Stamping- the easiest and fastest way to apply patterns. Choose a plate with thin lines, loosely filling the plane so that the gradient is visible. Modern gel paints allow you to imprint the smallest engraving elements on the nail. Fine line designs have an airy, ghostly appearance and only add depth to the design. This method is suitable for beginners and masters of quick salon design. Suitable for everyday life with any style of clothing, depending on the ombre color.
  2. Floristics thin lines.
  3. Dots– use the ball of the tool to draw fancy patterns of dots, placing them along the side surface of the nail or at the end (you can use dots of different diameters to create an imitation of a French manicure).
  4. Inscriptions– located horizontally or vertically on the nail plate. If the ombre is created from dark shades, use white text color. The transparent base of the inscription does not overlap or spoil the appearance of the gradient.
  5. Volumetric monograms– are created using special pastes that allow you to draw a voluminous curl from the first stroke and dry well in the lamp. They do not have a sticky layer and are not covered with topcoat. Therefore, before drawing the monograms, it is necessary to cover the ombre with a finishing layer.
  6. Butterflies gel paste– using the same material, butterflies are drawn against a gradient background. Only the outlines of the wings are drawn so that the main background can be seen underneath them. Mirror designs are popular, when the left wing of a butterfly is drawn on the ring finger, and the right wing on the middle finger. Then, when connected, instead of fingers you will get the image of a large butterfly.
  7. Crystal flowers- are created by drawing from thin lines of the contour of a flower. After drying in a lamp (30 seconds), the petals are filled with a transparent top. The work is done with a thin paint brush. The main difficulty is to distribute the top inside the petal without going beyond the contour. Experts recommend drying for 10 seconds, each petal separately. The top is laid out on the nail in the form of tall drops, which creates volume in the design and, like a lens, enlarges the background with a gradient.

Drawings, done correctly and in small quantities, decorate the main background - a gradient. At the same time, its beauty is not violated. Such designs are suitable for women and girls of any age, they look gentle and are appropriate in different life situations.

Decor ideas

Ombre nails with gel polish (photos from nail art competitions are shown below) are not compatible with all types of decor. When creating a design, you should remember that ombre is already an independent coating option. When used as a background. The main task is not to cover up the beauty of the gradient with glitter.

What decor is used for the gradient coating:

  1. Moon Design Rhinestones– a large stone (ss 6-8) is placed in the center of the hole near the cuticle; smaller stones are attached in opposite directions from it. The composition is arranged in the form of a string of beads. The space between the rhinestones is filled with bouillons (metal or plastic balls with a diameter of 0.8 -1 mm). Rhinestones are installed on a drop of base or special glue for rhinestones. After drying in a lamp (30 seconds), all the crystals are processed with a thin brush using the same material, tracing them in a circle. Then the second drying for about 30 seconds. The inlay on top is not covered by the top coat.
  2. Geometric shapes with foil– cut out any material from tear-off foil using nail scissors geometric figure. Most often, a strip along the vertical of the nail plate or a triangle, or a semicircle at the nail hole is used. After completing the gradient, the design is covered with a top coat with a sticky layer and a shiny figure is placed on the liquid layer. Dry in a lamp for 30 seconds. Then, using tweezers, you need to carefully pick up the edge of the decor to remove the thin protective film from it. An even and clear imprint of shiny foil remains on the nail. This design must be covered with 2 layers of topcoat, which will prevent the foil from abrading.
  3. Foil casting onto monograms– on the gradient created and covered with a top (without a sticky layer), monogram compositions are drawn with black paint using a thin brush. They should not be too dense so as not to block the beauty of the gradient. Dry the composition in the lamp for 60 seconds. While the nail is still warm, apply foil to the surface, press down, straighten it and tear it off sharply. Perhaps not all monograms will imprint shine the first time. The manipulation must be repeated on untreated areas. Cover the top with a thin layer of topcoat (so as not to fill the volume of the monogram structure), dry in an LED lamp for 60 seconds.
  4. Glitter– you can use it to stretch it according to density or decorate only part of the nail. To distribute the glitter evenly, mix it with a transparent base or top. The material must be liquid, so rubber bases and tops are not suitable. But in the arsenal of every master there are “unsuccessful” bases that quickly spread and are difficult to level the nail plate with. They are ideal for stretching glitter and creating ombre glitter. A few drops of base and dry glitter are mixed on the palette. Using a thin brush, apply the mixture to the area where the greatest density is planned (at the cuticle, at the free edge). Then the strip of material is stretched downwards with the tip of a brush (movements like when creating a gradient) until the shine disappears. Dry in an LED lamp for 30 seconds.

When decorating with bright shiny elements, you need to arrange them in such a way that the gradient is visible.

Then different design techniques will be harmoniously combined. The complex gradient background allows you to create bright, shiny and eye-catching designs. They are perfect for evening wear. However, more and more often women are using rhinestones and foil in everyday manicure, expressing the desire to sparkle every day.

Fashion trends in 2019

It would seem that no one can be surprised by a gradient, but masters are constantly improving this technique. So last year, angular gradients and color changes from the center became widespread. For the 2019 season, when creating ombre nails with gel polish, the trend is degrading.

Photo unexpected decision gradients have filled the pages of glossy magazines since winter. All terms (gradient, ombre, degradé) denote a smooth change in color without a clear border between colors. Degrade (from the French word "dégradé") means lightening of color.

At first, this technique was adopted by fashion designers to create collections from silk fabrics. She was born in the depths of the “hippie” subculture, when they, through special processing and washing, gave individual parts of clothing a lighter, as if sun-bleached appearance.

In nail art, this technique is used in the form of a smooth transition of any number of colors into the natural nail area. For example, a blue pastel tone turns into white and goes down to the unpainted area at the cuticle (negative space). This is what a horizontal degradation looks like, which creates a very delicate and soft image.

This does not mean that the nail is completely uncoated. A camouflage base or any nude or powdery gel polish that imitates a natural nail is applied to it. In this zone, threads of rhinestones or charmicons with inscriptions look elegant.

This design is performed either on all fingers or on one finger that is being decorated. The universal design is suitable for any length of nails, it looks especially good on the trendy shape of nails in 2019 - almond.

Ombre nails made with regular gel polish can turn into a unique design that will highlight any look. This is confirmed by photos that are full of the Internet with the works of self-taught and salon masters. New options and nuances in gradient decoration are constantly emerging.

Interesting videos about creating an ombre effect on nails with gel polish

10 secrets of the perfect gradient:

Ombre with a comb brush:

Ombre manicure design options and ways to design nails in a gradient style

Ombre manicure is at the peak of popularity today. It is also called degradation, gradient or stretching on the nails. After all, in essence, ombre is a smooth transition of colors or shades from one to another. Today we will look at the types of ombre manicure and techniques for performing them at home using gel polish.

Types of gradient manicure and preparation for it

Manicure using the ombre technique can be done in three ways:

Method 1

Ombre manicure with gel polish with a smooth transition from a light shade to a more saturated one of the same color. For example, from wisteria to plum color; or from pink lace to Mexican shade.




Method 2

Make an ombre with gel polish, making a soft transition from one contrasting color to another. For example, from pink to blue, etc.




Method 3

Make a gentle transition from one shade or color to another, not on each nail, but on all of them at once. That is, the gradient in this case manifests itself more extensively.










Before you make a beautiful ombre manicure at home, you need to perform basic preparation of the plate for applying a color coating to prevent chipping, peeling, and blistering of the enamel:

  • Trim the length of the nails, paying special attention to the free edge so that there are no sharp corners left on it.
  • Clean the top layer of the plate with a highly abrasive buffer. This is a mandatory step to ensure better adhesion of the base.
  • Cover your nails with one layer of fresher (degreaser), the purpose of which is to remove excess moisture, sebum, and dust.
  • Apply a layer of acid-free primer necessary for better adhesion of the plate to the gel polish.
  • Cover your nails with a colorless base - it protects the nail from staining and also provides better paint adhesion. The base should be applied in a thin layer, slightly away from the side rollers, so that it does not run dry when drying. Dry your fingers in a lamp.
  • After drying the base, you should remove the dispersion layer, which interferes with the uniform application of color and also contributes to its spreading.
  • Make your chosen nail design. In our case, this is the ombre effect on the nails.


Vertical transition of colors using a brush

Now let's look at one of the simplest gradients - vertical ombre manicure. To do this, you will need a wide flat synthetic brush and gel polishes of selected shades and colors. How to do ombre nails with shellac:

Step 1

After preliminary preparation, cover half the plate with the selected colors: make one part with one color, the second with another.

Step 2

The brush that will be used to create the ombre effect with shellac should be moistened in a cleanser so that it is slightly damp. This will help make the transition smoother. You need to lightly, without pressure, move it from the base to the free edge. The movements should not end at any point, nor should there be a stop in the middle of the plate. After a soft transition effect is achieved, the fingers should be sent into the lamp.

Step 3

Reapply the second and third layers of enamel, be sure to go over the plate with a brush re-moistened in the cleaner, and dry each finger in the lamp. By the way, between stages of applying varnishes, the brush must be cleaned of paint by blotting it in a cleanser and wiping it on a napkin.

Step 4

When you are completely satisfied with the ombre effect on your nails with gel polish, you can cover the plate with top coat, dry your fingers, and remove the dispersion layer.





Horizontal gradient effect created with a fan brush

Do you think that you are unable to make a smooth transition of enamel shades? But that's not true. Now let's look at how to make a manicure with an ombre effect simply and quickly. But first you need to prepare a fan brush, as well as varnishes of the selected shades.

The technique for performing this design is as follows:
— Completely apply one selected color gel polish to your nails, it is best to take the lightest shade.
- Apply another color on top of this layer to the middle.
— Using a fan brush, you can start making ombre nail designs: quickly sweep the brush over the surface of the plate where the colors touch. Then dry your nails in a lamp.
— Apply a second, and if necessary, a third layer of enamel, each time marking again with a brush and drying your fingers.
— At the end, as usual, use a top coat and a clinser.

This version of ombre manicure does not make the transition of colors very smooth, but it still looks interesting and stylish.




Ombre foam sponge

To bring this idea to life, you will need a regular foam sponge. It must be cut into small pieces so that it is convenient to take one at a time and apply it to the plate. Many girls complain that this method of creating a gradient greatly stains the skin around the nail. But we know how to make an ombre manicure with a sponge as clean as possible. To do this, before the procedure you need to cover the skin with tape.

Now let’s look at the step-by-step process of creating a degrade using a sponge:

Step 1

After preliminary preparation, apply one coat of a base color, such as white, to your nails. Dry your fingers in a lamp.

Step 2

Place spots of two selected varnishes on the foil, one of them is the base one, the one with which the plate was coated. Using a needle, mix the colors in the middle. Then thoroughly soak the sponge in the diluted varnishes, make 2 gradient prints on the foil so that there are no bubbles on the plate later.

Step 3

Apply the gel polish with quick, soft, frequent, springy movements.

Step 4

Having achieved the desired effect, all that remains is to cover the plate with top and remove the stickiness with a cleaner.







Smooth transition using acrylic powder

Let's look at another simple and quick way to make ombre nails, armed with fine-grained acrylic powder.

Apply colored enamel to the prepared plate and dry your fingers in a lamp. Cover the plate with a thin layer of top coat, do not dry, otherwise the powder will not adhere. Armed with a fan brush, as well as various colors of powder, begin to cover the plate with acrylic sand one by one. The transition between shades should be smooth, so when the shades meet, you need to lift the brush slightly up. To keep the coating smooth, you should periodically shake off your finger to get rid of unnecessary particles of powder. After tinting your nails, you need to put them in a lamp, and then fix the result with a transparent topcoat.








Common nail designs with degradation effect

You can experiment with gradient manicure as much as you like. This design will be appropriate everywhere: at work, a business meeting, a romantic date, a wedding, a birthday, and so on. The main thing is to choose the right shades correctly.

The baby boomer design or it is also called gradient French is very popular today. All kinds of nail ideas with this manicure allow you to create an interesting, cute look. For example, for work it is better to choose a discreet design without unnecessary decoration, and for some holidays or special occasions you can decorate your fingers with rhinestones and stones.

By choosing ombre shellac manicure, you can’t go wrong, because this is the type of coating that will last the longest.














If you want to move away from soft colors and do an ombre manicure at home in a rich color scheme, then experiment. Choose varnishes of suitable shades, decorate your fingers with sparkles, bouillons, and rhinestones. Don't forget that the gradient visually lengthens the nail plate. And if you want to get a smooth transition, then make a stretch of analog colors, for example, in this combination: orange - red - brown; turquoise – green – salad; pink – red – burgundy, etc.




For those girls who love the classics, stylists suggest doing French nails






Warm colors are suitable for summer and spring design. And for the cold season, it is better to choose cool shades, for example, white with blue or blue. For a winter version of degrade, try doing a lunar manicure with a smooth transition of colors.






Ombre, gradient or degrade manicure are all names of manicure techniques that, having appeared in 2011, have not yet lost their popularity. Initially, the term “ombre” was used in hair coloring, but gradually moved into manicure.

The peculiarity of Ombre nails is to create a smooth transition of colors on the nail. This manicure is performed with regular varnishes and gel varnish. Sequins, rhinestones and even stamping are used for decoration.

Ombre manicure: technique

Initially, ombre manicure was the name for painting nails, in which each subsequent one was a shade darker than the previous one. Now this term is also used when stretching flowers is done inside one nail.

for ombre manicure

Materials for performing manicure at home:

  1. Clear base coat.
  2. White varnish.
  3. Two or three bottles with regular colored varnishes, depending on the type of gradient. Please note that this article does not cover manicures using gel polishes.
  4. A cosmetic sponge or a regular dish sponge - they will be used to stretch the color.

A few words about choice

The color transition is smooth if you use a sponge, as it is denser than a sponge. This material has smaller pores, so the varnish is almost not absorbed and its consumption is minimal. If you don’t have a sponge, you can also use a sponge, but experts advise moistening it before work.

Special product to protect the skin around the nail

Gradient manicure is quite “dirty” in execution. If you don't use leather protection, you will have to spend a lot of time removing the polish. A special product is applied to the skin around the nail in a thick layer, and at the end of the procedure it is removed with tweezers, like a film. Don't be upset if you don't have such a tool. It can be replaced with any film mask or PVA glue. At worst, you can seal the skin with tape or spread it with greasy glue.

You will also need:

  1. Palette for mixing colors. It is convenient to use foil.
  2. Cotton buds.
  3. Nail polish remover.
  4. Fixative.

It is probably unnecessary to say that before performing any design you need to get your nails in order. After all, not a single decor, even the most original one, can save you if your hands are unkempt: hangnails stick out, the skin on the nail ridges is rough, and your nails are uneven. Do a regular manicure, treat the cuticle and skin of the nail folds, and shape the plate. Ready? Now you can get started.

Types of manicure using the “dégrade” technique and its implementation

The first step to the manicure of your dreams is choosing a design, because the more carefully it is thought out, the more spectacular the result will be.

Think about how you want to arrange the colors? Maybe you like the classic gradient, where the colors change from top to bottom? Or are you attracted to a design in which colors flow from right to left? Have you heard about diagonal degrade? And that's not all.

Let's consider several options.

Ombre with horizontal color stretching

In this design, the color transition occurs within one nail. There are two principles for performing ombre manicure. The first method is easier to do, but the border between colors is a bit sharp. The second method is more labor-intensive, but the gradient is beautiful and smooth.

The first method is simplified

Let's say you want to make a gradient in pastel colors and have selected the appropriate shades of varnish.

  1. Cover the prepared nails with a transparent base.
  2. Apply a cuticle protection product (PVA glue, film mask, greasy cream, tape) to the skin around the nail and wait until it dries.
  3. Paint the nail plates with the background color in two layers.
  4. We apply the next tone of varnish to a sponge or sponge and carefully stamp it on the nail, starting approximately just above its middle.
  5. The third color is applied after the second has dried with a clean sponge to the very tip.
  6. All that remains is to cover the finished design with the finish and leave it until it dries completely, at which time you can remove the protection from the skin with tweezers (or, if it was not applied, clean the nail folds with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover).

Second way

  1. We cover the nails with a protective colorless varnish.
  2. We paint our nails with a light-colored varnish - this is the base for the design.
  3. Then we apply strokes of varnish of two colors onto the palette. If desired, you can lightly stir the varnish at the junction of colors with a needle or toothpick directly on the palette.
  4. Take a piece of sponge and press it onto the colored stripes.
  5. Transfer the color to the nail. We do this as in the first option, with short driving movements.
  6. Having achieved the desired color saturation, we coat the nails with the finish.
  7. It is advisable to do this without waiting for the gradient to dry completely. During the application of the finish, the colors will be additionally mixed. The border will be even more blurred, and the ombre effect will become softer and smoother.
  8. We clean the skin around the nails and the manicure is done.

The varnish can be applied not to the palette, but directly to the sponge. In this case, the sponge should be slightly damp so that the varnish is not absorbed too quickly.

These are the main ways to perform an ombre manicure. Based on them you can make different types design.

Ombre with vertical color stretching

In this design, the color shimmers are arranged vertically on the surface of the nail. There are a lot of color solutions for this option. You can paint all your nails the same way, or you can create smooth color transitions on all your fingers. A vertical ombre is performed in the same way as a horizontal one, only strips of varnish are applied to the sponge from top to bottom. In this case, the color is transferred by rolling movements from right to left.

Video - Step-by-step ombre manicure

Gradient on French

This design looks especially beautiful on long nails. If you know how to do a classic French manicure using stencils or tape, then you can also handle a gradient on a French manicure.

A vertical gradient looks more impressive at the tips of the nail. That's what we'll try to do.

Procedure:

  1. Apply a clear base coat and let it dry completely.
  2. Carefully apply the French manicure stencils.
  3. Apply strips of colored varnish in the selected colors to the palette or directly onto a piece of sponge with a brush.
  4. Now you need to transfer the color from the sponge to the tip of the nail, highlighted with a stencil. To do this, take the sponge in your hand so that after painting the colored stripes are positioned vertically. Using a light rolling motion, stamp the paint onto the tip. At the same time, try not to go beyond the border of the stencil so as not to spoil the design.
  5. To make the jacket bright and rich, repeat the procedure again.
  6. Now carefully remove the stencil with tweezers and seal the design with a clear topcoat.

This manicure is popular in late spring and summer, when the sun is shining, flowers are blooming and you want bright colors.

Gradient transition throughout the hand

The point of this manicure is that each next nail is painted a tone darker (or lighter) than the previous one, so we will need to mix varnishes, achieving a more light shades one color.

Technique:

  1. Apply base for manicure.
  2. Paint the thumbnail dark.
  3. According to the rules, the nail of the index finger should be one tone lighter. How to get it? Apply dark varnish to the palette and add one drop of white to it. Stir the varnishes thoroughly with a needle, toothpick or dots. Having received a uniform color, quickly apply it to the nail.
  4. For the middle finger we repeat the procedure, only we add 2 drops of white to the dark varnish.
  5. For the ring finger, accordingly, you will need 3 drops of white varnish, for the little finger - 4.
  6. We finish the manicure with a topcoat.

This method is perhaps the least labor-intensive, but the effect is no worse than in previous options.

A manicure using the ombre technique can be done at home. Try making it yourself and you will be surprised how beautiful and unusual it is.

The ombre effect is especially popular; it is used in hair coloring, manicure and even clothing. Thanks to the technique of smooth color transitions, you can create a beautiful and unique design on your nails, thereby creating a sophisticated and well-groomed picture of your hands. At first it will seem to a beginner that it is simply impossible to do this on your own at home, but this is not so. With proper selection of materials and step-by-step actions, everything is quite possible.

What is needed when organizing the process? How to create different forms of ombre at home?

Feature of creating the effect

The beauty and effectiveness of such a coating is enchanting, so many women, regardless of age, prefer a gradient design. A distinctive feature of ombre is the smooth transition of color shades; they can be monochromatic or contrasting. When creating the last option, light colors are placed at the base of the nail, and dark ones at its edge.

Fashion trends in manicure allow it to be used not only by young girls, but also by respectable ladies, as well as business women; in all cases, it will be equally suitable. Thanks to its uniqueness, it will decorate nails of absolutely any length, both long and short.

There are several ways to create it, they need to be considered in more detail, as well as features in the use of tools and materials and, of course, we should not forget about the subtleties, they should be taken into account when organizing the process.

What will you need?

An extraordinary design with a transition is performed on natural and extended nails using different techniques. For those who do not have experience in this matter, it will be easier if you use an ordinary sponge; first you need to cut it into small rectangles, the width of which should be slightly larger than the nail plate itself. You can use a new kitchen sponge or purchase a specially formulated fine-grit sponge.

You shouldn’t start with using gel; of course, it has an advantage over simple products, but it is also more difficult to remove.

To create a manicure you will need:

  • sponge;
  • regular polish or gel polish;
  • base (transparent or white);
  • foil;
  • colored varnishes (from 2 to 5);
  • fixative;
  • cotton swabs or disks;
  • nail polish remover.

Ombre manicure options for 2018

There are several special types of application. Some create mystery thanks to a soft transition of shades using one color, while others play with contrasting shades. This type of coloring using glitter looks unique.

After applying the base tone, the upper part of the nail is covered with a shiny material using the same sponge. All types of ombre have one advantage in common: they look incredibly beautiful. Let's look at the intricacies of the most popular techniques.

Important! When performing a gel manicure, you must carefully monitor any excess product. If they are not removed before drying, then it will be quite difficult to get rid of it afterwards.


French manicure using ombre technique

French has long earned approval and gained popularity among women. His combination of style, accuracy and complete lack of intrusiveness fell in love with the fair sex. After all, it can look great on nails of any length, but for those who are a little bored with it, you can offer a solution in the form of ombre. This slightly modified type of application is a gradient transition.

The challenge here is to achieve as natural a transition between shades as possible. You should select varnishes in the same color scheme, this will help to achieve the ideal result.

Smooth flow of tones from light to dark

The transition of tones within only one color, in horizontal or vertical design, is known. When creating, 1 tone is used, during the process it is diluted to obtain softer shades, or 2 similar tones. The originality of this technique allows you to play with different bright colors, because later they will be given softness by a weak and delicate tone. To create a pink manicure, scarlet is perfect; it will smoothly flow into a soft pink color.

If you want to create a gradient effect, it is advisable to prepare products that are similar in color. First of all, perform a hygienic procedure for cleaning the surface and removing the cuticle, then treat your hands with a special cream or oil. Then apply a base layer to the nail plate.

On a small piece of foil, apply strips of different colors in close proximity to each other, used in manicure, and begin application. Using a sponge, you need to transfer the dye, blot the previously drawn strips with it and reprint it onto the nail with patting movements.

The stripes should be painted differently for each application. After which they need to be allowed to dry thoroughly. Using a cotton swab or disk, remove all excess paint. And finally, coat the finished nail art with a colorless fixative.

Transition of two contrasting tones

To create this pattern, 2 products of different colors are used, harmoniously combined. Ideas for an interesting ombre manicure can be seen in the photo. The initial stage of execution is the application of one of the prepared options; it will be clearly expressed at their tips. After complete drying, you need to apply another background from the beginning of the nail, using a sponge towards the middle.

Next, use a brush treated with nail polish remover, and stretch the second layer over the entire surface. Allow the applied layer to dry and apply a colorless coating or use a special product from the “top-drying” series. This design has elegance and color, complementing any image.

Advice! To protect the skin from excessive application of varnish and further rubbing, a fat-based cream or stationery tape can help.

Separate color transition

The play of colors created with a distinctive characteristic for each nail is quite unusual and at the same time harmonious if the shades are combined, right. The uniqueness of this coating is that all nails are painted in colors that differ in rich tones. The bright one is applied to the first finger, and the last one is a softer tone.

The shade border is blurred; to create such a spectacular look you will need at least 5 shades. Step-by-step instruction will tell you how to make a beautiful ombre manicure using this technology.

At the first stage, degrease the surface and apply a base coat. Then cover your thumb with a bright color. The whole secret is that the rest are covered with a less saturated color; you can create it by gradually mixing the white tone.

Gradually, with each subsequent nail, the color will become more delicate. Thanks to the addition of white, it becomes less bright, and then a delicate and soft shade. It will turn out interesting if you complement it with the lunar effect.

If the desire to make an ombre coating with gel polish or regular varnish is great, then first of all, get acquainted and study the technology of implementation, buy all the necessary material and prepare the tools. After all, only the gradient method of application allows you to constantly create new and interesting combinations, both for short and long hair. long nails. The main thing is to remember that a masterpiece will turn out after quality practice!

Ombre manicure photo




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