Gradient nails: simple ideas to recreate them at home
If you want to experiment with an alternative nail art but with a "wow" effect, you should follow the trend of faded nails. What is it about? A little imagination and creativity are enough to indulge in the colors of the various glazes. In this article we give some ideas, especially to choose the right color combinations and be able to make faded nails in all seasons. But first, here's a video for a perfect manicure!
What are gradient nails?
Gradient nails can be the perfect completion of a jaunty look, they certainly do not go unnoticed, indeed they attract attention. In beauty centers they are increasingly in demand, especially in pastel colors to combine with super colored summer outfits.
Along with spotted, leopard or zebra nails, faded nails are also suitable for all informal or undemanding occasions. Also known as degradè nails, ombrè nails or gradient nails, this type of nail art ensures a fun and original final effect.
Recreating them at home is very simple and below we will explain how to do it. If, on the other hand, you prefer to use permanent nail polish or gel, the difference lies in the oven to dry the gel that must be used between one step and the next. If you go to a beauty center to do the faded nails, just explain which final effect you want and which shades you prefer.
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Shaded nails at home: what you need
The technique to make the faded nails is very simple, just get two enamels and do a little practice. We list here what is needed to have the nuance on the nails and customize the final effect.
First choose two shades of nail polish that create a contrast between them, an example could be a blue and a light blue. Then you need to get a transparent top coat that will serve to seal the work done, and finally, you will also need a triangular latex sponge, like those used to spread the foundation.
Furthermore, we advise you to apply a little scotch tape on the edges of the nail and therefore directly on the skin to prevent the color from soiling the entire cuticle area. Finally, it is also good to have an enamel correction pen at hand to remove any smudges. Now that everything is ready, let's start with the various steps!
The steps to create faded nails
- 1 - Prepare the nail
A good final result also depends on the care of the nails and therefore we advise you to start with an ad hoc manicure. Take a bowl of water and dip your hands in to soften the cuticles. Then, with a wooden stick, push the cuticles down and cut off the excess skin with a nipper.
- 2 - Use the file
File your nails giving them the shape you want most. Consider that for shades the best shape is the square one. Remember to always file your nails in the same direction.
- 3 - Proceed with the glazes
First apply a reinforcing base all over the nail, then apply a coat of white chalky nail polish. This will make the colors you put on top stand out even more.
- 4 - Recreate the gradient
Take the latex make-up sponge, color one of the narrow sides with the chosen glazes. With the enamel brush, spread a strip and immediately underneath another of the other color. Dab the sponge on the nail to create the shade. You can repeat this step to intensify the color.
- 5 - Use a top coat
At this point, after drying, you have to apply an abundant coat of transparent top coat that will be used to level any imperfections and to polish the nail making the shades of color shine.
- 6 - Clean up the edges
With the technique just described it is very easy to dirty the area around the nail a little, but do not worry: clean it all up with a nail polish pen or with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.
Trendy gradient nail ideas
There are no limits to the imagination and there are no rules, for faded nails everything depends on your personal taste, on the occasion in which to show them off and on the colors you like best.
We want to give you some ideas to dare and have super special faded nails. For example, you can spread the base color on the nail and let it dry. Use a glitter polish or pure glitter to add to the sponge before dabbing it on the nail. To do this, start from the outermost part of the nail, gradually creating the ombré effect. A variation involves the use of glitter only at the base of the nail. To complete the work you can use glitter.
Do you love fluorescent colors? Then know that they lend themselves very well to make faded nails. The procedure does not change, and you can indulge yourself by combining super bright colors with each other. Finally, for super special occasions and to attract attention, you can choose neon colors that will glow in the dark!
Useful tips
To complete the article we want to leave you some simple tips to keep in mind to have an optimal result of gradient nails.
- To facilitate the work with the sponge, before impregnating it with enamel, let it soften in a bowl with water.
- As an alternative to the triangular foundation sponge, you can use a cat's tongue brush for eye shadows.
- As a final step, don't forget to apply hand cream when the nail polish has completely dried to moisturize them.
