If you're ready to take your DIY and nail game up a level and you've got short nails, this one's for you!
I'm going to show you how to create glitter pink ombre nails using dip powder for a polished, salon-quality look at home.
Get ready to master ombre nails with glitter and elevate your manicure game!
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Tools and materials:
- Ombre brush
- Wax tool or orange wood stick
- Washi tape
- Flexible buffing file
- E-file with a cuticle bit
- Nail art brush
- Buffer
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Builder gel
- Dip powder (solid, shimmer, and chunky glitter)
- Clear dip powder
- Dip base liquid
- Activator
- Dip top coat
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
1. Apply the base color
Start by applying a thin layer of builder gel and then dip your nails into the light color that will act as the base—this is whatever shade you're using that isn't the chunky glitter.
I like to pour solid and shimmer dips over my nail but lay my nail flat for glitters, flakes, and foils.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
2. Prep for the ombre
Decide which fingers you want to feature the glitter ombre and determine the ombre direction. In this tutorial, we’re fading from the cuticle upward.
On the second dip, only apply the dip ¾ of the way down the nail to leave space for the chunky glitter.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
3. Activate your solid nails
Some of the nails in this design will be solid shimmer nails.
Before applying any glitter to the other nails, protect your solid nails by sealing them with clear dip powder and activator.
This prevents stray glitter from sticking where it shouldn’t.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
4. Apply chunky glitter
Before doing the ombre, dip the full glitter nails first.
For short nails, here’s how to dip chunky glitter correctly:
- First dip: Lay your nail flat but try to avoid picking up too many chunky pieces—just enough for a base layer.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
- Second dip: Shake the jar so the chunky pieces float to the top, then lay your nail flat again to pick up more glitter.
If needed, use a wax tool or an orange wood stick to move the larger pieces before the dip base dries. You can also dab extra dip base onto any gaps and manually place extra glitter pieces for a balanced look.
Pro tip: Use washi tape to press down the chunky glitters. Just make sure your dip is dry enough so the glitter doesn’t stick to the tape.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
5. Create the ombre effect
When applying a dip base for the ombre, don’t bring it all the way to the nail edge—this prevents the ombre from getting too heavy at the tip.
Use an ombre brush to tap glitter onto the nail:
- Most tutorials suggest pointing your nail downward, but for short nails, I keep my nail flat or slightly tilted up to concentrate the ombre near the cuticle.
- Focus the tapping at the back of the nail, then hand-place chunky glitter pieces for a precise look.
If your ombre looks uneven, don’t stress! Just dab a little dip base and manually place glitter where needed.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
6. Encapsulate with clear dip powder
Once your ombre is complete, fully encapsulate the nails with clear dip powder to protect the glitter.
Make sure the clear dip soaks into all the crevices to prevent chunky pieces from sticking out. This also stops the glitter from turning silver if filed too aggressively.
7. Buff, shape, and refine
Buffing and shaping chunky glitter nails can be tricky, but here’s how to do it without ruining the design:
- Use a flexible buffing file to smooth the surface.
- Buff in a curved motion so the sides of the nail flow naturally into the sidewalls.
- After shaping, go back with a buffer to ensure even blending.
For a perfect cuticle line, use an e-file with a cuticle bit—this helps create a clean, salon-like finish.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
8. Clean and prep for top coat
After shaping, clean off dust with isopropyl alcohol before applying the top coat.
Creating glitter pink ombre nails
9. Apply the dip top coat
Every brand has different top coat instructions—follow yours exactly!
For the brand I’m using:
- Apply activator to all nails and wait 60 seconds.
- Apply the first layer of top coat in thin, quick strokes, capping the edges. Wait another 60 seconds.
- Apply the second layer of top coat, making sure to coat every part of the nail for a long-lasting finish.
When applying the top coat, float the brush over the nail instead of dragging it—this prevents contamination and streaking.
Glitter pink ombre nails
Glitter pink ombre nails
And that's it! Now you have a gorgeous set of glitter pink ombre nails that look polished and professional.
With this method, you can easily switch up colors and create customized ombre glitter nails using the same technique.
Whether you prefer subtle shimmer or bold chunky glitter nails, this DIY approach makes achieving ombre nails with glitter easy and fun.
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