@imarninails
There are countless types of nail art one can recreate—from maximalist rhinestones designs to more minimalistic takes on the classic French mani. However, some are admittedly easier to recreate than others—one being ombré nails.
Simple, stunning, and easy to do yourself, ombré nails can be adapted to every style and nail length. The technique involves a natural transition from one shade to another, and you can play with as many nail polish colors as you wish. "The easiest way to create an ombré look at home is to use an eye shadow applicator or a disposable makeup sponge that you can tear in half," says Sara Bland, beauty ambassador at Smith & Cult. Use either tool to blend two nail colors for a seamless ombré look. Then, finish the look with a glossy topcoat—its really that simple.
If youre curious to try the trend, keep scrolling to discover 20 of our favorite ombré nails. From bright pinks to muted nudes, there are inspiration pictures for everyone.
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Peach Ombré
@imarninails
Pack in a punch of bright colors with this ombré look that resembles popsicle-stained fingertips, only more chic.
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Pink Gradient
@lolo.nailedit
Yet another example of the modern ombré, these pink nails are a favorite on the gram. Were full-time swooning over these.
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Mermaid Ombré
@sansungnails
Iridescent, glossy, and slightly textured, this whimsical manicure is what summer dreams are made of.
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Mercury Retrograde Ombré
@betina_goldstein
Betina Goldstein is usually known for her minimalistic and eye-catching designs, but we happen to love this mix of different pink hues. It puts a modern ombré twist on the popular galaxy-inspired look.
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Speckled Ombré
@lolonailedit
Give your speckled ombré mani a bit of texture by adding a few itsy-bitsy rhinestones to your speckled nail look.
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French Ombré
@kimkimnails
The French manicure will always be a classic, but we do love a modern take on the ageless style. This gradient look is clean, simple, and elegant—perfect.
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Marble Ombré
@betina_goldstein
Do as Betina Goldstein does with this look and combine the ombré trend with a minimalistic pink marble effect. Then, finish it off with a chic bronze border. Use a small detailing brush to get the bronze outline and dont forget a topcoat to ensure a glossy finish.
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Horizontal Ombré
@vanityprojects
If you’re looking to set yourself apart from the pack, try a horizontal ombré rather than the standard vertical variation. It’s just as easy to execute—just switch up the direction.
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Purple Crystal Ombré
@opi
These purple ombré digits remind us of a pretty, sparkly amethyst.
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Watercolor Ombré
@paragonnails
A blend of vivid watercolors decorates this artfully designed manicure. While ombre usually fades off to a lighter color, we love how these nails mix it up, with some of the darker colors swirling toward the bottom.
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Animal Print Ombré
@sashaniegraynails
Feeling feisty? The leopard print over the gold chrome seen here is a match made in mani heaven.
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Purple to Nude Ombré
@nail_unistella
We love how this shiny pearlescent purple tapers off into a classic, sophisticated nude. Who says you cant have it all? Dont forget to seal it in with a long-lasting topcoat.
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Gold-Dipped Ombré
@betina_goldstein
These easy-to-recreate metallic gold nails are nothing short of stunning. Most notably, unlike many other ombré manicures, they require just one polish shade and a topcoat to create. Starting with clean nails, lightly paint gold polish from your tips toward your cuticles, stopping before reaching them. Let the sheer color dry and finish with topcoat for a simple-yet-rich, sun-kissed design.
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Modern Ombré
@oliveandjune
If you cant quite get the hang of the sponging technique, consider opting for the modern take on ombré nails: a different color on each nail. By choosing a series of shades within the same or complementary color families, youll be able to rock the ombré look without major DIY skills.
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Nude Ombré
@paragonnails
This nude manicure is a subtle take on ombré lengths. If youre new to the trend, go for a subtle color like this.
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Cotton Candy
@stephstonenails
This cotton candy-inspired ombré manicure looks like the prettiest dawn sky. The pink and blue mani by Steph Stone emulates cozy lover-inspired vibes. To get the look use Essies Mint Candy Apple and Muchi Muchi, both $9.
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Cloudy Ombré
@paragonnails
Want a view from the clouds without air travel? This ombré mani offers a picture-perfect look—almost like a gloomy cloudy day, in the best way possible. Plus, the sparkle effect is a cheeky, cute touch.
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Rosy Ghost Ombré
@cirquecolors
These copper nails have a gradient fade, lots of glitter, and a cartoon-inspired ghost, Yuki, from a talented artist. For a playful twist on an ombré style, try out an almond shape to play up the design.
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Candy Apple Ombré
@oliveandjune
Considering how many options there are nowadays, weve got to say were suckers for a stunning candy apple-inspired ombré palette. Warm and fresh, we love the way this gradient seamlessly blends.
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Accent Glitter Ombré
@oliveandjune
Glitter may fade, as seen here, but a stunning accent nail captures our hearts forever. Ombré designs dont have to go all out and can instead be a subtle gradient. This one just happens to be glitter based.