Ombre on nails with gel polish. Photo, how to do it step by step, video tutorials for beginners

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

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

General recommendations

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

There are several recommendations for creating a gradient that are told to masters in manicure courses:

1. It is necessary to purchase a quality ombre brush - "scallop". She has a special haircut. Its pile should not be very soft, otherwise the long hairs at the end of the brush will stick together under the weight of the thick material.
2. When using a brush, it is necessary to frequently wipe it on a napkin dipped in a degreaser. The cleaner the brush is, the softer the transition between colors will be.
3. The gradient can be 2-4 colors. A larger amount is irrational to use due to the small surface of the nail. On artificial nails, where hard polymers provide a longer free edge, more shades are allowed.
4. To get soft, graceful color transitions, you need to choose colors that are neighbors in the color wheel.
5. If it is necessary to stretch in a gradient of contrasting colors, insert a mid-tone strip between them. For example, the transition from white to black is done through an intermediate gray. It can be obtained on the palette by adding a drop of black to a white gel polish. In this case, the transition will be more natural, otherwise there is a risk of creating a dirty spot in the center of the nail.
6. You need to start working on the gradient on the base coat, from which the sticky layer has been removed, or cover the nail with a top without residual stickiness. The dispersion (sticky layer) is easy to remove, wipe the nail with a lint-free napkin with a degreaser.
7. It is necessary to pull one color onto another, using only the ends of the long pile of the brush in the work. The rest of it serves only for density and maintenance of the protruding pile and is not working.
8. The movements are performed by small marks, without pressure on the brush. The desire to add varnish and forcefully push it down will lead to the formation of bald spots and a depression in the wet material.
9. Any gradient will be done in 2 or 3 layers. The first (draft) does not require a thorough study, it is the background layer (substrate). All subsequent layers require careful study with small movements and ensure the quality of the ombre.
10. Brush movements are reciprocating along the junction of colors. For example, work starts from left to right horizontally, backward the brush moves from right to left along the same row. Then it shifts a few millimeters, and also works on the bottom row.

Subject to simple recommendations, even a beginner will get a neat gradient the first time. Using this technique, simple and elegant designs are created, and if you use it for a complex background, then multi-component compositions with decor.

Techniques and methods

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

How to create a gradient yourself:

Gradient types:

1. Vertical - strips 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. The horizontal arrangement of the color 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 carried out with a special gradient brush, the pile of which is cut in a special way.
3. Perimeter - a smooth transition of color, as it were, creates a ring around the nail plate, while the darkest color is located closer to the skin, and the lightest one - to the center of the nail. Consists of 2 shades and is performed with a beveled brush for painting using the techniques of Chinese painting (the same principle of a set of gel polishes on a brush). It looks like a frame around the medallion.
4. Angular - one of the latest trends in the use of ombre in design. 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 strip of light color, which is located in the center of the nail. This ombre is often used as a background for sliders with captions.

Ombre on nails with gel polish (photos are shown below) has a different spatial orientation. A gradient made of the same colors, but in a different direction, is perceived by the human eye in different ways. The artisans in the salons offer the client to choose a color, and then show samples with different orientations, which expand the choice of possible design options.

Horizontal gradient technique:

1. Make a manicure (process the cuticle and nail under the side rollers).
2. It is good to clean the dust from the nail with a dehydrator (you can use any alcohol-containing liquid). At this stage, the task is not only to clean the nails from dust after sawdust, but also the coating.
3. Apply an acid-free primer to a part of the natural nail (if any), which dries in air for 2-4 minutes.
4. To level the plane of the nail and the strength of the coating, a base layer is applied.
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, it should be remembered that the darkest shade is in the form of the thinnest stripe, and, accordingly, the lightest is the wide stripe.
7. Prepare a brush for the scallop gradient. It is enough to fluff its long villi along the width of the brush tip.
8. The brush has a specially cut bristle, which is tightly packed at the brush chuck and is cut with steps to the edge. At the end of the hand there are thin long scattered villi, they are the ones that take part in the work. The rest of the cysts are auxiliary and serve for the density of the pile. The tips of the pile begin to make small strokes at the junction of the colored stripes. It is necessary to draw one color to another with point touches, achieving a smooth transition of color to color. Movements are made from the cuticle to the free edge. You cannot return with a brush upwards without first cleaning the lint on a napkin. The brush needs to be cleaned and make sure that the villi do not stick together.
9. The gradient is made in 2 or 3 layers, each of which is dried in an ICE lamp for 30 sec.
10. When the look of the design matches the wishes, the nail is covered with a glossy or matte top.
11. If desired, proceed to further decoration.

Technique for performing a vertical gradient:

1. The standard set of actions described above is performed - manicure, application of a dehydrator and primer.
2. Base leveling layer.
3. On the nail with a thin brush for painting, two colors are applied along the surface. In this case, the border of their connection can be located in the center of the nail or be shifted to the side.
4. A dry fan brush is carried out along the junction of shades from top to bottom, then shifted to the left by 1 mm and the stroke is repeated.
5. After thoroughly cleansing the brush from varnish, the same actions with an 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. After satisfactory appearance, the design is overlaid with a top coat.

Technique for performing ombre around the perimeter:

1. Any coating starts with standard manicure, primer and dehydrator procedures.
2. Align the nail with a base coat, dry for 30 seconds in an ICE lamp ..
3. The design consists of 3 colors - base coat and 2 ombre colors. Apply the base color to the entire nail with a brush from the bottle. For the density of the coating, it is recommended to repeat the application of the varnish after drying (30 sec).
4. Place two colors for the gradient on the palette. Draw them at the same time on a flat beveled brush so that the dark color is on the top of the brush, and the light color is on the heel. The difficulty lies in the fact that you need to shade two colors. For this, long strokes are made with the brush plane along 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 wide strokes.
7. As a result, you should get a frame, along the edge of which there is a darkening, and inside the color of the main background. This amber is suitable for lettering and floral designs. 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, the dark blue color fills the base of the cuticle on all fingers of the hand, and the upper part is formed: on the little finger - white, on the ring finger - blue, on the middle nude, on the index finger - peach, etc. The colors are chosen according to the client's wishes. This technique will allow you to create a bright, avant-garde design that attracts attention.

Options in different shades

The very technique of performing a gradient involves combining several shades. Masters 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 delicate, calm manicure designs.

Without additional decoration, they are used for everyday life and work. They are calm, peaceful in nature. Dark color combinations are more suitable for evening and special occasions, but gold decor and rhinestones look perfect.

People subconsciously choose shades of ombre 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 foliage and a rainy sky - all shades of gray, dark blue and yellow-orange gamut.

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 readable.

Matte manicure

Matte manicure (without glossy shine) remains in trend this season. To create a fashionable design on your own, it is enough to purchase a special topcoat and replace the usual glossy top with it.

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 opaque substances quickly adhere 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 cleaning. To do this, just take a brush with soft synthetic bristles and rub the nail plate with ordinary soap solution. Rinse your hands under cold water and a manicure will restore the original appearance.

With a matte manicure, there is another problem with prolonged wear. The top changes its properties and acquires a glossy shine. It depends on the quality of the material and can only be changed when 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 affect the appearance of the ombre in any way.

Variants with patterns and drawings

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

What patterns are used most often 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 print the smallest elements of engraving on the nail. Thin line drawings have an airy, ghostly appearance and only add depth to the design. This method is suitable for beginners and fast-paced salon designers. Suitable for everyday life with any style of clothing, depending on the ombre color.
2. Floristics thin lines.
3. Dots - fancy patterns of dots are drawn with a tool ball, placing them along the lateral surface of the nail or at the end (you can create an imitation of a jacket using dots of different diameters).
4. Lettering - are 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 decal 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 a lamp. They do not have a sticky layer and do not overlap with a top. Therefore, before drawing the monograms, it is necessary to cover the ombre with a finishing layer.
6. Butterflies with gel paste - using the same material, butterflies are drawn on a gradient background. Only the contours of the wings are drawn so that the main background is visible under 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, an image of a large butterfly will be obtained.
7. Crystal flowers - are created from thin lines of the flower contour. After drying in a lamp (30 sec), the petals are filled with a transparent top. The work is done with a thin paintbrush. The main difficulty is to distribute the top inside the petal, without going beyond the contour. Masters recommend drying for 10 seconds, each petal separately. The top is laid out on the nail in the form of high drops, which creates a three-dimensional pattern and, like a lens, increases the background with a gradient.

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

Decor ideas

Ombre on nails with gel polish (photos from nail art competitions are given below) is not combined with all types of decor. When creating a design, it should be remembered that ombre is already an independent coating option. When used as a background. the main task is not to overlap the beauty of the gradient with glitter.

What decor is used for the coating in the form of a gradient:

1. Moon Design Rhinestones - in the center of the hole near the cuticle, a large stone (ss 6-8) is installed from it, smaller stones are attached in opposite directions. The composition is built in the form of a string of beads. The space between the rhinestones is filled with broths (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 crystals are processed with a thin brush with the same material, tracing them in a circle. Then a second drying for about 30 seconds. From above, the inlay does not overlap with the top coating.
2. Foil geometric shapes - any geometric figure is cut out of tear-off foil with nail scissors. Most often they use a vertical strip of the nail plate or a triangle, or a semicircle at the nail hole. After completing the gradient, the design is covered with a top with a sticky layer and a shiny shape is placed on the liquid layer. Dry in a lamp for 30 sec. Then, with tweezers, you need to gently pick up the edge of the decor in order to remove the thin protective film from it. An even and clear imprint of shiny foil remains on the nail. This design needs to be overlapped with 2 layers of top to prevent abrasion of the foil.
3. Foil casting on monograms - on a gradient created and covered with a top (without a sticky layer) with black paint using a thin brush, draw monogram compositions. They should not be too dense, so as not to overlap the beauty of the gradient. Dry the composition in a lamp for 60 sec. While the nail has not cooled down, attach the foil to the surface, press down, straighten and tear off sharply. Perhaps not all monograms will print glitter the first time. Repeat the manipulation on untreated areas.Cover on top with a thin layer of top (so as not to fill the volume of the monogram design), dry in an ICE lamp for 60 seconds.
4. Glitter - they can stretch in density or decorate only part of the nail. To evenly distribute the glitter, they are mixed with a transparent base or top. The material must be liquid, so rubber bases and tops are not suitable. But in the arsenal of each master there are "unsuccessful" bases that spread quickly and it is difficult to align the nail plate with them. They are ideal for glitter stretch marks and sequins ombre. A few drops of base and dry glitters are mixed on the palette. With a thin brush, the mixture is applied to the area where the highest density is planned (at the cuticle, at the free edge). Then the strip of material with the tip of the brush (movements as when creating a gradient) is stretched downward until the shine disappears. Dry in an ICE lamp, 30 sec.

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

Then different design techniques will be harmoniously combined. A sophisticated gradient background lets you create vibrant, shiny and eye-catching designs. They are perfect for evening wear. However, more and more women are using rhinestones and foil in their daily manicure, expressing a desire to sparkle every day.

Fashion trends in 2019

It would seem that you can surprise anyone with a gradient, but the masters are constantly improving this technique. So in the past year, angular gradient and color change from the center became widespread. For the 2019 season, when creating an ombre on nails, gel polish becomes a trend - degradation.

Photos of an unexpected gradient solution from winter filled the pages of glossy magazines. All terms (gradient, ombre, degradation) denote a smooth color change without a pronounced border of color connection. Degrade (from the French word "dégradé") means highlighting the 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, by special processing and washing, gave individual parts of clothing a lighter, as if burnt out in the sun 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 pastel blue tone turns into white and goes down to the unpainted area near the cuticle (negative space). This is how horizontal degrade 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, strands of rhinestones or charmikons with inscriptions look elegant.

This design is performed either on all fingers, or on one finger, which is decorated. The universal design fits any nail length, it looks especially good on the trendy nail shape in 2019 - almond.

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

Author: Anna Beauty

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

10 secrets of the perfect gradient:

Ombre with a scallop brush: