There are so many creative and exciting nail designs to pick from, and if you’re on the search for a stylish, unique, and versatile new look to try out for your next event with friends and family, then the gradient nail is the way to go. It’s easy to customize, so you can get a look that you really love, and there’s a gradient nail design to fit any season or big holiday celebration.
Nailboo is dedicated to helping you find that perfect fit every time. We believe that salon-quality manicures should be available to everyone, which is why we carry easy-to-use nail dip kits that you can try out from the comfort of home with ease. It’s also why we’re sharing some of our favorite new styles and nail designs like cool, gradient looks. The only question is, why one will you try out first?
What Are Gradient Nails?
As the name would indicate, gradient nails are a unique and beautiful style of nail art that blends colors in a cascading design to create a fluid, moving appearance. They’re very similar to the ombre style of nail art, though ombre nails are typically contained in a single color family, where gradient nails will move between different colors.
There are many different reasons to fall in love with gradient nails. They’re a great option for holidays and seasonal styles since you can incorporate many of your favorite colors into a single look. They also pair well with decals, patterns, and designs, so there’s no limit to the way you decorate or create your next gradient nail style.
Gradient Nail Ideas
You have so many different gradient designs and styles to pick from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are just a few of our favorite gradient nail manicure ideas that can inspire your next look.
Pastels
One of the most classic gradient nail looks is the pastel design because pastels are lovely and classy however you mix and match them. They make for good gradient colors because they’re soft and blend well into each other, and you can pick the perfect palette of color or try out a gradient rainbow on every nail.
Neons
If you want to go for something a little bolder and brighter, then a neon gradient manicure might be the best option for you. Neon gradients take all the best of the brightest colors and cascade them in a beautiful, fluid motion that doesn’t lose any of the drama. You can pick sets, like yellow and green or blue and purple, or just enjoy all the best that neon has to offer with a full spectrum of color and fun.
Glitter Gradient
Take your gradient design to the next level by introducing a little bit of glitter. There are so many different ways to get a glitter gradient in all of your favorite colors, and it’s sure to stand out as unique and bold every time you try something new.
One look we love is a cascading glitter with a neutral base that turns color from the tip to the base of the nail. Black is dramatic and bold and light baser colors are softer and more subtle, so mix and match your style options to find a final product that fits your personal fashion sense.
Cosmic
Take inspiration from the universe all around when you try out a cool and cosmic gradient design. After all, the universe is full of flowing and beautiful colors that always amaze. One of the reasons the cosmic-inspired gradient design is so cool and beautiful is because you’re not just sticking to one color palette, but combining purples, oranges, blues, and whites for a truly unique look. Don’t forget to add sparkles and decals to really achieve that cosmic design.
Beachy
What’s more beautiful than the sunset over the beach? We love a beachy, summer manicure here at Nailboo, and the gradient design makes for the perfect pattern every time. Pick between a sunset theme, with oranges, pinks, purples, and yellows, or take inspiration from the waves in a cascade of blues, greens, whites, and sandy browns that will make you feel like you’re on vacation every time you catch a glimpse.
Seasonal
You can’t go wrong with seasonal and celebratory nails, and here at Nailboo, we have our favorites for each holiday and each time of the year. Gradient nails are an excellent option for every season since you can make the most of all of your favorite colors in a fluid, classy, and chic design.
Pick your perfect palette for the holiday, like jewel tones for winter or the warm rustic colors of fall, and create a stunning combination of hues all your own. If you really want to make the look special, consider adding stamps or decals or take advantage of an accent nail to showcase even more creativity and style. No matter what look you pick for the holidays, you’re sure to be the talk of the party.
Metallic
When it comes to chic elegance, metallic shades and styles are the way to go. The gradient is subtle, but the metallics really stand out, and they match well with many different designs and outfits. Metallic nails give you mystery and polish, and when you combine them with a gradient, the final look is always amazing.
How To Get Gradient Nails at Home
Once you know what kind of gradient design you like most, it’s time to begin collecting your tools and trying out the next manicure right at home. Here’s what you’ll want to know about a DIY gradient manicure style.
Tools
You only need a few simple tools to get the perfect gradient look, including some of the following:
Manicure Kit: It’s important to have a good manicure kit on hand, with tools like a file, clipper, nail polish remover, and cuticle oil. Routine nail care and maintenance will help to keep your nails strong and healthy and protect them for a long time to come.
Your Favorite Colors: Depending on the length of your nails, you can fit up to five colors in your gradient. Consider the event or occasion and snag those great hues.
Base Coat: A neutral base coat will help to ensure that your gradient is as bright and bold as possible, so pick a good base coat for your colors.
Top Coat: A top coat will protect your polish and keep your manicure lasting longer.
Cosmetic Sponge: A cosmetic sponge is an essential tool for achieving a gorgeous gradient look, so add a few to your manicure kit.
Steps
It’s easy to get a gradient manicure look at home with these simple steps.
Step One: Give yourself a manicure. Take care of old nail polish, hangnails, and uneven edges, and make sure the nails are healthy and strong.
Step Two: Apply the base coat. If you have a strengthening agent, apply it first to the base of the nail and allow it to dry. Then put on a thin layer of your neutral base color and let it dry completely.
Step Three: Apply your gradient to the cosmetic sponge in your preferred order and thickness. It may take a little practice to get the gradient perfect, but once you have a look you like, gently apply it to the surface of the nail either by pressing down the sponge in a single line or gently dabbing across the surface. Repeat on the rest of your nails as needed.
Step Four: Once your gradient has dried completely, apply the top coat and allow it to dry as well, to protect your nails and keep them looking sharp for longer.
Step Five: Clear away any excess polish on the skin or around the nailbed and enjoy the final look.
Get Creative With It
There are many reasons to fall in love with a gradient-style nail, and you can get this gorgeous look at home with a few simple tools and steps. Try out different gradient styles and designs, like neons, glitters, and metallics, and enjoy all the best of seasonal or nature-inspired manicure ideas.
For more fun looks and to pick up the tools and resources you need to keep your nails healthy, strong, and stylish, trust the team here at Nailboo. Explore our nail dip kits for at-home manicures, and find more nail tutorials in our growing library. Give your next gradient nail look a go today!
Sources:
The Gradient Design Trend: What it Looks Like and How to Use It | 99 Designs (VistaPrint)
Cosmic Colors | Morehead Planetarium Science Center
Jewel Tones | Vogue
