The “French Ombre” is a new twist on the classic French manicure that has us swooning. French ombre manicures are similar to French manicures in that they use neutral shades such as pink, white, and nude tones. Instead of the traditional demarcation line below a white tip, French ombres have a natural fade. What is the end result? This is a beautiful modern take on a classic. See 30 of our favorite French ombre nail designs, from negative spaces with nail art to glam sparkles.
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French Fade
@nailsbydaisymay
This classic French ombre manicure features a white tip that gradually fades into a petal-pink color near the cuticle. Also, the scrunchies in coordinating colors are a nice addition.
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Short, Glossy
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
You can still rock an ombre manicure even if you have short nails. These short, natural nails look great with the gradient effect.
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A Little Glitter
@nails_by_clementine/ Instagram
This nude pink, white and French ombre manicure is taken to the next level by adding a holographic accent nail.
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Subtle Sheer
@nouvelleatl
The gel’s shape, colors and glossy shine are stunning, but in a subtle way. This results in a polished, natural-looking nail.
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Berry Ombre
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
This extended, syrupy ombre of deep blues, violets, and reds reminds us of an amazing berry cocktail. It’s perfect for the fall and winter.
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Chrome French Ombre
@swaknails / Instagram
The short oval nails have a cherry-blossom-pink base that fades to white at the midway point. They’ll be a great look all year round. The chrome finish gives the manicure a modern, on-trend look.
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Short and Sweet
@sarasnailfun
The ombre effect starts high, near the cuticle, on this short, sweet, rounded set.
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A Pop of Color
@clawed_bylala/ Instagram
This gorgeous mani is a twist on the “traditional French ombre” and takes it to the extreme with neon colors.
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Powdered & Perfect
@m.elizabeth_nails / Instagram
Dip powder can be used to create a French ombre. This look is bold at first, but fades to pink gradually halfway.
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Slight Sparkle
@pixienail
You can see how the light reflects off each perfectly applied iridescent glitter polish on the ring fingernail if you look closely. You have to look very closely to see this fun accent.
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Coral Fade
@imarninails/ Instagram
Since Pantone’s announcement of the color for 2024, ‘Peach fuzz’, we’ve seen coral everywhere. This includes nails. This coral nail is super fun with its faded look.
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Crisp Black Tip with Silver Rain
@heygreatnails/ Instagram
You want to upgrade the classic glitter nails? This glam black French tip with silver ombre fallsout is a must-see. This set is one we’re saving for New Year’s Eve.
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Square and Short
@sanacri_nailartist / Instagram
French ombre, also known as “baby-boomer nails” is a trend that was popularized during the Baby Boom (1946-1964), when many women painted their nails pink and white. This manicure shows an example. This set is square-shaped, adding a sophisticated edge to this trend.
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Perfectly Polished
@_by_shelley
This set of rose-toned nail looks like a French manicure because it has an expert-level fade. However, if you look closer, you will see that the transition is airbrush-like. This is a great option for those who aren’t quite ready to go full ombre.
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Almost invisible
@rougeparis
The fade is so subtle, you need to look very closely to notice it. We love it. Ask your technician for a barely-there ombre manicure. Essie’s ($10) High Maintenance should be enough.
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Confetti Kiss
@charlotte_marlier
These adorable, yet eye-catching, dots at the base of the nails add a tiny bit of festiveness to a demure look.
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Winter White
@glossupparis/ Instagram
This is another beautiful example of the classic French ombre manicure with a gradient and glossy finish. It has ice-cold white tips.
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French Ombre with Bling
@elitenailspa146 / Instagram
Even a simple gem can elevate your manicure.
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Grey French Ombre Press-Ons
@blackgirlsfrenchnails / Instagram
These press-on nails will give you the French ombre manicure that you’ve always wanted in no time. They look as good as they would if done in a salon.
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Dusky Blue
@disseynails/ Instagram
If you want to create a beautiful ombre, don’t limit yourself to white pearls. You can also choose a dusky faded blue that mimics dawn.
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Butterfly Background
@sahana_nailtech_umhlanga / Instagram
Use nail stickers to make your French ombre manicure more fun. A cute gold butterfly is used to upgrade this look.
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Simple Snowflake
@nailsbykatiedutra
In the winter, add a sophisticated snowflake pattern to a French ombre manicure in nude and white.
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Classic Fade
@__ivybeauty
It’s impossible to go wrong with the classic French ombre. Use The Gel Bottle polishes Petal ($15), and Daisy ($19) to create this look.
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Caviar Accent Nail
@cutiecles.x
Add tiny gems on one finger to make your French ombre manicure more glamorous. This is also called a caviar mani.
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Glitter Tips
@disseynails/ Instagram
With a little sparkle, you can achieve a French ombre. This golden glitter manicure is subtle enough to wear every day, yet shines bright enough for nighttime.
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Hot Pink Ombre
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
Who said French couldn’t be enjoyable? This ombre manicure is perfect for the summer with its playful hot pink pop. The tips of the nails are finished with a slight hint of red.
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French Ombre with Negative Space
@heygreatnails/ Instagram
Who said French tips had to be thick, solid and thick? You can start your ombre in the negative space between a double French. This ocean blue glittery gradient is a great example.
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Horizontal French ombre
@phoebesummernails / Instagram
You can give your manicure a new twist by letting the ombre trend start at the tip of the nail instead of the nail bed. This pastel rainbow nail look is perfect for spring.
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Spring Green Ombre
@disseynails/ Instagram
This peach-to-light green French ombre looks makes us want to head to the farmers’ market to buy fresh fruit.
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Pop of Pearls
@amysclaws/ Instagram
This is the ultimate bridal look, if we’re being honest.