Color combination in manicure photo: how to choose the right colors and decor for a two-tone manicure

What is a color wheel?

The color wheel is a circular model of how shades interact with each other. The circle clearly shows the transition of one color to another, and it is also easy to determine the harmonious combination of colors.

What types of combinations are there?

There are three main types of color combinations, which are based on the placement of shades on the color wheel.

Contrasting combination

The secret of this combination lies in the self-sufficiency of each of the proposed shades. Such designs are often called complex. The brightness of the colors is the same everywhere, but the level of tonality is different. A contrasting two-color manicure looks very shocking and even provocative, but these characteristics do not make it less popular. Purple and orange, turquoise and violet, orange and brown, lilac and blue, red and blue are just some of the original combinations that will be the ideal choice for an evening walk and more.

Nail color features

Many women choose their nail color based only on their taste. Experts say that in this way ladies express themselves through their image. Each color has its own meaning and suits a particular event in life. For example, when working with a strict dress code, it is not allowed to use bright and saturated colors, so pastel and nude tones are coming into fashion.

For a party, holiday, relaxation, for ordinary everyday life - your palette is already selected. The color of your nails is actually very important and the complete completion of your look can depend on it.

The best colors are recognized as a universal group, which allows you to select them for any outfit and for any event.

Manicure color winter 2022

Previously it was believed that in the winter season it was worth making a dark coating. In fact, there are no restrictions, so feel free to choose what you like. One of the most noticeable trends in nail art is bright gold and silver polishes. They immediately transform the manicure and look festive. Therefore, it is ideal for events, parties and other memorable occasions. By the way, you can do it not only with varnish. As an alternative, a manicure with rubbing, glitter or foil coating looks great.

Lovers of a calmer, neutral manicure should opt for a gray design. There are several shades of this range that combine perfectly on the nails. This option looks great in everyday life and is suitable for office work. If desired, it can be decorated with several rhinestones or foil prints.

Blue and blue colors look great on nails as a single-color coating. It is also often used as a basis for knitted and themed designs. Indeed, on the eve of the New Year, many girls choose a more festive, noticeable design. Therefore, rhinestones, sparkles, beads, foil and other decor are more relevant this season than ever.

Undoubtedly, all shades of red will also be in fashion in winter. They are literally created for an original themed manicure. Various New Year's characters, gift boxes, snowflakes and a Christmas tree - all this can be seen on the nails of modern fashionistas. Do not refuse this design, despite the fact that it has been relevant for many years

Combination principles

To create a harmonious design, you need to learn the correct combination of colors on the palette.

This way you can tell the public how good your taste is. The combination is carried out through color wheel schemes. The color palette is publicly available on the Internet and is easy to find. There are several rules to follow when combining tones.

Complementary scheme

There is a very simple scheme that even beginners can follow.

It is necessary to draw a line through the center of the circle, connecting opposite tones. If you look at the circle, purple harmonizes beautifully with lemon, and green with scarlet.

It may seem that such combinations look too bright. However, a colored manicure will turn out to be discreet and feminine.

Analog circuit

Some nail technicians use an analog circuit. You need to connect 3 circles of colors that are next to each other. If you look at the shades that are nearby, they look harmonious against each other.

If you look closely at the circle, you can combine several types of green and one blue.

Green, lemon and dark yellow will look beautiful on your nails.

Some girls choose nail designs that combine several categories of purple and red.

Such combinations are relevant for both clothing and interior design.

Selecting nail polish to match the color of your skin: rules

When you look at a girl’s face, you pay attention to all the lines of makeup and lip color. If the lipstick is chosen poorly, then all the imperfections of the epidermis become noticeable: small wrinkles, tired appearance, excessive pallor. And when choosing the right color, the skin looks perfect. So the color of the nails should also match the color type of the skin.

Manicure with lipstick

There are some rules that should be taken into account when choosing the color of nail polish:

1. If the skin on your hands is pale and blue veins are visible through it, then choose polishes with cool shades of colors.
2. When the veins are green, then warm-colored varnish looks beautiful.
3. When choosing dark colors of polishes and gels, keep in mind that the skin will appear lighter than it actually is.
4. Silver polish or metallic nail paint will make your hands look more tanned.

When choosing neutral shades of colors for varnish, you should pay attention to the fact that it will make your tanned hands look even darker. Therefore, do not paint your nails with too light shades of nude colors.

Which nail polish suits pale skin on hands?

For those with pale skin, it is better to use enamel with pinkish tones for manicure. A wine-blue, pink-blue, brown-pink, icy, sparkling, silver varnish looks beautiful. A frosty, diamond tone is also suitable - take this into account when choosing the color of your nail polish.

Pink manicure with flowers

The main thing is that the hands against a background with a shade of varnish do not look too pale, as all the imperfections on the epidermis will be visible, and the manicure will turn out to be inappropriate.

Which nail polish suits tanned hands?

Choosing a nail polish color for dark skin is not so difficult. Shades of bright colors will look beautiful. It is bright scarlet, rich pink, beige and white colors that look pretty on ladies with dark skin. And nude ones emphasize the dark skin tone even more; if you like such contrasts, then you can use beige and sand varnishes.

Beautiful manicure for dark skin

Mixing colors using the color wheel

The second thing the color wheel is used for is mixing colors to get the desired shade. Mixing varnishes will be problematic - they dry quickly, but paints, gel polishes, gel paints or colored gels mix easily, which allows you to get a large palette and make the desired design.

I have already talked about how secondary and tertiary colors are obtained by mixing. You can always make a color darker or lighter by adding white and black in different proportions. This way you can get colors from one sector of the color wheel.

It is worth remembering that opposite colors on the color wheel can be used in a design, but not mixed together, as this will result in a muddy color that does not look good on the nails.

Current color palette for designs with shellac

The CND company presented shellac for 2022-2023 in the following trendy shades:

• nude: powdery, nude, creamy, soft pink;
• bright: red, Hollywood, Wildfire.

Popular shades of red are Formidable, Tango, Distraction, RoyalRed. Deep black shades, which are used independently or in designs and jackets, as well as rich bright shades remain popular.

Shellac on short nails

On short nails, a plain or reflective coating is often used. A win-win option could be a jacket with a non-standard color scheme or a smile shape, or a reverse jacket.

Vertical or horizontal ombre, gradient, and asymmetry will help make a standard shade more interesting.

Long manicure with shellac

Long nails, including extended ones, will remain popular throughout the season.

The same designs as for short nails will work with them, but the area of ​​the nail plate will allow you to add patterns and combinations. White and black lace look great on nude bases, and the stained glass design is interesting.

Types of manicure with a combination of several colors

When doing a new manicure, we are faced with a choice - which color to give preference to. If this is a manicure with several colors, you need to pay a little more attention to their selection. First you need to decide what type of color manicure you will have:

1. Monochrome manicure. This manicure uses shades of the same color from dark to light and vice versa. Monochrome designs are the most harmonious. With their help, stretch marks and color inclusions are performed.
2. Complimentary manicure. This option is characterized by a combination of sharply expressed color opposites. Contrasts are distinguished: by lightness (light and dark), by color tone, by saturation, by texture (glossy and matte), by associations (protruding and receding, depressing and calming, etc.). When creating contrasting combinations, you need to clearly define for yourself exactly what effect you want to achieve.
3. Similar manicure. In a similar manicure, nails are painted with similar colors of the same group, which are located nearby on the color wheel. It is easier to harmonize similar colors than contrasting ones, but this does not mean that they are always preferable.
4. A universal manicure is due to the creation of a composition of flowers that are appropriate in any combination. These include white, black, gray, beige. Designs featuring these colors go well with almost any clothing, accessories, makeup and other elements of the image. Marble black and white manicure is a great example of this.

How to choose the right nail polish color to match your clothes?

Monochrome shades of varnishes can be used in any season; they will suit different clothes. However, sometimes I would like to change something about myself and get an unusual manicure in a beautiful color.

Manicure under clothes

In summer, clothes are usually bright in color, so it’s better to create a manicure to match the pattern of the fabric, or at least one that blends harmoniously with the material. You can also choose the color of your nail polish to match your accessories, which is even better. But accessories should also go well with things.

• Green nail polish colors, blue, turquoise, lilac will always complement the stylish look of beauties.
• The dark shade of varnish is now actively used, and manicure with rhinestones, stones and other accessories against a dark background looks simply amazing. And it will go with any clothes.
• Nail polish in dark burgundy, brown, and wine color looks graceful. They suit women of Balzac's age more. And they look cute with party outfits.
• If you like a monochromatic manicure, then choose the color of the polish to match the tone of the dress - it will be right.
• A manicure color of coral, yellow, turquoise, pink will go with a green suit.
• When a bright manicure is not appropriate for a business style, then choose gray tones of matte finishes.
• A golden manicure will go perfectly with a red outfit.

Also, a manicure with a golden tint goes well with blue, white, and black outfits. When golden tints are out of place, then choose pink, burgundy, or berry colors. A muted lilac tone will also look great. A black little dress, as stylists say, is a universal outfit; almost all nail polish colors will suit such a dress. Feel free to experiment.

Fashionable manicure ideas with a combination of different colors

With the help of color schemes and different ways of combining colors, you can realize the most creative ideas. Just give free rein to your imagination!

The monochrome design in brown and beige tones suits any situation. It can be both an everyday option and a festive one. The texture of a knitted sweater is very fashionable and looks especially appropriate in the cold season. This “sweater” adds comfort to the image of its wearer.

For gradient nail art, it is best to use colors from the same spectrum of the color wheel. This will ensure that the dark color blends smoothly into its lighter shade. The gradient technique is performed with a special tool - an airbrush, which sprays paint onto the surface of the nail. There is also an easier way to make an ombre transition using improvised means, such as a regular sponge.

One of the newest designs in manicure art is the so-called “diamond” manicure. It refers to geometric monochrome designs. Many fashionistas of different ages combine colors in it to suit their taste. The most common combinations use the colors burgundy and blue, creating diamonds with their subsequent shades up to the lightest - white

The most common version of a two-color manicure is an emphasis on the ring finger or on the ring and middle fingers. Manicurists have been practicing this option for quite a long time, using monochrome, similar and complementary color combinations, as well as design elements.

The combination of black and white colors in clothing, accessories and manicure is considered the embodiment of restraint and rigor. But this universal palette is not always so unambiguous and categorical. Look at these black and white pandas!

The version of an inverted moon manicure with decorative elements is very popular. This design makes it possible to advantageously combine all kinds of colors, textures, and use appropriate additions.

Manicure ideas in fashionable shades for long nails

Space manicure

This is a fashionable version of nail art, in which you can combine several trendy shades at once: pastel, neon, and metallic.

Focus on the ends

On long nails, a manicure with an emphasis on the tips is especially successful. Their shape can be played up in different ways, using the most fashionable shades of the season. For example, neon.

Lunar manicure with pastels

Fill the entire length of the nail plate to the hole with a pastel shade of varnish - let it remain without color. Or, conversely, use pastel on the hole, and refuse color on the length.

Creative chaos

Approach nail art as if it were real fine art. Decorate your nails with strokes of “paint”—colored polish. Let the background be blots of black, gray and white, and complement them with neon splashes.

Rules for combining colors in manicure

The rules presented below apply not only to manicure. They can be successfully used for selecting clothes, makeup, accessories, etc. The basic laws of colorism apply to all this. Anyone who wants to act on instinct and combine any shades they like in their nail art should take a closer look at studying the classification of combinations. Then any completed design will look laconic and beautiful.

Monochrome combination of shades in manicure

Monochrome is based on the principle of selecting several shades of the same color. For example, a combination of pastel blue with a delicate milky base looks great. Or use a more saturated blue in combination with pure blue, indigo.

You should not assume that a design will always look beautiful if you combine several similar shades in it. For example, bright azure color does not go well with blue or violet. It is important to choose shades so that they do not merge with each other or compete with each other. The simplest and safest option is to combine dark and light tones of the same color in one manicure.

Achromatic combination of shades in manicure

An achromatic combination is a combination of two or more shades that are radically different in color. The most famous achromatic combination is black and white. Achromatics also include red and white, blue and white and other combinations.

Achromatic colors are neutral; they belong neither to the warm nor to the cold spectrum, so they can complement absolutely any shade. When creating achromatic nail art, remember that when you combine black, white or gray with other colors, they tend to look much brighter and more expressive than when done alone. If you like contrasts, then choose pure colors without undertones, for example, graphite black, pure almost milky white, red without impurities.

Complementary combination of shades in manicure

Such nail art is dominated by colors that are located on opposite sides of the color wheel, for example, red and green, purple and yellow, blue and orange. You can see an example of a color wheel below, save it for yourself to be guided by when creating a manicure.

The colors represented in the color wheel are self-sufficient in themselves. They do not lose their properties when combined with each other, this is the secret to the success of using a complementary combination of shades. In this case, it is better to combine shades of the same strength. There are four groups of complementary combinations:

• bright colors
• pastel shades
• dark shades
• light shades

Related combination of shades in manicure

A related combination is a combination of shades that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. In this case, you can get a design with either a striking contrast or a very soft combination.

Multi-colored manicure: combination of shades 2022

Despite the fact that it is very easy for specialists to understand color combinations, beginners often have difficulty choosing. Therefore, we suggest considering a variety of combinations that are popular this year.

First of all, we recommend paying attention to the white coating. This is a basic option that allows you to create countless designs to suit every taste. After all, white color goes well with any shades. But it is believed that black, red and blue colors complement it best. At the same time, it can be an ideal canvas for the implementation of various designs. And it doesn’t matter at all whether to apply it manually or using stamping.

The black base color goes well with a variety of options. Nail experts note that with its help it is always possible to create a spectacular, stylish manicure. It is best to combine it with brighter colors: red, pink, purple, blue. This could be a manicure in a geometric style, an abstract design, or an unusual French manicure.

Undoubtedly, this option has long become one of the basic ones. Craftsmen use gray not only as a monochromatic coating, but also to create more original designs. For example, a delicate floral design on a gray background looks amazing. The same can be said about abstract drawing, as well as minimalism. Combine gray with pink, yellow, blue or white and your manicure will be truly beautiful.

Lovers of a laconic finish very often use beige shades as a base. Pastel colors are the perfect combination in this case. And if you complement them with sparkles or foil prints, the manicure will turn out incredibly beautiful and stylish.

Despite the fact that the red color is quite bright, it is especially often used in nail design. It is ideal for an evening out, but at the same time will be a stylish addition to everyday looks. Feel free to combine it with black, yellow, green varnish. As for additional decor, absolutely any option would be appropriate.

Pink color is a very popular solution for manicure. But a lot depends on the shade, which determines the combination with other options. If you use a pastel color, complement it with appropriate options. A brighter crimson shade looks perfect with black accents in the form of a pattern or decor.

Yellow color always makes a manicure more joyful and bright. And it doesn’t matter at all how saturated the shade is to choose. It is noteworthy that it goes well with many colors. Thanks to this, you can make a new design every time. Fruit, floral and abstract designs are popular.

Complex nail design: optimal combination of shades

The easiest way to create a complex three-color nail design is to choose three shades within the same color scheme, that is, use a monochrome combination. A combination of black, white and gray with rich bright tones also looks great.

Another win-win option is to choose three equally spaced shades on the color wheel. This manicure will look very bright and expressive. This combination of shades is called triad. Choose the main shade that you would like to see in your manicure, and select two other colors for it, located on the same circle as the main one. You can see an example of a triad scheme in the photo below.

Fashionable manicure colors spring 2022

Almost every girl has applied a delicate powdery color at least once in her life. Undoubtedly, such a manicure adds sophistication to the image. But this year, milky shades became an alternative. They are relevant in any season, but most often they are used in the spring. The soft pink, translucent white shade looks amazing on any nail length. This is a great solution for important events, weddings and just for every day. A truly universal option outside of seasonality.

Pastel colors also deserve attention in spring. But in 2020, new shades appeared, even more delicate. These include cotton candy, pistachio, sky blue and many others. They combine well with each other, which allows you to create a fairly large number of color combinations in one design. In addition, each shade can be used for a single-color manicure. It is increasingly chosen by modern fashionistas, regardless of age.

Delicate, romantic peach tone is the ideal solution for warm spring days. Choose shades of different saturations to suit your mood. After all, each of them is relevant this year.

Monochrome combinations

Nowadays, there are more than a dozen different colors and shades for creating manicure compositions - from avant-garde to ancient classics. The most popular now is a combination of two colors, when the colors create an original image.

It is difficult to underestimate the combination of colors in manicure, which allows you to get an endless number of shades. Not all young ladies are well aware that with the help of two tones you can create amazing monochrome combinations.

The simplest thing is to implement a composition with a gradient effect, when one color “flows” unobtrusively into another. Such a technique can look very impressive.

Similar results can be achieved using the ombre technique. It has existed for only seven years, continuing to remain a sought-after and popular design option. It is characterized by plastic transitions of different colors from one to another.

The technology is implemented using ordinary varnishes, and rhinestones and sparkles are often used as decoration. The term can also be used if the transition of colors occurs within one nail.

For such compositions, it is recommended to take related shades, which are based on one color scheme. If blue is taken as the base color, then it would be appropriate to use ultramarine, bright blue or light green. There should be no sharp contrast between different colors; one should transition smoothly and unobtrusively into another.

A very useful tool is the brightness of colors, which can be flashy and intimate. Such a layout algorithm can bring the desired effect without any special difficulties or creative pains. It is important to understand your trend, to understand what goes best with the girl’s personality.

The main colors worn are achromatic:

• grey;
• white;
• black.

When creating a composition, they are located in the substrate. Almost any halftone can be added to them. It has long been noticed and tested many times that if basic tones exist, you can create any harmonious composition, and it will almost always look excellent. In the end, even from two main colors, such as black and white, you can create an original, unique design.

Not everyone can perform such “pirouettes”; it requires natural talent, which not everyone has. In such cases, a special table is used, which contains basic templates. They are the starting point for creating your own composition. As an example, one of the most commonly used colors is white.

It goes with almost any color, but three are ideal for it:

• blue;
• red;
• black.

What should the color of fingernail polish go with?

Everything would be simple if, when choosing the color of nail polish, only the tone of the dress or handbag was taken into account. For example, if the dress is red, then the nails should also be red. That's it, the problem is solved. However, it turns out that not everything is so simple. There are some recommendations that you should take into account in order to beautifully choose the color of your nail polish. More details below.

What to combine nail polish with?

Most often, when choosing the tone of a varnish, the color of shoes, handbags and even jewelry is taken into account. It would be appropriate to paint your nails golden under gold jewelry, and under beige shoes, apply sand or beige polish.

A tone-on-tone manicure matched with lipstick looks nice. Many ladies look at this factor when creating a manicure. In addition, finding nail polish in pink, lilac, red and in different shades is not at all difficult. Moreover, there are matte varnishes for lipstick without glitter and pearlescent ones for lipstick with shimmer.

To highlight your beautiful eyes, you can not only do stylish makeup, but also choose a beautiful polish to match your eyes. For brown eyes, you can choose a coffee or chocolate polish; for green eyes, you can choose a sea-green or grass-colored polish. Blue highlights sky-toned or peach nail polish well.

Many still cannot give up the habit of choosing varnish to match the color of things. If you have a plain dress of a bright coral color, you also don’t have to paint all your nails directly in the same shade. For variety, make one nail on the left and right hand with a different shade of varnish, with sparkles or an interesting pattern, and cover it with stones or rhinestones on top. A white dress harmonizes perfectly with a French manicure or with nails decorated with interesting golden and silver patterns.

Beautiful combination of varnish

You can paint your nails to match the color of your smartphone case. After all, a girl’s mobile phone and manicure are always in plain sight. These two factors usually attract the attention of others.

In the summer season, girls wear open-front sandals, so you will need to pay attention to your toenails. It’s beautiful when the manicure and pedicure are the same. It's great that you can choose a wide variety of nail polish color palettes for a summer theme. The main thing is that the color of the nails goes well with shoes, accessories, and clothes.

IMPORTANT: In the event that you yourself cannot choose a certain tone of varnish to match your look, it is better to consult a specialist. Or consult a store salesperson who will tell you exactly what nail polishes are trending right now and select the right option for you. As a rule, professionals work there.

Contrast effect

Two colors can be simple, but the effect of their combination can be very significant. You can combine, for example, blue and green, black and gold, orange and lilac.

Where there is contrast, there will certainly be intrigue. It is possible to find unexpected undertones, for example, green and red. Contrast is also possible in combination with different textures, for example, matte and velvet surfaces look very unusual. Also, any texture can be shaded with sparkles.

In this matter, it is important not to overdo it with varnishes, of which there should be no more than two types. If textures sharply contrast with one another, then this may not always be successful. Usually matte tones look good when combined with wet sand varnish. Glossy varnishes benefit from being used next to screen products.

Black is also a basic color; in combination with white they look organic. Golden color also looks good in combination with a black tone, and red with lilac. Gray sets off various combinations well - gray-white or gray-blue almost always look non-trivial. Such combinations are a win-win; they can please the eye of any young lady.

The beige tone goes well with a variety of pastel and pink colors.

Yellow color may not look original and advantageous, but in contrasting combinations it simply has no value. The same can be said about the combination of yellow and dark blue, as well as yellow and black colors. The yellow tint of ripe lemon “superimposes” wonderfully on the scarlet color. Compositions of these two colors can actively complement each other. Gold and metallic colors go very well with blue and dark cherry.

Red and scarlet “work” together quite well. There are countless shades here that are self-sufficient.

They can be enriched in various combinations, this can especially be said about colors:

• gold;
• black;
• ashen;
• white.

The tone of a ripe tomato is a rather rare shade, but it can be extremely effective. It should definitely be “diluted” a little with shades of yellow or light green tones.

Pink is also one of the basic colors; it rarely looks tacky. In some sense it can be called a win-win. Pink color is limited by age. It is quite appropriate for young ladies under 20 to wear it, then the questions begin. At 28, this shade can also be ideal for a girl, emphasizing her undeniable advantages. However, such a manicure may look inorganic, which will lead to the opposite result. In any case, there are a lot of individual moments associated with the color pink.

Brown can look “alive” only in certain compositions. It “works” best in conjunction with pastel tones, as well as golden shades.

Orange color is very individual. It is contraindicated for hot brunettes, but may be suitable for girls with light brown or red hair. Also, in combination with blue and cyan, orange can look very advantageous.

Shades of green come in a wide variety. Most often they are combined with almost any other colors. Even brown or orange can go very naturally with dark or light green tones.

Classical duets

Monochrome design is the simplest and most natural; it allows you to make the right stretches, as well as color transitions. With the so-called complementary manicure, it is possible to combine a variety of color contrasts.

Most often distinguished:

• colors;
• texture;
• halftones and shades;
• saturation;
• associativity.

The toolkit is rich enough to achieve the desired effect. The easiest way to combine similar colors is to create a double composition. Two basic shades, such as white or black, can create a real creative extravaganza. With their help, you can create any design and any composition - from ancient Greek motifs to late Rococo. This manicure can be ideal for any outfit - from a luxurious evening dress to worn denim.

It is no exaggeration to say that the composition of black and white will never go out of fashion.

When creating a manicure with your own hands, you should always remember the color wheel, which was studied in elementary school in drawing lessons. Postulates from this circle should always be taken into account when working to create your own image. If you know the basic rules, it will not be difficult to generate your own unique compositions.

You should also remember that colors can be cold or warm. In classic manicure they always prevail in various combinations. You should also use opposite linear colors, in which there is one color scheme. There is also a triple classic color combination, which is called triad.

Manicure color for summer 2022

In the summer season, brighter, more saturated colors always become relevant. In 2022, we recommend taking a closer look at lemon, yellow-green and classic yellow. This is the ideal base for bold experiments with patterns and decor. In addition, each of them looks good as a solid color covering. Such a manicure will always be bright and will definitely not go unnoticed. That is why fashionistas often make it the main accent in a monochrome look.

It is impossible not to note the bright neon tones, which have become a real hit in nail art in 2022. Not every girl can afford such a bold, bright manicure. But still, we suggest leaving your comfort zone and trying new, fresh coating options. After all, such a design always lifts the mood even on the gloomiest day.

Table of beautiful color combinations

Using and combining colors is quite difficult to start from scratch. Despite individual preferences, most people find approximately the same combinations aesthetically attractive. When creating a multi-colored varnish manicure yourself, you can use a ready-made table of tones compatibility, and from there take suitable ideas for implementation. Find out how to restore your nails after shellac.

Color compatibility table

It is worth considering that the predominance of dark shades will visually reduce the surface of the nail plate, while light colors will increase it. For contrasting combinations, you can also take as a basis a combination of two or more shades located on opposite sides of the color wheel.

A multi-colored manicure always looks stylish and modern. In order for it to also look aesthetically correct, it is better not to take risks with independent combinations, but to use the ready-made tips in our article. The color combinations in our table are based on the principle of the light spectrum, which means that it is precisely these color combinations that are pleasing to our eyes.

You can also use photographs of modern nail art, deciding on the appropriate color scheme, and also watch master classes of real professionals. To make your manicure successful and attractive, you should also not forget about using high-quality materials when creating designs on your nails with gel polishes. Also, be sure to devote enough time to carrying out and start work only in a good mood. These simple rules will help make your manicure perfect.

How to do a two-color manicure at home

Manicure comes with polish and gel polish. Often girls at home have a collection of ordinary varnishes, so the most common at home is varnish coating. But many ladies purchase the necessary equipment to create a gel polish coating. You can combine several colors using both dyeing techniques. Let's look today at how to make an interesting two-color design using varnish and tape.

Preparation

Before applying the color you need to treat your fingers. You will be pleased to look at their well-groomed, clean appearance, and so will curious spectators. There are different types of manicure; often at home they use the classic, trimmed method. A common problem is that it is very difficult to treat the fingers of the right hand on your own. It is for this reason that many people prefer salon treatments. But if you want or lack time, you can team up with a relative or friends and help each other.

After you have set the desired length and shape of your nails, removed the old coating, sanded the nail plates, trimmed rough skin, removed the cuticle, you can begin applying color.

For this you will need:

• Scotch tape for nail design.
• Beige and black varnish.
• Base coat.
• Fixative.
• Cotton buds.
• Nail polish remover without acetone.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Apply a base, clear coat first. It evens out the surface of the nail plates and protects the nails from pigmentation.
2. Paint the next two layers in beige and let them dry completely. Additionally, you can use drying.
3. Now cut out identical strips from tape and stick them on your nails as shown in the photo. Using an orange stick, firmly attach the tape so that the polish lays evenly.
4. Apply two coats of black polish. Once completely dry, remove the tape using tweezers.
5. Use a toothpick to place dots of black varnish.
6. Apply a sealer to ensure the decor lasts as long as possible.
7. Soak a cotton swab in nail polish remover and remove any color from the skin around your nails, if any.

Texture

In nail design, not only color is important, but also the texture of the surface of the nail, because the varnish can be glossy, matte or textured (crocodile skin, fabric or knitted texture).

By skillfully combining shades and textures, you can achieve stunning or emphatically elegant solutions, such as a design in which one color is present in different textures.

Color Basics

All paints are divided into chromatic (color) and achromatic (black, white and all 50 or more shades of gray). Any chromatic color can be combined with any achromatic color, because achromatic shades are not considered colors. Chromatic colors are divided into primary and secondary. The main ones are those that we cannot get by mixing: red, yellow, blue. Additional colors are mixtures of the main ones: orange, purple, green.

To understand the rules of color combinations, you need to get acquainted with the color wheel. It is usually divided into 12 sectors, each of which has its own color. These are the colors of the rainbow, but here they are presented in shades, for example, orange in yellow-orange and red-orange, blue in violet blue and ultramarine. They seem to flow into each other:

• yellow;
• yellow-orange;
• red-orange;
• red;
• purple;
• violet;
• violet-blue;
• ultramarine;
• blue;
• blue-green (sea wave, turquoise);
• herbal;
• light green.

Half of the circle, from grassy to scarlet inclusive, is warm. The second half, from purple to blue-green, is cold.

Important!

Now you understand how red can be warm or cold. The one closer to purple is cold (for example, raspberry), and the one closer to orange is warm (for example, scarlet). The same goes for other shades.

On the circle in each sector we see the so-called “stretch”: what will happen if you mix the main color with white or black. This is how brown, olive, pink, lilac and peach and other tones appear.

Having a color wheel before our eyes, we can always choose a beautiful combination of nail polish colors to match any shade. First, let's look at how to combine two tones.

Contrasting combination

It is also called complementary, that is, additional. Complementary colors, when next to each other, enhance the brightness and sonority of each other. Finding a contrasting pair is simple: draw a straight line from the selected shade through the center of the circle and you will find yourself in a complementary color. For example:

• purple and emerald;
• yellow and purple;
• orange and blue.

Interesting!

How to soften the contrast between complementary colors? Take their darker or lighter tones, for example, instead of purple and yellow-green - cool pink with khaki or olive. These combinations maintain freshness and sharp contrast, but at the same time look more neutral.

Nuance

On the contrary, it is a delicate combination. We take the shades that are located side by side in the circle. Carrot and scarlet, sea wave and grassy, ​​blue and ultramarine... Such combinations look wonderful in a pastel version: lavender and lilac, lemon and peach.

If you need to add a little spice, take one shade pure, and the other in a dark or light version:

• lavender and purple;
• coral and carrot;
• terracotta and pink.

Nuance-contrast combination

To match a shade with a nuanced-contrast pair, take a color located one segment apart. Examples of nuanced and contrasting combinations:

• violet-blue and turquoise or purple;
• red and purple or orange;
• sea ​​wave and yellowish green or ultramarine.

Combinations of shades of these colors will also be nuanced and contrasting.

Combination of colors located at right angles

Combinations of colors that are located in segments perpendicular to each other are also considered harmonious:

• orange and ultramarine are combined with both light green and purple;
• yellow and violet-blue are combined with both red and grass;
• red-orange and turquoise harmonize with both light green and purple.

Interesting!

Now we understand that if designers bring into fashion the combination of cool pink with orange-colored gel polish, they didn’t pull it out of thin air, but looked at the classic combination of purple and yellow-orange from a different angle.

What if there are not two tones, but three or four? There are also instructions for this case.

Three shades in a row

Among them, two pairs are nuanced and one is nuanced-contrasting.

Triadic scheme

Three colors are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle.

Complementary triad

Two nuanced contrasting shades are combined with a contrasting color to the one located between them.

Combination of four colors based on contrast and nuance

A pair of contrasting colors is complemented by a nuanced shade to each of them (four colors in total).

A combination of four colors based on contrast and nuanced contrasting pairs

A pair of nuanced contrasting colors are complemented by contrasting shades to each of them (four shades in total).

On the basis of these rules, the whole variety of harmonious color combinations is built. Now let's see how color combinations work in manicure.

Fashionable techniques

The combination of colors in manicure (photos are presented in the article) is a broad topic.

Correct selection of colors is one of the most important stages in various techniques:

• gradient;
• amber;
• foam technology;
• French;
• marble technique.

The main condition for using these techniques is a harmonious combination of colors. Otherwise, when mixing, you get dirty shades, and when combining, it’s absurd. To avoid such a situation, you must use the previously mentioned color schemes.

Gradient

A gradient is a smooth transition from one color to another. By mixing with each other, the primary colors form shades, making it visually impossible to determine the boundaries of the colors. The technique is performed with densely pigmented gel polishes. They do not dry in the open air, which allows the material to be distributed over the surface for the required amount of time.

To apply shades use:

• flat brush;
• sponge sponge;
• polyurethane sponge

Photo: combination of colors in manicure using the gradient technique
The choice of tool depends on the experience of the master. The brush has dense short bristles at the base and thin and sparse bristles closer to the free edge. For beginners, options with a sponge are suitable. You must first purchase a special composition to protect the cuticle and side ridges from excess paint.

Before you start applying a gradient using any of the methods, you need to paint the surface of the nail with a base color (usually white), dry it in a lamp and remove the dispersion.

Step-by-step scheme for performing a gradient:

The gradient is unique in its ability to visually lengthen nails. Nail technicians recommend using a monochrome or analog color scheme in this technique.

Ombre

The combination of colors in a manicure (photos using the amber technique are presented below) allows you to expand the variety of available designs with a small supply of gel polishes in your arsenal. The ombre technique is a unique type of gradient. Represents a transition from dark to light shades. Most often, the free edge in this technique has a white tint.

The technique allows you to balance bright and rich shades, adding lightness. This is done in a similar way to applying a gradient with a brush or sponge.

For amber and gradient, in addition to gel polishes, the following materials can be used:

• rubbing;
• pigments;
• acrylic Powder;
• sparkles.

The rub is applied to the freshly dried topcoat without a sticky layer, rubbing the material in until a dense coating is obtained. For better adhesion, the result is covered with a sticky topcoat, sealing the end. The pigment is applied with a fan brush onto a topcoat with a sticky layer and dried in a lamp. By analogy with rubbing, they are covered with a topcoat with dispersion.

Acrylic powder is applied to the top coat with a fan brush or other convenient tool, and then dried in a lamp. Dry glitter is mixed with topcoat and applied with a brush to the desired area. Due to the aggressive influence of the top on the bristles of the brushes, masters recommend purchasing a separate one.

Foam manicure

Color combinations in foam manicure play a key role. The effect created by bubbles depends on the density of the material, the correctly selected combination of the base shade of varnish and the top decorative one. You can compare contrasting and plain options using the photo.

Using the technique, the master gives the manicure various visual effects:

• fish scales;
• lunar surface;
• mineral;
• sea ​​foam;
• reptile skin.

When using a contrasting color scheme, it is necessary to select diametrically opposite colors. Most often, craftsmen use a dark gel polish as the main coating and a lighter one to create a bubble design.

This color combination, combined with small bubbles, creates a visual similarity to pumice and other porous minerals. The use of larger bubbles resembles lunar surface craters.

Using gel polishes that are similar in tone makes the foam manicure more delicate and lighter.

French

French is an ideal solution for those who are poorly versed in color schemes. This versatile technique allows you to create eye-catching designs with any color. Camouflage bases and gels go perfectly with the shades of the color wheel.

The exception is the French version using two gel polishes. The base color and shade for creating a smile must be selected according to a contrasting color scheme. On the color wheel, these shades should be located opposite each other.

Marble technique

This express design, using different colors of gel polish and their density, allows you to create the following effects on your nails:

• natural stone (marble, agate, charoite);
• pattern of paintings made of epoxy resin;
• paints or inks dissolved in water;
• flames, waves.

The technique is available for use at home and by novice craftsmen. It allows you to combine two or more colors using all the previously listed color schemes. With an analog and monochrome scheme, the transition between colors will be softer and less noticeable. Other combinations are more contrasting.

The colors mixed on the palette are transferred to the previously prepared nail using an ombre brush. First, its surface is covered with a top coat to improve the distribution of the material. The result is dried in a lamp and secured with a topcoat without a sticky layer.

To imitate metal particles in stone, use gel polish with glitter of a suitable shade. It is added to the palette or applied after the design has dried.

Master classes

The combination of colors in manicure (photos of the master classes are presented below) is a broad topic that requires a practical approach. That is why the best practical aid for mastering the skill are master classes.

They are step-by-step instructions and allow you to understand not only the basics of harmony and color balance, but also the introduction of knowledge into various design techniques.

A nail technician must have the following combination skills:

• multi-colored design;
• two-color combination;
• technique of using three colors;
• ombre;
• French

The master class for beginners and novice craftsmen is the basis for further modernizing or improving the refined design technique.

Multicolored

The simplest option for a multi-colored manicure is painting the fingers of one hand in different shades of gel polish. To maintain a balance between colors, you must use one of the color schemes of the twelve-part circle and gel polishes from the same series.

It is the same density of varnish and other characteristics that will combine different colors into a single composition.

Step-by-step execution scheme:

1. After processing the cuticle and preparing the nail plate for coating (removing the gloss with a buffer, coating with a base), it is degreased and dried in the open air.
2. The first layer of color coating is applied to each finger one by one. Before applying neon shades, artists recommend applying a base layer of white. Neon looks brighter against a white background.
3. A full drying cycle is carried out (UV – 2 min., LED – 1 min.). It is recommended to work as a conveyor, drying each finger after applying the varnish. Otherwise, the material may spread, forming streaks.
4. It is necessary to apply a second layer of color coating and dry.
5. To protect the color from chipping and rubbing off, apply a topcoat and let it dry. If necessary, remove the sticky layer.

Two-color

A two-color manicure is performed in the same way as a multi-colored manicure. The main difference is the use of alternating only two shades of gel polish. The most juicy combinations are obtained when using a complementary (contrasting) scheme, calmer ones when choosing colors from monochrome and analog.

Achromatic colors combine well with each other. White or black shades should be introduced into the color palette with caution. Another option for combining two or more colors is gradient and ombre. Both techniques involve combining two or more colors on one nail.

Tricolor

There are two possible options: horizontal and vertical gradients.

Step-by-step scheme for performing a horizontal multi-colored manicure:

1. Paint the nail white and dry it in a lamp. Use a lint-free cloth to degrease the surface.
2. Apply the selected colors alternately using horizontal lines. Use an ombre brush to blend the colors together.
3. We polymerize the full cycle.
4. Apply a second layer of colors, following the order. Distribute the material with a brush and carry out a full polymerization cycle.
5. It is necessary to remove adhesion with a de-sticking liquid, apply a top coat without a sticky layer, and dry for 2 minutes.

In this format, all nails will have the same color transition. When performing a vertical gradient, the color transition starts from the little finger and ends on the thumb.

Step-by-step master class for implementing a vertical gradient:

1. The first shade of color is applied to the little finger (or thumb depending on the chosen direction).
2. Apply a base white color to the next finger, dry it and remove adhesion. After that, the same shade of varnish is applied to the side of the nail closest to the little finger (right). On the opposite (left) part of the nail plate, apply another color chosen according to the color scheme.
3. Using movements from the cuticle to the free edge, a smooth transition is formed and polymerized.
4. To enhance brightness, colored layers must be duplicated and then dried.
5. On each of the fingers, except for the little finger and thumb, there should be two colors applied according to the scheme described in paragraphs 2 and 3. The extreme fingers are the beginning and end of the gradient.
6. To consolidate the result, the manicure must be covered with a top coat.

Ombre

Ombre is a variation of the gradient and involves a transition from a dark shade of gel polish to a light one. It appears that the edge of the nail is discolored. Depending on the length, 2-3 shades of color coating are used.

Step-by-step diagram:

1. A base coat is applied to the prepared nail plate, polymerized, and degreased.
2. The dark shade is applied closer to the cuticle, then the middle shade and white. As a percentage, the darkest shade should occupy 30% of the nail area, the middle one – 30%, and white – 40%.
3. Using small blotting movements of the ombre brush, the color boundaries are blurred. The tool is smoothly moved from one side roller to another.
4. When the material is distributed, the result is dried in a lamp, after which the procedure is repeated.
5. The design is fixed with a top coat, polymerized, and the stickiness is removed.

Using a sponge for the gradient, the varnish is applied directly to it or the palette. After that, air bubbles are removed using blotting movements and the color is transferred to the nail.

French

Classic French is divided into two types:

• display;
• hand-drawn.

To perform the lay-out technique, you will need skills in working with hard materials, shapes, and knowledge of the basics of constructing the correct nail architecture. More suitable for doing at home is the method of drawing a smile.

Step-by-step technique for performing a hand-drawn jacket:

1. A camouflage base or gel is applied to the prepared and degreased nail plate. In the absence of the listed materials, you can cover the nail with gel polish of a natural shade.
2. A full drying cycle and removal of the dispersion are carried out.
3. Using a thin brush, mark the center of the nail on the free edge. In each of the resulting halves, the center is also marked.
4. From the point where the smile line will begin to the center of each half, draw a straight line using gel paint or thick gel polish of the selected color.
5. In order to determine the border of the nail bed and the smile line, draw a horizontal line.
6. The resulting diagram is filled with paint using a thin brush, rounding off sharp corners and dried in a lamp.
7. The result is secured with a finishing coat.

Mastering the combination of colors in a manicure will require a lot of time and practice. Photos and videos of master classes are a great help in mastering the skill for beginners. The knowledge gained can be applied in other areas of life (interior, fashion, art).

Playing in contrast

Contrasting combinations have an active and dynamic look and attract attention. You can soften them by using shades, as if diluted with white, or by adding a nuanced shade to each member of the contrasting pair.

If you want to emphasize the explosive nature of the selected set, complement it with rhinestones.

Remember!

The most “advanced” and active color is considered to be bright scarlet, and the most conservative is ultramarine. Designers actively use this. For example, if you want to soften a bold idea a little, do it in blue, and if you want to make it more classic, do it in red.