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If you’re looking to ease into the trend as a manicure, but bold colors are a little too much for you, fear not: A fresh twist on the traditional French manicure, the “French ombré,” has taken over Instagram, and we’re seriously swooning.
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 bold, white tip, a French ombré has a natural fade element instead. The end result? A gorgeous modern twist on a true classic. Ahead, see 27 of our favorite French ombré nail looks on Instagram right now.
French Fade
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In this classic take on a French ombré manicure, the vibrant white tip gradually darkens to a pretty petal pink near the cuticle. The color-coordinated scrunchies are a nice touch, too.
Short and Glossy
Just because you don’t have long nails doesn’t mean you can’t rock an ombré manicure. We love the gradient effect and high-shine topcoat on these short, natural-looking nails.
A Little Glitter
Adding a holographic glitter accent nail to this nude pink and white French ombré manicure certainly kicks it up a notch.
Subtle Sheer
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The shape, the colors, and the glossy shine of the gel are all stunning in the most subtle way, making for a natural-looking but polished nail.
Pink and White Coffin French
These long, coffin-shaped nails feature a bright, salmon-pink base and begin a fade midway to eggshell white that’ll look good year round.
Short and Sweet
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This short and sweet rounded set is perfectly understated, with the ombré effect starting high up, closer to the cuticle.
A Pop of Color
A spin on the “traditional” French ombré, this gorgeous mani takes the ombré technique to the tip with neon colors that add a pop of fun.
Powdered and Perfect
You can achieve a French ombré manicure with dip powder, too. We’re loving this look and the midway fade.
Slight Sparkle
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Look closely and you’ll see the light reflecting off the perfectly applied iridescent sparkle polish on each ring fingernail. It’s a fun accent you have to look closely to appreciate.
Short and Square
French ombré is sometimes referred to as “baby boomer nails,” because during the baby boom (1946-1964) many women opted to paint their nails in shades of pink and white, like this manicure here. The square shape of this set adds some edge to the sophisticated trend.
Perfectly Polished
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The expert-level fade here makes this set of rose-toned nails look like a traditional French manicure, but when you look closely, you can see the airbrush-like transition. It’s a solid option for those not ready to commit to full ombré quite yet.
Almost Invisible
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This fade is so subtle that you have to really look closely to see—and we love it. Ask your technician for a barely-there ombré manicure. Two coats of Essie’s High Maintenance should do the trick.
Confetti Kiss
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In keeping with the classy, subtle theme of the French ombré, these adorable yet eye-catching dots placed at the nail base add the tiniest bit of festiveness to an otherwise demure look.
Winter White
Another beautiful example of a classic, gradient, and glossy French ombré manicure, this one has especially frosty white tips
French Ombré With Bling
A little bling will always take your manicure to the next level, even something as simple as a single placed gem.
Chic Press-Ons
Achieve the French ombré manicure of your dreams in a flash with these press-on nails that look just as good as if you sat in the salon.
Dusky Blue
You aren’t limited to pearly whites for a stunning ombre set, and you can opt for a dusky blue fade that mimics the sky at dawn. Try Essie’s Allure and As If! polishes to achieve this look.
Butterfly Accent
Make your French ombré manicure a little more playful with sticker decals. Here, an a cute gold butterfly upgrades this look.
Simple Snowflake
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During the winter, make your nails feel festive by adding a sophisticated snowflake design to a nude and white French ombré mani.
Classic Fade
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You can never go wrong with a classic French ombré manicure. To create this look, use The Gel Bottle polishes in Petal and Daisy.
Caviar Accent Nail
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Enhance the glamour of your French ombré manicure by adding tiny gems to one finger, also known as a caviar manicure.
Glitter Tips
A French ombré can be achieved with a little sparkle. This golden glitter mani is subtle enough for everyday wear, but shines enough for a night out.
Hot Pink Ombré
Who says French can’t be fun? We love this playful pop of hot pink on this ombré manicure that’s perfect for summer. If you look closely, the tips are finished off with the slightest hint of red.
Reverse French Ombré
Who said the French tip has to have all the fun? Start your ombré design at the base of the nail, as seen here in this glitter and pearl manicure.
Horizontal French Ombré
Give your manicure a twist by having the ombré trend go across the tip instead of starting at the nail bed. This pastel rainbow look screams spring.
Spring Green Ombré
Spring is in full bloom with this peach to-light green French ombré look that puts us in the mood to go to the farmer’s market for fresh fruit.
Pop of Pearls
There’s nothing more elegant than a French ombré manicure with pearls, and this also works as the perfect bridal look if you ask us.
