A distinctive and fashionable take on the traditional manicure is the ruffian nail design. For individuals who enjoy playing around with their nails but still want something classy and wearable, this sleek and contemporary look is ideal.
We’ll look at a variety of Ruffian nail design ideas in this post, including inventive finishes and color schemes. There is something for everyone here, regardless of your preference for strong contrasts or delicate tones.
It will be simple for you to incorporate this stylish design into your nail art repertoire because we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish this look at home.
Topic | Details |
What is Ruffian Nail Design? | Ruffian nail design is a chic and minimalist style where a second, smaller curve of color is painted around the natural curve of the nail, leaving a space near the cuticle. |
Manicure Ideas | You can experiment with contrasting colors, metallic shades, or subtle nude tones. This design is versatile, allowing for creativity with color combinations and finishes. |
Instructions | Start by applying a base coat. Once dry, apply a second color in a curve near the cuticle, following the shape of the nail. Seal with a top coat for a lasting finish. |
The Ruffian nail design is a chic and contemporary take on the traditional French manicure, with a striking, contrasting curve close to the cuticle that reflects the nail’s organic shape. Infinite creative options are available with this distinctive design, ranging from delicate color schemes to eye-catching metallic details. Anyone can add a little flair and elegance to their manicure routine at home with these stylish tools and easy instructions.
What is Ruffian
A ruffian manicure is a French manicure done in reverse, with the addition of highlighting the cuticle growth area.
Distinguish between a traditional lunar manicure and a thug. The first example highlights the area where the epithelial growth is forming, whereas the second case highlights a light hole at the nail’s base.
Ruffian is a French and lunar design variation with unique characteristics and guidelines.
There are two ways to implement this design:
- Using a stencil. A special blank on a paper base is glued to the nail before applying the second shade. The sticker serves as a barrier to the varnish flowing, and helps to achieve a clear and even border between the colors. The main thing in this method is to remove the stencil before the varnish dries completely.
- With a brush. The transition is corrected with a special brush with a thin tip, but artistic skills are required to achieve the result.
Features
The CND company created a fresh take on nail art for a fashion show held in the Ruffian residence, which is how the technique got its name. Since then, salons and manicure rooms all over the world have adopted the original design, now known as Ruffian.
- Ruffian does not tolerate untreated cuticles and uneven surfaces;
- The task of the design is to focus attention on the line at the base of the nail, highlighting it with a contrasting varnish. The desired effect is achieved by layering coatings of different colors or textures;
- It is not necessary to limit yourself to just one accent – the technique allows you to make several contrasting stripes. The main thing is not to overdo it with the thickness of the varnish coating;
- Ruffian manicure suits women of any age, profession and status – depending on the combination of colors, the design turns out to be businesslike, gentle or funny.
- The line at the base contrasts with the main shade of the coating. The most successful combinations are:
- Red and black;
- Yellow and black;
- Pink and white;
- White and black.
Rules
- To make the lines clear, it is better to use special stencils. Paper blanks will save time and help in creating stripes of the same width and shape;
- It is recommended to choose decorative varnishes from the same company. Products from the same manufacturer have the same density and drying speed;
- It is better to draw a line, repeating the shape of the free edge of the nail plate. Such a manicure will look neat and laconic;
- Before applying a new layer, it is important to make sure that the previous one has dried. Haste will result in damage to the decor without the possibility of its restoration;
- Nails of the same length and shape, should not have obvious damage, bumps and dents. Ruffian will highlight all the defects and make the manicure untidy;
- It is not necessary to use only glossy or matte varnish. A combination of different textures will make the manicure look sophisticated;
- Do not use too many layers – the coating will look too thick and artificial;
- It is better to choose proven products. A low-quality product may lie unevenly or form streaks. Applying several layers will help to correct the situation, but the overall thickness of the design will increase
Instructions with regular varnish
Guidelines for applying regular varnish to Ruffian:
- Carefully treat the nail surface. Polishing will help to cope with small irregularities, and a pusher will help to treat the adjacent area. Get rid of dirt, carefully remove burrs.
- Give the nails the same shape, file to the same length;
- Cover your nails with a thin layer of clear varnish and wait until it dries completely;
- Drop some colored varnish and lightly “press” the drop so that the dye sinks closer to the cuticle.
- Carefully but confidently stretch the colored coating from the center to the edge of the nail;
- Work the area at the base, carefully filling the entire cavity. Wait until it dries;
- Apply a contrasting varnish to the first layer on the nail, retreating from the base exactly as much as you want. Carefully paint the main area of the plate, leaving a thin line at its base. If necessary, correct the edge of the line with a thin brush or use a stencil. The paper blank is placed before applying the second varnish and guarantees a clear line.
- Make sure that all layers are thoroughly dry, and apply a protective coating or transparent varnish. Do not forget to “seal” the nail on its protruding part.
Instructions for gel polish
Steps involved in giving a gel manicure the Ruffian treatment:
- Get a manicure – trim or not, decide based on your own preferences. Carefully treat the cuticle.
- Carefully file off the lipid layer with a buff and wipe the plate with a primer;
- Apply the base and distribute it evenly, dry in a UV lamp for 120 seconds;
- Cover the nail with colored gel polish, carefully working the base, and dry in the lamp;
- Apply a contrasting gel polish, stepping back from the base a strip of the desired width. You can adjust the border with a thin brush, but if you do not have the skills, it is better to stick a stencil before applying the second layer;
- Distribute the dye and seal the tips. Place your hand in the lamp and dry;
- Fix the design with a top coat and dry thoroughly. If there is a sticky residue, remove it with a special product.
Stickers, rhinestones, and other ornaments will add vibrancy and originality to the manicure. Just put them on the nail and wait to apply the fixer.
Design ideas
Ruffian is more than just a line that contrasts.
Potential choices for design:
- Classic. Along the base, close to the place of cuticle growth, a thin edging of a contrasting color remains. The shape of the strip repeats the free edge of the plate. For a neat manicure, beginners should use special stencils;
- Multilayer. Two or more stripes of different colors, located from the base towards the middle of the nail plate;
- Gradient. The lines are drawn in a certain sequence. From the lightest to the darkest or vice versa. A correctly selected palette creates the impression of a gradient color. Buying the desired shades of varnish is not the only option – you can simply dilute the base dye;









Options for short nails
If the color scheme is chosen well, ruffian looks fantastic on short nails.
By heeding these suggestions, one can create an efficient design:
- Red looks great on short nails. A specific shade is selected based on skin color;
- All natural shades will be harmonious, the main thing is not to choose simple, standard colors;
- Varnishes with a metallic effect look great. It is worth paying attention to gold and silver dyes;
- Frame design visually reduces. It is better to avoid this type of ruffian on short nails;
- Oversaturation with rhinestones, drawings and other decorative elements is also not the best solution
- A white line in the cuticle formation area, on the contrary, visually lengthens the plate;
Picking a color for short nails should take into account the characteristics of the nail plate in addition to current trends. A poorly chosen shade palette will detract from the design’s impressive harmony.
- Classic design of the cuticle growth area with a trike and a dark matte coating create an ideal manicure using the Ruffian technique;
- Juicy watermelons in an original design with stripes along the side ridges and the cuticle growth line are an excellent alternative to a frame accent;
- Delicate lilac in contrast with white stripes and a simple pattern is a wonderful combination of simplicity and style.
- Another delicate option for combining white, mint and soft pink colors. Additional proof – beautiful does not mean complicated.
A stylish and distinctive look can be added to your manicure with ruffian nail design. This design gives you countless options to match your mood and style, whether you’re going for a bold or subtle contrast.
Producing Ruffian nails can be enjoyable and satisfying, from selecting the appropriate colors to becoming proficient in the technique. The finest aspect? When experimenting with nail art, this design is a go-to option for anyone because it is so adaptable and works for any occasion.
Create your own Ruffian design by experimenting with different concepts. You can have a manicure that is stylish and striking with a little practice and imagination.