Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (2024)

  • Nails

Inside, the best ways to wear the blurry beauty trend.

By

Rebecca Norris

Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (1)

Rebecca Norris

Rebecca is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she specializes in all things nails. She has worked in beauty editorial for seven years.

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Updated on 01/09/22 11:43PM

Reviewed by

Evelyn Lim

Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (2)

Reviewed byEvelyn Lim

Evelyn Lim is a nail expert with more than 18 years of experience. She currently serves as the chief educator of Paintbox, a top nail studio in NYC.

Nail Educator

Fact checked by

Anna Harris

Fact checked byAnna Harris

Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.

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Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (3)

Once upon a time, French manicures were the be-all, end-all nail look. Of course, that was in the '90s, when we also reached for bulky crimpers and denim-on-denim. And while the French mani has definitely made a comeback at fashion weeks, it's taking new form as an ombré look (instead of the thin white lines we used to painstakingly try to DIY).

Today, the updated French is appropriately dubbed "pink ombré nails"—which are usually created on longer tips (as it provides more room to bring the fade to life). That's not to say short nails can't get in on the look as well; rather, there are fewer examples of shorter French fades on the 'gram.

That said, we scoured all the hashtags associated with the nail look to deliver the most gorgeous examples of ombré pink nails on all nail lengths, shapes, and sizes. Ahead, see some of our favorite pink ombré nail ideas to inspire your next manicure.

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Logomania Pink Ombré Nails

Logo nails are the more affordable way to show some love for your favorite fashion house. In this example, the ring finger nail is adorned with the sheerest shade of shimmer and an unmistakable Louis Vuitton logo for the ultimate hypebae manicure.

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Darker Pink Ombré Nails

Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (4)

These short pink ombré nails feature a slightly darker rosy hue for a peek of color that looks a tad less natural than a classic French manicure. To create the look yourself, add a drop of pale pink polish next to slightly darker nail polish on a plate—making sure that the edges are touching. Use a small sponge to pick up the paint and dab it onto your clean nails, picking up new paint for each nail. Top it off with top coat, et voila—a beautiful French-inspired DIY.

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Bright Pink Ombré Nails

Want to amp up the pink ombré manicure trend? This nail art design puts a rosier shade at the base of the nail, extending into pale pink at the tip.

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Square Pink Ombré Nails

It only makes sense to pair one of the most popular nail shapes with the season's hottest nail design. Pop a few rhinestones on an accent nail to keep the style youthful.

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Mismatched Pink Ombré Nails

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These pink ombrénails change the narrative on the trend, as they feature some traditional French fades paired with inverted colors for a mismatched effect. And, with a top coat of glitter, they're that much more eye-catching.

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Dewy Pink Ombré Nails

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Some nails are glossy, while some are matte. These nails, however, manage to look super dewy. The pink ombré comes off as slightly translucent, giving what we can only describe as the cloudless glass skin effect, but for nails.

Byrdie Tip

To make nails look even dewier, start with a healthy cuticle. Apply Olive & June's Cuticle Serum twice daily for a hydrated base that accentuates the gloss-factor in your top coat.

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Acrylic Pink Ombré Nails

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These pink ombré nails are simply gorgeous. They manage to make the fingers look longer and leaner while pairing beautifully with accessories.

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Bright Pink Ombré Nails

Ombré meets tie-dye in this bright pink style. We're loving the coffin shape and how each nail is mismatched.

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Pearlescent Pink Ombré Nails

Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (8)

Whether you're looking for wedding nail art or simply love the shiny appeal of a pearl effect, these elegant pink ombré nails are for you. They're made that much more eye-catching with their square shape, though they look equally as pretty on ballerina and shorter nails as well.

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Matte and Holographic Pink Ombré Nails

Can't decide whether you want to go matte or holographic? Why choose when you have five fingers to dedicate to both? Here, the person chose to have a holographic statement ring finger paired with matte pink ombré for an entirely eye-catching manicure.

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Simple Pink Ombré Nails

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These simple nails feature a neutral pink ombré fade layered with a nude base for a universally stunning mani.

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Rosy Pink Ombré Nails

Here, we have a set of pink ombré nails that feature a bit more pink in comparison to white. Despite the longer pop of color, the nail design still looks super natural.

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Mauvey Pink Ombré Nails

The base of these pink ombré nails is ever-so-slightly darker than the other examples, giving the finished look a romantic mauve effect. That's the beauty of this nail trend—you can vary the pink base shade for a unique French fade that mimics your skin's undertones.

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Pink Ombré Claws

These long, tapered nails look even more chic with the trendy pink ombré polish trend. If this hasn't convinced you to hop on the French ombré nail trend, who knows what will?

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Ombré Pink Nails Are the Millennial Version of a French Manicure (2024)

FAQs

How do you do pink ombré nails? ›

To create the look yourself, add a drop of pale pink polish next to slightly darker nail polish on a plate—making sure that the edges are touching. Use a small sponge to pick up the paint and dab it onto your clean nails, picking up new paint for each nail.

Are ombré nails still in fashion? ›

Pia Velasco is a New York-based beauty reporter with over 10 years in the industry. She joined InStyle as Senior Beauty Editor in 2021. The ombré look isn't just popular for hair anymore. In case you haven't noticed, ombré nails are all the rage, and the options for color and design are endless.

What are French ombré nails? ›

Much like a French manicure, French ombré manicures also typically stick to neutral shades of pink, white, and varying nude tones. As opposed to the traditional line of demarcation below a crisp, white tip, a French ombré has a natural fade element instead. The end result? A gorgeous modern twist on a true classic.

What is a pink French manicure? ›

Pink & white nails, also known as French tips, are a look consisting of white tips on a pink nail base.

What is the base color for ombre nails? ›

Apply your base color coat.

With ombré nails, your base color is usually a white polish or the lightest color you plan to use for the ombré effect. A white polish will help colors seem more vibrant, but using the lightest of your planned ombré polishes will give a softer, more subtle ombré effect.

Are ombre nails classy? ›

It might be rich in color, but it still looks super classy. Blue and purple are two of the most iconic color combos, and creating a cool gradient will leave you with some stunning short ombre nails.

How long do French ombre nails last? ›

How long do ombre nails last? This depends on the polish you choose. If you're using regular polish this should last around a week or two, depending on how sturdy your nail are. Gel polish will last longer (around two to three weeks) and acrylic or dip nails will last even longer (around three to four weeks).

What color are classic French nails? ›

how to do french tip nails. french tip nails are a staple nail design that has been around since the 1930s. consisting of a sheer pink base color and a white tip, this nail look is timelessly chic.

What is the best base color for a French manicure? ›

A sheer pink polish or a builder gel will achieve the most natural French manicured nails. Your skin tone should be the main focus when choosing a base shade; for example, rose-based shades are great for fair/light skin, whilst a deeper nude colour is better for dark skin.

What is the difference between French manicure and pink and white? ›

The main difference between both is that while the French Manicure is a style of nail polish application, the Pink & White is an artificial nail technique. Can you fill pink and white nails? Some techs like to drag the pink acrylic over the entire nail, lightly covering the white acrylic.

How do you make your nails look pink? ›

Brushing your nails in a concoction of lemon juice, vinegar and warm water can do wonders for the shine on your nails. Lemon has lightening properties that extirpates stains and dullness from the surface of nails revealing pink nails underneath all that grime and dead cells.

How do you order an ombre pink drink? ›

Here's you order the above drink: “A Grande (or whatever size you'd like) Cool Lime Refresher, no water, substitute Coconut Milk, add a splash of Iced Passion Tea at the top at the end.” You get an Insta-worthy refreshing drink!

What gives the nail its pinkish color? ›

The surface of our nails are made up of a rigid layer of keratin and minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium. This keratin plate is also known as the “nail plate” and it rests on a very thin layer or skin called the “nail bed” which is what gives our nails that pinkish hue.

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