20 Gradient Nail Looks That Span the Color Spectrum

Gradient nails (aka “Skittles” or rainbow nails) involve painting each nail a slightly different shade of a similar color or different, complementary colors. If you choose pink, for example, you might paint the first nail a soft and powdery hue. The second nail might be ballerina pink, and so on, until you end with a bold shade of fuchsia. Or, you could paint one nail pink, one nail green, and so on, until you’re wearing the rainbow on your fingertips.

With 10 fingers and 10 toes, you can channel every color of the spectrum (and then some). Whatever you choose, you can expect the end look to be surprisingly chic—albeit quirky and colorful. Keep reading to discover 20 gradient nail ideas to inspire your next manicure.