Nail designs with gel polish: beautiful and simple design options at home

Every year, the nail industry offers consumers new products and tools for the care and treatment of nail plates, and the creation of unusual, magnificent nail designs. One of these breakthroughs that changed the lives of millions of girls and women was the invention of gel manicure polishes in 2010. Unlike conventional coatings, they have a number of advantages:

do not lose their excellent appearance for two weeks;
you can grow the nail plates again if the edge breaks;
the gentle composition does not harm the internal structure of the marigolds;
serve as a means of protecting the surface from harmful external factors - household chemicals, adverse weather conditions, acids and alkalis.

Gel polishes are readily used by nail designers to create their next masterpiece. The application technology is so simple and accessible that even novice fashionistas can cope with the task without difficulty.

Inspired by the presented collection of photos, it’s easy to choose a special design for your nails. Recognized luminaries of the nail industry suggest that in 2022 you should not be afraid to experiment freely with a variety of shades, combinations of techniques and accessories. Advanced nail design can become a convenient and practical tool with which a beautiful lady expresses her feelings, passions and emotions, emphasizes a carefully chosen image for the occasion, or shares an excellent, positive mood with others.

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Features of gel polish

What is gel polish and how is it better than conventional decorative coatings? The explanation is in the name itself - the basis is two components:

Manicure with gel polish

varnish , which covers and decorates the plate, creates a design on the nails;
gel , which improves the adhesion of the substance to the surface and allows the manicure to look flawless for one to three weeks, does not allow any layer to chip.

It was this mix that allowed women to reduce the number of trips to the nail salon and refuse extensions , which destroy the nail plate. Despite the fact that working with gel polishes requires skills and special tools, many girls master the application technique at home.

The ability to create original designs on nails with gel polish opens up scope for personal creativity . The color palette of gel polish is wide, and to achieve a rich color it is often necessary to apply only one layer. Gel polish must be dried in a special lamp with UV rays.

Luxurious manicure

Unlike regular varnish, hybrid takes longer to apply . The procedure can take 30–40 minutes, especially if there are many layers and the nail will be further decorated. A single-color manicure with gel polish looks flawless, but some fashionistas consider this coating boring.

Applying the design requires time and careful drying of each layer so that the result lasts longer. The procedure is long but simple.

Manicure of short nails

Beautiful, well-groomed nails are a sign of neatness and neatness. Women often want to look unique. Various manicure techniques and colored varnishes are used. Those with unattractive shaped nail plates or those employed in industries with manual labor choose designs for short nails. The pressing field of fashion offers a lot of design solutions.

French manicure

The concept of the technique is based on contrast - a precise transition from the light base of natural notes to the white stripe of the regrown edge. Today, classic design is diluted with new trends. Instead of the usual white edge, any other color is applied, contrasting with the main one, the palette of which will be far from the classics. French manicure, taken as a base, can combine several techniques using patterns, sparkles and rhinestones.

Lunar manicure

The name of this species is in no way connected with the Earth’s satellite. The essence is determined by the hole on the nail at the base, or rather its separation from the general color. Execution is limited only by the imagination of the master.

One-color manicure

Painting short nails one color is more of an everyday option. Adding a touch of solemnity can be achieved by applying design elements or attributes. The range of colors is within the scope of individual choice, as well as matte or gloss.

Gradient

The core of direction lies in the definition. The main principle of a gradient is the transition from one color to another with blurred boundaries. The color palette is unrestricted. Looks impressive on short nails, sharpened in any shape. Can be made from matte, pearlescent and glossy varnishes. Either one color with its shades or several are used. The complexity of application depends on the coloring material.

Wedding manicure

As for any other celebration, a manicure for a wedding can be made in any design. Preferences, of course, are given to gel polish and delicate pastel colors in warm or cool shades. The choice of color is not limited by limits; it is determined taking into account the theme of the holiday. The trend is both simplicity, lightness, and patterns with the addition of accessories.

Options for using gel polish in nail design

Gel polish can be used in the traditional way , that is, choose the desired color and apply it to your nails. The brighter the shade required, the more layers will need to be applied before finishing.

A French manicure can be achieved perfectly using gel polish if you cover the nail plate with a colorless or light base and apply white or colored gel polish to the regrown part of the nail.

The combination of matte and gloss is an original nail design idea. The main plate is coated with glossy gel polish, and the regrown part is given a matte effect. One shade or a combination of two colors is possible.

Technique based on the 3/2 principle , when three fingers are painted in one shade, and the remaining two are painted in a contrasting color. This manicure looks very beautiful, but it should fit the overall style of appearance.

The use of stencils , stickers, and drawings on a plain background of gel polish is quite popular. Drawings make hands attractive and original.

What gel manicure trends are popular in 2022?

Compared to previous seasons, fashion trends have undergone some changes this year. For example, sharp, too long nails have given way to neat, medium and short nails. Today it is no longer considered bad manners to appear in the world with an acid-bright, catchy manicure or, on the contrary, a black design.

Some directions, on the contrary, received natural continuation and development. The fashion for natural textures and natural shapes is also reflected in nail design. Marigolds that are close to natural are relevant: softened square and rectangle, oval, almond. Also, quite expectedly, animal prints in the form of snake, tiger or leopard skins, turtle shells and the characteristic colors of herbivores - zebras, giraffes, cows - are trending. Interest in floristry and a variety of cute insects, prints with images of fruits, people, domestic and wild birds, and animals continues.

It’s too early to give up on simple, laconic solutions. In fashion:

plain coatings, ranging from neon and noble dark to soft pastel or mirror;
plates of different colors or shades of the same color on one hand, with a smooth transition from more saturated to lighter, or with the same degree of brightness;
gradient along each plate, with smooth tints or distinct geometry in the form of triangles and arcs. Looks amazing with a cat eye finish;
modern variations of French and moon manicure with gel polish, using negative space and bright contrasting shades, non-standard solutions;
“cat's eye” technique for monochrome coating. Magnetic gel polishes transform a simple, boring design into something beautifully luxurious, worthy of a queen.

Also, it is worth paying attention to thin vertical and diagonal lines-stripes applied with paints, peas of different sizes. Minimalism and magnificent marble technology are not inferior to their positions. And the “quail egg” design with black splashes on a bright or pastel background, with abstract strokes, is a recognized hit of this season.

If you want something festive and positive, then fashionistas have acid-bright and neon gel polishes at their disposal. In the summer, drawings and 3D designs with juicy fruits and berries, images and stickers of tropical islands, inhabitants of the seas and oceans are most relevant. Brilliant decor will help you make a simple manicure using colored gel polish look festive:

kamifubuki, crystals and pearls;
different types of foil, including “broken glass”;
glitter and glitter powder;
metallized strips;
rubs, broths, sequins.

Plates decorated with acrylic sand in the form of stripes, charming vignettes, flowers or patterns look great.

Master class on nail design with gel polish at home

Tools and materials

To get a nail design result no worse than a salon design, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

Tools and materials for manicure with gel polish

manicure set for preparing the surface of the nail plate;
UV lamp for drying;
tools for creating drawings (dots, needle, brushes, stencils - optional);
degreaser or any alcohol solution;
base (top coat) for gel polish, preferably from one manufacturer with a decorative coating;
gel polish in the desired shades;
finishing coating;
consumables for drawings;
nail polish remover with acetone.

Prepare a list of necessary tools in advance.

Applying gel polish to nails

Wash your hands in warm water and soap and dry.

Gel polish manicure process

Get a manicure - file your nails to the desired shape, slightly push back the cuticles.
Degrease the plate with any alcohol composition.
Apply a thin layer of top coat to the nail.
Place in a lamp to dry for 120 seconds.
Apply a thin layer of gel polish using a brush.
Cure the coating in a lamp for 120 seconds.
Apply finishing compound and dry.

When painting your nail, do not go beyond the boundaries of the plate. Some gel polishes are very liquid and flowing, keep this in mind when applying. If you want a bright manicure, apply the next layer. The number of layers depends on the desired color and saturation. Dry each layer in a lamp, and only then apply a new one.

This is a step-by-step instruction for a standard manicure using gel polish. Do you want to make designs on your nails with gel polish? Add a few steps to this sequence.

Preparation for the procedure

Before you start painting your nails, you will need to spend some time on the preparatory procedures. Namely:

purchase a UV or LED lamp for drying the coating;
stock up on additional components (a nail file, an orange stick, brushes for drawings, tweezers for applications - depending on the situation);
find ideas for painting with gel polish for step-by-step implementation (masters constantly share new products);
purchase materials for the procedure;
select a comfortable place with good lighting.

First you need to file your nails and trim the cuticles.

The materials for the procedure mean not only the gel polish of the selected shade, but also the accompanying mixtures. These include hand and tool sanitizers, degreaser and dehydrator (a popular new product is a combination of both products in one), primer, base/top coat and rub-in (a stick remover). Also, to properly complete the painting you will need cuticle oil.

Important! Not all gel polishes require a separate base and top coat. Many manufacturers of nail coatings have lines of single-phase varnishes that operate on the 3-in-1 principle. New products with a larger palette of colors and effects are constantly appearing in this direction.

Gel polish designs on nails

If a single-color palette for nail design seems boring, you can experiment like an artist, that is, make drawings on a single-color background. There are many options, but the specifics of application are not very different:

Applying patterns with gel polish of other shades using special tools after the first layer has dried.
Mixing two or more shades of wet gel polish.

Gel polish drawings

The main tone is applied, usually bright or dark colors - red, black, blue, green and others. Dries in a lamp.
The sticky layer is removed with a degreasing compound (cliner).
Using a special brush or dots, a pattern is applied with a different color of gel polish and dried again.
At the end of the process, the nail is coated with a finishing compound.

Try to make a bright Gzhel manicure by painting patterns with gel polish:

Mixing shades of gel polish on nails

Painting with gel polish is carried out with a second layer, that is, after the base color has dried. It is not necessary to remove the stickiness.
Using a thin brush, apply several colors of the hybrid in the form of stripes.
We draw waves and cross lines at the junction of colors with a needle, brush or dots.

It turns out to be a variant of drawing on a wet layer. The technology of this design can be seen in videos shared by masters on the Internet.

If the gloss on your nails is tiring and you want to make your manicure matte, it is enough at the end of the procedure, when the finishing layer has been applied and dried, to lightly work with a soft sander from the edge of the nail to the cuticle. The shine will come off, but the gel polish designs on your nails will look amazing.

Mixed technique is very suitable for performing a gradient manicure, and how to do such a manicure - see the video tutorial:

Specifics of applying different patterns

Remember that to create different designs on your nails with gel polish, you need to know what to apply and with what. Some designs are created with special tools, and for some it is enough to mix shades correctly or apply a stencil, sparkles, or stones in a timely manner.

Using dots , you can apply dots of different diameters, which depend on the amount of varnish. Smooth lines can also be applied with this tool by drawing along a damp surface.

Many manicurists use a thin needle , which allows you to make thin lines and create more complex outlines, such as snowflakes or flowers.

Artistic brushes of different thicknesses help you create original designs on your nails. Monograms are formed with a brush or needle along the side of the plate or over the entire area. The monogram can be classic, reminiscent of a pattern on clothing. The usual intersection of stripes that form letters or symbols is possible.

Experienced manicurists create original three-dimensional designs with gel polish on nails, for example, a popular winter manicure - a sweater. This method requires perseverance and a lot of training. Volume is created using special powder of different shades.

Applying snakeskin is another way to draw the attention of others to your hands. You can create such a design using green, brown and marsh colored gel polish, dripping them gradually onto a colorless base. then you need to draw diagonal intersecting stripes along the nail. Place small dots or blots at their intersections. After drying, the effect of snake scales will appear.

The use of stencils expands the capabilities of beginners who have not yet gotten their hands on applying original designs on nails with gel polish. Just dry your nails together with the stencil and when applying the composition, do not get it on the stencil.

There are a lot of methods for nail design using a hybrid base. Fashion is constantly changing and offering new options. By learning the simplest drawings and understanding the specifics of designer manicure, any woman can become original.

Original ideas for nail designs

Here are a few examples of current drawings made with gel polish, which can become the basis for your training.

Mixing shades

This design can be made by any novice craftswoman.

Manicure made with mixing gel polishes

Prepare your nails according to the basic rules of manicure and apply the first layer of the main shade.
Dry the surface under a lamp or in a chamber. If you need to make the shade brighter, repeat the procedure.
Choose a second color. Apply it not to the entire plate, but, for example, only to the right side, filling part of the nail.
Dry the gel polish. If you want to brighten the color, apply a second coat. At this time, you can make an original monogram using the wet gel using a brush or dots and adding additional color as desired.
Finally, apply glass beads in any shape. Dry the coating and secure with a base coat.

Volumetric drawing in the form of flowers

The initial stages of a gel polish manicure are similar to the classic options.

Volume manicure

After applying the main color, we begin to create a 3D design using acrylic powder, which is sold in specialized departments. Choose several shades to make the flowers bright.
Using a thin brush, pick up a small ball of powder and gently place it on the nail plate.
Wait until the gloss turns into a matte state. Start using your brush to form the petals of the flower. The shape of the petals can be round, elongated, with a torn edge. It depends on the flower: chamomile, lily, cornflower.
Carefully continue to form the flower in a circle. To begin with, you can apply only one volumetric design in the center of the plate.

A voluminous manicure with flowers can be done without sculpting using velvet sand:

Classic jacket with monograms

Manicure with monograms

We perform French manicure according to the standard scheme, choosing a white color or a bright shade as a base.
Before the base coat, apply gel polish of a contrasting shade, for example, white on a transparent base, and draw a jacket in any shape: a classic crescent or original curls or dots. This design can be done on all nails or selectively.

There are many methods for nail design using gel polish. Fashion changes and offers new options. By learning simple drawings, you can diversify your manicure. Gel polish will strengthen the plate, and the manicure will last a long time.

Volumetric drawing technique

To make a beautiful three-dimensional drawing, you need to purchase additional materials and acquire initial skill in using them.

Imitation reptile skin with gel polish

Here are some subtleties of applying a unique manicure.

Volumetric compositions can be created using gel polish, gel plasticine, and “liquid stones.”
Three-dimensionality can be emphasized using velvety sand. They sprinkle on the finished composition.
Beginners in the technique of volumetric manicure are recommended to practice on simple drawings. They are easy to perform and are sure to be successful, which will give you confidence and encourage you to expand your capabilities.
Experts recommend creating voluminous compositions on one or two nails so as not to visually overload the image.
It is noted that the volumetric pattern appears more prominently on pastel-colored varnish coatings. On rich, dark varnishes it is visually hidden.
It is recommended to dry each element separately, this way you can achieve a more convex pattern.
To achieve a matte effect, use a matte fixative or apply a buff with a light touch.

Knitted manicure

Beads, rhinestones, seed beads and other details will come in handy for a three-dimensional design.

For daily wear use light tones of varnishes. These can be nude shades, beige, soft pink, etc.

There are many incredible ideas for every occasion and for every day. Thus, delicate roses in white or pastel colors are suitable for weddings; in the summer, floral patterns and ornaments of bright colors are worn. In cold weather, knitted textures have become popular, in which motifs with braids are effectively conveyed. A selection of photos will help you decide on the choice of design.

Volume manicure