How to make a gradient with a sponge. Spectacular gradient on nails with gel polish with photos and videos

Girls who actively follow the development of fashion know exactly what a gradient is. In manicure it represents smooth transition from one color to another. At the same time, you can combine absolutely any colors. The gradient is also called ombre, which is so popular when coloring hair in this style.

The best coating today is considered to be gel polish or shellac. Let's take a closer look at how to make a gradient on nails with gel polish with a brush or sponge, and watch tutorials on photos and videos.

Features of the gradient technique on nails with gel polish

If you look at it, the gradient is a rather expensive technique because it consumes a lot of materials: the varnish needs to be poured onto the foil, and the rest cannot be sent back. It is applied with foam rubber, which can be used once. Accordingly, all these costs are taken into account by salons when creating it. Ombre can be applied with regular varnish and gel polish; the quality of the coating and the price of the service depend on this.

Now experienced craftsmen can create a gradient using special brushes. Thus, the consumption becomes significantly less, the coverage lasts quite a long time, so the cost of the service is justified.

Fashion ideas

Initially, we suggest looking at several interesting gradient options. You will find out which color scheme It’s better to decide which direction to choose.

Beautiful gradient on nails with gel polish

Before you get a manicure, you need to decide on the color scheme of the overall look. Sometimes even a beautiful creation of nail art looks unoriginal if it does not complement the overall style. Popular shades of this season are mint, peach, blue, and bright yellow. Among natural ones, brown, blue, and red are welcome. Pastel is also in fashion now, and, as we know, it is suitable for any time of year.

Ombre is ideal for long and medium nails. It can be performed vertically, obliquely, horizontally. If you have short nails, then use the first two application methods.

In the summer, when you want to surround yourself to the maximum bright colors, you can use bold shades. Try a transition from blue to lilac. This decor will highlight your good mood, will remind you of the sea, warm days.

The gradient looks attractive with the participation of all fingers at once. Here interesting option: on the middle and ring nails vertical gradient from mint to pink, the little finger is pink, the index nail is mint.

An orange ombre with yellow shades. Your nails will be bright, so be sure to take care of them perfectly. appearance. This combination will suit a pareo or a sunny swimsuit.

A vertical gradient on nails with gel polish is more suitable for girls with short nails, because it visually lengthens them. To create a rainbow look, use bright colors rainbows, apply them to your nails. To maintain harmony, a pedicure can also be done with these colors.

Pastel and dark gradient

Well, what are we all about summer and summer? What to do in winter if you want to enjoy ombre for a couple of weeks? We recommend using more neutral, pastel natural paints. The duo of brown and pink shades turns out to be very delicate. You can accentuate your ring finger by mixing these colors together in smooth patterns.

You can complement this technique with any sparkles, rhinestones, or decorations. They can be used to completely fill an accent finger, or to create a design. Pay attention to the combination of ombre gray and pink. Glitter patterns make your manicure more festive.

Black color is classic in everything. If you keep your manicure in this tone, you will get a rather business-like decor that will make you more mysterious and serious. Ideal for a business, office look.

The blue color also looks quite attractive. Try a black and blue manicure complemented with rhinestones. For the winter period, many choose electric blue - rich blue. It can be matte or glossy. Any of them will be a great addition to your look.

Neutral gray can be combined with various shades. The most a successful combination considered pink and white. This manicure is suitable for people who do not want to attract special attention to themselves.

How to make a gradient on nails with gel polish at home

To create a manicure with gel polish, you need to prepare tools. Of course, this procedure can be done in a salon, but many girls prefer to take care of their nails themselves for various reasons. Many simply do not have enough time to visit such establishments, others love to create and express themselves in this way. And some people simply save their family budget, because regular visits to salons cost a pretty penny.

Preparation

Before applying color, you need to get your fingers in order. Perform a trim or hardware manicure procedure. After you remove the previous coating, give your nails the same shape and size, remove the cuticle, hangnails, and you can apply color. All material for gel polish manicure can be purchased at specialized points of sale and online stores. There are special kits for beginners, or each product can be purchased separately.

To make an ombre gel polish, you will need:

  • UV lamp to dry each layer of coating.
  • Antibacterial agent.
  • Degreaser.
  • Primer.
  • Gel.
  • Base color and desired colors to create a gradient.
  • The top is a fixative, thanks to which the creation will last a long time.

Step-by-step instruction

  1. We use a buff to remove the glossy coating of the nail plates so that the scales open up better and the adhesion to the gel polish is strong.
  2. Treat with a dehydrator. Then apply the primer and wait for it to dry completely.
  3. Apply a thin layer of gel and dry with a lamp for a couple of minutes.
  4. Then we apply another layer of gel and dry it too. Remember that it is better to apply two thin layers than one thick one.
  5. Now apply the base color. Dry with a lamp for a couple of minutes.
  6. Now with a brush we apply ombre paints in layers next to each other, mixing the joints with each other. Dry with a lamp. Apply top coat and dry.

Option two

  1. Ombre is made with an eyeshadow applicator. To do this, use white and, for example, purple.
  2. Separately mix one drop of paint at a time. Then separately mix one drop of purple, two drops of white.
  3. Then mix one drop of purple, three drops of white.
  4. Apply the resulting scales alternately in stripes to the nail plates.
  5. If desired, you can make triangles with a brush. The result will be an unusual decor in the form of diamonds. We finish the decor with a top.

Third option

Another way to ombre is with gel polish.

  1. After applying the base shade, cover the skin around the nail plate with a face mask and let it dry thoroughly. This will protect your skin from dye penetration and is easy to remove.
  2. Now apply strips next to each other to a piece of foam rubber desired shades ombre
  3. Apply over the nail using patting movements. Secure the creation with a top coat. Use tweezers to remove the film mask.

Video of creating a gradient on nails with gel polish with a brush and sponge

In this video you can watch the creation of a black and burgundy gel polish coating. Additional rhinestone decoration makes the creation luxurious.

Here the blogger shares with us different ways of this technique, using a variety of colors. You will hear a lot useful tips about how to choose the right color scheme for this manicure, how to make it with foam rubber and a brush.

Combination with other types of design solutions

This coating is universal, so it can be easily combined with a variety of clothes. Often girls analyze their wardrobe and then select a manicure to match it. In summer, bright colors emphasize your mood and bright dresses. If you want to maintain a more neutral style, use pastel manicure colors. Then you don’t have to worry about the color scheme of your wardrobe at all. Popular in winter natural paints because they are easy to combine with winter clothes.

During open-toe season, take care of your toes. They should also look neat. For a pedicure, choose neutral, pastel colors, or keep them in the same color scheme as the manicure. In this case, ombre can be done only on the thumb, and the rest can be maintained with the main shade.

Any jewelry will complement your look. If you combine manicure, pedicure, and accessories in one palette, you can easily show off your great taste. At the same time, accessories can combine several colors at once to be more versatile.

It is very popular now to do makeup in the same color scheme as the nails. If you prefer a red palette, then use red nail polish and red lipstick. Shadows can be of any color to complement the nails.

Now you know what a gradient is and how to make it at home in different ways. Share your reviews and comments. You can choose any photo, show it to your master, and he will repeat the decor on your nails. Write, what criteria do you follow when designing your nails?

In this article we will talk about gradient manicure. You will learn about its types, and also become familiar with step by step instructions recreating this manicure at home.

Did you know that at home you can not only do a manicure consisting of one tone, but also recreate beautiful smooth transitions of shades? The so-called gradient manicure or ombre appeared relatively recently, but has gained wild popularity. What gives it a special charm is that, as it turns out, even children can learn the ombre technique. And the result is simply amazing - see for yourself.

Gradient manicure at home step by step

  • First of all, you should stock up on everything in advance necessary materials and tools. You will need everything you can use to remove the cuticle - tweezers, an orange stick, scissors. Also prepare a base for manicure, varnishes, topcoat, sponge or cosmetic sponge, nail polish remover, corrector pencil or cotton swabs, a piece of polyethylene, foil or cardboard, a little water in a container
Correctly selected material is already half the success

IMPORTANT: Be sure to purchase a polish of some light pastel shade or deep white - against the background of this coating, the gradient manicure will turn out clear and bright.

  • Now you can begin the nail preparation procedure. Carefully shape them, adjust the length to your liking. Looks more impressive gradient design on long nails, however, you can transform even short ones, especially since this type of coloring visually lengthens your nails. In any case, they should be given a neat shape. Make sure there are no hangnails, trim the cuticle


treatment
  • It's time to degrease your nails and use a base coat. Do not neglect this stage - this will allow the polish to last much longer and, most importantly, the nails will be protected from the appearance of a yellowish tint


  • Now apply a single-color polish, which we talked about above, over the entire length of the nail plate - some pastel or white. Make a start from the fact that this shade should be included in the intended palette. Take your time - let this coating dry thoroughly


  • At this stage, you can already use a sponge or sponge. Dip it in water and wring it out until the moisture is barely felt, otherwise the sponge will only absorb the varnish.


sponge
  • Now make a line on the sponge with each polish. In this case, the lines should be adjacent to each other, having a neat common border. However, there may be lines large quantity- for example, three. It all depends on how many tones you plan to get in the end

IMPORTANT: Perform all actions as quickly as possible, because the varnish dries quite quickly on its own, and some of it will be absorbed into the sponge. Therefore, you can apply several layers to each line.



drawing lines on a sponge
  • It's time to print your nails one by one. And for this you can choose different ways: either apply the sponge to the base of the nail, stretching it to the tip, or make blotting movements over the entire surface. Keep in mind that frequent blotting will add brightness to the manicure.
  • Usually, after treating one nail, you need to reapply varnish to the sponge. However, if you do everything quickly, you can have time to print several nails without re-painting the sponge. It is recommended that before applying nail polish, you still print it on a piece of cardboard in order to make sure that everything is satisfactory.

IMPORTANT: If you want to visually make your nails longer, make a transition from light to dark shades, with the darkest one being located at the tip.



  • As you noticed, such blotting movements leave marks around the nail. You still can’t do it without them, so don’t worry, but rather carefully get rid of them. For this you will need a special corrective cosmetic pencil or cotton swab, previously soaked in varnish remover
  • However, you can avoid unwanted contamination - to do this, before starting a manicure, simply seal the skin around the nail with stationery tape or treat it with some greasy cream. All this will allow you to create a protective film, which will bear the entire “impact”. However, there is a possibility that the area on the nail itself will be glued or covered up, so do everything carefully


  • The final stage is the application of finishing varnish. This action will lead to the fact that the manicure will be given shine, evenness, and the boundaries of the shades will be smoothed out - they will become smoother and softer


How to make a gradient on nails with polish?

Choosing the right shades is not as simple a task as it might initially seem. They can be either the same color or contrasting. But if you still want a similar palette and have difficulty choosing, there is the opportunity to purchase a special set of varnishes containing up to 7 shades. Be that as it may, you need to have a pastel-colored polish or a rich white – they are excellent as a base.



IMPORTANT: Make sure that the varnishes have the same texture.

  • Varnishes do not necessarily need to be applied to a sponge. As an alternative, you can smear them on the lid or plastic film. In this case, the strokes should be adjacent to each other, and the joints can be smeared with a toothpick or some kind of sponge. After that, you can transfer everything to nail plate
  • There is one secret to applying varnish: for example, if the coloring involves a transition of colors from light at the base to dark at the tip, you need to make this dark color the base color. If, on the contrary, from dark to light, then light is initially applied to the entire plate. By the way, in this case, you can apply a non-base shade to a sponge and simply stamp it on the tip of the nail






  • The varnish can be evenly distributed over the plate thanks to the finishing coating. By the way, thanks to it, the boundaries of the shades become more blurred, and the surface of the nail itself is evened out.
  • The latter is especially true if the varnish was applied using a sponge and pores from it are visible on the surface. Color stripes can be placed both horizontally and vertically - it all depends on the idea.
  • There is a little trick: so, if you want to get as many shades as possible, try mixing different colors of varnishes on some surface. White and black are especially suitable for this - they allow you to successfully recreate dark and light shades




vertical stripes

IMPORTANT: In order to create shades that are as close as possible in the palette, you should work hard, adding the same number of drops of varnish each time you mix. For example, try to increase the number of drops by two over and over again - this will help you achieve a smooth color change. If you like this method, apply the second layer immediately after the first has dried, and only then start experimenting with mixing again.



How to make a gradient on nails with gel polish?

The sequence of coating nails with gel polish is almost the same as in the case of regular polish, however, you need to stock up on an ultraviolet lamp with a power of 36 Watts for drying. Moreover, in order to remove sticky layer, you need napkins that do not contain lint. As soon as necessary tools purchased, you can start manicure:

  • First, carefully treat the surface of the nail. This can be done with a special file, the abrasiveness of which is 80-100 grit.
  • Now you should degrease your nails with Bondex
  • After this, you should use an ultraviolet lamp to dry it.
  • The nails are covered with a gel base and dried again using a lamp.
  • Using a degreasing agent, you need to remove the sticky layer.
  • To improve adhesion, it is recommended to file the nail
  • One color should be applied to half the nail plate.
  • Now apply a different color to the second half
  • Carefully paint the border with the first color so that it is smooth. It is recommended to do this with a small brush
  • Use the lamp again
  • Remove the sticky layer with a degreaser. This should be done with gentle blotting movements using a cotton pad.
  • The final step is to apply the top coat.


IMPORTANT: Drying with an ultraviolet lamp should not exceed two minutes.



The undoubted advantages of gel polish include the fact that it dries very quickly and lasts for about three weeks. At the same time, it does not break off in small pieces as is the case with ordinary varnish, and does not even lose its shine. There is also no need to worry about allergic reactions. True, it is not recommended for weakened nails; removing it requires longer soaking.



Gradient gel polish brush

It is advisable to choose a flat brush with a semicircular or straight tip, made of synthetic materials. The brush you will use to apply the base will also work. So, the principle of operation of such a brush is as follows:

  • Paint half of the nail plate with one tone, then the other half with another. Try to make the layers as thin as possible - they will be easier to shade
  • Now take a flat brush and moisten it in the cleaner so that it is barely wet. While it is still wet, swipe several times from the cuticle to the tip. In this case, the brush should be as horizontal as possible to the surface of the nail - this will allow you to achieve smoothness when smoothing out the lines. After this procedure, you can dry the nail
  • Now it's time for the second layer for each shade. Again, use a slightly damp brush to soften the lines.

IMPORTANT: Between stages of brushing your nail, wipe it with a napkin. Also soak a napkin in the clinser.



If working with a flat brush seems difficult for you, but the brush application technique itself is attractive, you can try starting with a fan brush. The transitions, however, are not so smooth, but this method is quite easy:

  • First, apply a base coat of your lightest shade. Dry it with a lamp
  • Since the shading will not be very smooth, it is advisable to create a third transition shade yourself. You can make it on a piece of foil and apply it to the middle of the nail plate between the two main shades
  • Moisten the brush in the clinser, then mark with it until you get the expected effect
  • Dry the nail
  • Repeat the procedure, creating a second layer of coating


Gradient gel polish with sponge

  • A sponge is the most effective tool for creating a gradient manicure, since the transitions are so smooth that a brush cannot do it even with all your efforts. Above we described the technique of applying a coloring layer to nails.
  • It is worth adding that prints should be made carefully. As for their number on one nail, it all depends on what intensity of coloring suits you - the brighter and more saturated you want to get a manicure, the more prints it costs to make
  • Apply the fixing composition immediately after painting the nail plate - this way you can avoid transferring the porous structure of the sponge to the nail. The disadvantage of this method is that before treating each nail you will have to reapply the varnish to the sponge each time, since a certain part of it will quickly be absorbed. However, the result is worth it








Gradient shellac manicure

A mixture of gel and varnish - shellac - is gaining increasing popularity. If you are a fan of this coating, you can try doing a gradient manicure with it. For this, as in the case of gel polish, you will need lint-free wipes and an ultraviolet lamp. The sequence is as follows:

  • Degrease the nail plate and dry it
  • You can apply shellac with a sponge - as we wrote above, this is the most optimal way to achieve smooth transitions. Only in this case, it is recommended to first apply one shade near the cuticle or on the tip of the nail
  • Dry with a lamp
  • Now you can apply the second shade to the free part of the nail. At the same time, lightly touch the part that was already painted for the first time, thus going beyond the border
  • Use the lamp again
  • Now you can use a fixative that will even out the coating and add shine.
  • Dry your nails again and remove the sticky layer with a degreaser.


IMPORTANT: Be sure to treat the nail with a buff - in this case, the shellac will adhere well.

A shellac manicure compares favorably with a regular manicure in that it is much brighter, more neat and lasts longer. However, in the latter case, this is not entirely convenient, if you are tired of the manicure and want to try something new - such a coating is much more difficult to remove.



Nail design gradient gel polish

  • As for design, it all depends on your imagination. Improvisation is welcome here. Even stripes can have different directions - not only horizontally, but also diagonally and vertically
  • The colors can be either the same palette or contrasting - the only important thing is to create a smooth transition. You can also create transitions not within one nail, but paint each nail a slightly darker or lighter shade than the previous one.
  • Lovers of rhinestones, stickers, and patterns will also have plenty to roam around - all these elements will fit perfectly into the design. Instead of a glossy fixer, you can try using a matte one - maybe it turns out to be something you like












































Varnish gradient

So, what should the varnish be like so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your nails? After all, a gradient manicure will certainly captivate you so much that you will want to constantly experiment. First of all, it must contain a large percentage of cellulose, since it is natural product. You don’t need to look far for an example: cellulose is found in many plants, and 90% of cotton consists of it.

It helps strengthen your nails, and you don’t have to worry about their strength. And for nutrition and hydration, the content of camphor oil is necessary. Betonite is saturated with sea minerals, which whitens nails and helps to moisturize them. Brightness, shine and polishing effect are provided by silk amino acids. And, of course, you cannot do without vitamins, especially vitamin E, which helps strengthen, maintain health and beauty.

IMPORTANT: What should not be in the varnish is toluene formaldehyde, which has a destructive effect on the nail plate. In other words, it is a carcinogenic substance that it is better not to mess with.



Correctly selected varnish is the key to a good manicure

There is a little trick to preserve the varnish longer - you should shake it, roll it between your fingers - then, due to the appearance of air bubbles inside, its service life will be longer. Store the bottles in a warm place, but under no circumstances in the light.
For a perfect manicure, be sure to use a manicure base and a quick-drying product along with the polish itself.



Use a base and dryer

As you can see, any fashionista can master a gradient manicure. The effect is no worse than the salon one. A little skill, accuracy and patience - and now your unique manicure is ready! Please yourself and others, but do not forget about purchasing a quality product.

Video: Gradient ombre manicure

Video: Festive gradient manicure

Creating a gradient on your nails using a brush, glitter, acrylic powder, foam sponge.

Gradient manicure is one of the most popular styles in the nail industry. It captivates with its uniqueness, play of colors, versatility, originality and ease of execution. Yes, it’s not difficult to design nails in a degrade style or another ombre style. How to make gradient design at home, what tools are needed for this, this will be discussed below.

Step-by-step implementation of a gradient at home with a brush

Do you think that only specialists can do ombre manicures? Not at all. You can create such beauty yourself. Ask: “How to do a gradient manicure at home?” Yes, it's very easy. Let's consider step by step process its implementation using the example of a gradient in the Baby Boomer style.

In order to create a gradient effect on your nails, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

  • colored gel polishes;
  • top, boof;
  • nail file (if necessary);
  • thin brush;
  • lamp for drying nails.

The process of performing a gradient manicure:

  1. Prepare for a manicure: polish, remove cuticles, buff over nails.
  2. Apply a boost coat to make your nails look smooth, strong and firm. Remove the sticky layer.

  3. Apply top coat to keep your nails protected and fresh longer. Dry in a lamp.
  4. Apply two layers of black to the little finger and index finger.

  5. Paint the remaining claws with camouflage color on 2/3 of the nail, not reaching its tip.



  6. Take a round soft brush and stretch the camouflage coating to the tip of the nail. In this case, the brush should be held parallel to the nail, without pressing it down. Movements must be fast and clear.





  7. Dry the camouflage gel polish.
  8. Apply a second layer of camouflage on top of the first, in the same way, not reaching the tip.
  9. On a spread sheet of foil, mix top coat and white gel polish in a 2:1 ratio.
    The consistency of the mixed varnish should be such that no streaks appear on the nail when applying the coating.

  10. Apply the prepared mixture using a clean brush to the natural smile line (1/3), moving the brush slightly towards the middle.

  11. Blend the paint with a brush in the same way as with the camouflage coating, only in the opposite direction. Movements during paint application should be light, smooth and coordinated. The brush should be kept parallel to the nail, without falling onto the plate. It should only touch the nail with its belly. The brush should land smoothly on the junction of the colors, pull the gel polish and take off. After shading, dry in a lamp.
  12. Apply a second coat of paint, but on 2/3 of the nail, and not 1/3, as in the previous case. Blend and dry.



  13. Apply the final topcoat to the gel coating, remove the sticky layer on the varnish.

  14. To prevent streaks from appearing on the nails, the brush used for shading must be cleaned of varnish.

    This is the smooth transition of color you should end up with. The manicure is very gentle and neat.


    For a softer style, you can cover all the nails with a gradient.

    Features of gradient coating


  1. Apply the base color and dry.
  2. Drop the selected gradient varnishes onto the foil (the base one, which already covers the nails, and another one), mix them with a needle. Combine two selected colors on the foil. Apply the resulting tone with a brush to the middle of the nail.
  3. Apply a second color to the smile line. Take a fan brush soaked in degreaser and begin to actively sweep it over the nail, thus mixing the colors. Dry your fingers.
  4. Repeat steps 1 and 3.

This is what a horizontal gradient made with gel polish looks like using a fan brush.




And this red manicure is suitable for sexy, ardent women.


Glitter Gradient

The technique of gradient manicure with gel polish is achieved by using pigments. After applying the base color and drying your fingertips in the lamp, you need to pick up a “petal” of glitter with a brush, apply a thick layer to the base of the nail, moving up to the middle of the plate. The pressure should be smooth. A dense layer of glitter is formed at the tips of the nails, gradually the pigment becomes thinner and ends at the base. This is how the color transition on the nails is achieved.






This coating looks very elegant even despite the shine and shine.

Performing degradation on nails with a dish sponge

An ombre manicure can also be done using a regular foam sponge. If anyone else doesn’t know how to make a gradient manicure at home using a sponge, then we hasten to explain the process of creating it:

  1. Paint your nails with colored paint and dry.
  2. Combine two varnishes on the foil.
  3. Blot the sponge well in the mixed palette. To avoid bubbles on the nails after applying a piece of washcloth to the plate, the first two or three prints with bubbles should be made on foil.
  4. After this, you can begin to transfer the gel polish with soft but quick movements. Repeat steps 1, 3 and 4 several times, applying new layers to the nails until the desired effect is achieved (often 3 layers are required).
  5. The final touch is to cover all the nails with top coat.

By making a transition from one color to another using this technique, you will get a gradual, soft and beautiful gradient. By the way, color transitions can be done both horizontally and vertically. To dilute the image a little and make it light, you can apply pea dots. And a vertical gradient in pastel colors looks cute and gentle even on long nails.




Tips for those who do ombre with a foam sponge:

  • You need to choose a sponge with small pores.
  • A foam sponge, even if it is clean, needs to be washed, dried and cut to make it convenient to work with.
  • To ensure that the manicure looks decent and that sponge scraps do not stick to the plate, after washing, drying and cutting the foam rubber, you need to brush off all the debris from it with a brush.
  • When doing a manicure with a color transition using a foam sponge, many girls stain the skin around the nail. To prevent this from happening, we recommend applying PVA glue or sticking tape to the skin around the nails before painting.

Acrylic powder for ombre nail design

Another win-win option on how to make a gradient on your nails at home. To do this, you can use special acrylic powder. The technique is as follows:

  • Cover the plate with the selected colored varnish and dry it in a lamp.
  • Apply a top coat; no need to put it in a lamp.
  • Pick up acrylic powder with a brush and begin to slowly apply it to the base of the nail.
  • Having reached the middle, lift the brush up to reduce the area of ​​paint scattering. Periodically, you need to shake off excess powder from the nail into a jar so that the applied layer is even.
  • Do the same with the selected second color for the rest of the nail.
  • Send it to the lamp. Lightly sand the coating with a soft buff.
  • Wipe off the dust from your nails again and apply top coat.

This is how you can quickly and easily create a manicure with a color transition using acrylic powder.




And this is what a matte nail gradient in gray and white looks like:


Knowing all the nuances of how to make a gradient gel polish at home using a fan brush, dish sponge, pigments, acrylic powder, you will be able to create interesting, stylish and unique nail looks. Feel free to use our photo ideas to create your own unique style.

You may also be interested

Hi all! Today I will be doing a simple manicure with a flower on my nails. Let's get started! I degrease

Hi all! Today I will do interesting design with craquelure. Let's get started! I degrease my nails and

Gradient manicure or ombre is a smooth transition from one polish tone to another. The simultaneous use of several shades attracts with spectacular results. In addition, you can apply designs, rhinestones and other nail art techniques to the gradient coating. You can make a gradient with a gel polish sponge yourself; the proposed video tutorial will help you understand the intricacies of the technique.

Ombre sponge with gel polish yourself

Gradient manicure, ombre, Dip Dye, degrade, nail polish stretching are the names of one technique that is easy for anyone to do at home.

The easiest way to apply a gradient gel polish coating is with a sponge. It is recommended to use varnish with a dense texture and rich pigmentation. In this case, only one coat of coating will be required.

The popularity of the gradient on nails with gel polish with a sponge led to the appearance of a special sponge with small pores, with which you can create the perfect ombre without bubbles.

Types of gradient manicure

In nail art, three methods of applying a gradient are used: horizontal, vertical, and with a transition. These methods are considered classic, although new variations of transitions are appearing, for example, geometric.

Gradient with transition

The transition of shades from dark to light is carried out from one finger to another, i.e. if the nail thumb painted in dark shade, then gradually towards the little finger the shades of the same color become lighter. The photo shows a gradual transition from light to dark shade.

For these purposes, either five shades of the same color are used, or one color for each nail is whitened or another color is added.

The transition from shade to shade begins from the cuticle area and gradually changes towards the tip of the nail. As for the color scheme, it can be a transition of shades of the same color or a combination of several contrasting colors.

The gradient consists of at least two shades of gel polish. Stylists advise limiting the number of shades to four on one nail.

This coloring technique is carried out by changing shades from one nail fold to another. This approach allows for interesting variations. So, you can alternate gradient coloring with monochromatic coloring. For example, cover the nail of the little finger with one shade, the ring finger using a gradient technique, apply the shade that ends the transition on the ring finger to the nail of the middle finger, etc.

Another option: the nails of the little and ring fingers are painted in one shade, the index and thumb in another, and on the middle nail a smooth transition is made from one shade to another.

Smooth transitions visually lengthen the nails, so a gradient manicure looks advantageous on short nails.

Methods for applying a gradient

There are two simple ways make a gradient gel polish with a sponge, which are given in the video tutorial. Before using them, it would be useful to protect the skin around the nails from staining. For these purposes they use special remedy- Skin Defender or liquid tape. Applying a thick cream around the nails or using tape also works well.

First way

  • Several shades of varnish are applied to a sponge or sponge.
  • Then the sponge is placed against the nail plate.
  • Gently tap it on the nail several times. In this way, the varnish is not only transferred to the nail, but also the clear boundaries are erased, becoming smooth and invisible.

A sufficient layer of varnish should be applied to the sponge so that the gel does not dry out quickly. Experts advise making the first layer thin, drying it, and then duplicating it. As a result, the layer will be bright and will not roll off on the sponge. To prevent bubbles from appearing, blot the paper once or twice with a sponge.

Applying pink gel polish to nails

Second way

  • The nail is covered with the lightest shade of the gradient and allowed to dry.
  • Dark and light shades are applied to a glass or silicone surface, placing them close to each other.
  • Using an orange stick or toothpick, connect the borders of the shades, creating a transition between shades.
  • The sponge is placed against the gradient obtained on the glass and transferred with slapping movements to the nail.

The entire process of creating a gradient with a sponge and gel polish is done quickly. Each time the gel polish on the palette is updated. With proper experience, you can paint several nails in one go, as the master does in the video.

Creating a gradient manicure requires a little patience and a little skill. However, the result will please even beginners in nail art. In addition, ombre will be an excellent background for creating unique compositions.

- on this moment a new and fashionable direction in manicure. It can be easily performed without resorting to specialists. If you choose the right color scheme, you can pay attention to the peculiarity and excellent taste.

There are several varieties of gradient. A gradient is a soft mixing of two shades on the nails. Performed horizontally or vertically.

Vertical gradient using a flat brush


Gradient using a fan brush

A fan brush is used here. The result is not entirely soft, but most people like this simple and instant method:


  1. The basis for design must be applied Not dark color gradient.
  2. After application, dry using a lamp.
  3. Mix 2 colors on thermal paper until mixed, paint the center of the nail. Get a neutral zone.
  4. Cover the edge with dark.
  5. Take a brush slightly soaked in clinser, revenge in different directions, without moving, until the required option is acquired.
  6. Dry under a lamp.
  7. Apply the 2nd coat using the same sequence. The main color should be applied directly to the top part so that the gradient does not overlap.
  8. Dry using a lamp.

Gradient manicure using pigments

Execution algorithm:

  1. Cover with a base layer, dry under a lamp.
  2. Using a petal brush, cover the pigment from the cuticle, stretching it towards the color mixing area. Do not press too hard with the brush so as not to pull off the sticky part. At the same time, achieve a thick range at the base and matte in the center.
  3. Clean the brush and do the same with the next layer, choosing the 2nd pigment color. You need to start from the tip, moving towards the center. The layer should be thin, but thick.
  4. Apply top coat and dry.

Gradient on gel polish with a sponge or sponge

Use a regular dishwashing sponge with small holes. Before use, a new sponge must be divided into pieces, rinsed and dried.

Take pieces according to the size of the nail, and they should also be high so that you can control the pressure:


  1. Make preparations: apply cream and do, polish the plate a little.
  2. Apply a thin layer of base coat, dry with a lamp.
  3. Apply the 1st part of the tint coating of that tone to the entire plate, which will be located closer to the cuticle, dry.
  4. Plate from center to tip cover with the 2nd shade.
  5. Quickly, before it dries, use a sponge or sponge to blot the line between the shades, then again, but a little closer to the cuticle, with the clean edge of the sponge, dry under the lamp.
  6. If you wish, you can also cover 3 colors are the very end.
  7. After the tint has dried, apply top coat, dry.
  8. Remove with a stick, soaked in nail polish remover, excess coating.

Method two:

  1. Repeat the algorithm of the previous method until the base dries.
  2. Pour 2 shades of polish into a small bowl to create a third color, he should be the link between the two main ones.
  3. Varnish the palette- from dark to light, apply them tightly to each other without gaps between shades.
  4. Mix the varnishes with a stick along two sides m, creating a soft gradient on the palette from dark to light.
  5. Wet a wide sponge.
  6. Transfer the impression from the sponge to the nail.
  7. Dry using a lamp.
  8. Apply top coat and dry.


  1. Clean and trim nails, push back the cuticles and wipe with nail polish remover to remove grease and unnecessary substances that affect the durability of the manicure.
  2. Cover with base.
  3. Cover with the main shade closer to the base. At the ends, the opposite color will cover any imperfections. Dry with a lamp.
  4. Take a small portion of the contrasting shade with the end of a cosmetic sponge. Smear it all over the tip, moving the opposite color down towards the center, allowing for a softer transition.
  5. Add contrasting colors in parts, making it deeper towards the ends.
  6. Once finished, use nail polish remover to remove excess coating.
  7. Apply protective coating. Because it can pick up polish with each stroke, cover the nail horizontally with it so that there is no blending of the contrasting shade throughout the base.


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