Oh, They’re So Back—17 Pretty Nail Designs That Make This

The last time you thought about asking for ombré nails at the salon might have been in 2015, but hear us out: gradient nails are back in a much cooler, chicer way in 2025. From the aughts to 2010s, celebrity manicurist Natalie Minerva says the then-new ombré look was considered very “editorial”—its simple two-tone transition igniting a frenzy among the fashionable. Like many trends, it then saw a steady decline before an eventual drop off; manicures escalating to 3D decals, glazed donut chrome finishes, and majorly maximalist art.

“Ombré has gotten a big glow-up in the last few years,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. “In 2025, it’s less about the ‘basic fade’ and more about playing with unexpected textures, color pairings, and finishes.” Examples of these include the trending “aura” nails with their psychedelic centers, magnetic gel velvet finishes, and negative space. “Ombré has gone through many variations since the early days… The biggest shift is how versatile it’s become,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec agrees.