Updated by Alyssa Bueno on October 29, 2024 If you're looking for chic French nail designs to wear, then Ombre Nails should be on your list! Ombre nail colors are irresistible; you're probably seeing this nail trend all over your social media feed and can't wait to try your hand at this technique. Don't worry; we'll guide you on how you can nail and slay the Ombre nails. What are Ombre nails? Beauty enthusiasts definitely have heard about Ombre hair. It's when the shades or patterns vary from light to dark or vice versa. Now Ombre nails are all the rage, and they look so pretty! The word Ombre is of French origin, which means a color with a shaded tone or varying tones. The beauty of the ombre nail colors is that they are a classic nail staple, and it's flexible since they can be monochromatic, analogous, or blend matching colors where they meet in the middle. Is Gel Polish compatible with Easy Ombre Gel or Acrylic? Yes, the Easy Ombre Gel may be used with any Gel or Acrylic powder of your choice. On the other hand, Dip is the preferred method to use with powders. What kind of brushes should I use to apply Ombré Nails? Our Ombre Brush is available; another brush you can consider is our Dual Oval & Ombre Brush since it is also a great alternative. How to do Ombre nails? What you'll need: • Easy Ombre Dip Gel• Dip Powder (two different colors)• Ombre Brush• Dual Oval & Ombre Brush - iGel Beauty• Top Coat Step 1: Prep your nail Before anything else, the first thing you have to do is to always prep your nails. Since it will be the base and foundation of your nails, you can read our nail prep starter guide to learn more about prepping your nails. If you're using acrylic powder, Don't go overboard with the buffing. If the surface is too smooth, the gel won't stick to the powder and will peel off. The rough surface helps the gel adhere to it. Step 2: Apply your base color Apply your base color with dip powder; you can read our guide on dip powder nails to refresh your mind. Once you applied the base or your preferred dip powder, buff your nails and dust them off with your favorite dust brush. Step 3: Apply the Easy Ombre Gel Apply one coat of Easy Ombré Gel. Then, flash cure each nail with the Ombre Gel for 10 seconds with the Hybrid Pro (kindly note that it may take a little longer with other lamps). You can read our blog about the common gel nail polish mistakes you should avoid when applying the gel. Step 4: Dip your nails in Clear Dip Powder This is optional, but you can quickly dip your nails into clear dip powder. The clear powder helps the color blend nicely by adding to its clarity (especially in the faded area!). However, if you would like a more opaque texture, you may opt to skip step 4. Step 5: Apply the second color Using a round brush, pick up the dip powder of choice (a different color) and gently dap it from tip to midline. For best results, use a gradient so you can see the smile line. To build up the more translucent layers in the center of your nail, reapply the powder you tapped off with a brush. Step 6: Repeat the process (Optional) If necessary, you can repeat step 5, if you're still unsatisfied with the consistency. Step 7: Cure each nail The next step you have to do is to cure each nail. Keep in mind that the cure time depends on your nail lamp. Here’s the general rule for curing your nails: Cure Time: LED (30 seconds), UV/LED (60-90 seconds), UV (2 minutes) depending on lamp wattage. Step 8: Use a Top Coat End your nail process by applying a Top Coat to make your Ombre nails last longer. Don’t forget to cure once done. If you’re using acrylic powder then you can use our Dip & Dap - 4 Top Coat. If you’re using gel then we recommend our No Cleanse Top Coat. Note: If you’re sneezing and having an allergic reaction to dipping powder, you can read our guide on nail dip flu. You can watch other Ombre nail tutorials and demos on our iGel Beauty Facebook page. Join our online community to learn more! Alternative method for you to apply ombre nails: Step 1: Paint Paint the bottom half of the cuticle area with a gel polish color of choice, but stop at the midline. Afterward, take a different shade of gel polish and paint the upper portion of your nail from the midline to the tip of the nail. Step 2: Gently blend Use the ombré brush to blend the center of the colors gently. You may also use a sponge to dot the center where the two colors meet slowly, combining the colors. Step 3: Apply Top Coat We highly recommend using the No Cleanse Gel Top Coat for a shiny finish. You may also use the iGel Matte Top Coat. Note: Building an apex must be achieved before step one when using this method. This alternative method may be easy. However, the sponge might not bring out a smooth texture and cause uneven layering. How to remove Ombre nails? Step 1: Soak your nails The amount of time you need to soak your gel polish in acetone depends on the thickness of your gel polish. You can try soaking your nails for a few more minutes if they're stubborn. You should use a cotton bud, Q-tip, or other acetone-safe remover if you utilized stones or charms that could be damaged by the chemical. Step 2: Moisturize Nourish Oil should be applied to your nails at this time to keep them healthy. Use a soft buffer to rub away any residual polish gently. You can have fun with this nail technique since you can do a variety of styles, from Ombre Nails with glitter to natural Ombre nails. The sky's the limit when it comes to this nail art. If you want to learn more about Ombre Nails, you can check out iGel Beauty's Instagram or Facebook community.
