Booked in for a mani? Save these ombre nail designs for your next appt

Jade Biggs

24 January 2025 at 10:09 am·5-min read

ombre nails the best ombre nail designs for 2025 — Ombre nail designs to save for your next appt @vivianmariewong/@eboniecharaenails - Instagram

Forget ombre hair (or don't, because Rihanna and Sydney Sweeney just made a case for bringing it back), we're returning to the ombre nail trend of days gone by because, spoiler alert, it's coming back!

First appearing on our manicured fingers in the early to mid noughties, the ombre nail trend was made popular by famous faces (think: Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa), and has gone on to inspire other airbrush nail art movements like aura nails.

Whether you were a regular at the nail salon during the peak of the original ombre era or you're just joining us now (welcome!), here's everything you need to know about ombre nails, including our pick of the best ombre nail inspiration to take to your next appointment...

What are ombre nails?

"Ombre nails were created as a softer twist on the classic French manicure," says Jade Howe, nail tech and owner of Diamond Nail Supplies. "Also known as French ombre or the French fade, the design originated as a nude shade to mimic the nail bed, blended into a white tip, as opposed to the crisp smile line of a traditional French manicure."

From this, Jade tells Cosmopolitan UK that "ombre nails became a classic design because they're sleek and versatile" and can be adapted to suit each person's individual style. "Over the years, especially the last 10 or so, this classic pink and white design has morphed into something entirely new," she adds. "From the mid to late 2010s, acrylic designs took off and nail techs became more creative than ever to accommodate this."

As a result, Jade explains that ombre designs became more and more elevated, incorporating everything from glitter to multi-colour gradients. "The technique has also been adapted to fit basically every 'type' of nail," she adds, whether that's acrylic nails, gel nails, builder gel or even regular polish. "Essentially, if you ask a tech 'will it ombre?', the answer is usually a resounding 'yes'," she says.

What nail shapes suit ombre nails?

Whatever your nail shape or length, ombre nails are an easy go-to. What's more, if you're looking to create the illusion of longer nails (without the faff of actually having them), this colour fade manicure is a super-flattering way to do just that. Not to mention it also comes in handy if you're torn between two different shades of polish — hey, why not wear both?

Can you do ombre nails at home?

While your manicure will almost always look better when done by a pro, if you are looking to create ombre nails at home then you'll be happy to hear this is DIY-able. If you can't make it to the salon, all you need is a cosmetic wedge to dab on the gradient colour for a simple two-toned look. Just make sure to finish this with a good top coat to seal in your hard work.

Ombre nail inspiration

Now you know all the tea on ombre nails, you're probably hoping for some inspiration to take to your nail tech. Well, we've got you covered. All in the name of good journalism, we've trawled social media to bring you a definitive round up of the cutest ombre nail designs out there. You can thank us later!

Glitter ombre

Ideal for party season — or, you know, just a Saturday — these sparkly ombre nails are a must-try.

What are ombre nails?

What nail shapes suit ombre nails?

Can you do ombre nails at home?

Ombre nail inspiration

Glitter ombre

Barbie ombre

Slytherinto the salon

Sweet dreams

Feelin' peachy

Get croc'd

The classic

Daisy delight

Chrombre

Black stilettos

Pantombre

Going sideways

Neon ombre

Abstract ombre

Clawsome

Marbled ombre

Reverse it

3D

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