Gel polish ideas for short nails. Nail designs with gel polish for beginners

Every woman wants to be attractive, that's why appearance must be impeccable: makeup, hairstyle, clothes and of course manicure. The most optimal option for beautiful nail design 2019 is a fashionable gel polish manicure.

Benefits of gel polish manicure

In addition to the fact that this is a very attractive manicure, it can serve as a decoration for your nails for a long time, up to a month. There is no allergic reaction with gel polish manicure. It can hide imperfections on your nails without irritating you with a pungent odor. Can shine brightly in any lighting method. A gel polish manicure will create a variety of flawless looks using different styles and will delight you with its original design.

Thanks to a variety of techniques, you can add charm to short nails, diversify medium nails with beautiful designs, and realize exquisite fantasies on long nails. A manicure with gel polish will look great on square, oval, almond-shaped and sharp nails.

Popular techniques for super-fashionable manicure with gel polish

IN fashionable manicure gel polish has not only a bright color palette, but also a variety of manicure techniques.

Classics in a beautiful manicure

Suitable for lovers of laconic restraint fashion design monochromatic gel polish manicure, delicate moonlight options, and the beauty of French weekend and daily manicure.

The 2019 classics feature fashionable pastel, nude shades close to natural tones with delicate options for all occasions. For a festive manicure, you can combine the French technique with a moonlit or plain one. A single-color manicure with gel polish can be glossy or matte, for both short and long nails.

Beautiful patterns and designs on gel polish manicure

Will always remain fashionable and will not lose popularity stylish manicure gel polish with patterns and all kinds of designs for short and long nails. 2019 offers a wide selection of original patterns and all kinds of designs that will decorate the nails of any fashionista. Monogram patterns, artistic painting, stickers are in the trend of the season. The technique of applying patterns using special stamps - stamping - will add sophistication to a gel polish manicure.

A new manicure with incredibly beautiful and light patterns is painting on wet gel polish. A blurry pattern will make your manicure stand out with its originality and stylish design.

Popular matte manicure

The matte effect is quite popular in manicure; it can be performed in different shades, combined with different types technicians. Matte manicure looks great not only in dark and nude shades, but also in bright light, even white tones.

Spectacular ombre manicure gel polish

In addition to the standard ombre manicure, this season presents fashion news manicure gel polish with diagonal and graphic gradient, which will decorate your nails in an attractive and original way.

The beauty of glitter in gel polish manicure

A manicure that is very popular among women “ cat eye", black, green and blue shades look especially chic.

An unforgettable effect will be produced by the new chameleon manicure, which reacts with tints of color to changes in temperature and light.

One cannot help but recall another fashionable manicure, gel polish with craquelure. The unique textured effect of craquelure manicure will give your nails a unique uniqueness.

Original ideas for nail design with gel polish

Are you bored with a monochromatic manicure? A manicure design with decor will give your nails an extravagant originality.

Manicure gel polish with rhinestones

Any manicure will benefit from gel polish beautiful decoration inlays, stones, beads. Nail design with rhinestones is possible on one nail, or on several, or on all, it depends on the size of the rhinestones and the intended composition. For an everyday manicure, a few small stones or beads are enough; for an evening manicure, you don’t have to limit yourself in the number of rhinestones and the originality of the composition.

Manicure gel polish with kamifubuki

A new thing in gel manicure design is kamifubuki, the same sparkles, but larger. It looks like multi-colored confetti, but may not be round. Using kamifubuki, you can create an original and beautiful gel manicure. You can use them to create a beautiful composition by placing them on your nails in any order, you can simply decorate the tips of your nails or one nail and then cover them with a gel topcoat.

Velvet in manicure gel polish

It will help to give your manicure the effect of a velvet coating. acrylic Powder. By creating original velvety designs on your nails, you can design one nail or all your fingers, it all depends on your taste and imagination. Such new products in gel polish manicure look especially good in the cool season.


Gel manicure design is a way of self-expression and decoration of women's hands. To save on regular visits to specialists, you can learn how to beautifully design your nails yourself. Beginners need to know what material to choose, how to create beautiful drawings and what is the difference between gel and plain varnish.

Nail gels vary in purpose. Among them are means for lengthening the nail plate, as well as strengthening biogels that help prevent delamination. The purpose of gel polish is similar to ordinary nail polish - it is used to decorate nails.

The main differences between gel and simple varnish can be seen in the table:

Distinctive features Gel polish

Regular varnish

ApplicationPreliminary preparation of the nail plate is required (filing, degreasing, applying a base).Before you start, just degrease your nails.
DryingDries only under a special lamp for 2-3 minutes.Air dries in 5-10 minutes.
Wearing periodThe manicure remains beautiful for about 3 weeks.Nails look untidy after 2-4 days.
RemovalDissolves with a special liquid in 15 minutes.Easily wiped off with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover.

Another distinguishing feature between gel and regular varnish is cost. Gel polish is more expensive. And since the application procedure requires certain skills, they also pay separately for the services of the master.

Composition of gel polish

Gel polish contains molecules that react and turn into a polymer, that is, they harden. They are called monomers and oligomers. The composition contains special photoinitiators. These are particles that actively absorb UV radiation and help the gel polish become hard.

Also, the gel contains the following substances:

  • solvents;
  • coloring pigments;
  • fragrances;
  • formaldehyde;
  • methylisothiazolinone;
  • dibutyl phthalate;
  • toluene.

The last 4 substances on the list are considered toxic in large quantities and can cause allergies. In gel polish their concentration is so low that it does not pose a health hazard.

Which gel polish is better to choose?

For beginners creating nail designs, it is important to choose the right gel polish. It is necessary to pay attention to the hypoallergenicity of the product and its durability. These parameters are indicated on the packaging. There are several popular manufacturers that have earned the trust of experienced nail artists.

Scroll:

  • Shellac CND.
  • Entity.
  • Kodi Professional.

These gel polishes apply well, have high durability, and are also easy to remove. The color palette of each brand allows you to create any design. For a quality manicure, it is important to choose the right gel and choose good base and top coats. It is recommended to buy products from the same brand as the gel polish.

How to choose a UV lamp for drying gel polish at home

Lamps for drying gel polish vary in power, as well as in the type of light emitters installed inside. Ultraviolet lamps dry not only gel polish, but also other extension products. Models with a power of 36 W are suitable for home use. Such devices have 2 disadvantages. Bulbs quickly burn out and require replacement with identical ones.

Other lamps will not work. UV radiation negatively affects the skin of the hands. After drying, it is necessary to use moisturizing oils and special creams. There are LED lamps that do not negatively affect the skin and dry the gel coating faster than ultraviolet lamps. The light bulbs in such devices last a very long time, and energy consumption is reduced by half.

For home use Devices with a power of 6 W are suitable. The disadvantage of such dryers is their high price.

There are hybrid lamps that contain both types of bulbs. They reduce the drying time of the coating from 2-3 minutes to 30 seconds. Their power is enough to dry any design, as well as gel for extensions.

For home use, it is recommended to purchase small-sized devices with low power. Their cost is low and drying is carried out properly. Large and powerful lamps are needed for salons where there is a large flow of clients. In a large device you can dry both hands at the same time, thus saving time.

What to draw with?

Nail design for beginners will not be particularly difficult. The main thing is to choose the right tools and learn how to use them. To create beautiful designs on nails, masters use special devices, which are discussed later in the article.

Tassels

To create unique designs, you will need to purchase a set of manicure brushes. Each of them is designed to create specific patterns. Thin ones can be used as a French pattern and stripes can be applied. Fluffy brushes are used to create various effects, such as ombre or graffiti.

Dots

This is a tool with a metal tip that has a small ball. It is used to apply smooth, round dots or peas. The shape of the tip allows you to pick up a small amount of polish and carefully distribute it over the nail.

Needles

Thin needles are used to create neat lines. Typically, designs are made from 1 or several small drops of varnish, smearing them in the desired direction. The result is a very unusual effect.

Pieces of tulle

Tulle can be used as a stamp. A small piece is soaked in gel and carefully applied to the nail.

Press the tulle against the plate for 2-3 seconds and carefully remove it. The result is a beautiful “lace” design.

Foil

Unusual patterns are created from foil by gluing small pieces onto the plate immediately after drying. The design is then secured by applying a base coat. You can use regular foil or a special shiny film for nails. There are foil threads and narrow ribbons, which are similarly used in manicure.

Sponge

Using a small piece of foam sponge, you can achieve a smooth transition from one color of varnish to another. Such effects are called gradient or ombre.

Sliders

These are stickers, the design from which can be transferred to the nail plate by moistening the picture with water. Sliders can cover the entire nail or a small part. You can cut out different pictures and combine them with each other. After applying the design, it must be secured with a base.

Powders

Special powders are used both to cover the entire nail and to create beautiful three-dimensional patterns. Powders can be shiny, have rubbing properties, or give the coating a velvety surface.

Training cards, stencils

Training cards are printed stencils on which you can practice carefully applying patterns. The training system is reminiscent of school rules. The card shows a pattern that needs to be repeated. First, they trace the picture along the outlined lines, and then try to draw it themselves. Nail designs for beginners with designs can be difficult to execute.

If you can’t draw patterns by hand yet, you can use special stencils. This method of applying a design is called stamping. A pattern is engraved on the metal plate.

The varnish is applied to the plate and distributed evenly with a plastic spatula. A special rubber sponge is pressed against the plate and then against the nail. The design is transferred to the nails like a stamp. All that remains is to dry it and seal it with the final coating.

Step-by-step gel manicure for beginners

Regardless of the design, gel manicure must be performed strictly following the sequence of actions. Before applying the gel, it is important to prepare each nail by applying a base coat. Then distribute the colored varnish correctly and secure it well with topcoat. Below is step by step description each of these stages.

Applying base coat

Before applying the base, you need to treat the nail:

  1. The plate is given the correct shape and the cuticle is carefully pushed back or cut off.
  2. A thin layer is removed from the nail using a coarse-grained buff. It is necessary to give the plate a matte surface. Do not press the buff too hard, otherwise you may injure the nail.
  3. The dust is swept away with a brush and the plate is degreased with a special product.
  4. If your nails are thin and bend easily, then you need to apply a primer.
  5. The base coat is applied in a thin layer from the edge of the nail to its root, and then from the cuticle towards the edge.
  6. The coating must be dried in a lamp.

Nail designs with gel polish for beginners begin with applying a base, as in the photo.

In UV lamps the drying time takes 1 minute, and in LED lamps it takes 10-15 seconds.

Applying gel polish

Colored varnish is applied in 1 layer to obtain a translucent color.

For a rich color you need to apply 2-3 layers:

  1. Application begins from the middle of the nail at the bottom, smoothly moving upward.
  2. When painting the sides of the plate, it is important to ensure that the gel covers the surface completely, without gaps.
  3. Each layer of gel polish must be dried in turn for a minute. In an LED device – 30 sec.

Particular attention should be paid to the last point. If you do not dry the layers and apply more varnish, the coating will swell or crack.

Applying top

The final coating is necessary to securely consolidate the result:

  1. The top is applied in the same way as colored varnish. The layer should be a little thicker.
  2. The ends of the nails must be completely sealed.
  3. The coating is dried for 2-3 minutes. In LED lamp 30 sec.

The top coat gives nails strength and shine. To achieve a matte effect, you can purchase a special finish or use colorless powder.

Simple and beautiful nail design with gel polish for beginners

Nail design for beginners should be easy to do. You can learn to create simple drawings, which are the basis for creating more complex patterns. Below are descriptions of the most popular nail design options.

Dot patterns

The dots can cover the entire surface of the nail or form a specific pattern.

Patterns are applied using dots onto a dried base or onto a colored layer:

  1. Select the base color of the nail suitable shade varnish for dots.
  2. The instrument is placed into the open bottle after pre-treating it with a degreaser.
  3. To get a big point. You need to submerge the entire tip in the gel. To create a fine dot, just touch the varnish with a ball on the end.
  4. The dots are pressed against the nail for 1-2 seconds, the varnish flows off, forming a perfectly round spot.
  5. The pattern is dried in a lamp for 1-2 minutes.

To set even points. You need to practice on plastic tips or training cards.

Hearts using a toothpick

You can draw mini hearts on your nails without using brushes:

  1. Using a dot, place 2 drops of gel on the dried base, placing them at the same level, close to each other.
  2. Use a toothpick to carefully connect the drops in the middle, leaving two round tops.
  3. Towards the bottom of the drop you need to stretch it a little to get the end of the heart.

The drawing needs to be dried in a lamp and secured with a topcoat.

Drawings using stencils

Using stamping is considered one of the simplest design options:

  1. Select a pattern from a plate with drawings and fill it with gel polish.
  2. Using a plastic spatula, remove excess from the plate.
  3. The silicone stamp is pressed tightly against the design, and then the design is transferred to the nail.
  4. Dry the layer in a lamp.

It is important to work with the stamp carefully, preventing it from slipping either from the plate or from the nail. Otherwise the drawing will be smeared.

Abstraction

The most popular type of abstraction on nails is brush strokes:

  1. On the dried base you need to apply small strokes in different directions using a flat brush.
  2. If you are planning a pattern of several colors. Then the strokes of each color are dried separately.

Abstraction can be done using foil, stamping and self-adhesive strips.

Stickers

To transfer a design to a nail, you need:

  1. Apply base and main color.
  2. Peel off the film protecting the sticky layer from the sticker.
  3. Place the slider in the desired part of the nail and press gently.
  4. Place some water on the sticker and press it down gently.
  5. Remove the slider after 1 minute.
  6. Secure the design with a finishing coat and dry it.

There are non-transferable sliders. They are simply placed on the plate and secured with topcoat.

Nail art geometry using tape

Geometric patterns are easy to create using tape:

  1. The adhesive tape is cut into strips or other shapes.
  2. Glue pieces of tape onto the dried 1st layer and cover the nail with varnish.
  3. Remove the tape with tweezers and dry the coating in a lamp.

If the varnish applied over the tape is liquid, then it is recommended to dry the nail for 15 seconds and remove the tape.

Broken glass

This effect is achieved using foil:

  1. The material is cut into small pieces.
  2. “Glass” is laid out on the dried base.
  3. Cover the plate with a finishing coating.

They sell pre-cut pieces to create this effect.

Painting Watermelon with a brush

This summer manicure is very easy to do:

  1. Red is chosen as the main color. The layer is dried.
  2. The French is painted in green and dried again.
  3. The border between red and green is emphasized with a thin white line.
  4. Black gel is used to add dots that imitate seeds.
  5. Dry the layer and secure the design with a top coat.

Can only be used green color in 2 shades and draw stripes, like on the rind of a watermelon.

Gradient

The gradient can be made using a foam sponge:

  1. A light gel polish is applied and dried as a base.
  2. Apply 2 colors of gel to the sponge.
  3. Using wetting movements, the colors are transferred to the nails.
  4. The colored layer is dried and then the base is applied.

It is important to choose matching colors.

Lunar manicure

This effect is very simple. On the main color, using a brush, draw an even hole near the cuticle. You can use different colors, the main thing is that they match.

Monograms

This is what we call ornate patterns. They are applied using thin brushes. Before creating such a design, you need to practice using stencils.

French

French is called French manicure. It will be difficult for beginners to draw it smoothly, so it is worth purchasing special templates. French can be not only white, but also colored, shiny or black.

Flowers

To draw a simple flower, you will need dots and gel polish in 2 colors:

  1. Dots apply a central drop onto a dry base. This will be the middle of the flower.
  2. After cleaning the instrument, dip it in a different color and place several drops around the first at the same distance.

The flower petals can be left round or stretched to the sides with a needle.

Decoration

You can decorate a gel manicure in different ways. It all depends on the skills and imagination of the master. The most simple ways to give your nails a beautiful look are described below.

Rhinestones

The rhinestones are placed using tweezers onto the damp base coat. You need to gently press the jewelry onto the nail for 1-2 seconds.

And then dry it in a lamp. It is important to use only special rhinestones for nails so that they do not become deformed when drying.

Acrylic powder or sand

Using powder and sand, you can give the surface a rough appearance or, conversely, add shine. Depending on the desired effect, the base is applied on top of the jewelry or under it.

Sequins

Sequins come in small and large sizes. The smallest glitter looks like powder. It's called rubbing. They are applied with a brush onto a dried base. The result is an interesting mirror surface, which is additionally secured with a top coat. Large glitters are placed on the nail using tweezers.

Openwork

You can achieve an “openwork” effect in 3 ways. You can use tulle, stamping or sliders. Everything except the sliders must first be dried and then covered with the final layer.

Removing gel polish

Gel polish takes longer to remove than regular polish.

This procedure requires a special liquid, foil with sponges and 15 minutes:

  1. Sponges are soaked in nail polish remover and applied to the nails.
  2. Fingers are wrapped in foil to prevent the liquid from evaporating.
  3. After 15 minutes, remove the foil from 1 finger and remove the varnish with a wooden spatula.

It is important to remove the foil only before removing the varnish. If you remove it from all fingers at once, then while cleaning one, the rest of the varnish may harden.

Nail design is easy to learn. Beginners need to practice more and constantly improve their skills. Gradually, creating a beautiful manicure can grow from a hobby into a profitable business. The main thing is to follow all the rules for applying gel polish and choose quality material for work.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about gel polish design for beginners

The easiest nail designs for beginners:

GEL POLISH FOR SHORT NAILS: FASHIONABLE IDEAS FOR STYLISH NAIL ART

Decorating natural nails with a minimum free edge length is both practical and elegant, as well as comfortable for a woman of any age. The short length of the nail plate corresponds to the main manicure trend of the year - the trend towards minimalism, naturalness and naturalness. Contrary to the misconceptions of skeptics, “zero” nails provide the master with no less wide scope for creativity than extended peaks, stilettos, etc.

Today we will tell you about the most suitable color scheme for gel polish design for a minimum length, select the TOP 10 spectacular and trendy nail outfits according to the latest ones, and teach you how to properly care for short nails before and after a manicure with gel polish.

Short nails: why are they fashionable?

The choice of nail length in current realities is dictated by many factors. Long extended nails have long ceased to be an attribute of a trendy girl. And fashion guidelines in general have shifted towards healthy image life, simplicity and functionality, which are embodied by marigolds of minimal length.
Stylists, fashion designers, craftsmen nail service put forward many arguments in favor of natural (“their”) nails with a small free edge length. Among the most significant reasons to choose mini nails are the following:


Photo by: @hercupcakeglitter/@iriri_nails.zt

  • Easy to care for. Short nails are much easier to maintain in a neat, aesthetic and healthy condition. In addition to the cost-effectiveness of consumables, we should not forget that such a length responds more actively to various conditions. Nails of this type are less prone to various aesthetic defects (delamination, the formation of spots and cracks, etc.), and do not require the use of expensive procedures for healing and restoration. This means they cost their owners significantly less than extended or ultra-long “claws.”
  • Convenience at home. Well-groomed and strong, beautiful and durable short nails are more resistant to accidental impacts on household utensils and furniture, and are less likely to cause creases in tights when hastily getting ready for work. They are also more in demand by young mothers, for whom safe and competent baby care is most important than pretentious length and abundance. And finally, for many professions, long nails are simply contraindicated for safety reasons, as well as for hygienic and aesthetic reasons.
  • Relevance according to current nail trends. A manicure for a minimum length is completed much faster and easier than voluminous and sophisticated decoration of long nails. And this is important for a girl who leads an active lifestyle, works a lot and manages to devote time to her figure in the gym.


Photo by: @lera_nails_207/@banana.nailss

Such decoration of your hands will once again emphasize their beauty, grace, youth, and will not distract all attention to yourself. The minimum length will organically fit into any outfit, will not look provocative and will not require significant tricks so that the created design and shape do not look disharmonious, taking into account your age and social status.

  • Ease of mastering design with durable polymer coatings. More and more girls prefer decorating their nails at home, selecting the necessary materials and materials for creating a manicure in online stores. The industry of virtual training in hardware manicure and pedicure and the creation of various trendy nail looks is gaining momentum. And almost any course begins with the basics of working on short nails, which are simpler and easier to properly process before applying a decorative coating. Accordingly, you can with greater confidence guarantee both yourself and your clients (if you are a “home” master) the long-term durability and durability of a particular design.
  • The short length is simply created for decoration with shellac (gel polish). And indeed it is. This coating can give everything that any girl craves. Become the main decoration of the appearance as a whole, allow thin and brittle nails under the strong “armor” of gel polish to strengthen and heal, becoming more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing on their own, even without a manicure. Gel polish on short nails will be the best option for girls who want to gradually grow their nail plate. It is also the right choice for ladies who want a chic and elegant manicure, the flawlessness of which you don’t have to worry about for up to 3-4 weeks. The reason for such a successful combination of length and coating lies in the fact that gel polish is not only very durable, but also elastic material. With a minimum length of the nail, the free edge is either practically absent or also very short. Therefore, when it is bent, shellac does not crack or chip, demonstrating excellent durability.


Photo by: @nails_bestideas/@ledina_nails

Gel polish on the nail plate, protruding only a few millimeters, has declared itself as the most functional, convenient, practical, relevant and trendy coating that looks great in any life situation. Color stability in shellac materials, comfort (the correct gel polish design does not weigh down the nails), the ability to try on any fashionable decor on your nails, that special charm, tenderness, femininity and charm that gel polish gives to your hands and determined its demand for modest lengths and classic nail shape.

Minimum length - how to care for short nails with gel polish manicure

This coating does not limit its owner in any way - neither in the choice of colors and textures, nor in the selection of design. Whether the choice of gel polish is dictated by the desire to transform damaged or unkempt nails into neat and healthy ones, or by the decision to simply enjoy the look of a perfect manicure for a long time, in any case, you must adhere to certain rules and tips to achieve the desired result as quickly as possible.
If shellac is needed for the treatment and planned lengthening of naturally brittle and fragile nails, caring for them must begin with the selection of a suitable system for healing nails from the inside. This may be a popular complex, or.


Photo by: @demidovatatyana/@zhdanovaanastasia

Our educational materials will help you choose the drugs you need:

Photo by: @polishpixie92/@so_nailicious

If you want to become your own master and personally decorate short nails, the most important thing will be the correct selection starter kit and the necessary equipment for manicure at home. A good one includes all the necessary accessories and nail care products before and after creating the look. And a high-quality and reliable one will allow you to competently design the nail plate, keeping it neat, aesthetic and healthy between nail outfit changes, and smoothly control the growth rate and formation of the desired shape. And in order not to make a mistake with the selection for both an amateur and a novice nail artist, as well as to master the basics of working with this material, we advise you to familiarize yourself with our reviews and video presentations:

Photo by: @iriri_nails.zt/@kseniyanova_nails

As for the nuances and subtleties of caring for short nails decorated with gel polishes, comprehensive care for the nail plate, cuticle and hands in general will help you get perfection on your fingers and enjoy their beauty right up to correction. The right decision will please your arms and legs to the maximum. Our reviews and educational articles will tell you how to create your own individual program for any season of the year:

Photo by: @so_nailicious

Armed with the necessary knowledge and can't wait to get started? Let's start choosing a new look for your nails by selecting the most advantageous and suitable palette of shades for nails with a minimum length.

Typical colors for short nails

correspond to the leading style in nail design - the course towards naturalness, naturalness and naturalness. Stylists advise paying attention to the whole range of halftones of French manicure - peach, beige, soft candy pink, milky coffee and other pastel nude tones. It can be either matte or matte decor. Coatings with mother-of-pearl are also acceptable. The main thing is that the pearl shine is delicate and restrained. This look will fit perfectly into an office (business) wardrobe and will be an elegant addition to casual style outfits.


Photo by: @annakulbaka_coolnails/@lili.s_studio

It is more difficult to match rich and bright colors to a short length. To ensure that such a manicure does not visually shorten the length of the brushes and does not turn the nails into “pebbles” or “buttons,” you should give preference to a classic square or a soft square. If you're not ready for an explosion of color, opt for soft blue, milky yellow, lavender or dusty purple, mint or pale coral. More daring people can choose a berry-wine color scheme: cherry, scarlet, burgundy. Remember, a deep and rich palette mercilessly reveals the imperfections of the nail plate and hand skin. Don't neglect your daily care and you can easily flaunt your favorite shades!

Those girls who prefer oval and almond-shaped nails should have at least a couple of millimeters of free edge. This shape looks best on the hands of those with wide nail plates. Are your nails narrow and with a pronounced arch? Then it’s worth combining rich and pastel shades in one design (two-color manicure). For example, complement red-scarlet nails with white or beige inserts, and decorate blue, chocolate or black nails with gold or silver patterns.


Photo by: @yulya.nails/@kuzinails

When thinking about what color to paint your nails, remember: if you have a Winter or Summer color type (cold color type), warm shades of coating are contraindicated for your hands, as they will give the skin an unwanted yellowness. It is not advisable for Spring and Autumn girls to choose colors that are cold in range, as they tend to visually age the hands and make them look blue.

What else is important to know and remember when planning to decorate short nails with a stylish gel polish outfit? Remember the tips and recommendations of practicing nail artists...

Fashionable wardrobe for mini nails: what to look for?

In order for your manicure outfit to be as harmonious as possible and give you only positive emotions, we advise you to adhere to the following rules for manicure for short nails:
  • Remember that the health of your nails is more important than the pursuit of fashion. Use only (tools less than 150 grit may damage natural nails with a minimum length);
  • Try to make the design as light and comfortable to wear as possible. Choose dense and pigmented gel polishes that will give a perfectly smooth, non-streaking coating in just one layer. Capricious tones and textures can be applied in two passes, but each should be very thin and well dried in. It is strongly recommended for brittle and brittle nails;
  • Make it a healthy habit to gently push back your cuticles every day during a massage or massage. This way you will achieve several goals at once: over time it will naturally lengthen nail plate, the cuticle will become thinner and softer, hardware and edged manicures will cause less discomfort, the rate of cuticle growth will decrease;
  • The gel should not be applied close to the cuticle (under the cuticle), since as the nail grows, the transition will not look aesthetically pleasing. If you have very slowly growing nails, give preference. Or perform a gradient where the light part of the stretch will be as close as possible to natural color your nail plate. And don’t forget to use it to control cuticle growth so that your manicure looks neat and well-groomed;


Photo by: @amelushkina_nails/@tnlprofessional
  • To ensure that the design on all nails looks perfect, do not forget to coat your thumb nails with gel polish and dry them separately. For beginners, or will be an excellent help;
  • The chosen shellac color and design as a whole should visually make your nails longer. The marigolds are shortened with voluminous large decor, and horizontal stripes are lengthened (or simply);
  • It is preferable to create nail art on short nails with a flat decor rather than a textured one. An excellent choice would be painting, manicure, etc. On a small surface, an abundance of rhinestones or beads will look foreign, while a gentle ombre will create the desired tenderness and femininity;
  • If you are planning to create a patterned image, try to place the elements of the design vertically. Small single flowers or curls are undesirable, as they will simply get lost in the space of the nail plate and will not become stylish decoration;


Photo by: @ulya_kuzmenko/@nails_salongbelladonna
  • When creating a gel polish manicure at home, try to ensure that all nails are the same in length and shape. Otherwise, such dissonance will not add the desired beauty and charm to your hands. An oval nail shape is suitable for short fingers, and a rectangular one for long fingers. A useful life hack for wide nails - paint only the center of the plate, slightly not reaching the edges, this way your nails will look a little slimmer;
  • Don't forget about stylistic harmony. With a short length, a manicure with more than three shades of coating will look pretentious. It is better to put off the multi-color kaleidoscope until the time when your nails under the gel polish barrier get stronger and acquire the necessary strength, flexibility and resistance to mechanical damage.
In order for a short-length manicure to be expressive and neat, to produce a stunning effect, but not to go beyond the bounds of taste and decency, not to take much time, but to look elegant, we recommend that you practice implementing it first on. We present to your attention our stylish selection of simple but elegant nail art, which will be an excellent decoration for short and minimal-length nails.


Photo by: @nailsstudio/@vangogh_nail_browbar

TOP 10 spectacular and trendy nail outfits for natural short nails

Since marigolds with a missing free edge (or its minimal presence) have long become a kind of manicure classic, then for their decoration the best way outfits that meet the spirit of minimalism, conciseness and simplicity are suitable. And we will begin our review with the already mentioned gradient...
  • Ombre design. Gradient nails with gel polish have always been the embodiment of tenderness and grace. Ombre, made using the “lighter color at the base and darker at the tips” technique, not only visually lengthens short nails, but also makes them more even and symmetrical. It is not advisable to mix such an outfit from more than two colors, since due to the small area the transition will be blurry and sloppy. As for the design options - you are free to create any image - be it a gentle, classic gradient from top to bottom or.


Author of the photo: @laki_laki_42 /@pyzhikova_nails


Photo by: @german_irene_nails/@nogti_shelkovo

The undoubted advantage of the gradient will be its ease of execution. Well, if you have just begun to dive into the world of color contrasts, we advise you to arm yourself. With it you can create a stylish and unusual design in a matter of seconds!

  • French (classic, oblique, reverse, art French). French manicure is always on the crest of a fashionable wave. And even the absence of a free edge will not prevent you from showing off in a creative monocolor, duet or even shiny jacket. Diagonal or oblique, triangular or offset, white classic or gothic monochrome - whatever image you want to embody, do not forget about the main rule of this design. Namely: the shorter your nails, the thinner your smile line should be.


Photo by: @beauty_nails_altay/@tior_nails

Lunar images (reverse French) look no less chic and impressive on mini nails. In both manicure and pedicure, the lunula can be colored to a “zero” length in the shape of a circle, oval or square. And even make it shiny (with gel polishes or “liquid foil” biogels from brands,). The second important point to remember is the beauty of the main length of the nail plate. If you highlight only the tip of the nail or the hole with color, hide the imperfections of the natural nail, or. Then your hands will look truly elegant and aristocratic.


Photo by: @dnepr_nail/@iriri_nails.zt

  • Geometry and abstraction. The year 2018 was the high point of all variations of geometric design and expressive chaos. Stripes and dots, waves and rectangles, triangles and blotchy strokes, lines and patterns, even complex contour strokes - anything is possible! If your nail art fits into the concept of “modest grooming,” you can decorate with geometry either 1-2 fingers or all your nails at once. And so that it doesn’t take you too much time and nerves to create a stunning design, you can resort to the help of sliders on water based Photo by: @babanatka/@nail_academy.nsk
    • Painting (floral motifs, story manicure, sweet bloom). Current trends in nail art for short nails allow them to be decorated with various floral patterns and even story pictures. However, there are a few important caveats. Firstly, for a short nail length, you should choose small, uniform, uniform designs (made with stamping or painted on a water-based sticker). Painting with 3D gels (creating bouquets), stretched drawings, and holiday, celestial, and natural theme paintings are also acceptable. Flowers or necklaces, or animalistic images that decorate your hands should not be too small or, on the contrary, occupy the entire nail. Try to maintain a balance between the decor and the part of the nail painted with gel polish (shellac) so that the painting does not look bulky and pretentious.
    • Author of the photo: @chudova_nailart/@beauty_nails_altay
      • Single-color manicure: matte, glossy, sparkling (liquid mica gel polishes, holographic coatings, etc.). Are you for minimalism and modesty? Create elegant and discreet outfits for very short nails in monochromatic colors! It can be either pastel colors or juicy and bright colors. And in order for the design not to look bland and boring, you can use such an interesting technique as a duet of matte and glossy textures (using). Matte can be either a couple of fingers or all nails at once. A velvet silhouette pattern made using . will look especially elegant.


      Save it to your wall ;)

Taking care of hands and nails is one of the most important components of every woman’s life.

For young girls, originally decorated nails are a way of self-expression, and for a mature woman, a neat and up-to-date manicure is business card successful and self-sufficient person. Unfortunately, not all women are lucky enough to have strong, fast-growing nails of the correct shape, so many fashionistas, trying to look attractive, are forced to resort to nail extensions. And one of the most popular ways to create a beautiful manicure is gel design nails – the ideal solution for those who always want to have beautiful manicure and well-groomed hands.


Gel nail design

Advantages and disadvantages of gel extensions

WITH gel nails there are many tales associated. Some argue that their nails stop growing under them, and after they are removed, the natural nail plates take a very long time to recover and grow deformed. The latter are firmly convinced that when exposed to gel nails high temperatures they melt and lose their shape (for example, when cooking or ironing). In fact, a material such as gel has many advantages, including:

  • multifunctionality - the material can be used both to create a regular and French manicure, and for sculpting various decorative elements;
  • absence of allergic reactions and discomfort – provided correct application the nails breathe under it, i.e. air enters them, as well as light and moisture;
  • more natural look;
  • absence of unpleasant odor during the procedure;
  • high level of adhesion to the nail surface;
  • strength, elasticity, pliability to file processing.

In addition, gel nails are able to protect weak plates from the effects of chemical and mechanical environmental factors.

As for the disadvantages gel nails then these include:

  • lengthy process of removing old coating;
  • high sensitivity to sudden temperature changes (cracks may appear, which will require correction to eliminate);
  • extensions using such materials at home are very difficult, since this requires ultraviolet light.

In addition, gel nails are less durable than their acrylic counterparts.

Types of gel nail extensions

Modeling gel nails can occur in several ways. The most common are:

  • type extensions – used in cases where the length of natural nails is very short or the client wants to slightly change their shape. Tips are special plates that allow you to increase the nail to the desired length;
  • tipless extension – applied to natural nails middle length as additional protection.

The gel used in nail extensions is a material that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Exist different kinds gel, depending on which the procedure can be single-phase, two-phase or even three-phase. Also, gels in their structure can be colorless (used for extensions under varnish), natural shade or white.

Gel nail extension technology

The most simple option gel extension is a procedure during which tips are used. It is carried out in the following order:

  • the hands of the master and his client are disinfected, both at home and in the salon;
  • tips of the required size are selected, and it is very important that their width exactly matches the width of the plate;
  • a dry manicure is performed - the cuticle is processed using a pusher, and the edge, which should be at least 1 mm, using a file at an angle of 90 degrees;
  • the top layer of the plate is sawed off using a highly abrasive file, which should be held parallel to the surface being treated;
  • nails are cleaned with a dry brush and covered with base gel, excess composition is blotted with a dry cloth;
  • tips are laid out and a layer of gel on top using a special brush, hands are placed in a UV lamp for 30-40 seconds, while the gel should remain soft;
  • another layer of gel is laid on top, after which the hands are placed on the lamp for another 3 minutes;
  • modeling is performed using a file;
  • Finally, varnish is applied and decorative elements are fixed.

As can be seen from the description, the procedure requires a considerable number of special tools, devices and means, so few women decide to perform it independently at home.

Tipless extensions are done a little differently. The list of mandatory items in this procedure does not include the stage of laying out tips. The gel composition is applied to the entire surface of the nail and, after drying, is also adjusted with a file.

Rules of care

In order for gel nails to retain their attractive appearance for a long time, it is necessary to provide them with competent and high-quality care. When performing certain manipulations with your hands, it is important to always remember that the base is a fairly fragile material, sensitive to shocks and collisions with hard objects.

In addition to providing proper care, gel nails require regular correction, since the artificial nail, as the natural plate grows, changes its position and moves closer to the edge of the finger. Also, we should not forget that extended gel nails are quite sensitive to the mechanical impact of metal objects on them. Therefore, it is recommended to use low-abrasive files to process them.

If there is a need to apply new or remove old varnish, you need to ensure that the products used do not contain acetone. Also, gel nails are sensitive to alkalis and acids, so it is recommended to carry out any household work with rubber gloves. They also do not like staying in salt water for too long, so during summer holiday this kind of extension is not the best the best option for those who like to sit in the sea for hours.

Common Mistakes

Unfortunately, often women who decide to get gel nails are faced with problems such as cracks and peeling at the edges. Why does this happen with a coating that is famous for its durability? Such annoying troubles most often arise due to mistakes made during the initial gel nail extension. The most common errors include:

  • applying too thick a layer of primer (bonder), which is responsible for good adhesion of the material to the natural plate. A thick layer hardens longer, i.e. it takes more time for the polymerization process to complete;
  • the end of the nail is poorly covered with the bonder composition, which leads to its delamination;
  • not very thorough removal of excess extension products with a dry sponge from the surface of the nail at all stages;
  • the cuticle is not completely removed or the dust from the surface is poorly cleaned after sawing;
  • The transition from natural to artificial nails is not smooth enough.

Also, one of the most common causes of premature peeling of the coating or its deformation is a malfunction of the UV lamp and its emission of waves of insufficient power.

This year's gel nail design trends

To always remain fashionable and stylish, it is important to follow the latest fashion trends. What's fashionable in the 2017-2018 season? What new manicure products have the fashion trendsetters prepared for us? First of all, it is worth noting that the most natural form of the free edge is now in trend, so you should forget about the once popular stilettos and overly square edges.

As for the color of a single-color everyday manicure and its intensity, transparent and translucent coatings are now in fashion pastel shades. For an evening out, plum, brown, red and wine shades are best. In this case, the coating must certainly be glossy.

The French jacket, which never goes out of fashion, is always relevant; it can be both classic and bright, extraordinary. For those who want variety, but still in a classic style, a moon manicure is suitable.

Gel nail designs that highlight the ring finger with a different shade, texture or glitter have been very fashionable for several seasons now. You can also combine glossy and matte finishes, thus highlighting one or more fingers.

The system of nail extension using gel coating is quite complex. Therefore, to obtain an ideal result, you will need not only knowledge, but also some experience. With a little practice and learning by heart all the basic rules for creating such a manicure, you can always complement your look with spectacular and fashionable nails.

The concept of “gel polish” includes several components - the main coating, colored varnish and a fixing layer. This is a kind of hybrid of regular varnish and gel. It is usually applied using a special technology to natural nail plates. Gel polish has a lot of colors, which allows you to create different types of nail art.
This product stays on the nails for a long time, has no odor and even helps strengthen the nail plates. All these properties make gel polish popular among many women.

Pros and cons of gel polish coating

The main advantage of this coating is its amazing durability. After the procedure, you can do any household chores - unlike ordinary varnish, the gel does not chip off.

  • This manicure is ideal for those who are planning to travel. Thanks to this, you will not need to adjust your manicure - the coating will retain its freshness throughout your vacation.
  • This type of manicure is perfect for those girls who are hesitant to get nail extensions, but at the same time do not want to do a manicure every day. The gel polish has a beautiful color and lasting shine that lasts for a long time. In addition, this product is odorless and does not cause allergies.
  • Using shellac you can strengthen your nail plates. Therefore, even brittle nails will look very good. Thanks to this coating, you can provide your nails with reliable protection and a beautiful color.

However, gel polish has certain disadvantages. Thus, the technology of its application involves the use of special equipment. Therefore, it is recommended to perform the procedure in a salon setting. If you want to do a manicure yourself, you will have to buy all the necessary materials, and they are quite expensive.
Shellac remains on the nails for a long time, so it is not suitable for girls who want to constantly change the shade and patterns. Removing the coating from nails is also very difficult. To do this, you have to contact a specialist who will select the appropriate products.
If your nails grow quickly, you may notice some growth in the cuticle area. IN in this case the coating will have to be updated. Despite the fact that gel polish has certain disadvantages, many women choose this particular coating to create a stylish composition.

How to do nail art at home

To make a beautiful and durable manicure yourself, you need to stock up on the necessary tools and carefully study the instructions for its implementation.

Required materials and tools

To make nail art, you need to prepare the following:

  • degreaser;
  • file;
  • bond – composition for drying the plate;
  • primer - a composition that ensures good adhesion of the varnish to the nail plate;
  • transparent base;
  • colored shellac;
  • finishing coating;
  • special lamp - this device is used to fix the layers.

Application technology and step-by-step execution

To perform a beautiful and neat manicure, you should follow a special sequence of actions:

  1. First you need to do a manicure. To do this, use a file to shape your nails. You also need to remove the cuticle. To better bond the polish to the nail plate, you should file its surface - this will help make it rougher.
  2. After this, you need to degrease the nail plate. To do this, you need to use special smooth napkins - this will help avoid the appearance of excess lint on your nails.
  3. Now it’s time to start applying additional products – bonder and primer. All these stages must be followed. Due to this, shellac will stick better to the nail.
  4. Finally, the nails need to be coated with a base. It may also include a topcoat - this product is amazingly convenient and economical.
  5. The gel polish itself resembles a regular nail polish. To apply it, use a regular brush. It is very important to try not to leave the boundaries of the nail plate and not affect the cuticle area.
  6. After applying varnish, you should not touch your nails - they should be immediately placed in a special lamp and left for about half a minute. As a rule, such devices are equipped with a timer for a couple of minutes - this is the usual period for polymerization of gel polish, but drying the base requires less time.
  7. Then you can apply the colored gel in 2 layers. It is recommended to do this in a thin layer. An overly thick coating will not be durable. At the same time, you shouldn’t skimp on the varnish either, otherwise you won’t be able to apply it evenly. If you make a mistake, it must be corrected immediately, because the shellac will be liquid before it enters the lamp.
  8. After applying the first layer, it must be fixed with ultraviolet lamp– it is recommended to do this for 2 minutes. After applying the next layer, the varnish must be fixed again. After drying, it is not recommended to touch your nails as they have a sticky surface. In this case, they may accidentally get lint or fingerprints on them.

To make your nail design more interesting, you can use applique. To attach a polymer clay design, you need to use a transparent base and fix the composition in the lamp.

A top coat should be applied over the varnish. Be sure to seal the end. For this purpose, you need to varnish not only the nail itself, but also the cut of the plate. Finally, you should go through the polymerization procedure again. Then you can get rid of the sticky surface using napkins, which should first be moistened in a degreaser.

Finally, you need to moisturize the cuticle with a special oil. This is not necessary, but this procedure will help make your hands more beautiful and well-groomed.

Video: DIY water manicure

To make a beautiful water manicure yourself, you need to cover your nails with a base product and dry it. Then treat your nails with white gel polish in two layers, each of which must be dried. The cuticle needs to be treated with a special film. Then you need to drop white and black varnish into the water, make a pattern with a toothpick and lower each finger there in turn. More detailed instructions are presented in the video:

How and how to properly remove gel coating

To remove gel polish from nails, you need to use cotton pads, which must first be soaked in a special solution. They should be applied to the nail plates, wrapped in foil and fixed in this position for several minutes. Under the influence of the product, shellac softens, after which it will not be difficult to remove.

Do not try to peel off gel polish without first softening it. Of course, it comes off quite easily. However, as a result, unsightly irregularities may remain on the nails, which simply ruin their appearance.

Gel polish nail design options with photos

There are quite a lot interesting options performing a manicure with gel polish. With this product you can get a very stylish and durable nail art that will delight you for a long time.

Lunar nail art

This type of manicure has already become a classic. In this case, the entire nail plate is covered with varnish of one color, and the hole at the base of the nail is treated with a product of a different shade. To choose color solutions, you need to take into account the features of other components of the image. Contrasting combinations of shades look great - for example, black and white. You can also choose more extravagant combinations - for example, black and red.

Classic French

This type of manicure fits perfectly into business and everyday style, as it looks very gentle and neat. In this case, the entire nail plate is covered with varnish in a neutral shade - flesh, beige, pink. In this case, the edge of the nail is made white. It is very important to make this line as neat as possible.

Stylish knitted manicure

This is an excellent solution for the winter season. To choose a suitable ornament, just look carefully at any knitted item - you can give preference to various patterns and weaves. A universal option would be to make a classic braid on your nails. It is recommended to apply the ornament onto a previously prepared base using a thin brush. To perform a knitted manicure, you should use soft pastel colors.

Delicate velvet design

This type of nail design looks very gentle and elegant. To do this, you need to choose a suitable coating and make a drawing. The technology is no different from other types of painting with gel polish. The only peculiarity is that at the end the entire pattern should be sprinkled with velvet powder. After this, it is recommended to gently tap your finger to get rid of excess.

Matte

This manicure looks very stylish and elegant. For its implementation, special varnishes are used, which provide a perfectly smooth and beautiful coating. You can choose a variety of colors - it all depends on the characteristics of your composition.

"Cat-eye"

This type of varnish allows you to get a long-lasting manicure with a beautiful effect. To create such a coating, a special product with tiny metal particles is used. Under the influence of a magnetic field, they line up into amazing patterns that have a 3D effect. Thanks to this, you can get amazing three-dimensional drawings.

Gradient

This type of manicure is very popular and consists of creating a smooth transition between color shades. It can have different directions, but most often girls choose a horizontal arrangement of tones. The application looks very nice different shades one color.