Sunset Nails Are the Prettiest Nail Trend of the Season

Sunset nails are summer’s freshest mani—bold yet soft, and a little bit hazy all at once, they capture the magnetic energy of a multicolored sky with ease. Inspired by the way the sky shifts from deep orange to lavender to barely-there gold, the look plays with gradient tones and unexpected pairings that feel just right when the days are long and the light hits different. And it’s not just about the color – it’s the way the shades melt together that makes it feel so elevated.

They’re everywhere right now because they’re bright without being loud and laidback but never boring, aka the perfect balance. The warm, radiant hues complement sun-kissed skin and bring that effortless, beachy feel no matter where you are. Plus, they’re versatile enough to work with any outfit from flowy sundresses to your favorite denim shorts. Whether you want a subtle ombré or a bold, fiery gradient, sunset nails add a pop of color that feels fresh and fun.

Want to try your hand at the trend? Read on below for a own personalized cheat sheet to a next-level summer mani.

Best Sunset Nail Styles to Try

The OG

The original sunset manicure is all about nailing that golden-hour glow – literally. Think dreamy sweeps of warm pinks, soft corals, and glowing peach tones blended together in a smooth, ombré gradient that looks like the sky right before the sun disappears. The effect is soft, radiant, and just bold enough to turn heads without overpowering the rest of your ‘fit. “It’s all about capturing the dreamy, gradient hues of a summer sky,” says Morgan Gordon, VP of Brand Development at Salon Perfect, which means the look works especially well in summer, thanks to its warmth and luminosity.

Orange Sherbet

Another standout in the sunset nails lineup? Orange sherbet. This juicy, citrusy take on the trend feels like the boldest scoop of sorbet on a 90-degree day. The look leans into a saturated creamsicle hue, often with a glazed finish that catches the light just right. It’s a softer, more wearable spin on neon orange, and it still delivers the same sunkissed impact.

“Sunset nails look stunning on almond or coffin-shaped nails, which naturally elongate the fingers and give gradients or multi-color looks more space to shine,” says Gordon. That said, short or rounded nails work just as well, especially when paired with vibrant shades like bright coral or a soft, glazed pink, which Gordon calls “instant polish in any shape.” It’s the kind of shade that doesn’t need much else – just warm skin, glossy cuticles, and maybe a poolside spritz.

Multi-Aura Nails

Multi-aura nails take the sunset trend to an edgier, more experimental place. Instead of a traditional gradient, this look plays with layered, airbrushed tones – think soft lavender melting into peach, hints of rose blending into gold – creating a glowing, multidimensional effect that shifts with the light. It’s a little surreal, a lot mesmerizing, and feels made for golden hour selfies. The most important part to nailing this look? Gordon recommends “glossy and reflective finishes best capture the warm, glowing feel of a sunset.” To get the full effect, she suggests opting for high-gloss gel formulas that amplify the color and give those dreamy, aura-like layers serious shine.

Stars and Sunsets

When the day fades into night and the sky shifts from fiery golds to deep twilight blues, that’s the moment this mani captures perfectly. “The most effective color combinations to capture a sunset—and can even incorporate lavender and deep blue to transition into the night sky,” says Michelle Nguyen, founder of PLA Nails. This star-studded style adds just the right amount of celestial sparkle to elevate your nails, making them feel like a miniature cosmic celebration – ideal for summer nights that go on forever.

French Sunset

The classic French manicure gets a sun-kissed update with this fresh take on sunset nails. Instead of crisp white tips, think soft gradients of warm oranges, pinks, and golden yellows sweeping across the nail edges like the last light of day. This look keeps things modern and minimal while still delivering that signature summer glow. To create the effect, start by selecting three to four complementary sunset shades—like coral, peach, soft rose, and golden yellow. Then, use a fine nail art brush or sponge to lightly blend the colors just across the tip, keeping the rest of the nail bare or neutral. It’s a subtle twist that still makes a statement, and works on short or long nails alike, says Nguyen.

Sunset Chrome

Chrome is having a major moment, and it’s the perfect way to dial up the impact of sunset nails. The ultra-reflective finish plays off the warmth of the vibrant hues, enhancing their intensity and adding a luminous glow. When layered over gradients or aura-style designs, chrome gives the entire look a soft, almost iridescent sheen, says Nguyen, who recommends gently rubbing chrome powder over cured gel polish, then sealing it in with a glossy topcoat. The result is a manicure that shifts with the light and radiates that golden-hour energy all day long.

Gradient Swirls

For a fresh, graphic spin on the sunset trend, gradient swirls are taking center stage. These designs swirl together warm, glowy hues into flowing, ribbon-like patterns that feel playful and modern. It’s a step beyond the standard ombré, bringing movement and texture to each nail while still keeping that dreamy, sun-drenched energy. “The use of smooth color transitions captures the warmth and beauty of a summer sunset, while staying soft and wearable,” says Nguyen. Gradient swirls nail that balance perfectly, with each swoop of color mimicking the layered glow of dusk on the horizon.