Different Ways To Use Nail Inks Featuring Lémo Inks

Nail inks have been around since the early 2000s. While they were often used for simple marble effects, nail inks are experiencing a popular resurgence as seen in modern nail trends in South Korea, Japan, and across Asia.

The technical use of nail inks has evolved significantly since its earlier uses. Nail inks are particularly favored for their fast-drying quality and versatility, making the nail art creation process fast and efficient, while resulting in delicate and nuanced results. Unlike gel products, nail inks are typically used in a gel manicure process, but air-dry rather than cure under a nail lamp. 

In addition to marble effects, nail inks can be used to create watercolor effects, gradients, and impressionist-style art. Rather than focusing on clean lines or literal motifs, nail ink techniques are often centered on mood, texture, and movement. The spread of nail ink on the nail surface results in an organic result similar to watercolor. 

Different nail ink formulas may require wiping off the inhibition layer of the gel base coat before application or may perform best over a matte surface. The base texture affects how the ink spreads, blends, and settles. In this blog post, we’ll focus specifically on how to use Lémo nail inks and explore several ways nail inks can be used for nail art.

How to Use Nail Inks

Lémo inks can be applied over cured base gel with or without wiping off the inhibition layer. Each option produces a slightly different effect. When applied over an unwiped inhibition layer, the ink tends to spread with a more defined edge or border as the tacky surface slows the movement of the ink. When the inhibition layer is wiped off, the ink spreads more freely, creating a softer and more diffused effect.

Another option is applying a matte coat over the cured gel color before applying ink. The matte surface provides a subtle texture that allows the ink to grip the surface more easily, resulting in less spreading. This method offers greater control and makes placement slightly more precise, producing a more even distribution of color. It works especially well for designs that require more intentional shape, such as flowers or dots.

Below is a step-by-step guide to using Lémo inks:

Step 1: Apply base gel. Cure.

Step 2 (Optional): Apply color gel. Cure.

Step 3 Options: 

• Wipe off the inhibition layer with alcohol.

• Apply matte top gel. Cure.

Step 4: Apply nail ink.

Step 5: Allow nail ink to air-dry completely.

Step 6: Apply clear gel. Cure.

Step 7: Apply top gel. Cure.

Once sealed, the ink becomes locked into the gel structure, preserving the nail ink design.

Different Ways to Use Nail Inks

Nail inks can be used in a variety of ways to create unique nail art. The layerability and blendability of nail inks result in nuance designs that focus on subtle color movement, dimension, and mood. 

Marble Designs

Use one to two nail ink colors over a gel base color to create marble patterns. The clear blending ink can be used to soften edges, creating a more natural stone-like effect.