The stretching technique is one of the latest newfangled trends in manicure. Thanks to its spectacular appearance, it is firmly rooted among lovers of unusual nail design. Such nail art has been known for a long time, but in a modern interpretation it looks fresh and original.
What is stretching?
Stretching on the nails implies a smooth flow of one shade into another, two or more close or contrasting colors can be used at the same time. Most often, the ombre is directed from the overgrown part of the nail down. This technique is widely used in manicure both in a discreet version and with the use of bright futuristic colors, sparkles and rhinestones.
Pros of manicure-stretch marks
In addition to the trendy and unusual look, such a manicure option as stretching on the nails has a number of other advantages:
- This technique is done with a brush, which is always available, no special tools are required.
- With the gradual application of the coating, the skin does not get dirtyaround the nail plate. The gradient made with a sponge does not provide such a smooth transition, in addition, during application it is almost impossible not to stain the periungual ridges, and when removing varnish stains, there is a risk of spoiling the manicure.
- Stretched transition for smooth coverage. While using a sponge leaves a slight roughness on the nails.
- Stretching is very easy to do with gel polish. Thanks to the resistant coating, the manicure will delight the eye for more than one week.
Color combinations
To create a successful manicure with a stretch on the nails (photos are presented in the article), experts advise you to familiarize yourself with the combination of colors:
- A smooth transition is easiest to create with shades close in tone. This manicure looks very gentle and is suitable for any occasion.
- The combination of contrasting colors is suitable for a spectacular and festive look.
- The use of trendy colors will allow you to pass for a fashionable and sophisticated person. This season it is emerald, wine, coral, marsala and aquamarine.
- The most popular combination in the stretching technique is gray-pink. It can be bright or muted shades, in any case, such a manicure looks stylish and beautiful.
- A classic that will never go out of style - a smooth transition from white to pink. A natural manicure will suit both young girls and business women who must adhere to the dress code. For special occasions, nails can be decorated with rhinestones.
- Combinationincongruous - another fashion trend this year. For example, you can stretch from sky blue and rich pink.
- Fashion stylists recommend to pay attention to the gray color, which every time looks new depending on how it is combined.
- Velvet gradient can be matte or glossy. In any case, the manicure looks elegant and feminine.
- Patterns, drawings, stones and voluminous jewelry will make the stretch even more original and add personality.
Types of stretch marks
Despite the fact that horizontal stretching is more popular, a vertical gradient or design on all nails looks no less harmonious.
Vertical stretching on nails with gel polish implies a vertical transition of colors. To do this, a light base is applied and dried in a lamp. Then part of the nail is painted with a darker gel polish, and the transition is stretched with a thin brush, making the border blurry. Generally, 2 or 3 thin coats are applied for best results.
Horizontal stretch looks best on short to medium length nails. Gel polish is applied in horizontal stripes and stretched towards the root of the nail plate. Beginners are advised to start with two colors that are close in tone.
Stretching for all nails is a gradual transition from dark to light color, finger by finger. For example, the little finger is colored as light as possible, and the thumb is dark, or vice versa.
Gel Polish Benefits
Stretching on nails with gel polish has the following advantages:
- Coating durability.
- Wide palette of shades.
- The ability to create a manicure with a 3d effect.
- Gel evenly lays on the surface of the nail.
- Possibility of correcting nail defects.
General recommendations
Of course, each nail technician has their own ways of stretching the nail polish on the nails, but there are a few general recommendations that help create a smooth and harmonious color transition.
Among them:
- When making a gradient on the nails, it is best to blur the borders with a fan brush. It makes the transition more natural and the process faster.
- When using a thin brush for stretching, you need to stock up on napkins and wipe the tool on it as often as possible. In this case, the ombre will turn out clean without color spots.
- Create a glitter brocard using dots or an orange stick dipped in top coat.
- Regardless of the design of the stretch, it is recommended to lubricate the periungual folds with a nourishing cream.
Gel polish stretching technique
How to stretch nails:
- The nail is given the desired shape, the cuticle is trimmed or pushed back with a stick.
- With the help of a buff, the glossy layer is removed from the nail plate.
- Dry brush brush off the remaining dust and disinfect the nail.
- Then the surface is primed andlet it dry for a couple of seconds.
- The next step is applying the base coat and drying in the lamp.
- One color is applied to one half of the nail, and another color to the other half. Then, with several movements of the brush along the joint, the border is blurred and the layer is dried in the lamp.
- May require up to 6 coats depending on color saturation.
- At the end, cover the nails with a top coat and dry in a lamp. If necessary, remove the sticky layer.
Technique for performing ordinary varnish
Unlike gel polish, color stretching on nails with a regular lacquer is not resistant. However, it is better for novice masters to learn how to stretch in this way, if it fails, you can always erase it and not spend the base and top.
Technique:
- Apply base on nails and dry thoroughly.
- Then, close to each other, the desired colors are applied horizontally or vertically.
- Before the lacquer starts to dry, with a flat brush begin to blur the border between the colors with gentle movements, the lacquer will spread itself and create a smooth transition.
- After drying, the design is fixed with a colorless coating.
Glitter Stretch Technique
Glitter nail design is perfect for a formal event or party. Stretching in this case involves a gradual decrease in concentration in one direction or another.
Technique:
- The free edge of the nail is given the desired shape, the cuticle is removed.
- The glossy layer is cut off with a buff, the nail plate is degreased and a primer is applied.
- Next, cover the nail with a base, dry it. Apply the background color and dry again.
- Sprinkle the tip of the nail or its base with dry glitter and use a brush to stretch the glitter gradually, reducing the concentration. If liquid glitter varnish is used, it is also applied in a thin strip and blurred with a brush in the desired direction.
- Final step - applying top coat and drying.
Stretching options
Nail design can be performed in a variety of variations, it all depends on the imagination of the master and the client. Below are the most popular nail stretch options.
Pastel gamma. Perfect for a light and romantic look. Such a manicure does not stand out and at the same time serves as an addition to accessories and clothes. In addition, hands in such a frame look feminine and well-groomed.
Contrast gamma. Stretching, made in bright and contrasting colors, is an excellent solution for young girls and eccentric people. Such nail art is suitable for an evening and festive look, but you should carefully select accessories so as not to overload your hands.
Mute gamma refers to the use of dark or dull shades. The nails look discreet, the option is suitable for a daily look.
Black and white. This is a classic of the genre, goes well with both business and any other style. Combinations of black or white with nude are acceptable,pink, beige, ocher and brown.
Design Ideas
Design on nails can be done in different variations. Consider the popular ones.
Two similar tones. The bottom background and top layer of glitter has the same shades. This design can be done with bright or light varnishes. Pink, mauve, crimson, silver and black look best.
Combination of light and dark tone. Despite the complete opposite, the stretch, made in contrasting colors, looks very impressive and stylish. For example, pale pink and black, white and blue, red and gold.
Multicolor. Stretching using three or more colors allows you to create a bright and catchy design. This option is suitable for young girls and will bring a sunny mood to the summer look.
Gradient on one or two fingers. You can revive a classic manicure by creating a stretch on one or two fingers of both hands.
Combination of several types of design. For example, if stones are used to create nail art, then on each finger it can be a different pattern. If the gradient is done with regular or gel polish, then on some nails it can be mild, on others, on the contrary, the stretch can be extended to the entire length of the surface.
Solid shine. Stretching with sparkles on nails (the photo is presented in the article) is performed on a varnish basis, in this case only sparkles are used. The entire nail plate is covered with one or more colors of glitter, stretched with a flat brush and fixed with a top.
French manicure. This design of nails is considered the most popular. The regrown part is covered with varnish or sparkles of any color and stretched towards the base of the nail. Designed in muted, pastel colors, it will be appropriate for any outfit, regardless of style. Also, this color is suitable for going to any event.
When stretching nails, it is important to take into account not only personal wishes, but also the style of a woman. Manicure should be the final touch of the image, its harmonious continuation. It is important to remember that one glance at the hands is sometimes enough to tell a lot about their owner.
