Nail grading, also called ombré, is a nail polish technique where two or more colors are blended smoothly on the nail, creating a gradual transition between them. It’s like a blurring where you don’t notice a transition between colors.

Products required

1. Prepare the nails

Start by trimming and filing your nails to give them the desired shape. Next, clean each nail with nail polish remover, even if they have no polish on them. This will remove any impurities, grease, or residue. If you want a more polished look, gently push back the cuticle with an orange stick or Cuticle Remover.

2. Apply the Nail hardener

Apply a thin coat of Nail Hardener from the middle of the nail outwards, and allow to dry completely before proceeding.

3. Base Color

Apply a layer of the lightest nail polish (like a nude color) on all of your nails. This shade will serve as a background for the gradient and make sure it is even.

4. Create the Ombré Effect

Use a makeup sponge to apply two swaths of polish: one of the base shade and one of the lighter shade. Press the sponge onto the nail so that the colors blend in the center. If you need to make the colors more intense, repeat this step. Let it dry.

5. Apply top Coat

Finally, apply a layer of Fast dry top coat. This step seals the design, adds shine, protects the color, and makes the paint dry faster. Apply it over the entire nail, and let it dry completely.

Recommendations

  1. Use polish that combine well with each other, preferably within the same color range or with a good soft contrast.

  2. Apply thin layers to make blending easier and avoid thick or cracked polish.

  3. Use new or clean makeup sponges to avoid mixing old colors.

  4. Work quickly but calmly, as the polish may dry on the sponge before applying it to the nail.

  5. Protect the skin around the nail with petroleum jelly or latex to make cleanup easier.

  6. Allow it to dry completely between coats, especially if you apply it again with the sponge to make the color stronger.

  7. Don’t use the Nail Hardener daily, as it might cause discomfort on the first time you use it. Only use it once a week.