Techniques allow build nails of any length... As for the form, there are no restrictions in 2020. The trends are simplicity and softness in nail design. However, if you wanted to see drawings, glitters or execution in some unusual technique on your nails, this is not forbidden.
In 2020 fashion:
- rhinestones (inlay and decoration);
- landscapes;
- art;
- painting;
- Chinese calligraphy;
- ombre with transitions;
- geometric patterns.
However, the classics are still relevant for any occasion and season.
Techniques and methods
The best building materials are gel and acrylic. There is not much difference between building with gel or acrylic, since they have approximately the same chemical composition. Their main difference is that the gel dries with an ultraviolet lamp, and acrylic dries without additional manipulation.
Acrylic nail kits contain everything you need to get started and include detailed instructions to help you achieve the desired result. Before using, make sure that the monomer does not contain MMA (methyl methacrylate) - dental acrylic that is too hard for a natural nail. EMA is required - ethyl methacrylate.
When purchasing consumables separately, you need to purchase the following items:
- Nail tips, glue for tips.
- Manicure scissors for natural nails.
- Nippers for removing extended nails.
- Means for decorating nails (gels, rhinestones, glitters).
- Acrylic nippers and nail files. Regular nail clippers and nail files are not as effective on acrylic nails.
- Acrylic liquid and acrylic powder. These substances are mixed together to create acrylic nails. As said, it is best to stay away from MMA monomers, use EMA.
- Acrylic bowl and acrylic brush. Need to mix acrylic and apply it.
- Primer for nails.
Before building up, you need to do the following steps:
- Old nail polish is removed. Acrylic should be applied to treated nails, so remove the old product before starting work. To remove nail polish, use an acetone-based oil-free product. To remove acrylic or gel polish, nails should be moistened with acetone.
- Nails are trimmed. This is done to provide a good base for the acrylic, and the nails are trimmed to a short, manageable length. The nail file is also given a shape.
- The surface of the nails is polished. It is recommended to use a soft file to make the surface of the nails slightly roughened and less shiny. This provides the best surface for acrylics.
- The cuticle is trimmed and pushed back. This is so that the acrylic sticks to the nails and not to the skin. Cuticles are easier to push back when they are soft and moist.
- A nail primer is used. Primer removes any remaining moisture and oil from nails to prepare them for acrylic. This step is one of the most important, because if the oil remains on the nails, the acrylic will not fix.
- After preparing the nails, apply the tips to the nail and, if it does not fit the shape of the nail, remove the excess. The glue is applied to the mold and to the nail so that its lower edge is in the middle of the nail surface. It takes 5-10 seconds for the glue to completely harden. It is best to adjust the length of the nail tip when it is already on the nail.
- Then acrylic materials are mixed.Liquid acrylic and powder are added to the dishes separately. Before you dip the brush into the acrylic, you need to make sure that all bubbles have disappeared. The brush is cleaned of excess moisture and immersed in acrylic powder - a "ball" should form.
- The acrylic mixture is applied to the nails. The nail is leveled to a flat surface, there should be no transition between the tip and the nail, so most of the acrylic is applied between the nail and the form itself. The second "ball" of acrylic is applied next to the cuticle in a circular motion, being careful not to touch it.
- Now that the acrylic has been applied to all of your nails, you should use a nail file to shape the tips into the desired length. Using a buffer, it is necessary to polish the surface of the nails. A small brush should be used to wipe off excess nail dust from the file so that it does not interfere with the application of the varnish later.
Then you can apply clear or colored varnish. It should be applied over the entire nail to create a smooth, even surface.
- The brush should be wiped off with a paper towel. This is necessary so that the acrylic does not stick to it. If it doesn't work right away, you can dip the brush in nail polish remover and wipe it off to the end.
- To avoid lumps in the acrylic, be sure to use small, single strokes in one direction.
- If there is too much acrylic on the nails, then it will take too long to distribute it. Small balls are easier to work with.
- If the acrylic is applied correctly, there should be a gentle line. The acrylic tip should match the natural nail.
The nails should be monitored as they will grow back in about 2 weeks and will need to either reapply or remove the acrylic from the nails.
If your nails look unhealthy, do not apply acrylic. Their condition will worsen if acrylic is applied to sore nails.
Ideas for a solid color manicure
In 2020, pastel and nude shades are in fashion. But this does not mean that the competent use of other colors is prohibited. This design should not be thought of as “one color nails”. You can use gel polish or shellac. To give your nails a luxurious look, you can perform a manicure with a transparent varnish on a matte base.
If you want to decorate a monochrome design, then you should resort to using beads or glitter. It is best to use this approach when creating evening and holiday nail art.
To obtain the best effect, a monochromatic manicure can and should be combined with other types of nail designs. The contrasting combination of tones also looks gorgeous. You can do anything with this type of design, the main thing is not to lose its main idea - monotony.
Options in different shades
Nail extensions that feature different shades will help complete the look. However, it is important to remember that it is necessary to maintain harmony in the combination of colors. Color rules will help with this.
Monochrome combination
This type of combination is based on the selection of several shades of the same color scheme. Shades should not both merge with each other and contradict. For the combination to be most successful, it is worth using combinations of only dark and or only light tones of the same shade.
Achromic combination
The combination of white, black and shades of gray is an achromatic combination, as they are neutral colors that go well together. Black can be used as the basis for countless achromatic combinations - many darker shades of other colors will do. It should be remembered that monochrome colors will only look brighter next to achromic ones.
Complimentary combination
In this combination, combinations of inherently self-sufficient colors are used.Colors that form opposite pairs in the palette, for example, red-green or blue-orange, which would look great in complete isolation, thanks to their neighborhood, will complement each other and create a memorable image.
It is important to remember that you need to use different shades of the same tonality, for example, only dark or only gentle.
Related combination
It consists in a combination of shades-neighbors in the color palette. This is the opposite of a complimentary combination. Instead of a sharp contrast, a soft combination will be obtained, for example, try to combine blue with purple or yellow with green.
Matte manicure
A single color matte manicure is a classic. Ideal for any look, making it complete and can be used for any length of nails, as it visually stretches them. If earlier this design was limited to dark shades, then in 2020 you can choose any color.
A nail extension with a matte design and pattern would be a good combination. Today, geometric patterns are in trend. The main thing here is to focus on the length of the nails and remember the harmony of colors in which the design will be made.
Matte manicure combined with gloss is a very good choice, in line with trends. Dark colors are preferred.
There are three categories:
- French;
- geometry;
- matte manicure with gloss elements.
Experiments with the shape, color and content of all elements in the named categories are permissible - for example, with the form of a jacket. Rhinestones on a matte background look more impressive than on a glossy one. Which explains the popularity of this design in evening looks. Individual stones may be present on all nails. But large compositions are recommended to be placed no more than 2.
If we focus on small stones, then decorating each nail with separate rhinestones will be appropriate in an everyday look. It should be remembered that when using the effect of broken glass, glitter, confetti or a jacket, when decorating, you need to be guided by the same principle as with rhinestones - no more than 2 nails.
Variants with patterns and pictures
Nail extensions that include designs are not new. For the first time, drawings on nails began to be applied even before our era. In the 2020 trend, there are contrasting patterns. However, it should be remembered that they are based on soft, pastel colors. However, if the manicure is thematic, then there are no restrictions - the main thing is to know when to stop.
It is worth noting the versatility of lace manicure, which can be used for a casual and festive look. The base can be any, the pattern itself should be applied either with a contrasting varnish or with one of the background shades. To emphasize the effect of the design, you can add rhinestones or sequins.
The geometric pattern is also relevant. The principles of application are the same as those of lace - contrast or shades of the background. Ombre is still in vogue, for greater effect it is worth complementing it with images of flowers, sequins or rhinestones.
It is also worth remembering that ombre can be both horizontal and vertical. And, of course, you can combine, for example, ombre and geometric patterns to get a memorable and striking design.
Decor ideas
Nail extensions, designs of which are inextricably linked with decor, combines many different elements indicated in the table.
| Decor element | Description |
| Broths | Small plastic / metal beads that will easily fit into any design. They spread patterns on the nails or completely cover the entire nail. They are universal - they last for a long time, they are glued to gel polish. |
| Rub for nails | This powder is applied to a tacky layer of gel or gel polish to give the surface of the nail a mirror or pearl shine effect. |
| Glitter | Dry (powder) - applied to nails in one layer or using stencils. Liquid (with 1-2 mm glitter) - is applied to the nails like a regular varnish. |
| Kamifubuki | Confetti made of polymers and foil of various shapes, sizes and colors, which looks great on any nails and lasts a long time, will help diversify the image. |
| Stickers for nails | A wide range of stickers will diversify the design with both Chinese painting and animalistic elements. |
| Rhinestones | It's a classic. But it's worth spending a little time and creating an original composition, which, being fixed with gel polish, will help diversify the manicure. |
| Stamping | A technique that does not require special skills, when a pattern is transferred to the surface of the nail using silicone printing. A special gel polish with a high pigment content is used for the executions, which allows you to get a clear image of even the smallest elements. |
| "Metallic" foil design | Foil rolls or stickers will help add sparkle to your look, which suggests this manicure will go well with a bold design. The foil can be either tear-off or transfer, either glossy or embossed, colored or plain, with or without patterns. Easily attaches to varnish. |
| Yuki Flakes | If you want your nails to "shine", then you should use these flakes that resemble mica. You can apply it on any gel polish, you can rub it in, or you can spray it - whatever suits you best. |
Fashion trends in 2020
Nail extensions, the designs of which in 2020 were remembered by several trends, can be represented by the following options:
- Almond-shaped nails. This shape is among the most comfortable and graceful, so it is in the trends of 2020.
- Long, sharp nails. Long, sharp nails remain in vogue too.
- Short nails. Natural short oval nails are in trend. Especially good with bright varnishes.
- Medium length nails. This shape is the perfect canvas for creativity, as it provides the necessary space to experiment with different techniques.
- Shiny nails. Several trends are woven into this design. There is depth of color and brilliance.
- Minimalistic graphics. The minimalist design matches the trend perfectly, using a minimum of colors and oblique lines.
- Inscriptions. In trends, self-expression through the inscriptions on the nails. You can write anything - initials, pet's name or favorite brand.
- Monochrome manicure. The classic design has become bright, moving away from the gray shades of everyday life.
- Ombre. Bold designs with rich colors and transitions are in fashion.
- French manicure. The popularity of this style is based on easy home use and elegance.
- Pearl inlaid nails. In 2020, the trend has returned to the trend of using pearls in decorating nails to add romance to the image.
- Decor elements. The decor of the nails allows the use of various elements and invariably attracts attention.
In 2020, there is no leading fashion trend in nail extension designs. Moreover, any idea that arose after reading the article can be implemented at home. It is worth experimenting (within reason) and trying each of the options described in order to find the most suitable.
For example, on the eve of the upcoming 2020 year of the metal rat, it is worth remembering that blue, green and gold will be the lucky colors of this year. This means that the design of holiday nails, in whatever version of its execution, must contain at least one of these colors.
The main thing is to remember that whatever design is chosen, it should emphasize the mood, individuality and be combined with the image.
Video about the design of extended nails
Design "Transparent nails" on extended nails: