Fashion trends come and go; some can become a smashing success or may just easily fade as a one-hit-wonder. One of the tenacious trends that have painted the town with its whimsical gradient colors is the ombre nails fashion.
This style has changed how we see the grand color scheme of things as it has tinted everything in our home as well as everything we wear.
Ombre from its French etymology means “to shade,” and a broader definition given by the dictionary is that it means having colors or tones that shade into each other. Simply putting it, the radiance of color is smoothly captured in the fading hues.
The rise of ombre, like the wave of colors that this style evokes, is now a celebrated sensation in the fashion industry. Moreover, the fad is no longer just a trend with clothes and hair color, it has now transcended from head to toe (or should we say from hair to nails?)
Ladies, raise those lovely fingers if you agree! Ombre nails are one of the hottest crazes! Why stop at one pop of color when you can beautifully combine two?
New Ombre Nails Design Ideas
The craze for ombre nails inspires the expression of the whimsical feminine and the unleashed passion for creativity. Nowadays, the question is not just about what color to put on your nails, rather, it is about what design best suits your personality or mood.
With so many color gradients and designs to choose from, the challenge is about making sure that your ombre nails are fresh, fab, and fierce.
1. French Ombre Nails
2. Ombre French Nails
3. Pink and White Ombre Nails
4. Pink and Blue Ombre Nails
5. Glitter Ombre Nails
Cute ombre nails coloring with subtle glitter touch.
6. Lovely Ombre Glitter Nails
7. Grey Ombre Nails
8. Black Ombre Nails
9. Black and Red Ombre Nails
10. Gold Ombre Nails
11. Natural Ombre Nails
12. Peach Orange Ombre Nails
13. Powder Ombre Nails
14. Ombre Powder Nails
15. Ombre Nails Powder
16. Ombre Acrylic Nails
17. Sparkle Ombre Nails
18. Ombre Coffin Nails
19. Ombre Gel Nails
20. Ombre Dip Nails
21. Ombre Nails Nude
22. Ombre Nails Blue
This almond-shaped nail design is very popular, combined with Ombre and you have a guaranteed hit.
23. Ombre Red Nails
24. Ombre Xmas Nails
How to do ombre nails?
“So many nail polishes, not enough fingers.” Like the love of a woman for her accessories, the possibilities for nail designs are also endless. There are many popular trends for ombre nails like the baby boomer or the ‘French fade,’ matte, rainbow, glitter, chrome, and holographic designs.
Likewise, the color and creativity frenzy is just so irresistible. On the other hand, the explosion of inspirations for ombre nails may seem quite daunting for a newbie.
And that’s just the color, this means you still have to choose which nail shape you would like… From Oval to Stiletto or maybe pointy nails?
Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you, girls! As they say, nothing beats the basics, so darlings don’t dread, here are some of the simple tools and techniques that get you those gorgeous gradient nails.
Ombre Nails Tools
The magic of ombre nails does not require an enchanted wand. Surprisingly, some of the tools you need are readily available in the comfort of your home. These may be grouped into the nail polish, applicator, and cleaning aids.
The nail polish should include a base coat, your chosen colors, and a top coat for nail strengthening. While the applicators: cosmetic sponge, nail art brush, lint-free cotton swabs/q-tips, and nail art brushes can also double as your cleaning aids for smudges with the help of acetone or nail polish remover.
Different Ways to Do Ombre Nails
Below 4 different methods and techniques to do your Ombre nails, depending on your budget, skills, and time.
1. The Basic Gradient Using Cosmetic/ Make-up Sponge
Voila! Your own vanity kit can help save the day. Your cosmetic or make-up sponge can now double as your ombre nail art tool.
Likewise, if you have run out of a make-up sponge, just go to your kitchen cabinet and get a fresh dishwashing sponge which you can simply cut into small flat sponges.
Still, no sponge found? You can also use your eyebrow applicator to help apply the colors. The use of the cosmetic sponge can help you achieve the ombre nails that involve 2 to 4 varying shades.
Here are some basic steps in bagging the gradient nails you want using a make-up sponge. First, make sure all your materials are within arm’s reach to avoid a disaster and achieve your nail art success. Next, apply a base coat.
After that, simply paint your color onto the sponge in horizontal gradient sets. Then, gently dab the painted sponge onto your nails. Wait for the first coat to dry for at least 3 minutes, and then re-apply. You may also do more than three coats if you desire.
Lastly, apply a top coat to polish the rough edges of your ombre nails. Glossy or matte finish, we leave the choice to you.
2. The Acrylic Paint Ombre Nail
Yes, you heard that right, acrylic paint is also an element in capturing the elegance of ombre nails. Ok, do not panic! It is non-toxic and is water-based and dries fast. Nonetheless, if you still feel unsure about just using ordinary acrylic paint, there are many nontoxic acrylic nail paints available online.
For a beginner, the use of acrylic paint allows room for trial and error without so much fuss. Since the material is easy to blend, dries fast, and cleans easily it leaves fewer chances of irritation or damage to your nails.
However, it easily gets scraped and may easily peel off. Thus, you really need to apply a top coat to help preserve the gradient design.
3. Glitter Ombre Nails
The third on the list of tools that will help you make your ombre nail dreams come true are magical fairy dust that we call glitters.
These seductive sparkles can be used in multiple ways; from glitter stripper, glitter fade, to glitter gradient, and more for that shining shimmering splendid effect.
4. One Nail Polish Gradient (Ombre Nails on a Budget)
Some women have the luxury to splurge on varying tones of nail polish, unfortunately, for others, they may need to stick on a budget.
This hinders them from trying the trend. But for fearless femme Fatales, this challenge is just a walk in the park. Creativity is the key to achieving the seductive ombre nails you desire.
You only need your favorite shade of nail polish plus white nail polish, to create the lighter hues, and black nail polish to produce darker tones.
The ombre nail trend does not limit the wave to one nail at a time; you may vary the gradient from the thumb to your pinky finger by applying different shades for each fingernail.
This is a style that allows you to use one nail polish keeping it practical without sacrificing style and imagination.
Ombre Nails Techniques
The allure of ombre nails is simply enchanting. They provide an avenue for self-expression, not to mention they are really cool, trendy, and unique.
In spite of this, they seem intimidatingly lavish if availed from salons and frightfully challenging to do on your own. So, how do you do gradient nails? Fear not for ombre nails is yours for the taking!
If you do not have the time or the money to go to salons, then there is no harm in trying it on your own. How? Thank goodness for DIYs and life hacks, they can be your bestie in achieving this whimsical gradient nail color.
At this point, we know that you are teeming with excitement over trying it on your own. Here are the links to help you:
When to Wear Ombre Nails?
In light of all the exciting insights and inspirations we have provided for you, we know that there may still be apprehensions. We know that some of us are not that keen on changing old habits. Most of us prefer to stick to our regular pallet of nail polish from our existing nail polish rack.
Moreover, most mature women would think that ombre nails will not suit their lifestyle and personality. One of the big questions women ask: “Will it be suitable for my age? Will I be able to wear it with ease and not seem like my nails are a joke?”
Ombre nails may appear whimsical and youthful, but it is not just for the younger and more adventurous ones.
The million resplendent colors and designs of the exciting trends of ombre nails may leave you so spellbound that you might end up changing your nail designs every week. But then again, you need to be careful because you may end up damaging your nails.
Remember true beauty is skin deep. In this case, caring for your nails is also an important matter to consider.
Following the Ombre Nail Trend
Without a doubt, you are now truly madly deeply in love with the enchanting gradient nails. Not only from being a color structure that bridged the gap of the different aspects of fashion.
Equally essential is how it has transcended through age, generation, perhaps even gender. Well, fierce ladies, beauty knows no bounds.
Wearing your ombre nails loud and proud is the resonance of your feminine powers. As they say, a woman is only helpless is when her nail polish is drying.
Let me end this blog with some wise words from nail art expert Tammy Taylor, “The happiest girls always have the prettiest nails.” So girls, let’s all be brave, beautiful, and blissful, whatever nail shape you have!!
Your ombre nail Questions Answered
Ombre nails design is a perfect way to mix it up in the nail salon. If you are more of a DIY’er, you can do them at home with ease, too. It all starts with asking the right questions. If you’re not sure what those might be, don’t worry! We have you covered.
