40 Timeless Ombré Nail Designs To Try Immediately

Looking for hot new nail inspiration? Well, you've come to the right place. Ombré nails dominate the nail sphere and have quickly become the easiest way to add a fun spin to your nail game. It's a beautiful way to merge two or even three of your favourite colours and styles into one bespoke look.

If you like lipgloss nails, turn your attention to a classic soft nude base that finishes with colour at the tips, and if your heart's more inclined to electric nail art, say hello to aura nails (don't worry we have inspo on that later). It also helps that ombré nails never go out of style, you can try them with a timeless French manior perhaps even reverse it for a modern twist. Whatever you opt for one thing is certain - it is bound to look good (with the right guidance of course).

If you need some inspiration to get started or want to know a bit more before you head to an appointment, fret not we have done all the hard work for you. Scroll on to see the best ombré nail sets to suit any nail shape.

Rainbow Ombré

Totally 'Instagram-able', bring summer to your nails with this colourful set. Designed for those who love to have a bit of fun! And best of all you can play around with these colours and 3D effects to suit your taste. Credit: @melssnailss

Pink Ombré

Nail artist Kae Ageh is the master of square nails and if you're a fan of lipgloss nails consider this set its close cousin. Opt for a soft colour near to your natural nail bed, and for an added twist you can incorporate a nice accent nail. Credit: @kaesklaws

Blue Ombré

Nail technician Leila Ngozi Hall knows a thing or two about how to achieve the perfect pointed almond nail. This set is an edgy aura nail design complete with a sharp finish. Darker shades are not only for the colder months and this inspo is too cool not to try all year round. Credit: @nailedbyleilani

Green With Envy

Nude, green, marble with a matte finish make this the perfect combo, see the proof below. Credit: @nailedbyleilani

Pink Aura Ombré

We are in love with this season's trendiest nail set, which is none other than aura nails. This set has to be one you put on your list for 2024, their sheeny finish bears resemblance to Hailey Bieber's famous glazed doughnut nails. Credit: @nailedbyleilani

Checkered Ombré

When we saw this set we had to include it in the round up, this is a nice alternative to the classic dark to light ombré. The shades of yellow and lavender say hello spring nails. Credit: @tendrehands

Short And Sweet

Did someone say vanilla french manicure?These ombré nails are perfect for every day, thanks to their subtle nature which makes them look like a refined version of your natural nails. You can rock this design with any nail shape and it's a nice set to start your BIAB journey with. Credit: @emmajacksonnailartist

Soft Ombré

Soft, simple and nude - it will go with everything. Credit: @nailedbyleilani

Classic Ombré

This ombré nail design is classic 2012, you couldn't go on a scroll through Instagram without seeing this at one point in time. Credit: @nailsbygabbyk

Autumn Hues

This is a unique take on ombré, we love how nailzkatkat has included 3D smile lines. You can create the same colour blend by using the products listed below. Credit: @nailzkatkat

Lilac Mix

We love this purple and white situation. It's always good idea to nourish the cuticles after getting your nails done too. Credit: @miaminailstudio

Black Nails

Yes you can enjoy ombré with black nails! Try mixing an brown and a grey polish for the perfect gradient effect. Credit: @avrnailswatches

Milky Nails

Milky white to soft pink will always be one of our favourite and classic combos. Credit: @nailedbyleilani

Marble Nails

Marble ombré is always interesting to look at, this is best to do on medium-long nails so you have a good amount of space to work with. Credit: @_nails.by.gee_

Orange Nails

Paloma Faith is a fan of fiery ombré, as seen by this set created on the singer by nail expert Imarni. Credit: @imarninails

Summer Ombré

These nails just scream summer. Baby pink, light pink and orange work so well together. Credit: @elzbieta_laszewska_instruktor

Watercolour nails

Watercolour nails are basically a style that utilises the basics of ombré to include more than two colours. If you can't decide on one... mix them all together. Credit: @kimkimnails

Stiletto Ombré Nails

Stiletto nails are always a good choice if you want to show off the colour gradient between two completely different colours, see the below for proof. Credit: @custom_nails_waldorf

Baby Ombré

Who said you can't ombré your natural nails? This set right here is created using BIAB. If you're looking for intricate nail design, nail artist Carmen Davis is rated by the Grazia fashion team. Credit: @purpleonmyfingers

Hybrid Ombré

You can play up the softest ombré shades with nail art and gems on top for an otherworldly effect. Credit: @kimkimnails

Sunset Ombré

This red, orange, and pink marbled set works great together for the warmer months. Credit: @livsnails_x

Flamingo Nails

As you already know pink and white work beautifully together and this lengthy coffin nail shape creates an overall softness to an otherwise dramatic look. Credit: @jet_set_beauty_nails

Pink 3D Nails

Save this for Valentine's Day – red and pink may be a classic go-to for the festivities but the 3D gel textured tips and embellished charms are anything but traditional. Credit: @nissanailedit

Mini French Ombré

Focusing the combination of two different colours on your tips is a fun and subtle way of sporting the style. Credit: @gelsbyfliss

Airbrush Ombré

To create a seamless blend ask your nail technician to bring out the airbrush machine, it's an effective way to create realistic looking results. Credit: @karin.nailedit

Ombré With A Twist

Different shades of one colour on each nail is a fun twist on the classic ombré, as are matte heart artwork against an otherwise high-gloss base. Credit: @jessleenailss

Chrome French Tip

This is a fluorescent chrome and French tip combination is a guaranteed head turner. Credit: @o_pro_nails

French Chrome Ombré

Want to try the glazed donut version of the ombré style? Look to this high-gloss set for inspiration. Credit: @silvernailswatergardens

Ombré Rainbow Nails

Can't decide between shades? Pick your favourite colours and wear a different gradient effect of each on every nail. Credit: @zack_pn

Free Flowing Ombré

Ombré doesn't just have to flow top down and this set by @tendrehands shows how it's done, with the gradience of colours running down the length of the nail as well as side to side. If an abstract set is what you seek, try this. Credit: @tendrehands

Metallic Orange And Pink Ombré

This take on ombré nails proves you don't necessarily need to sport the style on every one of your nails, instead choose one central nail and let the others act as a reflection. Credit: @beautyspace_charlotte

Ombré Almond

Experts agree that almond nails are the most popular shape of 2024 and this set nudey pink French ombré is a chic take on the trend. Credit @clawnis_

Nude Ombré

Ombré styles need not be bold or loud, you can enjoy a natural-looking finish with ombré by picking a nude that suits you best. Credit: @_nailzzbyjenn

Baby Blue Ombré Nails

Search for baby blue nails are on the up, the reason being? Summer is on the horizon, this ombré take on the delicate hue makes the soft colour choice even more alluring. Credit: @shebo_nails

Multicolour Metallic

This is what you call a kaleidoscope of colour. Perfect for spring and summer, @ericasbranch used a vertical ombre design and pearl chrome finish to create this look. Credit: @ericasbranch

Abstract Ombré

We dare you to find an ombré set as cool as these. Featuring a deep colour palette with pops of colour, its abstract design and entirely refreshing interpretation of ombré will be an instant eye catcher. Credit: @gelxbygrace.

Hint Of Ombré

Can't decide? Why not try ombré on a single nail and sport your other favourite designs elsewhere, it's certainly a unique way to try the trend. Credit: @beautynailsclip

Black And White Ombré

These sets were created on two besties and prove just how much fun you can have with ombré nails on different nail shapes. While one set focuses on ombré tips, the other boasts an aura pattern. Credit: @acrylicsbyfatima

Yellow Ombré

Want a summer-ready take on the trend. Look no further than these bright and bold nails which still manage to look classy even with a loud hue. Credit::a[@gossipandgloss]{href='https://www.instagram.com/p/CPswOjqjbJZ/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

Glitter Ombré

If you're after a set guaranteed to dazzle, look to these. They feature a deep almond French tip and midnight purple glitter both atop and underneath the nails. Credit: @pretty.nails.by.claudia

What are ombré nails?

Ombré nails are a stunning fusion of colours and styles, offering endless possibilities for creativity. They involve seamlessly blending two or more shades to create a gradient effect that transitions smoothly from one colour to another.

What colours are good for ombré nails?

Experiment with shades that complement each other, such as soft pastels transitioning into vibrant hues, or deep jewel tones fading into metallic accents. Leila says at the moment a lot of her clients are opting for the classic pink to white which never gets old. We've also noticed that sunset colours are particularly popular, and that people who regularly get their nails done tend to follow the vibes of the season. For example soft colours in spring and darker hues in the winter. This could be a good place to start if you're stuck on what colours you want for your next nail set.

Can you do ombré nails on short nails?

Ombré can absolutely be achieved on short nails which allows everyone to indulge in this trend. Nail Technician, Leila Ngozi Hall, @nailed by leilani on Instagram confirms that, 'with the right technique, short nails can rock ombré designs just as beautifully as longer ones. I would suggest using just two colours, any more can be a lot to put on your nails, especially if you're a beginner. As the nails are short, it's best if you apply thin layers of polish. This way you can build up the colours gradually and ensure a smoother transition between the colours. It might be useful to have a few cotton buds at hand because it could get messy!'

How long do ombré nails last?

Leila says, 'ombré nails typically last as long as a traditional full set, thanks to the meticulous encapsulation technique used to build and protect the nail structure.' She said you can enjoy your stunning ombré manicure for weeks on end with proper care.

What is better - ombré gel or dip powder?

To dip powder or to gel? The main difference between gel and dip powder ombré lies in their application methods and finishes. Gel ombre involves layering gel polish with precise blending and curing, while dip powder ombré entails dipping nails into coloured powders for a quicker, matte finish. Hall says,'I prefer using dip powder for ombré nails, as it offers a seamless blend between colours, resulting in a flawless finish.' Leila recommends opting for dip powder to ensure a professional-looking ombré effect from the comfort of your own home.

Can I do ombré nails at home?

It may take a lot of effort but you can! 'Start with a neutral base colour and gradually layer on your chosen shades using a sponge or brush for a smooth transition. With a little practice and patience, you can master the art of ombré nails right at home', Leila Ngozi Hall advises. Keen to try, start with the at-home kit below.

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