Aquarium nail design (50 photos) - Technique, trends 2022, tips

Aquarium nail design, as a way of self-expression, can be done independently. This is a relatively new technique in nail design, which has thoroughly taken a leading position on the Olympus of fashion. The popularity of this trend is growing exponentially.

What is the secret of his popularity?

This is what we have to find out today.

Peculiarities

The cost of such a design in showrooms is catastrophically high. But that doesn't stop the fashion lionesses. Why?

Everything can be explained by the advantageous features it has:

• Versatility and volume. The design “under glass” looks very unusual and extremely beautiful. The inner layer can be created from a variety of decorative elements, including volumetric ones.
• Versatility. When the situation changes dramatically, for example, you are an office worker and the organization’s dress code does not accept such a design, you can cover your nails with any solid color that does not contradict it. Then feel free to delete it without damaging the original image.
• Deadlines. If your manicure is properly cared for, it will last you about 3 months. Neither the top layer nor the picture inside undergoes wear and does not fade. True, there is one condition, since the nail grows, then as it grows, it is necessary to make a correction - to complement or modify the picture.
• Practicality. Visually the volume seems quite large. However, the entire internal decor is securely fixed, the surface of the plate remains flat. Therefore, you can do any homework. The quality and appearance of the manicure does not suffer.
• Self-sufficiency. This manicure is so unusual and original that it attracts outside glances many times more often than expensive jewelry on the hand. You can refuse them, remaining constantly in the spotlight.

We invite you to watch the video:

This is why aquarium design has gained such total popularity.

How to choose a master?

Naturally, not everyone can do the work described above on their own. Therefore, the question arises of how to choose an experienced master. The following factors should be taken into account:

• presence of a portfolio. Every master has an album with photographs of his work. Check out the photos. If the manicure seems careless or too clumsy, it is better to continue searching;
• customer reviews. Reviews will be the best source of information when choosing a specialist to whom you will entrust the beauty of your hands;
• availability of a certificate. The master must take special courses before offering clients an aquarium manicure. Ask to see a certificate indicating a sufficient level of qualifications.

Naturally, not everyone can do the work described above on their own.

Therefore, the question arises of how to choose an experienced master.

Don't try to save money! Aquarium design requires the highest skill from the master

A true specialist always knows the value of his work.
Don’t try to save money! Aquarium design requires the highest skill from the master. A true specialist always knows the value of his work. If you find a master who offers to make an aquarium design at a very low price, while the pictures in his portfolio look perfect, most likely they are trying to mislead you.

If you find a master who offers to make an aquarium design at a very low price

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a manicure, pay attention to the service that some large salons offer

Sometimes a manicure is done at a big discount, although it is done by students under the supervision of an experienced master

Advice! If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a manicure, pay attention to the service that some large salons offer. Sometimes a manicure is done at a big discount, although it is done by students under the supervision of an experienced master. Of course, there is a certain risk, but usually the result is quite good.

What happens

There are many ways to perform aqua manicure. You can highlight either a few accent nails or all five on each hand. For those who are truly bored by everyday life, you can make an unusual jacket in the form of imitation animal fur or something else - it all depends on your imagination and taste preferences.

Techniques that are at the peak of popularity:

• painting;
• modeling;
• acrylic drawings;
• glitter compositions;
• combinations of stones, pearls and broths, dried flowers.

Which nails is it suitable for?

Aquamanicure is convenient for long and short nails. Most often performed simultaneously with extensions. The design only seems convex, but in fact it is uniform and does not cling to any third-party surfaces.

The interior design is covered with a layer of acrylic, which is why it creates the impression of being under glass.

Extensions

On such nails it is very convenient to create designs in the form of sculpting and drawing. The longer they are, the more space there is for the realization of artistic imagination.

Alternatively, you can use tips if you make it yourself. On a removable plate, abstract motifs will be more neat and well-drawn.

Short

For short periods, aquamanicure will act somewhat differently. An already short nail will appear smaller, and the visual volume will hide the length. Therefore, the build-up still needs to be done, at least small.

When choosing an aquarium design, you need to approach the style very carefully. Carnival or too pretentious will be judged by outsiders as a sign of bad taste. Besides, you yourself will soon get tired of it.

Aquarium glitter

A very bright and fresh idea in aquarium nail design is the use of glitter.

Sequins give the image on the nails an excellent sparkling effect, which looks elegant during the day, and at night, under artificial lighting, it looks festive and mysterious.

You can safely experiment - add glitter, create ombre with smooth transitions, etc. Suitable for any nail length.

Step-by-step algorithm for nail art at home

You can implement the idea yourself only if you have all the necessary materials and tools:

• Ultraviolet lamp;
• gel base;
• gel for foundation;
• primer;
• color gel;
• top gel;
• colored paints;
• brushes, dots;
• decorative material.

It is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of actions and the required time in the drying lamp. Only in this situation will the result please you.

The algorithm of actions is described in detail in the video - watching it with your own eyes is more clearly perceived and remembered.

So, how are 3D motifs made on the nail plate? Let's watch the video.

Aqua manicure design with gel

Tools you need to prepare:

• colorless gel;
• household UV lamp;
• primer;
• materials for work: sparkles, rhinestones, dried flowers and whatever your heart desires;
• nail polish remover;
• lint-free wipes;
• files for filing.

Sequencing:

• Step 1. Give the nails the desired shape.
• Step 2. Degrease the surfaces of the plates.
• Step 3. Apply the first layer (primer), dry for 2 minutes.
• Step 3. Apply the 2nd layer, but now with gel (not thick).
• Step 4. Before it freezes, quickly lay out the planned composition. For the inexperienced, you can limit yourself to simple sparkles. As your skill level increases, your motives can become more complex.
• Step 5. Place the nails in the lamp and dry for the same 2 minutes.
• Step 6. Apply another layer of gel. It should completely cover the decorative elements. To check this, look at the surface from the side by raising your hand. We also dry everything for 2 minutes.
• Step 7. All that remains is to remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth moistened in liquid.
• Step 8. Cover everything with colorless varnish. We moisturize the cuticle with oil or nourishing cream.

It is recommended to use this method for those who have at least the slightest idea how to work with gel. Or those who constantly go to salons and know by heart what the master does, why and how.

Fashion trends

Aquarium nail designs with glitter never go out of style. Using glitter of various sizes and shades, craftsmen create real masterpieces worthy of being exhibited in the best museums in the world. Decor using dried flowers is very popular. These nails look unusual and very stylish. When designing gel nails, an aquarium effect can be achieved by using small flowers and “dandelion umbrellas” (the latter looks especially gentle and stylish). By the way, you can collect dried flowers yourself.

Using glitter of various sizes and shades, craftsmen create real masterpieces worthy of being exhibited in the best museums in the world.

These nails look unusual and very stylish.

Don't limit your imagination

Don't limit your imagination. The main thing to avoid is vulgarity. The principle of “all the best at once” is not suitable: it is better to show restraint than to look vulgar. You shouldn’t get carried away with excessively long nails: too long plates have long gone out of fashion.

The main thing to avoid is vulgarity. The principle of “all the best at once” is not suitable: it is better to show restraint than to look vulgar

Don’t get carried away with excessively long nails: too long plates have long gone out of fashion

Advice! Before going to the salon, read about aquarium nail design: you can show photos of new designs in the field that you find on the Internet to the master. This will help you choose the appropriate effect.

Before you go to the salon, read about aquarium nail design: photos of new designs that you will find on the Internet

This will help you choose the appropriate effect

Now you know almost everything about aquarium nail design.
Maybe after reading this you will be inspired to make one at home. Now you know almost everything about aquarium nail design. Maybe after reading this you will be inspired to make one at home. This video will help you understand the intricacies and secrets of this technique:

All you have to do is find the right master and go to him to get a magnificent manicure that will not allow you to be left without attention!

The same aquamanicure, only with varnish

The tools are the same as in the previous description, only instead of gel we take varnish. The algorithm of actions is the same. You cannot dry the varnish in a lamp, so we wait until it dries naturally.

There is no difference between these two methods, except time. The first one is done much faster, drying is carried out better. After the latter, the coating is very durable and difficult to damage.

In the second, drying the varnish takes a lot of time. After completing the last step, the finish cannot be said to be strong. It takes several hours for it to dry completely.

Combined with French

You can decorate your nails using the aquarium technique in any way you like, and in each individual case you can get pretty gorgeous results. Including French style.

For clarity, let’s look at a few successful projects:

• An original idea for summer, made using fimo on a fruit theme.
• The nude background with rhinestones and sparkles looks laconic. This design can be a worthy addition to any bow.
• A voluminous motif using dried flowers with glitter will not leave romantic natures indifferent.
• Look how beautiful and elegant a floral-themed jacket looks, decorated with almond-shaped bouillons.
• Translucent with printed printing can liven up the most boring image.
• Another variation of the French coat using colored sand looks very original and feminine.
• Small shells and sparkles, neatly drawn with a brush - an ideal marine theme, appropriate for a summer holiday.
• An original traditional jacket, decorated with a floral accent, will completely complete your evening outfit.
• Sequins and helium detailing in a delicate color palette will add femininity and sophistication to the image.

The video will tell you how it all looks with your own eyes.

Ideas for Perfect Nail Art

A few simple, fresh ideas for stylish aqua decor.

Flowers

One of the trending trends is floral themes. The motifs turn out to be truly dazzlingly beautiful, voluminous, and delicate. This decor seems to breathe femininity.

But this is how they look on nails of medium length and elongated. This effect cannot be achieved on short nails.

Sequins and glitter

Sparkling decor is always a win-win option for an evening outfit. They can be used to decorate any length of plates. Glitter can be mixed with different shades.

This technique is especially relevant when performing the ombre smooth stretch technique. You can mix different tones, but the most universal choice is the pastel group.

Foil

An ideal material for creating an amber jacket. Manicure foil is freely sold in stores and is inexpensive. Together with it, acrylic powder can often be used in decoration; it forms the surface of the newly extended nail plate along with the base coat.

Foil, if it is in the form of a sheet, is cut into small pieces and laid out in the desired shape, motif, design.

Fimo

This is a polymer based clay. The most popular component in aqua manicure design. Most often, summer versions of ideas are made from it, which is why clay has such a multi-colored, rich and bright range.

Compositions are formed by thinly sliced ​​elements. To ensure that the particles are securely fixed, not one, but several layers of transparent gel are applied on top of them.

And due to the fact that fimo is a very fine material, it can be used to play with reverse French manicure and French manicure in any way you like.

Broths with sequins

When choosing them for decoration, it is very important to take into account color, shape, especially size. Sequins are good for decorating with a marine theme.

The broths are fixed with several finishing layers of gel, since they are very voluminous. They can be easily combined with glitter.

What you need to create aquarium nails

• colored mica;
• foil;
• powder;
• sand;
• glitter;
• beads;
• broths;
• marble chips;
• beads;
• rhinestones;
• multi-colored thread;
• dried flowers;
• lace.

Sand is always involved in creating an aquarium manicure - with its help, the basis of a stained glass image on the nails is created. This effect is obtained due to particles of different shapes that shimmer in any light.

Colored mica in combination with sand gives the nails a beautiful 3D effect, and foil creates volume and texture.

The presence of beads and broths complements the composition, adding notes of completeness to the manicure.

Dried flowers are used to compose a stained glass window, giving it integrity and introducing originality (which, in fact, makes this type of manicure competitive).