Caleb Foster
Creating ombre nails is a simple process that can be done at home or in a salon. The ombre nail art trend involves graduating two or three colours into one another to create a smooth blend. This technique can be achieved with a few different tools, including a makeup sponge or an ombre brush, and works with a variety of nail polishes, such as gel, glitter, and acrylic.
How to do ombre nails with builder gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Builder gel, nail polish, makeup sponge or ombre brush, lamp, lint-free towellette with alcohol, nail file, cotton balls, isopropyl alcohol |
| Technique | Apply a base coat, then apply a thin coat of the ombre colour 2/3rds up the nail. Use a small up and down motion with the brush to work the colour line. Cure the nails under a lamp for 10 seconds. Apply a second coat, going halfway up the nail. Use a clear gel and a liner brush to smooth the transition between the colours. Cure the nails. |
| Tips | Use semi-opaque, pastel colours for the ombre effect. Avoid non-wipe topcoats, as they are too thin to cover imperfections. Instead, use a thick topcoat to fill in dents and creases. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right colours
When choosing colours for your ombré nails, consider using two or more shades from the same colour family. This will ensure a harmonious transition between the colours and make it easier to achieve a smooth gradient. For example, you can create a soft and romantic look by using pastel colours such as light blue, or a vibrant sunset-inspired look by blending orange and pink hues.
The type of polish you use can also impact the final result. Nail experts recommend working with colours that are not fully opaque, as they blend more seamlessly and reduce the risk of harsh lines. Semi-transparent gels or semi-opaque colours are ideal for ombré nails, as they allow for a smoother transition between shades. Additionally, using a white base coat can make your colours appear more vibrant, while using the lightest shade of your chosen ombré colours can create a softer, more subtle effect.
If you're looking for a bolder statement, you can experiment with different techniques and colour combinations. For instance, you can try a vertical ombré style or add some sparkle with glitter. A chrome nail polish finish, created using metallic and creamy polishes, is a trendy option for those who want their nails to stand out. You can also add a touch of glamour to your ombré nails by using a Holo or glossy topcoat to enhance the fade and obscure any imperfections.
Remember, the key to choosing the right colours for your ombré nails is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and techniques to find the combination that best suits your style and personality. With a bit of practice and patience, you'll be able to create salon-worthy ombré nails that showcase your unique sense of style.
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Using a sponge or brush
If you're using a brush, you can trim the ends of the bristles to create fine, jagged edges, which will make it easier to feather the colours together. Apply the gel base coat and cure your nails. Then, apply the lighter colour to the upper half of the nail, stopping midway. Next, apply the darker colour to the bottom half of the nail. Carefully stipple the colours together where they meet and tap downward toward the nail edge until the colours blend. Use the same technique to blend the colours upward toward the cuticle.
If you're using a sponge, cut the sponge into thin layers to minimise paint dirt on the surrounding skin. Apply the base coat and base colour, then apply another colour to the middle of the nail plate and blur it using the sponge. You can also apply nail polish directly to the sponge by painting coloured stripes, then apply the varnish from the sponge onto your nail.
For a one-colour ombre effect, use a tap brush with goat hair, which is firm enough to pick up nail art pieces. Apply a thin coat of colour two-thirds up the nail, then allow the gel to level itself and get rid of any bubbles. Move the brush in a small up-and-down motion, then cure the nail under a lamp for 10 seconds. Apply a second, more pigmented coat, going less than halfway up the nail, then cure again.
Remember to work with wet gel layers, as they are easier to blend. You can also use an airbrush machine for a foolproof ombre effect.
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Applying the base coat
To start, you will need to prepare your nails. Cleanse them with a gel cleanser and a cotton ball to wipe away any oil and dirt. Push back any dead skin, cut the cuticles, and give your nails the desired shape.
Now, you can apply a gel base coat. This may or may not be necessary, depending on the products you are using. If you are using a coloured gel polish as your base, you can skip this step. However, if you are using a standard shiny or matte top coat, you may want to apply a gel base coat first for a better effect.
Apply a thin coat of your base colour, which can be the darkest colour out of your fade polishes or simply the colour you would like to finish near the cuticle. For example, if you want your nails to fade from pink to black, use the pink colour as your base. You will apply this about two-thirds of the way up the nail. The reason for applying the colour so high is that you will essentially be pulling the colour down as you create the ombre effect.
After applying the base colour, you will need to cure your nails. Cure the gel under a lamp until it is completely dry.
You can now move on to creating the ombre effect. Apply your second colour to the tip of the nail and push the gel around the tip, feathering it upward toward the previous colour. Blend with your brush back and forth to create the ombre effect. You can use a Semilac ombre brush or a makeup sponge to blend the colours. If using a sponge, start from the bottom and work your way up, decreasing pressure as you go so that not a lot of colour comes off the sponge.
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Creating the ombre effect
The key to the technique is to use semi-opaque, sheer, and translucent colours. You can use a brush or a sponge to blend the colours. If you use a brush, you can avoid bubbles and paint dirt on the skin around the nail plate. If you use a sponge, cut the makeup sponge and use the surface from the inside to make it easier to create the ombre effect.
If you are using a brush, you can use a tap brush with goat hair bristles, which are firm enough to pick up nail art pieces. You can also trim the ends of your nail brush by snipping into the bristles to create fine, jagged edges. The uneven bristles make it easy to feather two gel colours together.
Apply your base coat and cure. Then, apply your foundation colour and cure again. This can be the darkest colour out of your fade polishes, or just the colour you would like to finish near the cuticle. For example, if you want your nails to fade from pink to black, use the pink colour as your base, and then stipple the purple and black onto the tip.
Apply your second colour in the middle of the nail plate and blur it using a sponge. Cure this layer, then apply the colour again, this time a little lower than before, and cure again. Repeat this process to achieve a gorgeous ombre effect.
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Finishing and curing
Once you are happy with the look of your ombre nails, it's time to finish and cure them. The curing process involves drying the nails under a lamp. Before curing, ensure that you have blended the colours well and removed any bubbles. You can use a lint-free wipe with alcohol to wipe your brush if you have too much product on it.
Now, take your nails to the lamp and cure. After the first coat is cured, you can apply a second coat, this time going slightly less than halfway up the nail. You can use a slightly more pigmented coat for this step.
After curing the second coat, grab a liner brush and apply a dollop of clear gel. You can use a sanding-free base gel or top coat gel if you don't have a clear gel. Then, take your nails for another round of curing.
At this point, your ombre nails should be looking good. However, if you notice any imperfections or blotches, don't stress! A thick top coat can help save the day. Apply a thick top coat like Kokoist's Ultra Glossy Topcoat to fill in any dents or creases and give your nails a smooth, shiny surface.
Finally, complete the look by polishing your nails with a finish, file, and top coat. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a cotton ball and wipe each nail in a downward motion. Carefully file or buff each nail, ensuring not to file into the colour. Brush away any residual dust, and apply the gel top coat in a thin, even layer around each nail to encapsulate the colour. Cure the nails one last time until they are completely dry.
Wipe each nail with a gel cleanser to remove any remaining dust or residue, and you're done! Your ombre nails with builder gel are now cured and ready to be shown off!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to create an ombre effect on your nails. You can use a brush or a sponge to blend colours together. You can also try an airbrush machine for a more precise look.
You can use any colours you like! However, it may be easier to blend shades that are similar in tone and brightness. Pastel colours are also a good option, as they are not full-coverage in one coat, which helps create a smooth gradient.
Aside from your chosen colours, you will need a base coat, a top coat, and a lamp to cure your nails. You can also use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe away any dust or residue. If you are using a brush to blend your colours, you will need an ombre brush or a tap brush with goat hair bristles.
