There’s a time and a place for minimalist manicures, and this year’s biggest nail trends have proved that natural nails, neutral polishes and barely-there manicures will always be popular choices. But if, like me, you’re looking to swap that coat of sheer pink for something a little more playful for summer, then ombré nails might be exactly the kind of seasonal shake-up that you’ve been looking for.
Personally, as the weather has warmed up and the sun has become a more regular fixture in UK skies, I’ve found myself craving nails that are a little brighter, more playful and a lot more fun—but I’m not quite ready to dive headfirst into the glitter and glam of full-on festival nails. And that’s where an ombré manicure comes in.
What Are Ombré Nails?
Instead of one single block colour, ombré nails blend two or more shades together to create a soft, gradient effect that’s eye-catching without feeling over the top. “There are a few ways to achieve the look, but typically it is created with a sponge or dedicated ombré brush to gently diffuse the colours together in thin layers,” explains celebrity manicurist Ami Streets. “The key is patience as you need to build the gradient gradually, with a really flawless ombré coming down to smooth blending, thin layers, and a high-shine top coat to finish.”
And summer ombré nails are particularly perfect because it’s the perfect season to have a little more fun with colour. “Soft, sorbet shades and sunset-inspired gradients are particularly on trend for summer because they complement sun-kissed skin beautifully,” says Streets. “Peaches fading into corals, baby pinks blending into soft whites, butter yellow melting into tangerine, and even icy pale blues blended into turquoise work well for beach-inspired summer looks.” Plus, if you remain a minimalist at heart, then Streets even suggests that milky hues teamed with a subtle shimmer can be a more understated way to wear the ombré trend.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up 12 of the best summer ombré nail looks that I’ve bookmarked for the months ahead. Keep scrolling to find your new favourite manicure.
Summer Ombré Nail Inspiration
Orange nails always make a vibrant choice for summer, but the way this ombré style fades from juicy tangerine into a glossy nude is so chic.
Seriously, how pretty is this bubblegum pink set?
If you’re in the market for something more playful, this vibrant purple gradient set is so eye-catching.
Ombré nails work so well when layered with shimmer, as this golden, glowing manicure proves.
Can’t decide on a colour? You really can’t go wrong with a combination of watercolour-inspired pastels for an ethereal look.
It might look simple, but this faded French manicure is made summer-ready with that intense glassy top coat.
Imagine dipping the tips of your nails in an Aperol spritz, and your manicure might look something like this fiery set.
You don’t have to stick to brights to rock ombré nails in the summer. This warm brown airbrushed set still feels fun thanks to the addition of sparkling gems.
This is the epitome of a dream summer sunset in manicure form.
A pared-back take on the ombré nail trend comes in the form of this fairytale-esque set with a hint of pink shimmer at the tips.
There’s a lot going on here—an ombré finish, contrast colours and polka dot print—but somehow it all comes together to look surprisingly wearable.
This milky almond-shaped set is the perfect pared-back take on summer ombré nails.
The Best Products for Summer Ombré Nails
This warm and vibrant orange colour is perfect for a summer fade.
This bright flamingo pink would look so beautiful teamed with a milky neutral.
A clear polish packed with silver glitter looks so great layered over an ombré effect.
This pretty creamy lavender shade feels so summery.
Pair this opalescent mint shade with a sky blue or lilac for a mermaid-inspired ombré set.
