How to do Gradient Nail?
Gradients are one of the most simple and effective nail art techniques to master. For those of you who don’t have a steady hand and thus can’t be bothered to do nail art, this is a great way to add excitement and interest to your manicures. Let’s admit it: wearing the same simple colour of nail paint on all 10 fingers gets old fast. Gradient nails are similar to ombre nails in that they are distinct colours rather than different hues of the same colour. However, knowing which colours to use is critical; if you pick colours that do not complement one other, the transition will appear muddy. Once you’ve mastered the foundations of gradient nails, you can switch to a different approach to create a glitter gradient instead. Read the following article to know how to do gradient nail.
What You’ll Need
- Clear base coat
- The clear top coat
- 2 hues of nail polish
- Petroleum jelly, liquid latex, or school glue
- Remover of nail polish
- Cosmetic sponge
- Clippers for nails
- File for nails
- For cleanup, use Q-tips and tiny brushes.
- Cuticle remover
METHOD: MAKING A SIMPLE GRADIENT
Your nails should be trimmed, filed, and cleaned
Trim and shape your nails with nail clippers and a nail file. Wipe away any old polish, debris, or oils from each nail using nail polish remover. Push your cuticles back with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher if necessary.
Choose two shades of flat nail paint that complement each other well
Choose two primary colours or a primary colour and a related secondary colour for the best results. You could, for example, use blue and yellow or pink and purple. If you choose opposing colours, such as orange and blue, the transition point when they mix together will appear hazy.
Consider colour mixing. The transition point will be green if you use blue and yellow. However, if you choose blue and orange, the transition point will be brown. Determine first checking the colours on a piece of paper. Apply a stroke of each hue, then use a toothpick to mix them together at the seam.
Allow each nail to dry after applying a clear base coat
If you have brittle nails, consider applying a brittle nail product. Allow the base coat to dry completely before proceeding.
Allow 1 coat of the lightest colour to dry on each nail
This will act as a base for your manicure, allowing the colours to stand out more. If you’re working with a primary and a secondary colour, begin with the main. Apply a thin coat of white nail polish instead if you’re working with bright or neon nail lacquer. This will let your true colours stand out more.
Allow the liquid latex to dry on the skin around your nails
Because this procedure might be messy, putting a barrier between your skin and the nail polish will make cleanup easier. Because it dries quickly, liquid latex is the simplest substance to use. You might also use clear or white school glue or petroleum jelly.
Use a cosmetic sponge to apply both nail paint shades
Apply your initial colour to a cosmetic sponge in three rows or strokes. Apply 3 rows or strokes of your second colour just above it. Make sure the colours overlap in the middle and use a generous amount.
- You’ll receive a secondary colour in the Centre if you use primary colours. If you use blue and yellow, for example, you’ll get green in the middle.
- You’ll obtain a tertiary colour in the middle if you utilise a primary and a secondary colour. If you use pink and purple, for example, you’ll get a purple-pink in the Centre. Blue-green is the result of combining blue and green.
Press the sponge a couple times against your nail
Use a rolling motion, beginning on one side of your nail and ending on the other. Repeat this procedure twice more, once with the sponge higher on your nail and once with the sponge lower. This will help to mix the colours even more.
Allow the nail polish to dry completely before adding a second coat
If possible, use a new sponge. If you haven’t completely saturated the sponge, flip it over and use the other side. You should not wait for the second coat to dry. Check that the colours are arranged the same way they were on the first coat.
While the second layer is still wet, apply a clear top coat
While the gradient is still wet, apply the top coat to help blend the colours together. You can use either a standard or a matte top coat. Make sure the top coat extends all the way to the edge of your nail. This will assist to seal the polish even more and keep it from flaking or chipping.
Finish the rest of your nails and let them dry
Remember to let the first gradient layer dry before adding the second. While the polish is still wet, apply the top coat immediately after the second gradient. Wait for all of your nails to dry before proceeding.
Remove the liquid latex and if necessary, clean your nails
Peel off the liquid latex or school glue with tweezers. If you used petroleum jelly, use a Q-tip to remove it. If you get nail polish on your skin, use a little brush soaked in nail paint remover to remove it.
Tips
- Make use of a makeup sponge. A standard sponge or piece of foam may leave a rough finish or fragments of foam behind.
- Some people prefer to apply the polish to a palette first, then combine the colours with a toothpick before pressing the sponge into it.
- Depending on how long your nails are, you can use more than two nail polish colours in a single gradient. When working on lengthy acrylic nails, you can use up to four colours.
- Apply cuticle oil and/or bathe your fingers in a bowl of warm water for 3 minutes if the cuticles are tough to push back.
- Choose different tones of the same hue for ombre manicures, such as light pink, medium pink, and dark pink.
The process may appear lengthy at first, but once you get the feel of it, it moves swiftly. The finished outcome is unquestionably worthwhile. You’ll be left with a stunning manicure that’s likely to turn heads. And, as they say, practise makes perfect, so keep trying until you’re confident in the method!