Aquarium nail design: 51 photo ideas, execution technique

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.

Minuses

The design also has some disadvantages. The main one is that creating an aquarium effect on the nails requires the highest level of qualifications from the master. Naturally, it is not always possible to find such a specialist. An inexperienced nail technician can make your nails too thick and rough. Therefore, you can only find a master who has the skills of not only an artist, but also a sculptor, by relying on the advice of friends or a portfolio.

The design also has some disadvantages

The main one is that creating an aquarium effect on nails requires the highest level of qualifications from the master.

An inexperienced nail technician can make your nails too thick and rough.

Another disadvantage is the long time it takes to create beautiful nails. A manicure can last more than two hours, so you should plan your time carefully so as not to rush the master.

Finally, aquarium manicure is quite expensive. However, in any case, the effect will be simply amazing and you will not be disappointed with the result (of course, if a real professional gets down to business).

Another disadvantage is the long time it takes to create beautiful nails.

A manicure can last more than two hours, so you should plan your time carefully so as not to rush the artist.

Aquarium design will be a great idea for a wedding manicure

Advice! An aquarium design will be a great idea for a wedding manicure. It is worth choosing light decorative elements, as well as jewelry that will match the color of your dress or jewelry. Your hands will look amazing in photos!

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.

How to draw a fish on your nails

To make your own marine design you will need: several brushes, shellac for the background, colored watercolor varnishes, neon and gold varnish, and a finishing fixative.

Before performing a manicure, choose a pattern, a color for the main tone and a color scheme for the fish. Perform nail art in stages:

1. First, cover the nails with shellac for the background in one layer, then dry under the lamp for several minutes.
2. The body, tail, fins are painted on the surface using a brush, as well as plain watercolor. Fix the drawing and dry it.
3. Colored watercolor is applied in the form of several drops on the tail, body, and fins for coloring.
4. The tail is gradually shaded with neon color, then other parts are painted with a blurred effect. Dry the drawing again under the lamp.
5. Apply golden varnish or glitter to the fins and tail. Fix the design under the lamp.
6. Trace the outline of the fish and make eyes.
7. Apply a finishing sealer and dry.

Advice! In this way you can create any ideas for summer looks. For the main coating, you can use not only blue and blue colors, but black and white also look impressive.

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.

Acrylic version

Acrylic extensions are in demand among many women. For some reason, the majority still believes that it is stronger and lasts longer, although this has not been confirmed by any facts. And aqua design on it can be done somewhat worse than on gel nails.

The video clearly shows that you have to use a lot of material, which makes your nails thicker. But with the right approach, you won’t feel this when you wear it. As well as visually (in the photo it is not at all noticeable that the nails are a little thicker than with regular modeling).

Acrylic version

Since the video shows well how to make aqua design using acrylic powder, it is worth paying attention to some basic points. Firstly, it is necessary to correctly mix the monomer (special liquid) with the powder. The brush is first dipped into the liquid, then wrung out on a lint-free cloth, and only then dipped into the powder. Secondly, the resulting ball should be matte in color, not too dry and not too wet, otherwise nail modeling simply won’t work. Thirdly, when creating an aquatic design with acrylic, all actions are performed quickly, until the material hardens. It is noteworthy that some masters mix two technologies: acrylic and gel. In this case, even if the acrylic has frozen, it is covered with gel, which, after laying out the decorative elements, is dried in a UV lamp.

Sometimes aquatic design is combined with volumetric design, as in the photo, where broths are laid out on the topmost layer of material. In this case, there is no guarantee that they will last long enough. Therefore, they can be removed completely or “hide” under the penultimate layer of acrylic or gel.

If poor quality broths are used, then under the layer of material they can give an unpleasant tint. The paint will bleed from them. It is worth paying more attention to the choice of decorative elements.

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!

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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 aquarium manicure

• For girls who watch their figure and love to treat themselves to healthy delicacies, a fruit manicure made in the form of a French manicure is suitable.


French with fruit using aqua design technique

• For romantic people, an image of the starry sky will come in handy if you add gold foil and sparkles to a dark background.


Starry sky in aquarium manicure

Ideas for designing an aquarium manicure can come from interests and preferences, hobbies, and natural phenomena. You can use almost any picture, transform any image or artistic motif.

See another bright idea of ​​aquadesign and its implementation in the video.

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.

How to do it correctly

To properly perform an aquarium manicure at home, be sure to pay attention to consumables. Speed, quality, durability and other significant indicators of the finished result depend on them. In the process of selecting consumables, pay special attention to the following elements:

• Sand. Not a single high-quality aquarium manicure is complete without this material. Moreover, sand particles can be not only natural, but also colored. They can also differ in size, which allows you to create your own unique holographic effects when the sun plays.
• Mica. The choice of this element is made strictly after you decide on the sand. They must be the same color. A correctly implemented tandem guarantees an attractive 3D volume to the design.

• Small pearls . Their task is to dilute the entire composition and give the finished picture a more expressive shine. Often pearls of different colors and sizes can be used in one composition.
• Dried flowers . Dried flowers add originality to your nails. Their use guarantees the nail plates the formation of a unique appearance that will attract the eyes of everyone around them.

Important! Try to entrust your aquarium design to professionals. In this case, it is also better to do the correction in a specialized salon. Only thanks to a professional approach from an experienced specialist, you will be able to maintain your stylish manicure for more than 3 months.

In addition to the materials described above, foil, glitter, beads, marble chips, rhinestones, multi-colored threads, lace, mesh, small pictures and photographs are used to create a stylish aquarium manicure. As soon as you decide on the elements that will be used in the implementation of the manicure, proceed to the procedure itself. It is based on the following stages:

1. The first step is to cover the edge of a regular or extended nail with the gel polish chosen as the base. This is done using a regular flat brush. Dry the layer.
2. Next, apply colored mica to this edge and cover it with gel again. Afterwards you will need about 20 seconds to dry the base.
3. The next step is to apply another layer of pearls. And it is also covered with gel and dried for 15-20 seconds.
4. The next layer acts as a component. Thanks to it, you can supplement your drawing with any of the consumables described above in order to ultimately create a complete picture. Next, everything is also covered with gel and sent under the lamp.
5. Next, you cover your nails with camouflage gel and structure gel. After each layer, dry under a lamp for at least 2 minutes.
6. After these layers, you file the nail to give it the desired shape and treat the plate with all the applied coatings with top coat.
7. The last stage of aquarium design is to dry each individual nail under a lamp for 4-5 minutes.