17 Colorful Ombré Nail Ideas You Need To Try This Summer

If you’re having trouble blending or you just don’t want to take the time to make it look perfect, Gerstein has the best trick: Paint a sheer, fine glitter over the top to blur the lines, as shown here on these sparkly hibiscus flower nails. (You could also do the effect on just one accent nail, as these demonstrate.)

Another easy (well, easier) way to get the ombré look is with a technique Gerstein calls “milk bath.” After you’ve painted with your color, use a sheer white or sheer pink on top to give it a milky, watered-down look as you fade it out.

If you want to transition from a dark shade to a lighter shade of the same color, Gerstein recommends starting with the darkest color and adding white to it. Gradually add more and more white to the mixture as you paint to create that gradient effect.

Here’s another example of mixing white with darker nail polish to make a range of shades — only this time, you’ll paint each shade on a separate nail (Gerstein calls this the “Skittle nail”) to create an overall ombré effect across the whole hand.

Another option is to pick totally different colors for your ombré combos. Take the look shown here, for instance, which features colors like green fading into yellow and red into orange for a vibrant and gorgeous manicure.

If minimalist nail art better suits your style, keep it simple with neutral nails and add only a sliver of vibrant ombré color. A single accent nail like this will save you all the extra time, too.

You can’t make a list of summer nail ideas without neon colors in the mix. This look gives the classic French mani an update with lime green and bright turquoise polish accenting asymmetrical tips.

Pastel nail polish isn’t just for spring. This bright blend of lilac and periwinkle has summer written (er, painted) all over it.

One of the trendiest nail polish colors for summer is orange, and Gerstein’s favorite way to wear it is with LeChat Orange Crush. Get this sunrise-inspired look by blending the tangerine shade into an apricot color at the base.

Don’t be afraid to play around with the direction of your ombré effect. This vertical version of the trend is still eye-catching. If you’re not great at blending, choose two similar colors that are the slightest bit different.

Gerstein also loves anything yellow for summer, and when you pair the loud color with a more subdued base, you get the perfect minimalist set of tips like this one.

You can rock the ombré look with the also trendy jelly and chrome nail styles. To achieve this, Gerstein likes to blend your color of choice into clear and then use a clear chrome powder on top. If that sounds a little too advanced for you, just take this photo to your nail tech — it’ll be worth a trip to the salon.

You don’t need clear nail extensions to get the jelly look. Use a sheer polish like Cirque Colors Peach Jelly and the sponge trick for a transparent wash of color.

Hello, vacation nails: This metallic ombré mani was made for your next beach trip.

If you’re feeling up for the challenge, these summer ombré waves are worth all the time and effort. Change up the color combo on each nail to make it even cooler.

Combine your ombré mani with cloud nails for the ultimate summer set. Pro tip: You can use the clouds to cover up any imperfections.

Not great at painting with both hands? Find a pair of press-ons you like, such as these chic coffin-shaped tips, and paint them before you glue them on to make it easier.