Gradient on nails with gel polish: photos, fashion trends. How to choose a color and make at home with a bubble-free sponge, brush

Gradient manicure is being improved and replenished with new, original ideas, continuing to be a bright fashion trend.

Gradient on nails using gel polish is very popular among avid women of fashion (photo examples of works can be found in the portfolio of any professional master). Thanks to the texture and properties of gel polish, gradient manicure can be done easily, quickly and accurately.

What is gradient nail art?

Gradient nail art is a type of French nail design that involves a smooth transition of close or contrasting shades from one to another. In a gradient manicure, there are always borders between shades, only, unlike a jacket, these borders are blurred.

The gradient is distinguished by its simple technique of execution, and at the same time, by its impressive effect, which in its beauty is not inferior to complex design work. It can be done vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. Lovers of originality use the most incredible combinations of shades.

Gradient manicure is completely self-sufficient and does not require additional decor.

For gradient nail art, you must use gel polishes of the same texture and apply a coating of the same density. Pearlescent varnishes are suitable for perfect smoothing of borders. Gel polish of no more than two colors is applied to short nails.

The main advantages of gradient manicure

A gradient on nails with gel polish (photos of design ideas are presented below) does not require large costs for materials and some skills. Any representative of the fair sex can easily make it.

Pros of gradient manicure:

• simple execution technique;
• versatility;
• a harmonious combination of your favorite shades (you can even combine absolutely contrasting colors);
• spectacular appearance;
• inexpensive set of materials for making a gradient;
• the ability to create a unique design.

Materials and tools for creating a gradient on nails with gel polish

The gradient on the nails with gel polish (a photo of the manicure can be found on the Internet) is quite easy to make.

This will require some materials:

• nail degreaser (dehydrator / primer);
• manicure file;
• base gel;
• colored gel varnishes;
• top-end fixer;
• nail polish remover;
• thin brush;
• sponge or sponge;

• LED or UV lamp.

In some cases, you may need cling film, foil, cleanser.

How to create a gradient nail art gel polish and sponge

A manicure with a sponge can be made light and delicate, as well as bright and rich.You can combine the most varied shades of gel polish; using a sponge, the transition between them will look smooth and harmonious.

The coating result depends directly on the choice of the sponge. The large pore sponge creates a fairly blurry gradient and transition between colors. Fine pore makes the color rich.

To make gradient nail art effective and durable, you must follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Give nails a flat surface with a manicure file.
2. Degrease the nail plates with a dehydrator or primer. Degreasers are needed for a tighter adhesion of the nail to the coating, which ensures the durability of the manicure for several weeks.
3. Apply a base coat to the nails and dry a little in a lamp.
4. Apply drops of the selected shades of gel polishes to a piece of foil so that the shades slightly overlap each other.
5. Mix the varnishes in the overlap area, creating a smooth gradient between the colors.
6. Moisten the sponge in the prepared gel polish and press it against the nail plate, slightly moving it along the nail.
   
7. Dry well the colored coating under the lamp (if you need to apply a second coat, then proceed by analogy).
8. After the color coating has completely dried, apply a top-fixer that protects the manicure from external damage, thereby providing additional durability. The top also needs to be dried in a lamp. Next, moisten a cotton pad in nail polish remover and wipe each nail to remove any remaining sticky fixer.
9. Soak a thin brush in nail polish remover and remove any excess gel polish that has gotten on your skin.

Gradient on nails with gel polish and a brush

The gradient on the nails with gel polish (photos are presented below) can be done with a thin brush. A flat synthetic brush with a rounded or straight tip will do.

Procedure:

1. Sand the nails with a special file to give a smooth surface.
2. Apply a degreaser to your nails.
3. Apply base and dry in a lamp.
4. Cover nails with a thin layer of the chosen shades of gel polish. One shade is applied to half of the nail, the second to the second half, slightly overlapping the first shade.
5. Moisten the brush in a cleanser and lightly brush across the colored coating from the base to the end of the nail. Keep the brush as parallel to the nail as possible to smooth the varnish evenly. After smoothing out the borders of shades, dry well under the lamp.
6. Subsequent layers of color gel polish are applied in a similar way.
   
7. Cover with top.

Vertical gradient

A vertical gradient manicure is done quite simply if you know the basic nuances of its implementation.

They are as follows:

• for a vertical gradient, a thin and soft flat brush with a semicircular end is used;
• to get a spectacular and harmonious appearance of the manicure, it is better to choose no more than two shades;
• the brush is kept as parallel to the nail as possible;
• brushing over the gel polish is necessary starting from the cuticle towards the end of the nail;
• shading is done strictly along the border.

Vertical gradients are versatile and will suit almost everyone. For a work and formal setting, it is better to use gentle and light colors; for everyday life or a festive event, bright, saturated shades are quite suitable.

The current colors for this year are nude tones, for example, the transition from coffee to ivory. The iridescent vertical gradient is trending. A vertical gradient on mirror, chrome nails and a vertical ombre glitter are considered fashionable. A vertical gradient with a moon manicure looks beautiful.

Step-by-step instructions for performing a vertical gradient manicure:

1. Align the nail plates with a sanding file.
2. Apply primer or dehydrator.
3. Cover nails with base and cure in a lamp.
4. Apply the lightest shade of the selected over the entire surface of the nail in a thin layer, dry.
5. Next, apply the same light shade on only one half of the nail.
6. Cover the other half with a different shade end-to-end with the second color.
   
7. Blend the shades with a brush strictly at the junction of the borders in the direction from the base to the end of the nail. Dry the colored coating. Repeat layers as needed until desired result is achieved. Each layer must be dried in a lamp.
8. Secure with top.

Horizontal gradient nail art

Horizontal gradient manicure is done with a sponge, sponge or brush. For a horizontal gradient, you can use three or more shades, which makes the design even more effective and attractive. You should not combine more than two colors if the nails are short, as this will visually shorten the length.

Horizontal ombre is suitable for people who like to attract attention and are distinguished by an original style. This design has no age, it suits both girls and older women.

A wide variety of shades for this design are trending, from pastels to rich dark colors. The most relevant nude tones, which look interesting in contrast with bright colors. You should also pay attention to berry shades.

To make a horizontal gradient nail art, you need:

1. Prepare nails for manicure (cuticle removal, grinding plates, etc.).
2. Degrease your nails.
3. Cover with base gel polish, dry under a lamp.
4. Conditionally divide the nail into as many parts as there are shades, and apply your own shade to each part.
5. With a brush, gently blend the borders of the shades, moving from the base to the end of the nail (or use the version with foil and sponge).
   
6. Dry the colored coating.
7. Secure with top.

Simple gradient

A gradient on nails using gel polish can be done in the simplest way (a photo of a simple gradient can be found on the Internet), i.e. perform the transition of shades from finger to finger. Thus, you need to choose several uniform shades and cover each nail with a different color, drawing a gradient, for example, from pale blue to azure or deep blue.

This gradient is perfect for young girls with an active lifestyle. The current shades are pastel. A gradient of cream, pale pink, caramel, light brown colors will look beautiful and discreet.

At the peak of popularity, calm tones: creamy yellow, mint, pale green, lilac. Dark shades are also in fashion: wine, chocolate, deep blue, dark green.

A way to do a simple gradient:

1. Prepare nails for gel coating as standard.
2. Apply base and dry.
3. Cover each nail with a separate shade in any order. The main thing is that it looks harmonious. You can start with the thumb, cover it with the lightest color, and smoothly move on to the little finger, which is covered with the darkest shade. You can make the gradient in the reverse order. Dry the color coat completely under the lamp.
4. Secure with top.

Classic gradient

Classic gradient manicure involves the use of two shades. They can be of the same color palette or contrasting. A classic gradient is best done with a sponge or sponge.

This type of manicure is universal, suitable for many images and events. There are also no age restrictions.

Actual colors - white, beige, pale pink, ivory, cream. Of the bright ones - purple, deep pink, orange, blue, green. For the summer season, a rainbow gradient is relevant.

To make a classic gradient, you need:

1. Cover prepared nails with base gel and dry.
2. Apply selected shades of gel polish on a sponge or sponge, slightly overlapping one color with another. Press the sponge to the nail with spring movements to print the gel polish. Dry each layer under a lamp.
   
3. Cover with top and pat dry.

Striped gradient

Blending straight or curved lines are drawn to create a striped gradient. Lines are thinned, with transitions that darken with each application.

This design is suitable for both business women and romantic girls. Trending colors for a striped gradient are bright or saturated shades combined with light and delicate tones. For example: deep orange turning into peach, and then creamy yellow turning into white.

Technique for performing a striped gradient:

1. Prepare nails for gel polish as standard.
2. Cover with base.
3. Apply the base color closer to the base of the nails. Dry under a lamp.
4. Using a sponge, apply a contrasting shade to the ends of the nails, blending towards the center. Dry the coating.
5. Contrast stripes should be done in parts, giving a deep color towards the ends. Dry well under a lamp.
   
6. Apply top with horizontal strokes, dry.

Don't miss the most popular column article: How to draw monograms on nails step by step for beginners. Instruction with photo.

Glitter gradient

A gradient glitter manicure is simple:

1. Cover the prepared nails with a base, dry it.
2. Apply the base color to the entire area of ​​the nail, also dry.
3. Sparkles are applied with a brush in a thick layer to the ends of the nails and smoothly shaded to the middle of the nail.
4. Cover with top.

The glitter gradient is suitable for holiday events, parties, romantic get-togethers. Shades are used that are relevant in the current season. The glitter color matches the base color or belongs to the same color palette.

Geometric gradient

This nail art is distinguished by clear lines, a contrasting transition from one figure to another. Blurring of shades is not relevant here. As drawings, they create various geometric shapes on a gradient, which are done using ribbons, stencils, brushes. Often, such a manicure is complemented with acrylic powder or shiny sand.

The geometric gradient uses both nude and bright tones. Nail art is suitable for creative young girls and women who love originality and experimentation.

Actual drawings - rhombuses, triangles, lines in various variations, zigzags.

The geometric gradient is made according to the principle of the usual ombre, only using stencils or ribbons. Some artists prefer to paint the shapes with a brush.

Air gradient

The air gradient got its name because of its technique. It is done using an airbrush, a device that sprays paint in a thin layer under air pressure. An airbrush is usually used for horizontal ombre. Paint is poured into the device, a compressor is connected and the varnish is applied in a thin layer to the nail plate.

Then the color changes and is sprayed onto the ends of the nails so that a smooth stretch is formed. The colored cover needs to be dried and topcoated. The remains of the sprayed varnish are very easy to remove from the skin, just wash your hands. The airbrush makes not only a neat and beautiful ombre, but also significantly saves time.

The airy gradient is suitable for young girls and older women. You can use any shades that are relevant for the season.

Chaotic gradient

This nail art means a technique in which the borders of flowers can be located anywhere on the nail, and the shades change direction. The main thing is that the transition between the borders is smooth. A prime example of a chaotic gradient is the Skittles design.

This type of manicure is more suitable for bright and ambitious young girls. Manicure looks spectacular in bright colors. The coating technique is practically no different from the usual gradient. The only difference is that colored gel polishes are applied to the nail in a chaotic manner.

French gradient

The french gradient looks perfect on medium length nails.It is usually done in light pink and white, but other transparent shades can be used. White gel polish is applied to the tips of the nails, which smoothly turns into a different shade closer to the base of the nail. French is suitable for work, business meetings, as well as everyday life.

Execution technique:

1. Cover the prepared nails with a pink or beige base and dry.
2. Cover the middle part with a lighter shade and lightly blend with a sponge.
3. Apply white on the tips of the nails. Dry the colored coating under the lamp.
4. Cover with top.

Beverly Hills gradient

The essence of this manicure is very similar to the classic jacket and to the Nude manicure. Light and pastel shades with a soft, barely noticeable transition are used. Pale pink, beige, light brown, cream, milk and white tones are relevant.

The Beverly Hills gradient is versatile, suitable for any look and event.

The technique is the same as for a French manicure:

1. Cover nails with transparent gel polish, dry under a lamp.
2. Using a stencil, apply brown varnish to the ends, dry.
3. Then cover the entire surface of the nails with light beige varnish and dry under a lamp.
4. Secure with top.

Gradient on the nails with painting

In 2018, it is fashionable to complement gradient manicure with various painting, which is usually performed with acrylic paints and varnishes. Additionally, rhinestones, sparkles, powder, etc. are used. Painting can also be done aquarium or waterfall.

Geometric shapes, ornaments, floral, plant painting, romantic notes are in trend. Approximate color palette: mustard, emerald, bright blue, pale pink, sky blue, azure. Gold, silver and black colors will make the drawing expressive.

Painted gradient suits creative, energetic personalities. Such a manicure is suitable for both work and holidays.

Gradient "Bright Skittles"

Manicure with a palette of shades of Skittles sweets is the trend of 2018. Ideal for spring and summer. To make such nail art, you need to randomly apply several bright colors to the nails using a sponge. The uniqueness and effectiveness of the result is guaranteed.

The Bright Skittles gradient suits energetic, bright girls.

Gradient for short nails

Gradient manicure also looks good on short nails. But for this it is better to use no more than two shades, so as not to visually shorten the length of the nails. It is recommended to apply a light color in the area of ​​the base of the nail, a darker one on the tips of the nails, slightly blending the borders of the shades.

The gradient looks good on almond and oval short nails. The combination of contrasting colors looks interesting.

Color selection

In 2018, pastel shades (pink, coffee, milk, etc.), sand, turquoise, mint, pale blue, cream, pale yellow are relevant for gradient manicure. Berry shades combined with gold and silver are also in fashion. Experiment with blacks, deep greens and blues.

For a gradient, it is better to combine uniform or contrasting shades (black-red, white-black, yellow-blue, etc.).

Don't miss the most popular column article: How to build up your nails with gel polish. Instructions for nail extension for beginners. A photo.

Gradient manicure gel-varnish "Spring-Summer"

For gradient manicure in the spring-summer period of 2018, the following shades are relevant:

• crimson;
• salad;
• Orange;
• yellow;
• electric blue;
• sky blue;
• delicate green;
• lilac;
• muted pink;
• sand;
• the whole palette of pastel colors.

Trendy designs to complement the gradient in the warm season: floral, floral ornaments, insects, animalistic images.

Gradient manicure gel varnish "Autumn-winter"

In the autumn-winter period 2018 for the gradient, the actual colors are:

• the black;
• blue;
• white;
• Gray;
• silver;
• graphite;
• crimson;
• wine;
• Bordeaux;
• Marsala;
• plum;
• chocolate.

The gradient on the nails can be done not only with one gel polish, but also supplemented with fashionable decor (the photo can be viewed on the website of any nail salon): acrylic powder, rub with a pearlescent, holographic effect, rhinestones, stones, silver sparkles.

Article design: Lozinsky Oleg

Nail Gradient Video

6 ways to create a gradient:

French gradient: