Ombre manicure 2021-2022 [100 photos]: examples of beautiful gradient nail designs

Sometimes the most difficult thing in a monochrome manicure is deciding on a color. Ombre manicure (aka gradient) allows you to avoid this headache, because in this technique you can combine two or more shades (by the way, you can find out how to do a basic manicure here). And in general, there shouldn’t be any difficulties with such a manicure: it’s easy to do it yourself, even without special tools. Just look at a couple of tricks in photo tutorials on this design. You will find these life hacks, along with ombre manicure ideas from the 2021 trends list, in our material. But first, we advise you to take our interesting test.

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Ombre manicure: design options

The principle of creating a transition between shades can be applied to nails in different ways, which is why there are different types of ombre manicure. Each of them deservedly finds its fans.

Classic horizontal

In a classic ombre manicure, the color of the polish on the tips of the nails smoothly “flows” into another shade closer to the hole. As a result, we see a horizontal transition on the nails, which can be moved higher or lower at your discretion.

Ombre transition from nail to nail

If desired, you can “stretch” the transition of colors over several nails. Apply a darker shade from the selected range to your thumb and a lighter shade to your little finger. Or vice versa.

Manicure red with white and black

Red in company with white and black is another well-established combination.

In this manicure, all passions collide at the same time. The nail artist gets room for imagination.

If red is taken as the basis, then white and black complement it with minor inclusions. At the same time, black is often used to decorate the smile line or the hole. White is added in the form of matte rhinestones.

An equal combination of all three colors on one plate is acceptable. Geometry deserves attention here. Lines forming rectangles of different sizes create a clear picture that captivates the eye. All three colors can be alternated on different plates. This manicure looks unusual and suits any wardrobe.

Ombre nails: design features

An ombre manicure is remarkable in itself, but there are several ways to make this look even more interesting and noticeable. We have collected 11 of the cutest ideas for you.

Multicolor ombre

Combine a horizontal ombre on nails with a vertical one - why not? At the tips, you can create a transition of colors from right to left, and then blur the shades downwards - towards the nail hole.

With glitter

A very interesting result will be obtained if you do an ombre manicure using sparkles. Glitter is applied to the nails so that it “scatters” in a given direction, for example, from the tips to the base of the nail. In this case, glitter will also create a transition effect between shades.

Ombre in drawings

In manicures with designs, this technique is sometimes used to fill out contours. Most often, when creating such a design, they first create a transition, and then erase everything unnecessary, giving the drawing the desired outline.

Ombre as a background

Using this technique will make the background for the drawings more original. First, make a smooth transition coating on all nails, and then decorate them with contrasting graphics that will not “get lost” on such an artistic basis. You can come up with winning designs yourself or use ready-made sliders.

Graphic ombre

The classic ombre technique involves a smooth transition between shades. However, this is not a hard and fast rule that should not be broken under any circumstances. You have the right to try this option: divide your nails into several sections and sequentially paint them with varnishes of shades that, replacing each other, will create an ombre effect.

Holographic

To achieve a gradient on your nails, you can use not only glitter, but also polishes with a holographic effect. They will complement the ombre effect with rainbow tints, thanks to which this design will look unusual and festive.

With a wet effect

This is another manicure option in which the ombre effect can add originality to the background - only this time not for drawings, but for decoration. In a “wet” design, the role of decorative elements will be played by drops of transparent varnish, which must be applied to the coating with a matte finish. This will make them look real.

Matte

By the way, choosing a matte finish will provide all the colors in your manicure with additional expressiveness - the shine of the gloss will not distract attention from them. Try this method when creating an ombre nail design using several contrasting shades.

With haze effect

The principle of creating an ombre manicure can also be useful in nail art with other tricks. For example, if you want to achieve a smoky effect on your nails, make a gradient transition from black or dark gray to a powdery nude. The haze will turn out to be highly artistic.

Neon nude

How to choose the right combination of shades for an ombre manicure? Perhaps the most correct answer would be “to your taste.” However, there are also combinations tested by nail experts. These include, for example, a duet of nude shades and neon colors. They only seem incompatible, but in practice they look harmonious. Surprisingly, acidic neon shades “dissolve” very beautifully in a nude palette while creating a soft transition.

French ombre

Try combining two nail art techniques: French and ombre effect. Separate the tips of the nails with a line (it’s good if the characteristic “smile” is wide) and paint them with a color with a transition of shades. This manicure option is especially suitable for fans of French manicure in its artistic interpretations.

You can learn how to quickly do an ombre manicure at home from this video.

Red manicure 2022 2022 - with a golden effect

Red by itself looks expensive, and in combination with gold, nails take on a luxurious look. The source of metallic shimmer can be a varnish of the appropriate tone, but most often these are additional elements:

glitter;
foil;
adhesive tapes.

Equal distribution of colors can spoil the impression. Sparkling parts must be used carefully. Using glitter, you can create a French or lunar design.

Red marigolds with gold monograms will look chic. Rare patterns can evenly cover all plates, more intense ones are better placed locally. You can completely cover your nail with gold polish as an accent. In this case, it is customary to highlight the ring finger.

Gold is a universal decoration, so there is no need to limit yourself to an exclusively red background. Black, white, gray and other allies of red will perfectly complement the picture.

The abundance of gold borders on bad taste.

Ombre based on nail length

When choosing an ombre design, you are not limited by strict requirements for nail length. Its successful implementation is possible on both long and short nails. True, there are variants of this design that look most advantageous at length. And there are versions that can visually lengthen short nails and make them more graceful.

Short nails

The lines that rise from the hole to the tips of the nails visually stretch them. That is why on short nails it is better to try ombre manicure options with a vertical color transition.

Long nails

Tricolor
Girls with long nails can use not two shades in a classic horizontal manicure, but three or even four! The transition will be as expressive as possible. This advantage of nail length is definitely worth taking advantage of.
© mari_blog_nsk
With an emphasis on the ends
One way to emphasize the length of your nails is to focus on the tips. You can apply the main, brightest shade of varnish to the tips, and choose a nude color as the second color and distribute it over most of the nail plate. Another idea is to make a French style with an ombre effect on the ends.

© _by_shelley
© rosemarie_nailartist

Fashionable red manicure 2022 2022 - shellac and gel polish

With the advent of gel-based polishes, even those with short and problematic nails have the chance to enjoy a stylish manicure.

A varied palette of shades and wide design possibilities give room for imagination.

Modern varnishes allow you to successfully combine different coating options. A red manicure using gel bases is often performed in the form of a French manicure, combined with the lunar application technique. The use of rhinestones, glitter, and adhesive tape in moderation is suitable even for decorating short nails.

Ombre taking into account the shape of the nails

The ombre effect fits perfectly on different nail shapes. This design is universal, but some recommendations can still be given.

On square nails

If your shape is a square (albeit with softened corners), try playing with it in a manicure. Highlight the corners with color and blur the boundaries between them and the shade on the main part of the nail plate. However, the classic horizontal ombre version will not let you down either.

On almond nails

The almond shape is usually given to long nails, so in this case an ombre manicure should be done with an emphasis on the tips. This will emphasize both the length of the nails and the grace of their shape.

Oval nails

On oval nails, ombre manicure options largely depend on the length. You can make both classic transition options with two colors and a horizontal transition, as well as a more original manicure with unusual combinations (from three shades or more), with patterns or sparkles, rhinestones and other decorative elements.

Pointe nails

The peculiarity of the “pointe shoe” shape is that the base of the nail plate is noticeably wider than the cut line at the tips. An ombre manicure can visually smooth out this imbalance if you place a color accent on the tips. However, the varnish can be bright at the base of the nails, but then the effect will be the opposite.

What is recommended to use for application?

To perform the ombre gel polish manicure technique, it is most convenient to use a sponge, which can be found on sale.

These sponges with fine grains are produced in different shapes.
This is very convenient in order to simplify the creation of color transitions as much as possible.
Even a simple sponge designed for cleaning dishes copes with this task quite adequately.

First you will need to cut it into a couple of convenient pieces that you can simply do the work with. They must be commensurate with the size of the nails. To prevent dust from ruining your work, you will need to wash it in advance and then dry it well.

Trendy ideas for medium and long curls

Strands below shoulder level are considered optimal for creating ombre shimmer. Let's take a look at this year's trending offers:

reverse direction. Everyone is accustomed to dark-light transitions, but opposite variations are also acceptable. The cool blonde flowing into ash brown in the center of the hairstyle and ending in charcoal black looks original. This option requires a long haircut. It looks catchy and unusual;
burgundy with strawberry blonde. This solution skillfully adds warm motifs and brightness to the image of a fair-haired fashionista. In addition, deep burgundy is at the peak of popularity among creative colors this summer;

Colorful bright dyeing

Gray-lilac strands of Burgundy and light gold

metallic reflections of gold. For passionate brunettes, we suggest taking a closer look at the rich golden tints. The combination of black and gold looks rich and unpretentious. Do you want a spectacular transformation? Then this option is for you;
multi-colored highlights. The combination of blue-black, copper, mahogany and platinum blonde is fascinating and remains in the memory for a long time. Such a sample requires the highest professional skills from the master colorist, because an amateur cannot do the job perfectly. But perfectly stretched shades will bring the highest mood and praise from others to the image;
deep wine notes have always attracted the attractive power of passion. So why not combine a color associated with passion with a dark chestnut base? I assure you, you will get a great result;
Ponytail - this interesting trend appeared relatively recently; it resembles strands that have naturally bleached in the sun. A light, summer and even beach option, suitable for young fashionistas planning a vacation;
Soft Ombre-balayage. As mentioned in previous articles, strawberry blonde has become fashionable. This trendy color is suitable for the ombre balayage technique; you just need to achieve a smooth gradient, starting with golden honey and ending with pastel pink. This solution looks great on wavy curls, adding light retro notes to the image;
Gothic for hot brunettes. Stylish gothic motifs are achieved by turning deep black roots into platinum blonde at the ends of the hair. A bold, catchy and effective proposal;

Gray with red

Black-ash transitions

Classic on curls

Silver Ombre. This pattern combines multiple variations of gray, giving the appearance of a delicate blonde sophistication and nobility. A smooth transition from ash-brown to cold platinum silver makes the hairstyle “breathable”, textured and sparkling. However, remember that grayish is a complex color; only an experienced master can work with it, who can skillfully avoid the appearance of a greenish tint with the correct proportions.

Gorgeous blonde Spectrum Ombre

This incredible hairstyle features a variety of simply stunning blonde tones that create a rainbow spectrum of blonde shades in a gorgeous ombre style. This look is completed with large, loose curls that softly highlight the gorgeous range of colors that work on this soft and long hair. We think this style would look incredibly straight too!

Ombre at home. Step-by-step video instructions on how to dye your hair at home

Before you dye your hair yourself, remember these 7 important tips

For home coloring you need to purchase from a professional store:

paint of the desired shade;
dye in a natural shade if the hair has been previously dyed;
foil, cut into rectangular pieces;
gloves for dyeing;
two brushes;
a thin toothed comb;
mixing container.

Dyeing process:

To begin with, it is important to comb your hair thoroughly so that it does not get tangled when applying the dye.
Next, we take the strands and apply a lightening dye to the length, leaving a smooth transition between the light and dark zones.
We seal the foil tightly and do the same with the remaining strands.
Upon completion, take dark paint and, with another brush, casually apply it to the root area, and then comb them with a comb for better distribution along the entire length.
Leave the dye on for 30 minutes, periodically checking the condition of the hair.
When rinsing, apply a moisturizing conditioner and thermal protection to the hair, style the hair at your discretion.

Ombre has been a trendy color for several years now. Jessica Alba and JLo go with him. It also appears at Chanel and Etro shows. With the exception of options with a clear border, this is always a natural gradient effect, which is achieved by tinting short, medium or long strands.

When going to the salon, it is important to know the features of your color type. Warm beauties look best with wheat and caramel shades, while cold women can try ash and pearl tones. Every girl will be able to find an option for her haircut, length and structure of strands. And as a bonus, ombre allows you to maintain your natural color and not have to adjust your appearance for six months.

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Ombre from light brown to caramel blonde

From light brown to caramel blonde, this ombre look is the perfect summer style that looks beach-ready in no time! Starting with a stunning, rich blonde at the top and progressing to gorgeous caramel blonde waves falling into the face, this look will be just as effective curly or straight, up or down!

Design of short nails

This year they are popular again and the scarlet color scheme suits them perfectly.

Good ideas:

Geometry is a plus: triangles at an angle to the edge of the nail, rulers along the length, a gradient with sparkles or rhinestones.
By adding another color, such as white, gold or silver, you will make the design more attractive, bright, and elegant.
Do not use rhinestones of too large a diameter and all kinds of figures. On short nails they will look pretentious.
Try decorating your nails using the negative space technique.

This season it is fashionable to frame short and medium nails with a slight indentation. A draft or transition is not appropriate for this season.