Matte gradient. How to decorate a gradient manicure

Gradient manicure is relatively new and very fashion trend in manicure. It's easy enough to do it yourself. With a properly selected color combination, it is able to betray the hands of sophistication, emphasize your individuality and good taste.

Set of tools

To decorate your nails in a gradient style, as in the photo, you need a very small set of tools, since such a design is considered quite simple. It can be done in two, three or more colors. The gradient manicure kit includes the following tools and materials:

Moisturizing cream for hands and nails;
Standard set for manicure, edged or unedged;
Cotton buds;
Base for coating;
Top coat;
Two, three or more colored varnishes, depending on the intended design;
Sponge, sponge or applicator for shadows with small, frequent pores, such as those used to apply foundation;
Masking tape.

With this set, you can both make a vertical gradient and a horizontal one on the nails with gel polish or a regular coating. The only difference is that when working with gel or shellac, you will need an additional UV lamp with a power of at least 36 watts. And also - lint-free wipes to remove the sticky layer.

Method One

Below we describe how gradient manicure how to make a smooth color transition, and also place step by step photo explaining the whole process. So, according to the first method, the manicure is performed in steps. Thus, it can be made both in two and in three or more colors.

We prepare nails in a standard way. We make a hand bath, moisten them with cream and do a manicure in the usual way. You can do both trimmed and unedged. We polish the plate a little;
Apply base coat. Let's dry it. It is important to apply it in a thin layer;
We apply one layer of color coating of the tone that will be located closer to the cuticle. They cover the entire plate. Dry it;
Now let's move on to how to make a gradient manicure at home. On the plate from its middle to the tip we apply the second tone;
Quickly, before it dries, we blot the border between the tones with an applicator, sponge or sponge. First, once, then the second, but a little closer to the cuticle and the clean side of the sponge. Dry the second color;
If desired, in the same way, you can apply a third color to the very tip of the nail;
After the color coating has dried, apply the top and dry it;
We remove the excess coating around the nail with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. In order to not have to do this for too long, you can seal the pre-nail rollers with masking tape before starting the manicure.

Below is such a gradient, as well as how to make it on nails, the instructional video is supplemented with several photos for your inspiration. Please note that in order to perform a manicure using this method, varnishes must be dense. This is necessary in order for the manicure to be “read” more clearly.

A kind of manicure using this method is the application of a white dense background coating, which turns into a different saturated color. However, not very dense colored varnishes can sometimes be used as an auxiliary color. This design looks almost weightless.

Below is a gradient shellac manicure and tips on how to do it, as well as video tutorials and photo results. The process differs only in that the drying must take place under the lamp, and after drying each layer must be removed sticky layer lint-free wipe. Some difficulties may arise due to the difference in the consistency of a simple varnish and shellac, but they will be only at the initial stage, and then you will get used to it. This video can also be a great helper in how to make a gradient manicure at home if you are working with gel polish, since the process is completely similar.

Method two

This method is more complex and involves mixing varnishes. The transition is more extended and smoother. But to implement a “gradient manicure” nail design in three or more colors, as in the video and photo, this method is much more difficult. However, it looks impressive and unusual, and besides, it seems much more complex and professional than other options. The video presents several options for color compatibility and manicure style for every taste.

We repeat all the steps of the first method until the base dries;
Pour varnishes of two colors into a small container and get the third color. It should be transitional between the two main ones;
We apply varnishes on the palette in the correct order - from dark to light, through the middle one. We apply them tightly to each other without gaps between the colors;
We mix varnishes with a toothpick along two borders. Thus, we get a smooth gradient from dark to light on the palette;
We dip a wide sponge into it;
We transfer the imprint from the sponge to the nail;
Dry the coating;
We put on the top.

With this method, you can also perform a gradient gel polishes, as the master class shows in the video clip. It is not necessary to mix varnishes initially to obtain a third shade, you can make a transition in two tones. However, the transition to three colors looks smoother. Lacquers should be dense or applied on a dense monochromatic layer.

Gradient Beverly Hills

Often, the word gradient means not such a manicure, which was presented above, but somewhat different. The second option is also called Beverly Hills. The color transition in it is not located on one nail, but in the form of a change in tone from one nail to another.

Let's talk a little about how such a gradient looks on the nails and how to make it with gel polishes, in addition, the process is presented in the video. To perform, you also need varnishes of two shades of the same color group, for example, blue and blue, toothpicks and a palette for mixing.

After performing a manicure and applying the base, the nail on the little finger is covered with blue varnish, and the nail on the thumb is blue. Then both of these colors are mixed on the palette in equal proportions and the nail on the middle finger is covered with the resulting tone. The same varnishes are mixed nearby, but with a large addition of blue, and the resulting color is applied to the ring finger. And the shade with the dominant blue - on the index.

Some options and ideas for gradient manicures of both types (Beverly Hills and Ombre) are presented below.

vertical gradient

Gradient manicure is a type of French nail design, in which the smoothest transition between contrasting or as close tones of varnishes is made as possible. The gradient on the nails always has borders, but they should be blurry and almost invisible. This technique is very simple to perform, but the end result is really impressive and spectacular, and in terms of beauty it is not inferior to design work. Fashionable gradient on the nails can be done in a horizontal, diagonal or vertical form.

Ways to create a gradient on nails: classics and novelties of 2019

Trendy gradient on nails 2019 gives a unique opportunity to play with color and create unique pictures on nails. The classic technique involves the implementation of a horizontal gradient. You can also combine this design with additional decorative elements, patterns, abstract or floral patterns. Looks very interesting vertical ombre manicure, in which it is recommended to choose contrasting shades of varnishes.

Classic homemade gradient with a sponge

This is the easiest way to get trendy manicure using a simple foam sponge. To achieve a gradient effect, it is enough to apply a base shade of varnish on the nail, and a second one on the sponge, which will be imprinted on the free edge.

The sponge gradient technique is as follows :

to a pre-prepared nail plate a base coat is applied;
shades of varnishes are selected, which should be harmoniously combined with each other;
base varnish is applied and dried;
the sponge must be wet, otherwise it will absorb the varnish, and it will be badly imprinted on the nail;
several colors of varnish are applied in stripes to the sponge;
the sponge is applied to the nail and slightly pressed down;
a top coat is applied to consolidate the result.

Gradient brush “scallop”

A special flat brush called a “scallop” will help you design nails with a gradient. Thanks to its use, you can create both horizontal and vertical ombre. The brush gradient has the main advantage; to master the technique, it is enough to study the step-by-step principle of operation.

So, how to make a gradient on the nails with a comb brush at home :

two colors of varnish are applied to the nail plate with a flat brush;
brush "scallop" gently draw on the border of the varnish, shading it;
you can move the brush to the sides, creating a more blurred background;
at the end, a colorless varnish is applied to fix the result.

Beige gradient baby boomer gel

Seeing a photo of a beautiful gradient on the nails using the Baby boomer technique, not a single girl will remain indifferent. This is one of the varieties of French manicure, which simultaneously combines a classic design and a horizontal gradient with gel polish. This manicure is elegant and sophisticated, perfect for any look.

To perform a gentle gradient with gel polish on long or short nails, you should follow the following tips:

a base for gel polish is applied to the nails, dried;
the surface is covered with white gel polish, dried;
a beige gel polish is applied with a fan brush, dried;
smooth mixing of colors is obtained;

air puffing gradient

Airpuffing is a device for quickly applying a gradient, both classic and stencil, which can be done using an airbrush. new trend 2019 is a weightless multi-layer gradient consisting of small drawings. It can be autumn leaves, winter snowflakes and anything else. Aeropuffing is very convenient to use, although you will have to stock up on interchangeable sponges.

An airpuffing gradient can be done as follows :

the first layers are the base and colored gel polish;
selected shades of gel polish or special gel paint are applied to a metal or plastic palette, which is often sold in a set with a pouffe;
the pouf is dipped in gel polish or gel paint, printed on the palette a couple of times to remove excess paint, only then applied to the nail;
the resulting gradient is dried in a lamp;
you can apply a top coat (glossy or matte) on top

The photo shows an example of a gradient using a puff.

Photo step by step

airbrush gradient

Airbrushing is a simple artistic painting, for which a special device is used. With its help, paint is sprayed on the nail plate, thereby creating a blurry image.

The airbrush gradient is performed according to the following scheme :

airbrushing is applied to the nail in one color;
after the first layer has dried, a second one is applied using a varnish of a different shade;
gradient on long nails can be done with 3-4 colors of varnishes;
the design is fixed with a colorless varnish.

Glitter Gradient on Nails (Glitter Brush Stretch)

Glitter gradient on nails or stretching sequins with a brush is one of the varieties of ombre manicure. In this case, sparkles act as the basis, which are distributed over the nail plate in the direction from top to bottom or from bottom to top, creating a smooth transition.

Gradient glitter manicure on gel polish is performed as follows :

the nail plate is prepared, gel polish is applied in several layers, dried;
for design, you can use loose sparkles or gel polish with sparkles;
glitter is applied as close to the cuticle as possible;
a flat brush is taken, placed parallel to the nail and the sparkles are gently shaded;
top coat is applied and dried.

french gradient on nails

An interesting, stylish and elegant look on the nails is a french gradient that perfectly complements any look. This technique is suitable for beginners who are just mastering the ombre design technique.

To create it, follow these steps :

the preparation of the nail plate is performed;
the glossy coating is removed, the nail is degreased;
a light gel polish is applied to the lower part of the nail and stretched with a brush towards the center to obtain a smooth transition;
the layer is dried;
a beige gel is taken and applied to the rest of the nail, gently stretched to the edge and dried;
top coat is applied and dried.

geometric gradient

The vertical geometric gradient was considered the most popular design last year. It was sprinkled with sparkles, powder, mixed with a pattern, etc. Now the love for this design has subsided a little, but for some reason it seems that it will come back to us, because the theme of the geometric gradient has not been fully disclosed.

How to make a gradient with this technique is described below. :

the most popular shades for creating a gradient in a geometric style are charcoal black, different shades of gray and blue, purple, blue or pink;
to apply the picture, you will need two brushes with a thin pile: long and short;
initially, the nail plate is covered with a light shade of varnish;
then a colored gel polish is applied to the palette and the drawing of the gradient begins with the main shade;
then, as the gradient is applied, white is mixed into the main color on the palette. Thus, the color is stretched. Those. in fact, a geometric gradient can be made with just two gel polishes - white and color;
at the end, the design is fixed with a transparent top.

rubbing gradient

The fashion trends of 2019 have not bypassed such a universal nail decor as rubbing. Metallized pigments do not lose their relevance and are used to create almost every fifth manicure. Rubbing is indispensable for creating a home gradient, because it allows you to make it “beautiful” without any special skills and talents. The rubbing gradient is very simple. It is enough to cover the nails with your favorite gel polish and choose the right shade of rub. On dark shades mirror pigment looks more advantageous, for light shades it is better to use pearl rubs. You can also choose other fashionable colors of varnishes - for example, the black and red version of the design looks interesting.

The following lesson will help you make a beautiful gradient with a rub on your own. :

preparation of nails and cuticles;
a base and a black substrate are applied (on black nails, the mirror effect will look bright and unusual);
before applying any rubbing, it is better to degrease the nails;
rubbing is applied with an applicator or a finger and literally rubbed into the surface of the nail;
the remaining pigment is removed with a brush and the finish is applied.

sand gradient

The gradient design and velor effect are simply perfectly combined. This manicure design looks bright and unusual, and its implementation does not require special skills or knowledge. The ideal option would be to highlight one or two fingers with sand, and leave only the ombre coating on the rest.

Sand Gradient Technique :

nails are prepared, cuticles are removed;
performed classic manicure ombre;
sand is applied to the dry layer of gel polish and evenly distributed with a brush;
you can use sand of the same color or make a smooth transition of several shades;
excess sand is removed with a brush;
on the nails, where there is no sand, a top coat is applied, dried.

trendy gradient pattern

Drawings occupy a special place in nail design. Ombre in the form of drawings looks very impressive and becomes the main focus in the image. In combination with a gradient stretch, it is recommended to use pastel and light shades, so that the pattern will not be lost on general background and remain bright and expressive. The transition between colors can be used as a base or become a decoration for only a few fingers. The most relevant are geometric and floral patterns.

Gradient with stencil

This design is very easy to implement. With the help of special stencils, you can create a variety of patterns on the nails. To make the manicure look interesting and stylish, it is better to apply the pattern on one nail. The execution technique is very simple - a classic ombre is made, but a stencil is glued on one nail, which is filled with varnish in a contrasting color. As soon as the varnish dries, the sticker is carefully removed and the design is fixed with a colorless varnish.

trendy gradient colors

The modern fashion industry offers girls just a huge selection of a wide variety of shades of varnish. Calm nude and pastel shades (milk, coffee, pink, mint, blue, sand, yellow) and their combination do not lose their relevance. Bright colors of varnishes, play on contrast and the most unusual combinations look interesting and stylish - for example, rich green tones, black, blue and different shades of red. To match the latest fashion trends, do not be afraid of experiments, and boldly combine a wide variety of shades, getting an unusual and bright manicure that will definitely not go unnoticed.

Pastel

Bright

Dark

Gradient Nail Design Ideas

Today, the attention of fashionistas is presented just a huge number of the most diverse ideas manicure design gradient. Ombre can be combined with stickers, sequins, rhinestones and patterns. In one design, several gradient techniques can be used at the same time - horizontal, vertical, diagonal, geometric. Do not be afraid to improvise and show imagination, and then you can create a unique and inimitable nail design.

Gradient with stickers

Colored sand drawings

Options gradient design with drawings

Do you agree that creativity should not be limited to any kind of framework? And since nail art also belongs to art, then we will try to deviate from the rules (if it is appropriate to talk about any rules here) and try to make, say, a gradient on nails with ordinary varnish, but in unusual ways. And so, prepare your brushes and paints, and we begin ...

How to make a gradient using cellophane film instead of a sponge

We start, as usual, with the application of the base.

In the first case, instead of a cosmetic sponge, we will use an ordinary plastic film, and as the main color we will use black varnish, which will smoothly turn into golden glitter.

Note that when applying the gradient with a sponge or similar method, it becomes necessary to cover the skin around the nails, for example with liquid manicure tape. You can use regular glue instead. PVA. Read how to do it.

Now take a piece of cellophane and apply black and gold polish next to each other, then simply transfer the resulting palette to the nail.

Finally, if you used liquid tape, then remove it from the skin around the nails, as well as the remaining varnish. Cotton swabs soaked in acetone are perfect for this.

How to make a gradient with a fan brush

Another two-color gradient, more specifically a gradient using two shades of the same color, in our case blue. The lighter of the shades is used as the main color (blue) - they will need to make up the nail. After that, you will also need to apply a liquid tape to the skin around the nails.

The execution technique is similar to the previous one: apply both colors on a cellophane film, but here the ombre brush is fan-shaped.

Repeat the process for as long as necessary to get the desired result. Finally, remove the liquid tape and remove the polish from the skin around the nails.

Gradient on nails with dishwashing sponge

Hmm... it's very convenient - a thing that is available in every home. Can be used as normal foam sponge, and cellulose.

Take two colored polishes, using one of them as the base color, which will need to be painted on the nail.

Then, cut off a small piece of sponge with scissors, take it with tweezers, blot the resulting sponge with varnish of a different color and transfer it to the nail, creating a smooth gradient.

Glitter ombre

For the next design, we will use combinations of plain and silver lacquers, and crumbly gloss. Paint the nail with a regular varnish (purple in our case), and gently spread the silver varnish on the tip of the nail, gradually moving towards the middle. It will be right if you concentrate most of the silver on the tip of the nail, thereby creating the effect of a smooth transition.

Then, immediately, while the varnish has not yet hardened, apply glitter on the nail. Concentrating most of the glitter on the tip of the nail. It is convenient to pick up sequins with a wax pencil or wet dots.

How to make an ombre on the nails with a brush ... regular

Simple and elegant style, simple and affordable tool of all possible. To make a gradient on the nails with a regular complete brush, you only need a little more accuracy and patience.

Take two shades of the same color nail polish, say red and pink. Moreover, the lighter of these colors should be more transparent. In our case, it is a delicate translucent pink varnish.

Paint the nail about halfway with red varnish, leaving a blurry fuzzy border at the end. Then simply apply pink polish on top of the nail, thereby mixing the colors and creating an effect on the nails. ombre.

Upon completion, do not forget to secure each of the resulting designs with a layer of top.

As you can see, almost anything can be used for nail art. Of course, salon methods involve the use of professional tools and materials, but at home, the matter may be limited only by the number of ideas and your own imagination.

One problem with simple varnish for nails - if something does not work out, then mistakes are very difficult to correct. Acrylic paints are another matter: they have a wider palette of colors, dry faster and do not dissolve the varnish underneath, and therefore are very easy to wash off - it's easy holy grail for beginners.

More about application acrylic paints in nail art, read in our publications, and see you in one of them!

Perfect manicure fashion girl should be combined with the outfit, but washing the varnish daily and applying it again - such a task seems overwhelming to many, and even harmful, because even a safe wash damages upper layer plates. The solution was found - the gradient on the nails, the photos allow you to see its beauty, and the combination of several colors - perfect solution for any outfit.

What is a gradient on nails (ombre, degrade)

Until quite recently, no one knew about such coverage and could not even imagine that this was possible. While the world was going crazy for a jacket, a completely new concept had time to appear - gradient nail design, which even looks impressive in the photo, to say nothing of reality.

What is this manicure? The nails are painted with smooth color transitions, and these can be shades of the same color or completely contrasting tones. There are complex and simple varieties, and experienced craftsmen even make decoration not with two, but with large quantity colors.

What are the techniques for creating such an effect

There are two options for applying varnish. Both look great and have their own performance features:

Horizontal - easy to perform, even a child can handle it. It is necessary to buy 5 different varnishes, similar in tone, but with a smooth transition from dark to light. Each nail is painted in a different color, the little finger becomes the most saturated, and thumb the lightest.
Vertical - this is more difficult to make, but it looks more luxurious if you choose the right varnish. 2 bottles are bought, each nail is painted in the same way - with a smooth transition from dark to light. The tip is darker than the base.

Also vertical technique can be performed different ways: varnishes are applied directly to the sponge, mixed on the working surface in advance or already on the nail. The last option is easy to perform, but it will look extremely sloppy.

Note! To perform a gradient, it is better to take varnishes from one manufacturer or at least type. It is impossible to combine metallic, glossy and matte effects at the same time - it looks ridiculous.

How to create a gradient technique at home

It is not difficult to make nails with a color transition, as in the photo. You will need a standard set of tools:

Varnish bottles - carefully choose colors and consistency. For the first time, a couple of shades are enough, and it is better to take close tones, after that you can safely experiment.
Sponge - you can buy at a nail store or find a suitable product at home. But the pores must be very small, otherwise you will not be able to achieve smooth transitions.
A piece of plastic or film where varnishes will be mixed.
A mixing needle or a thin brush.
Good nail polish.
Color fixer.

You should also stock up on pre-treatment cream for the skin around the nails, but be careful not to get the product on the plate.

To make a gradient on the nails, study the popular photos of 2017. You will need not only working tools, but also great patience, the procedure requires painstaking work:

Give your nails correct form, work with the cuticle, polish the plate, in general - carry out standard procedures.
Apply foundation - it can be easy clear nail polish, or one of the selected shades.
On the plastic, apply several stripes of the selected colors so that they are side by side. Mix them with a needle at the joint.
Press the sponge against this surface and then against the nail. Do this carefully, without smearing the colors, and remove immediately.
Remove the excess around the edges to give accuracy.
Apply a fixer on top.

A multi-colored manicure is ready, even if it did not immediately turn out the same as on the best photos 2017, but with experience the skill will definitely come.

Note! If you have not done a gradient on your nails before, looking at the photos of 2017 and new manicures is not enough. Contact the master who works with the stretching technique: you yourself will see the procedure and understand how it is carried out.

What colors and their combinations are ideal for a gradient

True classics are similar colors, such as bright red and pink. In any case, they will look advantageous and blend perfectly. Good combinations are:

light green and yellow;
pink and white;

blue and lilac;
black and blue;

black and red;
brown and cream.

In fact, the correct combination of nail polishes of different colors, presented in the photo, is rather a single idea. You can come up with a design yourself, sometimes even incongruous shades suddenly harmoniously fit together. The main thing is to complete the design carefully.

The transition of tones can be performed not only horizontally, but also diagonally, vertically - as you please. Also, the gradient is constantly being upgraded, interesting details are added to the design. For example, you can try to decorate the tips with sparkles, or combine a classic jacket and ombre in one manicure.

It is very difficult to make a design on short nails, the gradient looks better with a free edge, when a platform for creativity opens. Use stickers, experiment, create a new image that you will remember. Better yet, contact a professional.

It is interesting! There are novelties on the market for creating a gradient - special varnishes that react to temperature. They are applied as standard, but give the effect of degradation. You only need to buy a quality product, as fakes will not give the desired result.

Interesting combinations for multi-colored nails

If you want to create multi-colored nails, given the harmonious combination of colors, then pay attention to the photo. collected for you best ideas manicure world:

White design - the design resembles a jacket, only the transitions from white to flesh color are carried out smoothly.

Black design - Black is combined with dark scarlet, dark blue or dark green. Good for solemn occasions and evening wear.
Red manicure - if you are a femme fatale, this design suits you. Rest assured, all eyes will be on your hands. The burgundy tone is combined with rich red.

Pink design for sophisticated ladies and day wear is just perfect. A soft pink and more saturated color is involved here.
Brown - includes a caramel shade and almost flesh. For a celebration, be sure to add glitter.

Luxurious gradient will decorate any girl, giving her hands an incredibly beautiful appearance. Of course, creating such a design is not easy, but it does not need to be changed every day, choosing nails to match. And if you apply a gel polish in the salon, you will walk around for at least a couple of weeks with the chic design that is becoming increasingly popular in 2017.

How to make a gradient gel polish?

Nail service masters have long mastered the technique of applying a gradient using gel polish. For this, thin brushes or short strips are used. The disadvantage of this method is its cost and complexity in execution. Therefore, in order to facilitate the work when drawing a gradient, they use an ordinary sponge, or rather a small piece of it. To make the work more accurate, you can also use a regular eyeshadow brush - it is in any girl's cosmetic bag. The effect of using a sponge or brush is about the same.

Horizontal Gradient Technique

To decorate your nails with a horizontal gradient, you need the following materials:

manicure tools, lint-free wipes, thin brush, UV lamp;
primer
top and base
gel polishes to create a gradient (from one or more).

Before applying gel polish in the form of a gradient, the nail plate must be prepared in the usual way. This is where cuticle oil and other tools that the nail service master uses in their work come in handy:

apply a degreasing primer to the nail;
cover the nail with a base and dry it in a UV lamp;
apply one shade of gel polish on half of the nail;
apply a pre-selected color of varnish to the second half of the nail;
between the multi-colored halves it is necessary to leave a gap of about 1-2 mm;
using a thin brush with light pressing movements, you need to gently stretch the colors from bottom to top;
if varnish remains on the brush, it can be removed with a napkin;
after you have achieved desired result, you can lower your nails into a UV lamp;
to create a more saturated shade, it is recommended to apply gel polish in two or more layers;
to fix the result and give the surface of the nail a gloss, cover it with a top;
remove the sticky layer with a special cloth.

All stages of creating a gradient on the nails are shown in this video:

To create a vertical ombre on the nails, follow the same steps as with the horizontal gradient. The only difference is the direction of the stretch. In the case of a vertical manicure, stretching should be done from right to left, achieving a smooth connection of shades.

Drawing a gradient on the nails with a sponge

If you don’t have a special brush on hand to create a trendy gradient, you can use a regular dishwashing sponge. You will need a small piece of a clean sponge of medium hardness with fine pores. How to make a trendy manicure with a sponge? To do this, you will need the same tools as in the previous cases. Apply a base color to your nail that will blend with the two main colors of the gradient. After that, put two drops of the first gel polish on the foil, dab the sponge into the polish and transfer it to the nail with light pressing movements. In order not to stain the skin around the nails, you can pre-lubricate it with a moisturizer, so the varnish will be easier to wash off. Create a gradient step by step, smoothly connect the lines into a gentle color transition. To fix the color and gradient effect, dry your nails in a UV lamp and cover with a top coat.