Spectacular, bright and not regular manicure - every girl's dream. Well-groomed hands and nails are business card that every woman is proud of.

There are many techniques and methods of drawing a picture. You don't have to go to expensive beauty salons to show off an original design. Sponge manicure quite simple and you can easily master it yourself at home.

Technique for applying varnish using sponges or sponge is relatively new and provides more possibilities for creating artistic drawings. The sponge provides effects and shades that cannot be obtained with a manicure brush.

Necessary materials

First you need to decide what shades will be used for the picture. For summer manicure you can use brighter colors: orange-yellow, peach-coral, black-green, violet-blue and pink-white.

In autumn you can use chocolate-golden, black-brick and brown-emerald combinations.

For New Year's manicure use blue or silver colors, and in the office a combination of beige, milky, beige and gray shades will be appropriate.

The main secret for a successful manicure with a sponge - very smooth transition between shades.

So, to create a drawing we will need:

  • a sponge or sponge for applying a small size pattern;
  • nail polish remover;
  • manicure supplies;
  • several shades;
  • wooden cuticle stick;
  • hand bath;
  • foil or a piece of cardboard that will not absorb the varnish;
  • and cuticles.

How to create a manicure with a sponge?

Consider two options for creating a manicure with a sponge step by step.

The first way:

  1. Remove the old coat with nail polish remover if necessary, reshape the nails and adjust to size.
  2. For 10-12 minutes, alternately lower your hands into the cuticle softening bath.
  3. With a wooden stick, carefully from the edge of the nail and carefully cut it along the entire contour.
  4. Dry your nails well, this is necessary so that all layers lie evenly and without defects.
  5. Now you should apply the base under the varnish and dry thoroughly.
  6. Apply a base tone to the nail plate.
  7. Apply a small amount of sponge varnish to the pieces of foil.
  8. Neatly Dip the tip of the sponge into the desired tone and apply to the middle of the nail.
  9. Without waiting for this layer to dry, immediately dip the second sponge in a different tone and press it against the top of the nail. Follow so that the layers are approximately the same width.
  10. The surface of the nail has become slightly rough. To smooth it and make the transitions smoother, apply clear varnish to the surface of the nail.
  11. Remove unnecessary nail polish from your skin and apply hand cream.


Second way.
Remove the polish and do your regular manicure. Then apply the base polish to your nails to even out the surface.

Apply two or three tones of varnish on foil or cardboard in small strips. Important so that there is no free space between the stripes.

Use a stick or toothpick to gently blend the shade borders by 2-3 mm, not more. Dip the sponge in all three shades at once to make it striped. Press the sponge against the nail and hold for a little to brighten the shade.

You can repeat this procedure two to three times. Wait until it dries and apply clear varnish to the nail and "Drying" for nails... Then remove excess polish and apply hand cream.

Advice to create a manicure with a sponge:

  • carefully select shades, all colors should be in harmony with each other;
  • lighter at the base of the nail will look more impressive, and the darkest at the tip;
  • do not apply too much varnish on the sponge, it will drain and dry for a long time;
  • There should not be too many layers of varnish, it is optimal to use 2-3 shades;
  • to protect the skin of the hands, it must first be lubricated with cream or sealed with protective strips.

For interesting and unusual pattern, you can use gel varnishes, transparent coatings, sequins, rhinestones and various decorations. The sponge pattern can be combined with various patterns and monograms.

For example, small dots on the border of flowers will look beautiful, the tips of the nails can be decorated with small silver or golden sparkles to match. It would be appropriate to create "tiger stripes" or "" on the tips of the nails.

Very impressive the "rainbow overflow" looks when the corresponding shades are applied not horizontally, but vertically. Moreover, the last shade on one nail and the first on the next should be the same. This creates a stunning blend of colors. It is especially effective to use this option for relaxation and a bright party.

For everyday use perfect fit"French" manicure, when only two delicate shades of pastel, milky white or pink-smoky tones are used.

Sponge manicure- a wide selection of colors, textures and materials.

Show your artistic imagination and find your own individual combination of colors and textures. Follow our guidelines carefully and you will quickly learn how to create this simple and spectacular manicure.

Watch the video instruction on how to easily and easily make a manicure with a sponge:

Girls who do their own manicure are always looking for ways and means to speed up the process of creating an original design. One of the universal and simple ones is the technique of its implementation with a sponge. It will simplify the job of coloring your nails and save you time and money as much as possible. To work, you will need a minimum of tools and materials, you can show imagination by using a combination of colors.

Features of performing a manicure with a sponge

Before you start to create a unique nail design, you need to decide on some nuances regarding which nail design with a sponge is suitable for a particular life case:

To perform a manicure with a sponge, you will need the following materials: a sponge for manicure or sponge; surface, which will not absorb varnish(foil, stoneware, non-sticky side of the tape), several varnishes.

Execution technique

After the craftswoman has decided on the peculiarities of the technique and color solutions, the question arises: how to make a manicure with a sponge efficiently and quickly? The work on creating a manicure is carried out in several stages:

The procedure for staining nails with a sponge or sponge does not require special skills; any girl can do it. Using this technique, the varnish is convenient to apply even with the left hand without much effort.

Secrets of manicure technique and design

Depending on the method of creating the gradient, the method of applying varnish to the nail is determined. Each method has its own nuances, considering which can be improved quality of manicure and service life.

Secrets and nuances of performing a gradient:

A sponge manicure will be a simple solution for those who value time and want to get original design manicure. By following the tips for creating a gradient design, you can get a unique result.

The most common manicure, for the creation of which they resort to a sponge, has a name. His main feature- smooth transition from one shade to another. A similar gradient is possible both horizontally and vertically.


In order to decorate our marigolds with such a charm, you will need:

  • sponge (too soft can complicate the process, due to the rapid absorption of the varnish);
  • varnishes of various colors (it is advisable to use varnishes, the consistency of which will easily and without problems lie on the nail plate)
  • fixer (to create an even structure, without roughness and irregularities);
  • film or oilcloth (for applying varnish layers);
  • nail polish remover;
  • in some cases, a pin or toothpick.

Coming to work, combine varnishes of two or more shades on an oilcloth, simply by applying them in layers. To make the transition smoother, you just need to shade them at the border of the transition (this is where you need a pin with a toothpick). Dip a sponge into the varnish, apply it to the nail so that the varnish completely covers it. If the sponge absorbs the varnish too vigorously, and the other is not at hand, soak it in water and squeeze it out, this will make your job easier. Then use a fixer and use a nail polish remover to get rid of excess polish around the edges of the nail.

A lighter version can be made by first applying the main color, and after it dries with a sponge, add another. In this case, the transition will not be smooth enough, but if you take black or blue as the base color, and apply light tones such as gold or white with a sponge, you can get quite interesting options... A kind of dark firmament dotted with stars or a blue sky with soaring snowflakes. For such a manicure, choose a sponge that is more rigid and the more uneven its structure, the better.

Other sponge manicure options

  1. Halloween lovers can complement their look thanks to a sponge Simply by applying on a black base varnish, scarlet spots with a sponge. Another little tip: dark tones will be more appropriate at the base of the nail plate and will help to visually lengthen your nails.
  2. With the help of a sponge, they also make drawings characterized by a branched, dotted structure, for example,.

In conditions of a severe lack of free time to visit salons, women often try to get a manicure at home. The easiest way out is regular nail polish. But you want something unusual, interesting and original.

Today you will learn how to do beautiful manicure using a sponge at home, without visiting the master. This is one of the methods of gradient manicure or, as it is also called, ombre.

Gradient coloring of the nail is a smooth flow of one color into another, without visible clear boundaries. The sponge can be successfully replaced with a cosmetic sponge and, having the desire and patience, proceed with the procedure.

Required tools and materials

To get an exclusive manicure using a sponge, you will need some manicure supplies:

  • a high-quality base that can protect the nail plate from the effects of varnish;
  • several varnishes selected for creating a manicure, different colors;
  • fixer;
  • manicure set for putting nails in order;
  • palette for mixing varnishes;
  • a piece of tight sponge or cosmetic sponge.

And, of course, an idea for creating a unique nail design. With all these accessories, you can get to work.

The most important nuances of gradient manicure

When creating an ombre manicure, you should take into account some of the features of its creation. You need to use a sponge, after moistening it with water and squeezing it well.


The hardener must be applied to the not yet completely dry gradient, since the porous sponge makes the varnish layer uneven. The surface may remain rough if not smoothed out with a clear coat.

For each individual marigold, a new palette of varnishes should be applied to the sponge.

To create a gradient of one color different shades white varnish can be used as a color thinner.


It is very responsible to approach the choice of varnish. Liquid varnish will be absorbed into the sponge, and too thick will not form an even surface.

Preparing nails for ombre manicure

Prepare nails in the usual way.

  1. The previous manicure is removed. The way to remove old varnish is determined by the availability of manicure supplies.
  2. Excessively regrown cuticle is removed.
  3. The file gives the desired shape to the nails. It should be borne in mind that long fingers with narrow nails fit rectangular nails, and short fingers - a pointed shape.
  4. The hands are washed to remove the remnants of the cut nails.
  5. Each nail is treated with a degreasing agent for better fixation of the base on the nail plate.

If you have no experience with applying a gradient, it makes sense to practice a little, even on plain cardboard, to achieve the desired result.

Easy Ombre Technique for Your Nails

The nails are prepared, and you can proceed to the main stage - creating a gradient manicure. On a damp sponge or cosmetic sponge, several varnishes are densely applied in a vertical or horizontal direction (whoever you like) in a sequence thought out ahead of time.

The sponge is sealed to the nail, covering the entire surface as much as possible. For each subsequent nail, the varnishes on the sponge should be refreshed so that the coating of the nails is of the same saturation.

Incompletely dried varnish is covered with a transparent fixer. This will lengthen the lifespan and a fresh look of your manicure while also smoothing out any irregularities in the color left by the sponge.

It remains to carefully remove the rest of the varnish from the skin around the nail. A cotton swab moistened with nail polish remover is perfect for this.

A wonderful manicure, created at home, is ready to delight its owner and delight others!

A more complex gradient manicure method using a sponge

More complex is the method using up to 5 different colors or shades. To do this, place a small amount of varnishes of the selected colors on the palette in the desired sequence so that they touch each other.


Very carefully, with a needle or wooden stick (you can use a toothpick), mix the contacting parts to get a smooth transition from color to color.

Dip a sponge or sponge in prepared varnishes and seal to the nail plate. Clean the painted skin around the nail with nail polish remover.

Cover dry painted nails with a fixative, not forgetting to seal the nail cut.

Photo selection:




How to make a gradient for short nails: a step-by-step workflow

An excellent option for short nails will become a gradient from vertical stripes... Soft transitions from color to color, made in the vertical direction, will visually lengthen the nails and give your hands grace.

Short nails with ombre manicure in light pastel colors look advantageous, especially in shades of the same color.

Video gallery

Seeing the wonderful gradient design of nails, girls think about the independent embodiment of such beauty on own hands... This will help a simple and clear instruction describing how to make a manicure with a sponge. Fortunately, you can get an ombre effect at home without going to a salon. By applying one of the two methods proposed in this article, you can get a result that is on a par with professional manicure... Prerequisites for the correct execution of any manicure are the presence of at least a little experience in this area, ideally well-groomed hands and healthy nails. The creation of a beautiful gradient composition on nails is unthinkable without a sponge. A surprisingly pleasing to the eye iridescent transition is formed due to a smooth blurry flow of one color into another. This effect is achieved by simple manipulations. Two well-known methods are outlined in this article.

Gradient manicure

Stage 1

Make sure the foreground colors in the gradient are at their maximum brightness and saturation. For this, a substrate is applied - a monochromatic coating. In this case, a thick, snow-white varnish is well suited. If the consistency is liquid, you will need a double or triple layer. Normally, white varnish can be replaced by an analogue from the flesh scale, only on it the result will be paler. The selected varnish, white or flesh, is applied to the dried base coat. This layer should be smooth, so it will be more convenient to work with a sponge.

sponge for varnishing and toothpicks for mixing colors

basic light pink coating

Stage 2

Having picked up 2-3 colors of varnish, you need to pour each of them in a strip onto cardboard or foil. The borders of multi-colored varnishes will need to be gently mixed with small movements a toothpick. Some home craftsmen use a failed disk as a palette. Dip a sponge into the fresh rainbow mixture and press it repeatedly against nail plate... Increasing the number of applications increases the brightness of the gradient nail design. It is important to apply light pressure to prevent accidental absorption of the previous coat of varnish. Having done such a manicure several times, it will be possible to mix varnishes without cardboard or a piece of foil, applying colored stripes directly to a pre-moistened sponge.

two contrasting colors from the pink range

when mixing varnishes, a beautiful transition color is formed at the border

a test touch with a sponge produces a harmonious two-tone impression

from the sponge, the varnish is transferred to nails light horizontal movements

Stage 3

On top of the applied gradient, you will need to apply a transparent varnish. It is necessary to have time to apply a transparent layer before the color composition has dried. The overlay of a transparent layer is required to smooth out the resulting roughness after exposure to the sponge. Together with such processing, the result will look neater.

initial rough result

finished composition coated with finishing transparent varnish

Stage 4

The final step is rubbing the skin near the nails. A cotton swab soaked in liquid without the inclusion of harmful substances and designed to erase varnish will help. Traces of a rainbow accidentally hitting the skin should be completely removed, without touching your nails. It will be much easier to wash the varnish from the skin if you pre-treat your fingers with a cream of a greasy consistency. For those who wish to perform ombre manicure without similar side effects it is recommended to close the rollers on the sides of each nail with tape. This little thing makes homework with nails faster and easier.

in the final, traces of varnish are removed from the skin

gradient in red and burgundy tones

contrasting black and red

Ombre manicure

The previous instructions describe how to do a sponge manicure, but some do-it-yourselfers use an alternative method. In this case, the creation of a gradient transition is also done by touching with a sponge. A slightly different technology takes place here, but the multicolor result does not disappoint anyone either.

in gentle green tones

The first layer is transparent varnish. White base not required, instead, a colored varnish is applied. For novice DIYers, we recommend the pink pastel option. The layer must be completely dried. After making sure that the color layer is completely dry, you need to take a sponge and apply a different color to the center and along the edge of the nail, avoiding touching its base. As the next color, for example, yellow pastel is good.

with ombre effect

After waiting for these strokes to dry, you will have to use a sponge again, this time you will need to give the very tips of the nails a different color, which will be the third in this masterpiece. As an example, you can safely consider a turquoise pastel varnish. Fix the resulting three-color painting by applying transparent varnish.

in shades of gray

A win-win ombre manicure suitable for different life circumstances is extremely easy to master, so beginners can fearlessly study it from scratch. Even after analyzing theoretical materials, it is impossible to clearly understand how to make a manicure with a sponge, the fact is that you cannot do without rich practice. Only if you have experience in creating color transitions and their correct shading will you be proud of the rainbow result of working with nails. Girls who are good at the first or second described techniques apply a couple of colors at once to the sponge, transferring the colors to the nails quite deftly.

ombre two-tone

The first method is somewhat different from the second, not only in the features of the application, but also in the result of the manicure. The first method creates a color transition characterized by blurred smooth edges; and the second method gives a clear, sharply contrasting fusion of adjacent colors.