From ombre hairstyles to eye shadows to even lip colors, the ombre look–the gradual transition from a light color to a darker one–has been trending for a while now. But nowhere is this trend more apparent than in the nail art world. Whether it’s a professional manicure or [DIY nail art]( , there are countless ombre nail designs that contrast shades in creative ways.
If you’ve ever wanted to try this manicure style, we’ve got great news for you: pricey salons are not your only option. Continue reading below for two easy ombre nail art tutorials that you can recreate from the comfort of your own home.
Ombre Nail Look 1: The Multi-Color Mani
This multicolored manicure style is a super easy nail look to recreate, and allows you to show off your own individual style. Find out how you can get this nail design below.
What You’ll Need
-
Nail Polish Colors: You can either choose a few nail polish colors in the same color family, like pink nails that go from hot to light pink, or choose totally different colors for an ultra-cool contrasting ombre effect. To make things even easier, reach for a pre-selected set of nail colors, like this [PRETTY WOMAN Ombre Set](
-
A Base Coat: A solid base coat is the key to making any nail art look last. For extra protection, opt for a base coat like [DERMELECT COSMECEUTICALS Launchpad Nail Strengthener]( This will keep your nails strong, healthy, and nourished underneath your layers of polish and top coat.
-
A Top Coat: Reach for a clear top coat, like this [LAW BEAUTY ESSENTIALS Almost Gel Top Coat]( to keep your nail polish from chipping, cracking, or peeling over time.
-
A Nail File: Filing your nails is particularly important for an ombre nail art look, because the gradient effect is emphasized when all your nails are the [same or similar shape]( We recommend [BEAUTY JUNKEES FAB Glass Nail File and Buffer]( for its durable, high-quality glass material.
How to Get the Look
Step 1: File Your Nails
Swipe the nail file along the sharp end of your nail in one direction until you’ve created a smooth, even edge to your desired length.
Step 2: Apply Your Base Coat
Apply an even layer of base coat onto your nails consisting of about three swipes of polish. Let it dry.
Step 3: Paint Your Nails
Here’s where the fun part begins. Decide which direction you want your ombre nail design to go in–light thumb nail color to dark pinky nail color? Alternate on each hand?–and apply the nail polishes to each nail carefully. Wait for the first coat to dry and then apply a second coat of each shade, if you’d like. You can also [add glitter]( stickers, or other nail decals at this point.
IPSY tip: keep some nail polish remover and Q-tips on hand to clean up any smudges on your cuticles.
Step 4: Add Your Top Coat
Once your ombre nail polish is dried, add a layer of top coat to seal the deal. Let it dry completely before moving around so you don’t cause any chipping.
Ombre Nail Look 2: The Glamorous Gradient
Does it get more glamorous than gradient nails? This eye-catching DIY nail art design can be worn with a variety of different [nail shapes]( and colors, allowing for maximum creativity. It is a bit more advanced than the multicolored ombre nail tutorial, but easily managed with a little practice.
What You’ll Need
In addition to your base coat and top coat from the first look, you’ll need:
-
Makeup Wedges: When it comes to nail art, your makeup sponge is your paintbrush. You’ll need it to dab your blended nail polish colors onto your nails seamlessly. [ROYAL & LANGNICKEL Chic 32pc Makeup Wedges]( are perfectly angled to create flawless ombre nail magic.
-
Nail Polish: Feel free to pick any two shades you like, or pick two polishes in the same color family or shade range (like a twist on the classic French manicure style). For example, you could pair white with rosy pink, or go bold with two vibrant colors like electric pink ([SPACECASE Cosmetics Little Pink Men]( and cherry red ([DERMELECT COSMETICS ‘ME’ Power Trip](
How to Get the Look
Step 1. Apply Your Base Coat
Apply a few strokes to each nail. Let your base coat dry completely before you go in with your nail polish.
Step 2. Apply the Lightest Color
Paint an even coat of [your lightest color]( to each of your nails. For extra depth and brightness, wait for your first coat to dry, then paint your nails again with the same color.
Step 3. Blend Your Colors
On a flat surface, pour a small amount of each of your nail polish colors right next to each other. Take a toothpick, bobby pin, or other small utensil and swirl just where the two colors meet, creating a marbled center. Mix more color for a more intense gradation, or less for a smaller gradation.
Step 4. Sponge and Dab
Take your makeup sponge and dip it into your mixed nail polishes. Orient your sponge so the darker color is near the tip of your nail, and the lighter color is nearest to your cuticle. Dab the sponge lightly onto your nail, moving it slightly up and down and left and right as you go to get an even blend. Feel free to dab as many times as you like to build intensity, but let each coat dry completely first to avoid bubbling.
Step 5. Apply Your Top Coat
Remove any excess nail polish on your cuticles or outside your nails using nail polish remover and a Q-tip or cotton ball. Let your nails dry completely before applying your top coat.
Ombre nails look sophisticated and chic, andPreformatted text they’re surprisingly easy to do yourself. Have you tried creating your own at-home ombre manicure? Show it off by posting a photo on Instagram or Twitter and tagging us @IPSY.
Want to get in on the trend with brand-new products? Take our [quick and easy beauty quiz]( to start getting customized beauty products (like nail polishes perfect for your next DIY manicure day), delivered to your door every month.