20 Ombré Nail Ideas For When You Can’t Choose Just One Color

When it’s time for me to decide on my next manicure, I always find myself searching for trends that are different from my usual set but not too out of the box. I’ll spend hours scouring Pinterest…only to panic and settle for French tips yet again. If you’re like me and you’re always searching for a nail design that puts a twist on a solid color and allows you to go either neutral or bold, you’re in the right place. Ombré nail ideas have become a new classic when it comes to nail designs. The soft gradient of colors creates the perfect manicure that fills that little grey area between traditional solid colors and a fully designed set. 

From blended French tips and neutrals to aura designs that can be bold and colorful, ombré nail ideas are a guaranteed fun way to shake things up for your next manicure. Personally, I’ll be keeping this list on hand for the next time I almost default to French tips when panicking at the nail salon. Read on for 20 ombré nail ideas that can give you the best of both worlds.

1. Pastel Ombré Nails

Source: @thelittleproject_

These are giving us sunset on the beach vibes. The beautiful sunrise effect is perfect for channeling vacation energy at any time, from any place.

2. Ombré French Tips

Source: @gelsbybry

For those who want a change but don’t want to stray too far from the classics, ombré French tips are the way to go. This set blends green and blue for a colorful, aquatic look.

3. Milky Ombré

Source: @paintedbyjools

Milky, slightly iridescent nails are in, and these melted French tips on an almond-shaped nail are a great neutral nail for anyone looking for a subtle ombré effect.

4. Iridescent Glitter

Source: @dani.nailedit

Sometimes the answer is “Just add a little glitter.” This design is the ideal look for a subtle shimmer—eye-catching enough to draw attention, but still neutral enough to pair with any outfit.

5. Aura Ombré with Stars

Source: @lolo.nailedit

Ombré doesn’t have to mean vertical shading—it can also look great in an aura shape. This particular set has some fun stars added for a little extra intrigue.

6. Lilac Ombré Nails

Source: @dani.nailedit

This airbrushed lilac ombré flawlessly blends any color into a neutral base for a light and airy design. This set looks like it was basically made to be worn with a cute butter-yellow sweater or handbag to make the lavender tones pop.

7. Melon Green and Orange Ombré

Source: @lolo.nailedit

This set blends a light orange and green in a seamless ombré that’s unique but not overly eye-catching or loud. We love the summery, sunny vibe that this set inspires.

8. Poolside Ombré

Source: @nailartfairy

The light blue ombrè and bubbling white designs on this set have an oceanside effect that is perfect for a vacation—or simply for making the most of the warm weather.

9. Box of Chocolates Ombré

Source: @byirren

For those who love a neutral nail and don’t want to have the ombré effect on a single nail, this box-of-chocolates manicure is the perfect option.

10. Green Ombré with Gold Detail

Source: @nailsbysuman

This set is perfect for girls who like their nails to match their jewelry. This ombré design and its gilded accents can be switched out for any metal color of your choice.

11. Pink Chrome Ombré

Source: @gelsbybry

For a Barbie-esque take on ombré nail ideas, look no further than this pink chrome set. All you need is five different shades of pink and a little bit of chrome powder.

12. Pink & Purple Aura Ombré Nails

Source: @lolo.nailedit

This particular aura ombré design basically screams “Tell me your big three.” It’s perfect for anyone who wants to shake up a simpler ombré design with brighter colors and an aura shape.

13. Sheer Gold Ombré

Source: @themaniclub

For a subtle glitter look, this sheer gold ombré blends into the color of the natural nail seamlessly. It can also be painted on top of any color for a more vibrant appearance.

14. Berry Ombré

Source: @lolo.nailedit

These red, purple, and blue ombré nails blend together bright, vibrant berry shades for a look that will definitely get you tons of compliments.

15. Two-Tone Pink Ombré

Source: @_gelcoco

This pink duo reminds us of Legally Blonde. Elle Woods would absolutely rock these pretty pink ombré nails, which is the only inspo we need to request this look.

16. Red & Orange Aura

Source: @lolo.nailedit

These fiery ombré nails are a bold statement piece. This design is the red lip of ombré nail ideas, made to stand out and catch attention.

17. Chrome Sunset

Source: @beautyspace_charlotte

A bold take on the classic sunset color combo, these chrome nails are a screenshot-worthy choice for summer. Plus, we love that this set is ombré across the nails, instead of the standard vertical ombré/

18. Sage Green Ombré with Crystals

Source: @buttercup.by.haru

Who doesn’t love a little crystal accent? This soft sage green ombré has the ideal dewy look when paired with delicate crystal accents.

19. Icy Blue Ombré

Source: @nails_bypooja

These icy tips are a great color swap for classic white French tips. They combine seamlessly with a nude base while also adding a pop of glitter for a look that’s super on-trend yet not too loud.

20. Rainbow Ombré French Tips

Source: @sm.subie

Love a rainbow look, but don’t want to go overboard? Look no further than these rainbow ombré French tips, which add a fun pastel twist to a relatively simple design.