Ombre is everywhere these days, from hair to lips to eye makeup, but I have to admit my favourite place to see it is on my (and other people’s) nails. Ombre nails are eye-catching and statement-making, and can be as subtle or in-your-face as you want.
As a self-proclaimed nail polish fanatic, I’m always on the lookout for new nail art techniques to try, and ombre nails have been one of my favourite. I love a soft pastel ombre fade for the day to day, or glitter ombre nail art for a special occasion like a wedding. Of course you can go bold with a rainbow ombre effect or use strong shades like black and silver.
The great thing about ombre nails is that you can make them your own. You can use the same techniques with whatever colours you choose and really personalize them. I see nails as an extension of your outfit and find that having cool nail art always garners lots of compliments.
The ombre nail art technique is simple and can be done in just a few steps. There’s also a number of different ways to get the gradient effect, which you’ll get access to through these tutorials. Choose whichever way you like best and wow your friends with your beautiful ombre nails.
1. Back2Basic: Ombre Nails (How to) by Lily Zhen
If you’re new to ombre nails altogether, this tutorial is the perfect starting point. She explains which base colour to use for different ombre effects and provides a simple step-by-step technique to painting on beautiful ombre nails. Choose your favourite colours and take her lead!
2. Ombre Nail Art by Nail Career Education
Not only does this step-by-step tutorial show you how to create a gorgeous ombre nail design, she also gives awesome tips along the way for painting your nails in general. I love how she uses a sparkle top coat to add a little extra pizzazz! She uses the Out the Door Northern Lights Top Coat in this tutorial.
3. Nail Tutorial: Quick & Easy Ombre Nails! by jennyyvu
This is one of the simplest ombre nail tutorials I’ve ever seen! She demonstrates how to get pretty ombre nails in a quick and easy way, using a sponge and her favourite nail polish colours. She suggests using the Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat to ensure the ombre lasts as long as possible!
4. Ombre Nail Art Tutorial Using Acrylic Paint by Simple Nail Art Designs
For this tutorial, she uses acrylic paint rather than nail polish to create the ombre effect. It won’t dry as fast as nail polish on the sponge and it blends better for a strong ombre look. Pick your favourite shade of acrylic paint and have fun with it!
5. French Gel Fade (Baby Boomer Nails) French Ombre Sculpted Gel by Ultra Beauty Canada
This in-depth tutorial shows you how to do a French ombre fade with gel. It can be a tough design to master, but the steps in this video simplify it. She also gives you tons of helpful tips along the way. In this tutorial, she uses sculpting whites instead of paint on whites or gel nail polishes.
6. Ombre Nails Without Sponge by Lady Cherry
The most popular way to get ombre nails is using a sponge to create the gradient effect, but this technique uses a nail buffer block. Since it isn’t porous like a sponge, it doesn’t absorb the nail polish and can be cleaned off and used again. Not only that, she shares an awesome way to get the excess nail polish off of your fingers at the end.
7. 5 Ways to Get Ombre/Graident Nails by cutepolish
All 5 of these ombre nail techniques turn out beautifully. From a glitter ombre to a two shade gradient, you’re sure to find a technique you’ll absolutely love! Each technique is fun and simple to replicate, so it’s perfect for beginners! She suggests using the OPI Natural Nail Base Coat to protect your nails, and the Eve by Eve’s Top Coat to seal in your master piece!
8. Glitter Fade/Obmre Nail Tutorial by Raincoats and Coffee
If you need ombre nail art for a special occasion, try this glitter fade nail tutorial. She uses Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’ for the base, which creates a soft, feminine feel, with OPI ‘In True Stefani Fashion’ for the glitter top coat. It’s such a lovely combination that’s perfect for when you want to feel fancy.
9. Pastel Fade Nails, No Sponge Needed by HelloMaphie
I love the look of pastel ombre nails. They’re subtle and soft, yet make such a nice statement. This technique doesn’t use a sponge, but rather an old makeup brush or paint brush will do the trick. It’s a super simple technique and her tutorial is easy to follow. Enjoy!
10. Rainbow Ombre Cut Out Nails by cutepolish
If you love the ombre nail effect, but want something a little different, this rainbow ombre cut out technique should be high on your radar. Negative space nails are super on trend, and mixed with rainbow ombre, you have double the chicness. The technique is easy achieve in just a few steps!
11. Matte Ombre Nails with Gel Polish by PinkFlyingCow Nail Art Tutorials
Since gel polish isn’t as sticky as regular nail polish, you can’t use the sponge technique as the gel polish stays in the sponge and won’t provide much colour to your nails. Instead she demonstrates how to create the ombre effect with a brush and also shows you how to remove the shine to make them matte!
Add some allure to your natural nails with these DIY ombre nail art tutorials. The simple step-by-step techniques will have you rocking ombre nail art in no time!
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