Aquarium manicure: features, technique and design options

Well-groomed hands and nails are one of the most important components of a woman’s image. Therefore, nail designers are constantly improving previously known manicure techniques and creating unique new designs that allow fashionistas to always stay on top, emphasize their uniqueness and look attractive. Aquarium nail design, as a way of self-expression, can be done independently. This is a relatively new technique in nail design, which has thoroughly taken a leading position on the Olympus of fashion. The popularity of this trend is growing exponentially. What is the secret of his popularity? This is what we have to find out today.

Features of aquarium nail design

The cost of such a design in showrooms is catastrophically high. But that doesn't stop the fashion lionesses. Why?

Everything can be explained by the advantageous features it has:

• Versatility and volume. The design “under glass” looks very unusual and extremely beautiful. The inner layer can be created from a variety of decorative elements, including volumetric ones.
• Versatility. When the situation changes dramatically, for example, you are an office worker and the organization’s dress code does not accept such a design, you can cover your nails with any solid color that does not contradict it. Then feel free to delete it without damaging the original image.
• Deadlines. If your manicure is properly cared for, it will last you about 3 months. Neither the top layer nor the picture inside undergoes wear and does not fade. True, there is one condition, since the nail grows, then as it grows, it is necessary to make a correction - to complement or modify the picture.
• Practicality. Visually the volume seems quite large. However, the entire internal decor is securely fixed, the surface of the plate remains flat. Therefore, you can do any homework. The quality and appearance of the manicure does not suffer.
• Self-sufficiency. This manicure is so unusual and original that it attracts outside glances many times more often than expensive jewelry on the hand. You can refuse them, remaining constantly in the spotlight.

In this video you will see why aquarium design has gained such total popularity.

Decor for an aquarium effect

Harmoniously complementing some decorative elements with others is a real talent that borders on a sense of taste. To create unusual volumetric effects, you can use the most unusual materials: from gears to chains. Traditional decorative elements are more feminine and do not have such a brutal look as chains, for example.

Beads and voluminous jewelry

Special beads, similar in size to beads or neat half-beads, are a trend in aquarium manicure. They can be successfully combined with other round decorations: kamifubuki, sequins, bouillons, etc. This design is complemented with scattered sparkles; you can choose foil, any colored varnish, mica, etc. as a background.

Such decoration requires a large layer of gel, so it is important to use such decorations on extended nails or based on tips.

Acrylic modeling and powder

Among acrylic decorations you can find different themes: slices of fruit, flowers, vegetables, shells, accessories, etc. It is also worth using such decor thematically and not mixing them with each other. For color, paint the tip of the nail in a color that matches the theme. For example, you can play up a seaside manicure with shells by painting the tip of the nail turquoise or blue.

Aquarium with painting the tip of the nail

Decorating a nail for an aquarium with acrylic powder is a bold and original idea. This decor goes well with other, more voluminous elements. You should not use sculpting for natural nails, as a lot of gel will be spent on filling and the manicure will not look aesthetically pleasing. Powder can be used for any type of base: natural nails, tips or extensions.

Pictures or photos for aquarium style

You can make all the images realistic with a 3D effect using this technique; all that remains is to choose a picture for the design. The theme can be different, you can even choose images of fish. You can complement this manicure with other decorative elements and place pictures in different parts of the nail.

Depending on the material on which the image of something is applied, filling with gel of different thicknesses will be required. For example, a paper or vinyl base gives a decent thickness and is best used on artificial nails; plastic film with a pattern can easily be used on any nails, since it cannot make the nail thicker.

Foil for gel polish

Manicure foil has different densities and purposes. One type (transfer) leaves a shiny mark on the sticky layer, the second type must first be formed and placed on the nail as an applique. Depending on the desired effect, choose one or the second type of foil.

This decorative technique is acceptable for natural and artificial nails, since it does not make the nail plate much thicker, but still gives a magnificent shine.

Rhinestones, sparkles and feathers

The most popular decorations for aquarium manicure are rhinestones and glitter. Different sizes of these elements may look different on nails of different lengths. For short natural nails, it is better to choose small rhinestones; on artificial coatings, more daring experiments with the size of rhinestones are possible.

Rhinestones in aquarium manicure

Sequins can be used as independent or additional decorative elements. Their different sizes, colors, shapes can create the desired effect and do not require a large thickness of gel polish applied on top.

Glitter in aquarium manicure

Manicure with feathers is not so popular, but it looks very impressive. It is convenient to use feathers in design on artificial nails. Their color and size can be different; they complement such nail art with sparkles, designs, rhinestones, etc.

Manicure with feathers using aqua design technique

3D effect with dried flowers

Small dried flowers can also be placed on the nails and create real ikebana designs on them. Twigs, small leaves and buds, or just petals can be useful to create a three-dimensional effect. But this does not mean that at the first opportunity you need to run to the field for flowers. The necessary elements of dried flowers can be found in any beauty boutique.

Lace

It is possible to use real lace in manicure if you work using the “aquarium” technique. Pieces of woven material can be used both on all nails and selectively, complementing them with rhinestones, sparkles and other related decorations. For natural nails, it is better to choose ultra-thin lace or even find an alternative in the form of stamping, stickers, etc.

Shells

In the form of shells and starfish, you can often find acrylic modeling: from acrylic it is convenient to create small-sized elements so that they can be conveniently used in design. Natural material can be used in the form of shell chips or small specimens that can be found on any sea coast. It is recommended to use this decor on artificial nails.

What kind of design is there?

There are many ways to perform aqua manicure. You can highlight either a few accent nails or all five on each hand. For those who are truly bored by everyday life, you can make an unusual jacket in the form of imitation animal fur or something else - it all depends on your imagination and taste preferences.

Techniques that are at the peak of popularity:

• painting;
• modeling;
• acrylic drawings;
• glitter compositions;
• combinations of stones, pearls and broths, dried flowers.

Aquarium glitter

A very bright and fresh idea in aquarium nail design is the use of glitter.

Sequins give the image on the nails an excellent sparkling effect, which looks elegant during the day, and at night, under artificial lighting, it looks festive and mysterious.

You can safely experiment - add glitter, create ombre with smooth transitions, etc. Suitable for any nail length.

For which marigolds is aquarium design suitable?

Aquamanicure is convenient for long and short nails. Most often performed simultaneously with extensions. The design only seems convex, but in fact it is uniform and does not cling to any third-party surfaces. The interior design is covered with a layer of acrylic, which is why it creates the impression of being under glass.

Extensions

On such nails it is very convenient to create designs in the form of sculpting and drawing. The longer they are, the more space there is for the realization of artistic imagination.

Alternatively, you can use tips if you make it yourself. On a removable plate, abstract motifs will be more neat and well-drawn.

Short

For short periods, aquamanicure will act somewhat differently. An already short nail will appear smaller, and the visual volume will hide the length. Therefore, the build-up still needs to be done, at least small.

When choosing an aquarium design, you need to approach the style very carefully. Carnival or too pretentious will be judged by outsiders as a sign of bad taste. Besides, you yourself will soon get tired of it.

Aquarium manicure using gradient technique

The basis of the gradient is a smooth transition from one shade to another, and in design, as a rule, two or more shades are used. In the original, this technique looks very attractive and expressive, can be used as an independent design and goes well with various types of decor. As for the combination of a gradient with an aquarium design, such a proposal looks unusual and will definitely appeal to fashionistas who love to combine all the most unusual things. Gradient stretching in aqua manicure is used as a background on which the master will gradually lay out jewelry or apply drawings. However, this fact does not mean at all that a gradient without additions and decorations will look less attractive in an aquarium design.

Step-by-step algorithm for nail art at home

You can implement the idea yourself only if you have all the necessary materials and tools:

• Ultraviolet lamp;
• gel base;
• gel for foundation;
• primer;
• color gel;
• top gel;
• colored paints;
• brushes, dots;
• decorative material.

It is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of actions and the required time in the drying lamp. Only in this situation will the result please you. Your hands will look very stylish and young.

Acrylic powder and nail sculpting

You can sculpt anything - any objects that correspond to a given theme.

To make the manicure harmonious, it is recommended to paint the edges of the nail in the color of the sculpted objects for design.

Acrylic powder perfectly complements massive decorative elements on nails - it can shade or saturate the entire image without distorting the color palette.

The use of modeling and powder is only suitable for long acrylic or gel nails - on short natural nails it will look too massive and convex.

Aqua manicure design with gel

The tools you need to prepare

• colorless gel;
• household UV lamp;
• primer;
• materials for work: sparkles, rhinestones, dried flowers and whatever your heart desires;
• nail polish remover;
• lint-free wipes;
• files for filing.

Sequencing

• Step 1. Give the nails the desired shape.
• Step 2. Degrease the surfaces of the plates.
• Step 3. Apply the first layer (primer), dry for 2 minutes.
• Step 3. Apply the 2nd layer, but now with gel (not thick).
• Step 4. Before it freezes, quickly lay out the planned composition. For the inexperienced, you can limit yourself to simple sparkles. As your skill level increases, your motives can become more complex.
• Step 5. Place the nails in the lamp and dry for the same 2 minutes.
• Step 6. Apply another layer of gel. It should completely cover the decorative elements. To check this, look at the surface from the side by raising your hand. We also dry everything for 2 minutes.
• Step 7. All that remains is to remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth moistened in liquid.
• Step 8. Cover everything with colorless varnish. We moisturize the cuticle with oil or nourishing cream.

It is recommended to use this method for those who have at least the slightest idea how to work with gel. Or those who constantly go to salons and know by heart what the master does, why and how.

Fashion trends in 2022

Aquarium design has always been in trend since its inception. This is due to its ability to harmoniously fit into various new techniques, enhancing their effect on the nails.

The popularity of different aquarium options varies depending on the time of year:

• In summer, bright shades, shimmering sparkles, sea and fruit themes are more popular.
• In spring, delicate manicure options with dried flowers and butterflies are popular.
• Shades of red, burgundy, and yellow gel polish are in demand in the autumn months. Twigs and leaves of dried flowers look very aesthetically pleasing in such designs.
• The shimmering winter theme looks relevant in the cold season. Designs with a New Year theme look especially fabulous. As a rule, they depict Christmas tree balls, voluminous snowflakes, glasses of champagne and other holiday attributes.

Aquarium design is not the easiest manicure technique possible. It requires minimal skills in working with shapes and artificial material on nails.

The same aquamanicure, only with varnish

The tools are the same as in the previous description, only instead of gel we take varnish. The algorithm of actions is the same. You cannot dry the varnish in a lamp, so we wait until it dries naturally.

There is no difference between these two methods, except time. The first one is done much faster, drying is carried out better. After the latter, the coating is very durable and difficult to damage.

In the second, drying the varnish takes a lot of time. After completing the last step, the finish cannot be said to be strong. It takes several hours for it to dry completely.

Shell aquarium on marigolds

Most often, nail shells are made from acrylic - this is a practical and versatile material.

In addition to acrylic, you can make shells from natural shell chips or from artificial ready-made decor.

Due to the volume and richness of the composition, it is advisable to use shell nail design only on long extended nails.

Combined with French

You can decorate your nails using the aquarium technique in any way you like, and in each individual case you can get pretty gorgeous results. Including French style.

For clarity, let’s look at a few successful projects:

• An original idea for summer, made using fimo on a fruit theme.
• The nude background with rhinestones and sparkles looks laconic. This design can be a worthy addition to any bow.
• A voluminous motif using dried flowers with glitter will not leave romantic natures indifferent.
• Look how beautiful and elegant a floral-themed jacket looks, decorated with almond-shaped bouillons.
• Translucent with printed printing can liven up the most boring image.
• Another variation of the French coat using colored sand looks very original and feminine.
• Small shells and sparkles, neatly drawn with a brush - an ideal marine theme, appropriate for a summer holiday.
• An original traditional jacket, decorated with a floral accent, will completely complete your evening outfit.
• Sequins and helium detailing in a delicate color palette will add femininity and sophistication to the image.

The video will tell you how it all looks with your own eyes.

Matte manicure

An aquarium design on nails using a matte top creates an extraordinary effect. After its application, the previously completely transparent material visually resembles foggy glass. Designs with stretch marks of a different color look especially expressive.

By stretching we mean applying gel polish or other material until it completely disappears. The color is applied in a middle layer, after which the material is gradually stretched towards the edge. Moving away from the site of initial application, it becomes thinner and more transparent. Depending on the desired result, stretching can begin either from the cuticle or from the free edge.

Craftsmen often frame such designs with designs made of rhinestones and stones, dried flowers, sparkles and shimmer. A similar effect looks very summery with fimo decor. These decorative elements, made in the shape of fruits, are located in transparent material.

After coating with a matte layer, a glossy top coat is applied pointwise at the decorative locations. Creates the effect of a foggy glass with ice and fruit.

Ideas for Perfect Nail Art

A few simple, fresh ideas for stylish aqua decor.

Flowers

One of the trending trends is floral themes. The motifs turn out to be truly dazzlingly beautiful, voluminous, and delicate. This decor seems to breathe femininity.

But this is how they look on nails of medium length and elongated. This effect cannot be achieved on short nails.

Sequins and glitter

Sparkling decor is always a win-win option for an evening outfit. They can be used to decorate any length of plates. Glitter can be mixed with different shades.

This technique is especially relevant when performing the ombre smooth stretch technique. You can mix different tones, but the most universal choice is the pastel group.

Foil

An ideal material for creating an amber jacket. Manicure foil is freely sold in stores and is inexpensive. Together with it, acrylic powder can often be used in decoration; it forms the surface of the newly extended nail plate along with the base coat.

Foil, if it is in the form of a sheet, is cut into small pieces and laid out in the desired shape, motif, design.

Fimo

This is a polymer based clay. The most popular component in aqua manicure design. Most often, summer versions of ideas are made from it, which is why clay has such a multi-colored, rich and bright range.

Compositions are formed by thinly sliced ​​elements. To ensure that the particles are securely fixed, not one, but several layers of transparent gel are applied on top of them. And due to the fact that fimo is a very fine material, it can be used to play with reverse French manicure and French manicure in any way you like.

Broths with sequins

When choosing them for decoration, it is very important to take into account color, shape, especially size. Sequins are good for decorating with a marine theme.

The broths are fixed with several finishing layers of gel, since they are very voluminous. They can be easily combined with glitter.

General recommendations

Since ancient times, stones with insects and plants frozen in them have been highly valued. Thanks to the use of transparent or translucent materials in the nail industry, it has become possible to repeat this effect on nails.

Giving wide scope for experimentation, this technique has formed a whole direction in the field of nail art. All design elements are sealed in the middle of a transparent material, which visually resembles an aquarium.

Photos of examples of aquarium design on nails can be seen further in the article.

It gained its popularity due to many factors:

• universal;
• applicable to decor of any nature;
• harmonious in both pastel and bright shades;
• performed with any hard material (gel, acrylic, acrylic).

Nail technicians love aquarium design because it can be perfectly combined with other types of techniques:

• modeling;
• patterns;
• foam manicure;
• gradient;
• French

The complexity of performing such a manicure largely depends on the chosen design and skills in working with materials.

Features of artificial material used for aquarium equipment:

Material	Texture	Features of application
Acrylic	It is a finely ground powder of various shades.	It gains plasticity due to the use of a monomer. Dries in the open air, does not require polymerization.
Gel	Thick or jelly-like mass. Self-leveling depending on thickness.	Does not require additions. Polymerizes in a lamp.
Polygel	A mixture of acrylic powder and gel.	The most dense material. Distributed with a brush dipped in a special liquid. Polymerizes in a lamp.

Today, the most popular are gel and polygel. However, due to the heat generated during polymerization, discomfort may occur. For thin and sensitive nail plates, you can use acrylic.

A few recommendations from reputable experts

It takes a lot of time to create the technology we are considering. And everyone who sets this goal wants the result to last as long as possible.

Before you start learning and working, try to remember the following:

1. It is highly undesirable to use hand cream before the procedure. This will negatively affect the coupling.
2. When degreasing, use exclusively lint-free wipes. Lint is more likely than any other reason to lead to peeling or cracking.
3. If the paint is poorly pigmented, it will look dull and unnoticeable. Too rich and bright will negate tenderness and sophistication.
4. It is better to select the color of the material for work that is similar or contrasting to the palette of the evening dress. It is not recommended to choose the tone-on-tone option.
5. The number of crystals, stones and voluminous sparkles must be chosen carefully. Sometimes it happens that they are completely out of place in the overall picture. Under a transparent layer, kamifubuki will look more advantageous.
6. In order for the manicure and bow to merge into a single harmony (for a very important event in life), it is better to choose the design to match a specific outfit, jewelry or handbag. This way it won’t look too flashy in the overall picture of the bow.
7. To prevent the length of short nails from seeming even shorter, choose discreet and not too voluminous motifs. And then, you don’t need to design all the short plates the same way. Accentuate just a few fingers.
8. To make your manicure last longer, protect it from too aggressive environments and frequent temperature changes.

If you want to make a voluminous aqua decor, remember a few important nuances. Anything you plan to glue to the top gel layer will touch third-party surfaces.

To level this out, you will need to apply several layers. This will significantly thicken the nail plate. Too thick nails do not look very neat, to put it mildly.

Before “hanging” something on your nail, think (or better yet, imagine in your mind) how it will look later and whether these elements are appropriate. Be beautiful!

Options with patterns and designs

An aquarium design on nails allows you to capture a piece of nature. It is precisely because of the desire to make the design natural that craftsmen use drawings and patterns that are similar to those existing in nature.

The most popular of them are:

• scales, fish, algae, waves;
• flowers, branches, plants;
• fruits, berries;
• insects
• snowflakes.

The nautical design theme is especially popular during the holidays. The easiest to draw are algae and scales. Flowers using the Chinese painting technique look incredibly beautiful under a layer of transparent material.

Sometimes craftsmen create an aquarium by applying transparent material only to the drawing. Three-dimensional images of fruits or insects stand out on the matte surface.

To complete most of the listed drawings you will need artistic talent, skills in using a thin brush, and a palette of necessary shades. Not every master has the professionalism to perform complex drawings, let alone beginners.

Benefits of aqua nail design

The popularity of aquarium nail design can be explained by three main points:

• Practical . The pattern is internal - therefore there is no wear, it does not interfere and does not deteriorate.
• Comfortable . Regardless of the volume of the design elements, the nail is still smooth.
• Durable . Such nails will remain almost like new for 3 months - the design will not deteriorate in any way, because thick layers of gel prevent it from abrasion or deformation.

Broths and sequins

When choosing this decor, first of all you need to pay attention to its shape and size. For example, starfish or golden shells are much easier to attach if they have a flat surface. When using broths, it is necessary to cover the nail with several layers of gel. You can safely combine sequins with sparkles; they can be used to create any patterns and designs. You need to be able to use such decor in accordance with the theme of the design. For example, for floristry you can safely use broths; for sea manicure, stick to shells and stars.

Basic rules: how to maintain the beauty of your manicure

Properly decorated nails look stylish and bright, but even the most beautiful manicure can go bad if you don’t take care of your nails. There are several rules that will help preserve the finished design for a longer time:

1. Step-by-step photos of aquarium nail design may suggest that before starting extensions, it is necessary to degrease the surface of the nail. For this reason, the use of hand cream is strictly prohibited. The moisturizing composition will fall on the surface of the plate, which will ultimately lead to poor adhesion of the material to the nail plate.
2. If possible, degrease the surface with a napkin that does not have small lint. If even one lint remains on the surface of the nail, it can completely ruin the manicure. As a result, the coating will quickly begin to crack and peel off.
3. When selecting a range of varnishes to create a design, it is necessary to take into account the combination of shades with clothing. You should not use too bright colors for patterns so that the finished design does not look pretentious. But it is also better not to use overly faded shades, as this will make the manicure invisible.
4. For an everyday image, it is not recommended to choose art with an abundance of various sparkles and rhinestones. Too many decorative elements make the manicure too bright and repulsive. A bright and original design is best used for special occasions, such as a holiday or celebration. Otherwise, you will have to constantly hide your chic manicure from prying eyes.
5. The coating can be destroyed or damaged if it is frequently exposed to temperature changes, as well as exposure to chemical compounds. If a girl has a job in such conditions, then it is better for her to refuse this manicure. At home, you will have to wear protective gloves when washing dishes and cleaning.
6. It is best not to create such a manicure yourself, as this work is quite painstaking. It is recommended to entrust the work to a master who knows his business. You should not skimp on materials, in this case the design will last longer.

You can consider interesting options for creating aqua design in photographs. There are very original and simple ideas for decorating marigolds using floral designs and unusual patterns. For variety, it is worth decorating the nail plate with foil or gold leaf; it looks stylish and attractive.

A professional can also offer several unusual solutions that the lady may like. Don’t shy away from unusual experiments and combinations of interesting shades.