Q&A for How to Do Ombre Nails

Absolutely! Start by applying a base coat, followed by a white polish which helps bring out the colors you’re using for the ombre. Lay two colors on a triangle makeup sponge so that they’re almost overlapping and then press the sponge onto your nail a few times. Continue pressing the sponge until it’s blended enough for you. It’s very important to finish with a top coat which helps with any bubbles that can form.

You simply add a third color to the sponge and make your stripes of nail polish thinner.

The sponge they're using here is a makeup sponge (or cosmetic wedge) and you should be able to find it wherever makeup supplies are sold. Some dollar/pound stores might have them too. You can use any sponge though, but ones with air bubbles leave a less smooth result.

You can, but the result won't be as nice. Because of the texture of the sponge the two nail polish colors nicely fade into each other, which is difficult to create using a tissue. The tissue might also stick to your nail.

No. It does not work as well with gel because it is so thick.

Wash it off once your nails are dry; you might have to rub a bit though. You could also dip a q-tip in some nail polish remover, and use it to wipe the excess nail polish off.

Yes you can. You can use a eye shadow sponge brush, or you can paint on the ombre.

Yes. You may need to use thinner layers on the sponge, or even cut the sponge thinner, if necessary.

You may want to try putting the colors closer together, almost on top of each other. Also, don't forget to roll the polish before sealing with topcoat! Alternatively, you could try buying a softer sponge, or try thoroughly washing the one you currently use.

Yes, but your nails have a greater chance of being stained or damaged by the polish.

Normally, you would throw the sponge away. However, consider cutting off the top layer of the sponge that's covered in nail polish, and reuse the sponge when you want to ombré your nails again.

First you paint the sponge. Then you press the sponge (the side with the paint on) on your nail.

Yes, but it may be a little bit messy (on the skin). It will still work on the nail, though.

The brand doesn't matter all that much. You want the polish to be of fairly thin consistency. Consider getting a nail polish thinner if you think it's necessary. However, I love OPI, Essie, and Sally Hansen's quality, and I use these most often for ombré nails.

Yes you can.

You'll need to work quickly -- you can't leave the polish sitting on the sponge for more than a few seconds or it will begin to dry. You can also dampen the sponge slightly to keep the polish wet for a longer amount of time.

No, because with the holes in kitchen sponges, you run the risk of having an uneven application of color.

If your sponge absorbs the polish, then get a dense makeup sponge or put more on and apply the polish quickly. Remember, the sponge will only absorb the polish if you give it time. Alternatively, use a thicker polish with a higher viscosity so you have more time to apply the polish.

You could, except that the cotton ball's fibers might get stuck on your nail.

The polish will dry on the sponge, and since you can't clean the polish off, you'll ruin the expensive sponge. Beauty Blenders are also rounded, so you'll have to really roll it over your nails. I would recommend using disposable cosmetic sponges so that when you use it, you can just cut off the polish-stained side and reuse it.

You can try to layer on rows of different colors on the sponge and start dabbing it. You can also get it professionally done on your nails.

You can get it at a store like Target, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. It's a makeup sponge, so look in the makeup sections.

Yes, but it can also be referred to as ombre, like the hairstyle. Ombre and gradient mean the same thing.

You can! If you have eye shadow, you can use your finger to make an ombre effect on your nails. If you want to use polish for your ombre, make two puddles of polish that connect on a surface that you don't care about (could be a yogurt lid, sandwich bag, plastic wrap, sheet protector, tinfoil, whatever). Take a thin fan brush, dip it in the polish (half the brush in one color and half the brush in the other color), and sweep it over the nail to create the smooth, blended color in the center to transition from one color to the next.

It's a clean up brush dipped in acetone.

Keep painting the sponge with the colors. For one row of color, apply a bunch of strokes (not too many or the color will go everywhere). Then reapply again before the next row.

You should wait for it to dry first. Also, do not press too hard when dabbing the sponge.

Yes, but make sure it all fits on your nail!

Yes. After you make the ombre, cure it under the lamp. It doesn't matter what polish you use.

Yes, you can! It's easier to use glitter polish than loose glitter because it's faster and less messy, but use whatever you have.