There’s something about pink that’s just timeless. From Elle Woods in Legally Blonde to the Pink Ladies of Grease to the Plastics in Mean Girls’, pink is an ultra-feminine staple to have in rotation, especially for your nails.
But if you’re tired of the same old, same old, swapping a plain pink mani for a pink ombre nail design is one way to spice things up a bit!
And with over 40k posts on Instagram dedicated to this trend, you know there are going to be some must-try ideas just waiting for you to show to your manicurist or to DIY at home. To narrow down your selection, we’ve put together some of our fave looks, as well as the tips and info you need to get the perfect pink ombre nail look you’re dreaming of.
What Are Ombre Pink Nails?
Translating to “shade” in French, Ombre describes the typically light to dark progression of two shades together, though some works of ombre art include more than one shade blending together. Ombre pink nails are typically a blend of hues from hot pink to light pink with almost any color, but popular options include white, rose gold, and teal.
With everyone Khloe Kardashian to Hailey Bieber rocking pink ombre nails, it’s clear that this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. There are so many ways to customize a look that suits your tastes, whether you’re going for a sweet girly classic or a sleek set of coffin pink ombre nails.
Choosing Pink Ombre Nail Styles
Nothing feels better than a fresh set of pink ombre nails from the salon. It just feels like you’ve got your life together, and who doesn’t want to feel like ~that girl~?
But if you’re a newbie to the world of salon nails you’re going to want to keep a few things in mind before you head in for a set of pink ombre nails:
- Know what shades you want to work with for your pink ombre nail design. You can choose a bright look with hot pink ombre nails, or stay understated with light pink and white ombre nails.
- Are pink ombre short nails on your wishlist? Maybe long pink ombre nails are more your style? Decide whether you want long or short nails before you head to the salon.
- Determine which kind of nail treatment you’re looking for. You could go with pink and white ombre dip powder nails, or opt for a treatment such as gel or acrylics.
- Choose a finish. Matte pink ombre nails serve a super modern and sleek look, while glitter pink ombre nails are a fun party-ready option.
When it comes to choosing the right shades, there’s nothing worse than being stumped in front of the polish rack at the salon trying to decide which rosy hue you want to choose. Not to mention the sheer number of options available for finishes and accents on pink ombre nails these days.
Some of the most popular color combinations for pink ombre nails are:
| Shade of Pink | Most Commonly Paired With |
| Hot Pink |
|
| Pale Pink |
|
| Magenta |
|
| Dusty Rose |
|
| Rose Gold |
|
| Coral |
|
The table below outlines some popular shapes for pink ombre nails.
| Nail Shape Type | Example of Pink Ombre Nails |
| Oval | |
| Square | |
| Almond | |
| Stiletto | |
| Coffin |
Top Pink Ombre Nails Ideas
So you get the idea. There are plenty of options out there for getting the pink ombre nails right for your personal look and lifestyle. So how do you narrow down your choices? We’ve gathered up looks that range from statement to subdued for you so you can add them to your #inspo board before hitting up the salon or the store, and include some of the top ideas for pink ombre nails out there.
Before we get into it, here’s a short list of some of the most popular pink ombre nails ideas:
- Pink and white ombre nails
- Glitter pink ombre nails
- Hot pink ombre nails
- Light pink and white ombre nails
- Matte pink ombre nails
- Pink and teal ombre nails
- Rose gold ombre nails
- Pink on pink ombre nails
- Black and pink ombre nails
- Pink ombre nails with diamonds
1. Hot Pink Ombre Nails
Hot pink is hot anytime if you ask us. But it’s even more perfect when you consider the resurgence of loud, fun Y2K fashion that is all about maximalism. From bright hues to velour tracksuits, adding in a pop of hot pink is the perfect compliment to this trend, and what better place to add in such a loud statement color than on your nails?
2. Light Pink and White Ombre Nails
Nothing says classic feminine like pink and white. It’s just a timeless and fresh look perfect for brunch with the girls or a classy night out on the town. When you’re tired of plain digits, opting for an ombre is the perfect twist. Plus, you can include twice the amount of your favorite colors in one look, so you don’t have to worry about being indecisive the next time you head in for a fresh set.
3. Pink and Teal Ombre Nails
If you’re longing for a tropical paradise, but the weather outside (and your bank account) don’t agree, try a bright, Summer-inspired set including a pink and teal ombre nail accent and the quintessential fave fruits of the season, cherries and watermelon. Surrounded by the pops of neon pinks and teals, this set is sure to brighten even the darkest of days.
4. Rose Ombre Nails
Would you believe these rose ombre nails are actually press-ons? Easy to apply on your own at home, these elegant nails are perfect for those who don’t want to sit in the salon for hours on end to get the perfect manicure. Often, these kinds of nails are also reusable, so you can keep enjoying a favorite look beyond one wear. That’s a nice bonus for you, and your wallet!
5. Pink White Glitter Ombre Nails
Everything is better with glitter if you ask us, and this set certainly checks that box off. If you’re dreaming of bringing a princess vibe into the 21st century, these cute pink and white glitter ombre nails are perfect for doing that. They’re the right balance of girly and grown-up, just as ideal for your nine-to-five as for a date night out on the town with your own Prince(ss) Charming.
6. Black and Pink Ombre Nails
Nervous about going fully pink on your next set? Maybe the uber girliness of pink just doesn’t go with your personal aesthetic — because sometimes pink isn’t for everyone. If your personal style mood board is more Wednesday Addams than Regina George then you need to try out something like these black and pink ombre nails the next time you head to the nail salon.
7. Black and Pink Glitter Ombre Nails
Serving a look that says “boss mode”, these black and pink glitter ombre nails are a slick take on ombre we can’t get enough of. With the pink glitter at the tips fading to a rich, shiny black polish at the cuticle, these nails are simple in design but big on impact, perfect for a night on the town with the girls or a meeting in the boardroom.
8. Pink Ombre Nails With Diamonds
If words like “baddie nails” and “extra nails” come to mind when you’re dreaming up your next manicure, check out these pink ombre nails with diamonds. With a tapered square finish, these long acrylics are perfect for those looking for neutral nails with drama. These would look great with almost any outfit due to their simple color scheme but definitely grab your attention with the addition of those sparkly diamond jewel accents.
9. Rose Gold Acrylic Ombre Nails
Simple doesn’t have to equal boring or plain — in fact, it can be as classy and elegant as these rose gold acrylic ombre nails. Acrylics typically last about two to three weeks when maintained properly, so you can enjoy sparkly tips like these for more than a day or two, and this look should be easy to get a fill for since the sparkles fade from tip to cuticle.
10. Rose Gold Ombre Marble Nails
This set has a ton of trendy nail favorites at once — a tapered square finish, metallic accents, ombre, and even a marble effect. These rose gold ombre marble nails are ideal for the maximalists out there, and those of us that want a little bit of everything in one look. We love that these nails keep it neutral enough that pairing them with everyday looks isn’t an issue, and they even feel like they’d bring a little extra bling to your day-to-day.
11. Rose Gold Glitter Ombre Almond Nails
Okay, we all know how much almond nails are a classic and a staple beloved by nail enthusiasts but how cute are these almond-shaped rose gold glitter ombre nails? The chunky rose gold glitter is pretty, feminine, and classy, standing out against the soft pink background. The ombre effect is subtle and pretty, allowing the shape of the nail to shine alongside the glittery finish for maximum effect.
12. Rose Gold Holographic Ombre Nails
Holographic accents, also fondly referred to simply as “holo” by the nail community, have gained in popularity over the last several years and this look really nails that trend. We love how simple and subtle these rose gold holographic ombre nails are. They get you in on the trend without going over the top and are definitely neutral enough to pair with almost any outfit.
14. Rose Gold Ombre Glitter Nails Coffin
They say variety is the spice of life, so why not mix things up with this cute set of rose gold ombre glitter nails? We love how the artist chose to compliment the glitter ombre with a simple nude-pink color and some serious metallic shine. It’s fun but simple and the coffin nail shape is totally on-trend with the likes of what Kylie Jenner and Billie Eilish are asking their nail artists for when they head to the salon.
15. White and Rose Gold Ombre Nails
We absolutely adore these white and rose gold ombre nails! They are a total classic take on the pink ombre nails look. With the white as the background color fading into a sweet rose gold glitter, these nails remind us of a classic french manicure with a metallic twist.
Zohna Tip
White polish is infamous for poor DIY application, especially when it comes to ombre pink nails. Don't worry about streaks when you apply your first coat of white polish. Apply the second coat a little thicker. Then, a very, very thin final layer of polish can be applied if any streaks or imperfections remain. This will make for a nice opaque backdrop to your pink polishes. Finish with a good topcoat like cult-favorite Seche Vite’s Dry Fast. This should seal in your pink ombre application for at least a week or more.
16. Rose Gold and Black Ombre Nails
Pink doesn’t always have to translate to a sweet, girly look. Take these rose gold and black ombre nails for example. They are moody and sophisticated, with rose gold and rich black melding together to create a grown-up take on pink. We love the addition of the unique jewels on the plain black accent nail. It gives the set another layer of visual definition and texture we’re living for.
17. Pink to White Ombre Nails
Another perfectly sweet and classic look, these pink to white ombre nails are a perfect look to keep in your nail rotation. With soft pink blending into white, this set feels like a modern twist on a classic french manicure and we love it. If you’re looking for a simple DIY approach, pair Essie’s aptly named Lady Like with the shade Blanc to achieve this classic look.
18. Ombre Hot Pink and White Nails
These hot pink and white ombre nails are a rounded take on the dramatic stiletto nail trend. With such a dramatic length that is favored by celebs from Beyonce to Cardi B, this is a hot look at salons near and far. In order to keep your extra-long talons healthy and damage-free, avoid opening things using the tips of your nails, like makeup palettes or cans of pop, to prevent painful breaking and separating.
19. Pink on Pink Ombre Nails
Last but not least on our list of pink ombre nails ideas is this pink on pink set. This feels like the perfect look to get done before a tropical vacation or in the heat of summer when you want a bright, colorful look that complements everything from your tan to your cold drink!
Zohna Tip
Make your neon pink shades pop by applying a white base coat underneath for maximum impact. Then seal it all in with a long-lasting top coat to ensure your claws will be bright and shiny for days to come.
20. Ombre Nails Pink to White
Sometimes you need to go big on impact with your nails — whether that is in length, color, or style. And in this case, these pink to white ombre nails are simple in color, but their ballerina shape and beautiful jewel accents on the ring finger make them stand out. Ballerina nails are based on the shape of a pointe shoe, offering you an elongated, elegant shape that tapers into a square tip at the end. This is unlike the popular stiletto nail that is often filed into a sharp point and can be challenging to maintain.
21. Pink and Gold Ombre Nails
These rose pink ombre nails are delicate, pretty, and simple. If you’re looking for an easy DIY option, these would be simple to replicate at home using OPI’s It’s a Girl and Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Nail Colour in Sunken Treasure. Be sure to grab the matching topcoat and your gel curing UV lamp to get this DIY mani done right.
22. Rose Gold Dusky Pink Ombre Nails
How glam are these pink rose gold ombre nails? We love how elegant and fashion-forward this almost-nude set is. The subtle fade between the dusty rose and nude-pink hues paired with the chunky glitter gives you double the ombre effect. You could ask your nail artist to include additional glitter or add some gems to this look for an even more dazzling look.
23. Two Tone Rose Gold Ombre Nails
These nails are simple — done right. The brush of metallic rose gold polish accents the soft nude pink base underneath, and it looks like these almond-shaped nails have been kissed with chrome! In order to get your nails looking like this at home, try pairing Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure’s World is My Oyster with OPI’s Dulce de Leche for an easy way to wow.
24. Rose Gold Ombre Acrylic Nails with Glitter
Say “oui” to these cute rose gold French ombre nails with glitter! A modern, glam twist on a classic french manicure, these acrylic nails are full-on maximalist. We love that each finger has its own unique design, as well as the combination of the marbling effect with glitter ombre.
25. Ombre Nails Rose Gold
How much do you love these rose gold SNS nails with ombre? SNS is a brand of dip powder, just like Sally Hansen and Essie are brands of nail polish. In this technique, powder and glue both work together to give your nails a long-lasting bond. It comes in a rainbow of colors, like regular or gel polishes, so you can get your pink ombre powder nails looking just right. Manicurists tout the lack of intense smell that often accompanies acrylic nail applications, and not needing a UV light to cure it as reasons to switch.
26. Ombre Dip Nails Pink and White
Not all powder nails have to be complicated! Check out these ombre pink dip nails, for example. Using just two colors, the nail artist was able to create a soft, subtle ombre effect, perfectly fading the white and pink shades together. With the white tips, it feels like another fun twist on a classic french manicure.
27. Pink Ombre Nails Long
Instagram baddies and baddies in training don’t want to miss this hot AF look. With a deep rose at the tip fading to a soft nude, and a coffin tip, this person’s nails pink ombre set is on-trend in both color and shape. Hoping to go even trendier? Ask your nail artist to swap a shiny polish for a matte one instead.
28. Pink Ombre Nails with Glitter
Last but not least on our list of ombre pink nails is this ultra-glam set of pink ombre nails with glitter. We can’t be sure how many shades this artist used but it looks like a classy sunset on the beach, on your nails! We love that the ombre effect is emphasized by the all-over glitter application.
How to Do Pink and White Ombre Nails at Home
We’ve all been there. You desperately need a manicure before an event but you don’t have time or budget, or both to get it done. That’s where knowing your way around a DIY mani can be handy.
Thankfully, the pink ombre look is super easy to nail (heh) at home. The trick is having the right tools for the job. After all, you’ve probably had that moment halfway through painting your nails where you ask yourself WTF you were thinking of trying to do the design you saw online. The difference between you and the salon is obviously the experience and training your professional tech has, but also the tools they have.
Tools you’ll need to execute the perfect pink ombre nails:
- Nail file
- Basecoat
- 2-3 shades of pink
- Cosmetic wedge sponges
- Nail polish remover
- A clean up brush
- Topcoat
Step 1: Prep For Pink Ombre
Once you’ve assembled your tools, you’re going to want to start by tidying up your nails, filing and shaping them evenly. Apply a clear base coat to make sure your mani lasts longer and to protect your nails.
Step 2: Base Layer
Next, lay down an opaque white, nude, or other plain shade. Especially for pink ombre nails, you need to have an opaque background in order for these typically lighter polishes to pop. The gradient can be blotchy or uneven otherwise.
Step 3: Sponge Trimming
After your base coat is dry, grab your cosmetic sponge and trim it down on the flat part to make a stamp you can apply to your nail. Trim the sponge so it is still flat, but a little narrower than it came, so you don’t have to clean up too much polish on your finger around the nail.
Step 4: Paint It Pink
Then, paint stripes of each shade of pink you selected onto the sponge, or drop some of each polish onto a paper plate next to each other, letting them bleed into one another. Next, tap your sponge gently into the polish to create a gradient on the sponge, and press onto your nail. Several taps might be needed to get the full ombre effect. Remember, you need shade definition, so pairing hot pink and magenta may not produce the same subtle gradient peach pink and coral would.
Step 5: Clean Up and Seal In
After you apply polish to the rest of your nails, be sure to clean up the edges with a small brush. The best way to do this is to go slow, and to use a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover at a time, that way you won’t wreck your pink ombre masterpiece!
Seal it all in with a topcoat. It will make your mani last for a week or more, and ensure your hard work doesn’t get smudged or chipped easily.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! Now you’re the expert on all there is to know about pulling off pink ombre nails, whether you are headed to the salon or trying a DIY look at home. From the hot pink and white ombre nails to rose gold glitter ombre almond nails, there’s something for everyone who wants to try this classic trend.
