Baby boomer nails – a sheer, natural base that blends into a paler white tip – make subtle use of the ombré technique, but the summer months will call for something a little more adventurous and colourful.
Even manicurist Georgia Rae, who typically likes to keep her ombré nails classic and natural, acknowledges that summer is exactly the right time to have a little fun. “I’d suggest playing with pastel shades such as lilac or baby blue, or even neon if you’re feeling more adventurous,” she says. “The great thing about this design is, depending on application, it can be a subtle pop of colour or a bold statement.”
If neon or fluoro shades are not your style, Rae notes that soft pastels applied as sheer washes of colour will be summer’s top picks. “I like lightly transparent lilacs and pinks – Bio Sculpture’s Transparent Beauty and Fluttering Lavender are the perfect base shades for any nail designs,” she says.
Bio Sculpture Fluttering Lavender Polish
£12
Bio Sculpture
Bio Sculpture Transparent Beauty Polish
£12
Bio Sculpture
There’s another advantage to this summer-ready manicure. “Where the tip shade is blended down the nail, it almost acts as a concealer for any discolouration or unevenness on the free edge of the nail, so it’s flattering on everyone,” Rae says. A manicure bonus.
The look works particularly well on long nails, but don’t be put off if your own don’t fall into this category. “An oval or almond nail shape works really well with an ombré design, as it elongates the fingers,” explains Rae. We’re ready to give it a go, even if the weather isn’t saying “summer” just yet.