The ombré manicure is all about the nuance, with a light color at the nail attachment that gradually mixes with the dark one at the tip. Getting a perfect result takes time and practice, but here are the tricks for acquiring this technique.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part One: Preparing the Nails
Step 1. Leave your hands to soak for a few minutes in a basin in which you have mixed warm water and neutral soap
- Do not use oil-based manicure products, otherwise the nail polish will not spread well.
- Soaking your hands will remove the sebum and soften the cuticles.
- You can also take a bath or shower before your manicure for the same purpose.
Step 2. Cut and file your nails, giving them the shape you prefer
Step 3. Push the cuticles back
- You can use a metal cuticle pusher or an orange stick for a professional touch.
- Or, you can push them back with the thumb of the opposite hand.
- If you want, cut them carefully with the nail clipper.
Step 4. Remove any nail polish with a non-acetone based nail polish remover
The nail polish remover eliminates oils and other substances left on the nails
Method 2 of 4: Second Part: Application of the Base and the First Color
Step 1. Spread the base evenly
- The base coat is not just a polish: it is formulated to smooth the surface of the nails and prepare the next coat. In addition, it guarantees a longer duration of the manicure and prevents the formation of stains on the nails.
- Wait for it to dry before applying the nail polish. If you don't have the patience, choose a quick-drying one. Some formulations dry only partially, remaining sticky for about half an hour for the enamel to adhere better. If you use one like this, don't wait for it to dry.
Step 2. Apply the first color, which should be the lightest
- Apply two coats.
- Make sure the polish is dull, especially at the base of the nail.
- Cover the entire nail with quick and even strokes.
- Let it dry before applying the contrasting color.
Method 3 of 4: Part Three: Creating the Ombré Effect
Step 1. Pour a small amount of both colors onto a paper plate
- The two colors should stay close together but not completely mix.
- The poured amount should cover the entire nail.
Step 2. Partially mix the two colors with a toothpick
- A new shade of polish will form.
- Leave the spilled quantities that you did not mix intact.
- The gradient effect will be determined by the width of the transition area between the two glazes. To get some gradualness, mix more in the center. If you prefer a sharper contrast, just blend a small amount in the center.
Step 3. Apply this nail polish by tapping it with a makeup sponge
- Make sure you have enough polish on the sponge. Use it to pick up the color directly and thus maintain the effect created by the mix.
- Dab the color on the nail with small longitudinal taps, to be repeated to make it take root better.
- Repeat as many times as necessary to achieve the desired effect. Each application must dry before the next application.
Step 4. Alternatively, you can paint the contrasting color directly onto the base one
- Pour a hint of a contrasting color onto a makeup sponge.
- Tap the color on the tip of the nail until it reaches the center.
- Apply the contrasting color in several layers. Start each stroke from where the previous layer ends, so you will create the ombré effect and the darkest part will be the one at the tip of the nail.
Method 4 of 4: Part Four: Master Touches
Step 1. Apply the top coat, which will protect the nail polish
- Wait for the nail polish to dry before applying it, or it may chip.
- You may need to do several coats of top coat. The technique we have shown you produces an uneven surface, which you will need to even out.
- If you applied the contrast color directly to the nail instead of mixing it on a separate surface, the top coat will further mix the nail polishes.
Step 2. Dip a cotton swab into the polish remover to remove excess polish around the nail and cuticles
- You can also use a clean brush of nail polish.
- Some glazes can only be completely removed with acetone, which, however, is rather aggressive.
- Remove larger patches of nail polish away from the nail with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.
