The last time you thought about asking for ombré nails at the salon might have been in 2015, but hear us out: gradient nails are back in a much cooler, chicer way in 2025. From the aughts to 2010s, celebrity manicurist Natalie Minerva says the then-new ombré look was considered very “editorial”—its simple two-tone transition igniting a frenzy among the fashionable. Like many trends, it then saw a steady decline before an eventual drop off; manicures escalating to 3D decals, glazed donut chrome finishes, and majorly maximalist art.
“Ombré has gotten a big glow-up in the last few years,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. “In 2025, it’s less about the ‘basic fade’ and more about playing with unexpected textures, color pairings, and finishes.” Examples of these include the trending “aura” nails with their psychedelic centers, magnetic gel velvet finishes, and negative space. “Ombré has gone through many variations since the early days… The biggest shift is how versatile it’s become,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec agrees.
Below, ombré nail ideas that you’ll be thinking about ‘til your next appointment.
Ombré Nail Design Ideas
Lilac Bloom
We can’t get enough of these pretty purple nails. Reminiscent of the aura nail trend, this ombré starts at the center and works its way out towards the end of the nail. Try it at home by placing a drop of lilac polish (isn’t Chanel’s Immortelle so pretty?) at the center of a wedge sponge, and then paint a ring of nude polish around the perimeter. Tap away on your nail for a lava lamp-esque result.
Frombé
One of the most classic ways to wear this trend is by blurring the lines of your traditional French tips, which Minerva calls a “Frombé.” This airbrushed look is an immediate compliment-earner, goes with every outfit, and makes your outgrowth look more subtle between fills. “My favorite go-to French is one coat of OPI Nail Lacquer Bare My Soul and OPI Nail Lacquer Alpine Snow to create the French Tip,” says Minerva.
