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How to Do Gradient Nails

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do gradient nails

How to Do Gradient Nails

A basic technique used in a lot of nail art designs! Everyone who loves doing their nails should know this easy nail design AND it's great if you're looking for something different than a solid color☺

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Step 1 of 8
Gather your materials! (See supplies list) this will work well with a shiny, matte, or glittery top coat :) I'm doing a pink gradient here.

Gather your materials! (See supplies list) this will work well with a shiny, matte, or glittery top coat :) I'm doing a pink gradient here.

Step 2 of 8
Clean nails and base coat, of course πŸ’…

Clean nails and base coat, of course πŸ’…

Step 3 of 8
Apply one coat of white polish. It doesn't have to be opaque, just as long as the surface isn't bumpy. This will allow the colors to show up more vibrant!

Apply one coat of white polish. It doesn't have to be opaque, just as long as the surface isn't bumpy. This will allow the colors to show up more vibrant!

Step 4 of 8
Apply the three nail polishes from lightest to darkest :) I'm working with an old makeup powder sponge and I just cut it up in a little rectangle. Make sure not to put on too much or too little.

Apply the three nail polishes from lightest to darkest :) I'm working with an old makeup powder sponge and I just cut it up in a little rectangle. Make sure not to put on too much or too little.

Step 5 of 8
DAB it on all the way horizontally, don't press it on. The gradient works so much better this way!

DAB it on all the way horizontally, don't press it on. The gradient works so much better this way!

Step 6 of 8
Messsssy!

Messsssy!

Step 7 of 8
That's why Q-tips dipped in polish remover are your best friends here :)

That's why Q-tips dipped in polish remover are your best friends here :)

Step 8 of 8
Top coat! I used a shiny one as you cal tell lol. Here is the finished product! I alternated the gradient on each finger. Hope you liked this simple, easy & basic guide. Good luck πŸ’…

Top coat! I used a shiny one as you cal tell lol. Here is the finished product! I alternated the gradient on each finger. Hope you liked this simple, easy & basic guide. Good luck πŸ’…

You're Done

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Start Over

320
12 Comments
Supplies
Embed

Nail polish remover

Q-tips

White nail polish

3 Nail polishes that will transition well together

Base coat

Top coat: shiny, glittery, matte

Makeup sponge

April Burroughs

Pretty and cool

April Burroughs 2 weeks ago

Katy Writter

Cool! I don't have sponges do cotton ball stuff work?

Katy Writter 3 months ago

Allyssa D πŸ“

Thanks Mel! I just saw this comment, I usually just put the white on the bottom to help the lighter colors pop out more :) I've done it without the white base and it came out alright still :) but yes there are many ways to do gradient nails, just do it the way you can :)

(author) 10 months ago

Mel M

@alysa It could be any color. Ive don't gradient with just two colors and total opposites like neon yellow faded into gray. Just remember to dab. Very nice color combo, think I will try this next

Mel M 10 months ago

Alysa Ward

I love it! The only thing is I do not have a white polish so do you have to put the white or can it be a different color?

Alysa Ward 10 months ago

Brooke Biltoft

Love it!!!

Brooke Biltoft 10 months ago

Allyssa D πŸ“

Good idea :) I never tried that because it always looks pretty good even though I did it after I did all of my nails.

(author) 10 months ago

Ellie Kneeland

I found everything blends & is smoother if you add top coat after dabbing each nail...cuz they're still a bit wet/tacky.

Ellie Kneeland 10 months ago

Emma Kahlke

Yep!

Emma Kahlke 10 months ago

Allyssa D πŸ“

@Emma all that matters is that you saw it today! Hehe :) @Justine I will try my best to recreate it :)

(author) 10 months ago

Justine2707 Chimmy

Nice :)! Will try next time :)! Can you make a guide of your eye make up as in your profile pic?

Justine2707 Chimmy 10 months ago

Emma Kahlke

I wish I've seen this yesterday, I tried on my own and it ended up being just plain stripes. ):

Emma Kahlke 10 months ago

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Allyssa D πŸ“

Definitely! :)

(author) 10 months ago

Ellie Kneeland

I just did this today...definitely be sure to dab dab dab & not press (like a rubber stamp).

Ellie Kneeland 10 months ago

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