Leafgel Educator Yuki shows just how elegant a French pink ombré design can be, right here at Zillabeau!

With a huge boom in the last ten years for ombré gel nails, mastering ombré gel designs is definitely a nail artist’s need these days.

At Zillabeau, we’re here to offer help and advice so your ombré nails can reach that magical, mysterious allure that the classic French ombré look has always had.

There are different ways nail artists like to apply gel polish for their favorite results! Each have their own styles of application, for the most comfortable and effective method of making sure that top coat lands just right!

3 Ways To Apply Ombré Gel Polish!

There are three primary ways to create the ombré gel nail design! Each gel nail technique may have different results, depending on how comfortable you feel about each process.

A rule for these techniques is that the darker color should usually be applied less than the lighter color.

Vertical Brush Techniques

The application of a gradation brush for gel polish on a nail is one of the most trusted approaches for ombré designs.

Cutting an ombré brush vertically to make the hairs more sparse is a popular technique, which allows for more control in the middle of the design! 

If an ombré or gradation brush is not available, you can use a flat brush too, cutting and thinning the brush’s hairs if necessary.

Brushing vertically is based on tapping where the colors of the two gel polishes meet in the middle of the nail, allowing for a slow but sure process. 

Use a top coat before curing, and continue for 1-2 more cycles. 

Horizontal Brush Techniques

 

This process is so similar to the vertical brush technique! However, instead of using the brush to paint along the length of the nail, you’ll be using the width of the nail instead. 

Horizontal brush techniques require more of a blending motion, making sure the movements eventually leave no streaks behind. 

This technique is sometimes considered the most quick process, although it depends on the colors used. 

It is recommended to repeat this cycle at least one or two more times, just like the vertical brush technique. 

Using A Sponge

Using a sponge has been a key staple for ombré gel nails.

The sponging method has always been the most popular with traditional nail polishes, but nail artists still can use the sponge technique on gel polish for a comfortable way to create their designs!

This method usually involves painting the three shades of color onto a sponge, usually a wedge, and then dabbing it onto the nail! Tapping it onto the nail in small and patient steps is very important, as you allow the color to slowly build into an ombré design.

Cleaning your sponge with an adhesive like tape is preferred, to make sure no stray hair or debris is caught on the sponge.

Don’t rush to get the colors on your nail! Slowly allow the colors to be dabbed onto the nail. Don’t let your patience fade!

Remember using sheer nail polish will take a while longer too.

Tools for Ombré Gel Designs

Zillabeau is here to make sure you have all the supplies you need before diving into that gel design! Even if you’re trying out ombre nails for the first time, or DIY, the easy process for ombré nails requires only a little bit of practice and patience!

You’ll need:

• Base Gel
• Top Gel
• Three Shades of Color Gel
• Sponge
• Scissors
• Acetone
• Barrier (Optional but preferred!)

Here at Zillabeau, we’re always finding new ways to provide the best information and inspirational guides for nail artists around the world. With our Professor Zilla section, we update our website with the newest trends and most trusted techniques today!

We also offer a wide range of educational seminars & classes, with master educators from Korea and Japan to provide insight and expert guidance on Japanese potted nail gel, nail parts application, and so much more.

Stay tuned for more on ombré, nail art, and our favorite nail art projects all year-round. We’re the largest Korean nail shop in the U.S. and offer the leading Korean and Japanese brands from Leafgel, Fiote, F Gel, TINY, and more.

Come again soon!

-Z.