Amongst all the trending nail designs everyone’s been trying lately, there’s one we can always rely on: ombré nails. With constant trends like glass nails and coconut milk nails, the soft transitional look has stayed constant through it all. Switch things up from a single shade and instead lean into a gradient of colors. You can either try multiple colors or different shades of the same color, and you’ll get the perfect balance between a single-shade manicure and full-blown nail art.
Though you can try ombré nails any time of year, with so many summer nail colors to try this season, they’re perfect for this time of year. “Ombré nails are a super-fun trend for summer because you can try it so many ways, and with so many colors,” says Rachel Apfel Glass, the founder of Glosslab nail salons.
Trying to save money, try your hand at nail art, or extend time between nail salon appointments? Ombré nails will be your new BFF—you can easily DIY them at home, even if you’re a beginner. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide: All you need is one disposable makeup sponge (the wedge-shaped ones work best) and your gradient of nail polishes (or one shade mixed with varying degrees of white) to ease into the trend. Create your desired gradient on the sponge, overlapping each color slightly, and work from lightest to darkest to avoid blending the colors. Then, carefully stamp the sponge onto your nail, pressing lightly, and repeat for each finger. That’s the whole tutorial! If you want to take things a bit further, invest in a dip powder kit, which will get you one step closer to an actual salon mani.
Before you head to your next nail salon appointment or try your hand at being your own nail tech, check out our favorite ombré nails to try this summer. From French manicures to white ombre nails, here are all the best ombre looks we know you’ll love. Remember to take screenshots so you arrive with plenty of inspo to show your nail artist.