Last Updated on March 2, 2024
Ombré is definitely a hot color trend that won’t be going away anytime soon. You see it in hair, nail art, and even in home décor. But why is called that way and what is it all about?
Let’s take a step back from just appreciating and answer a few questions about how this color scheme came to be.
History of Ombré
The word is French for shadow or shading. What we know of ombré today is a kind of color pattern that moves from light to dark. This technique was first used during the early 19th century to create fabrics with graduated hue patterns.
These designs first appeared as prints made by the wallpaper company Zuber. The use ombré declined when more affordable (and just as beautiful) approaches became more popular during the 20th century.
The Return of Ombré
Ombré got a new life from its fabric design roots as a hair coloring method. R&B sensation, Aaliyah, was one of the first to popularize this, followed by celebrities like Britney Spears, Vanessa Hudgens, Drew Barrymore, and Beyoncé.
Stylists found that this scheme is easier to maintain compared to other hair color patterns. Ombré took a next step beyond going from a dark to light hue. This gradient style has been used to slowly transform from a natural tone to more surprising tone variants.
The style went beyond hair and into nail art. Ombré nails were further promoted by figures such as Lauren Conrad, Victoria Beckham, and Katy Perry.
The 21st century also witnessed ombré incorporated into home decorating. Textiles, glassware, and walls were painted in graduating shades. Baking techniques took advantage of adding this color style through cake icing and layering.
How Ombré is Made?
This gradient effect is achieved by having two colors gradually shift from one to the other. The original fabric method can start with a dark color at the bottom and carry it upward using a wet brush. Another method is through dipping the cloth in dye and letting it cover the surface naturally.
Some extensive methods involve threads pre-dyed before being woven into a sheet. Knitters can get the effect by planning stripe patterns, transitioning from one color to another by working row by row or round by round.
Bakers can achieve this result by using different-colored cake layers and stacking them. For makeup (e.g. lipsticks, eyeshadows, etc.), you can get this by blending two or more shades. Outcomes will vary, depending on skin tone and pigments used.
Beautiful Ombre Nail Ideas and Designs
The ombré effect is a wonderful way to spice-up your usual nail design. If you’re tired of nudes, solid hues, or glitter, adding gradients can turn simply pink-and-pretty into ombré beauty queen instantly.
Explore the many ways this color effect can change your look. Browse through these beautiful ombré nail ideas and get started!
1. Pale Blue
Credits to Gelé Naglar via Chic Pursuit
Tones of light blue and pink along with glitter make this stunning number a real eye-catcher.
2. The Beach
Credits to Maria V SoNailicious via The Cuddl
Re-create the sand, sea, and fun in this amazing beach-inspired nail art.
3. Bejeweled Princess
Credits to Top Trends Guide
Feel like royalty by adding rhinestones instead of the usual glitter.
4. Beautiful in Black
Credits to Martininails via Chic Pursuit
This is a great way to jazz up a standard color, while maintaining that mysterious, dark vibe.
5. Match It
Credits to Krishna J via Chic Pursuit
Don’t just match your handbag to your shoes – match your nails with it, too!
6. Pinks, Purple, and Blue
Credits to nailsbyvan via Chic Pursuit
Create a subtle rainbow effect using a few hues and lots of creativity.
7. Sassy in Chrome
Credits to Nail Base London via The Cuddl
Want an edgy look that’s still understated? Use the ombré effect with just one classy color and have it fade to transparent.
8. Simply Pretty
Credits to TotalBeauty via Pinterest
Keep it simple but stylish in this modest and beautiful ombré nail design.
9. Cracked
Credits to natalimyname via The Cuddl
This pink-and-white speckled ombré will remind you of lemon squares or streusel on white buns. Yum!
10. Festive
Credits to nailsbyeliz via The Cuddl
Red and gold is always great for the holidays.
11. French Fade
Credits to Top Trends Guide
Dress up your classic French tip ombré nails with small jewels that sparkle by day or by night.
12. French Ombré
Credits to Top Trends Guide
Elegant, clean, and always on trend, you can get this look by blending white tips with a soft pink color.
13. Black Flower
Credits to olgastognieva via Chasing Daisies Blog
Add decals to jazz up the traditional hues you love.
14. Constellation
Credits to zack_pn via Chic Pursuit
Put the wonders of the starry night sky right on your fingertips with this delightful nail design.
15. Glitter Gradient
Credits to Angelitamagal via The Cuddl
The ombré effect can also be achieved using glitter instead of solid colors. Just take a look at this dazzling example!
16. Winter Grey
Credits to polishmadness_ via The Cuddl
This grey-and-black combo will remind you of cool winter night skies.
17. Rose Marble
Credits to zack_pn via The Cuddl
Combine that coveted marble look with the more modest ombré effect for a posh result!
18. Mermaid Nails
Credits to allaboutatima via The Cuddl
The aqua hues and shiny exterior on this nail design make it a gorgeous choice for mermaid babes everywhere.
19. Black-and-White
Credits to Grosu_Nadya via Chic Pursuit
This is indeed a day and night look thanks to its black-and-white ombré theme.
20. Nude
Credits to Top Trends Guide
Simple and chic, you’ll want to wear this nude ombré nail even after Christmas!
21. Candy Matte
Credits to Top Trends Guide
Go for a matte finish as a fresh substitute for the usual shiny polish. You won’t regret it.
22. Soft Pink
Credits to merlin_nails via Chic Pursuit
Feel your prettiest in this sweet number that features soft pink tones and sparkling glitter.
23. Royalty
Credits to Top Trends Guide
The tender periwinkle color of this nail design is ideal for the spring or summer season.
24. Rainbow
Credits to Trends OK
Who wouldn’t want the rainbow on their hands? Well, in this case, have yourself some colorful digits.
25. Twilight
Credits to Top Trends Guide
Reminiscent of sin and ecstacy, the wild red hues on this short ombré nail design will have you begging for more.
26. Candy Apple
Credits to Anastasiya.Kalesnik via Chic Pursuit
Red is always a head-turner; but go ahead and give it a gradient so it stands out more.
27. Seigaiha
Credits to bdettenails via The Cuddl
A Japanese word for ‘wave’, this pattern will give your ombré nails an authentic Oriental vibe.
28. Neutral
Credits to Chasing Daisies Blog
Clean and chic, this traditional look is great for short nails and will go perfectly well with any of your outfits.
29. Sparkle
Credits to Chasing Daisies Blog
Adding glitter to your nude or beige polish is the quickest way to give them a festive feel.
30. Snowflakes
Credits to semilac via The Cuddl
Nothing says that the holidays are coming more than these stunning crystalline snowflake decals.
31. Burgundy
Credits to Chasing Daisies Blog
Square burgundy tips with a modest ombré effect? Yes, please!
32. Stars
Credits to Art_Emma via Chic Pursuit
No need to wish upon a star – when you can have them right on your fingertips.
33. Silver Queen
Credits to Chasing Daisies Blog
White, grey, and silver have never looked so impressive (or so regal!).
34. Sunflowers
Credits to Top Trends Guide
With summer just around the corner, prepare your nails with this beautiful flower design.
35. Everything Nice
Credits to mirjam_liik_nailart via The Cuddl
This exquisite white ombré nail design is perfect for any occasion – be it a June wedding or a Christmas party!