If you were a big fan of Paris Hilton, J.Lo or Jessica Simpson in the late ’90s to ’00s, then you’ll be well acquainted with the classic French manicure (and there’s probably a pink velour tracksuit hiding in your closet, too).
Born in the ’70s (thank you Barbra Streisand), but brought into its own during The Simple Life era, the beige-to-pink base with white tips nail trend is iconic, to say the least.
Traditionally characterised by a natural nail plate topped with a precisely painted white ‘tip’, it’s a style that has been lauded as the ideal for everything from school formals to wedding days. I’d hazard a guess that the first manicure most of us ever had was a French manicure.
Some may say the French manicure is dated, but we’d argue it’s a timeless nail art design that can be adapted to your every mood. Plus, it looks just as good on long nails as it does short nails. Bright micro French manicures add a subtle pop of colour to your beauty look, while a chrome ombré interprets the classic style in an extremely modern way. Meanwhile, a double French manicure gives you even more options to play with colour.
This spring, we’re reclaiming the French manicure, and you’ll probably find us mixing up the colour, style, nail length, and even adding little leopard prints to our tips all through the warmer seasons. Ahead, we’re providing some inspiration for your own French manicure, whether you want to try it at home (perhaps your hand is steadier than ours!) or want to save the link to share with your nail tech on your next visit.
And the best part is, it’s one of the easiest types of nail art to try yourself at home.
How to create French tip nails at home
There are multiple French manicure methods, but these are the two easiest:
1. Use nail guards
White tip or French tip nail guards ($2.15, The Nail Shop) are essentially small adhesive strips that guarantee seamless separation between the two colours.
To use, apply your base colour as normal, then wait for it to completely dry.
Then, apply the adhesive guard strip underneath the smile line of the nail (where the white usually meets the pink) and paint your second colour over the tip of the nail.
Once happy with the colour, peel off the strip cleanly with tweezers and leave your fresh manicure to dry.
2. Use a striping brush
If you’d rather go free-hand, you’ll just need a striping brush ($15.40, The Nail Shop).
These are slimmer than a traditional brush that comes with the bottle, allowing for a more precise application.
Apply your base polish first as normal, then once dry, use the striping brush to create your tip, making sure to curve inwards at the edges.
Modern French nail designs to try
Glitter Double French Manicure
For a minimal French manicure design that glitters when it catches the light, ask for a micro double French, painted with silver glitter polish.
Tonal French Manicure
If you don’t relish the thought of having your natural nail colour on show, choose two similarly toned colours (or contrasting colours) to have an all-colour French manicure.
Vanilla French Manicure
The classics will never go out of style, but we particularly love how this French manicure has a more milky white finish, rather than a stark block of white.
Chrome Chocolate Ombré Manicure
Admittedly, this design isn’t quite a French manicure, but it’s heading in that direction if you want to dip your toe in. Chocolate brown nails are trending this year and this is a playful way to embrace the colour.
Red Triple French Manicure
Though this nail art design works any time of year, we think it is particularly perfect for the holiday season, on account of it looking like a candy cane.
Not-So-Brat French Manicure
If Charlie XCX has inspired you to embrace the colour green but you don’t want to go full brat, this vibrant, almost-Bottega green is perfect for you this spring.
Micro Red French Manicure
We’re suckers for a red manicure but this micro tip design is youthful, playful, and still has everything we love about two timeless manicure trends (red polish and French).
Leopard Print French Manicure
We adore manicures that don’t adhere to the long-held “rules”, like ensuring every nail looks identical. This design appeals to us because of its leopard tips and cherry art accent nails.
Lovers French Manicure
Wear your heart on your sleeve nails with this cutesy French manicure design.
Negative Space French Manicure
Alternating nail art designs and negative space collide in this classy yet moody manicure.
Reverse Double French Manicure
The reverse and double French manicures join forces to create this zesty nail art design that reminds us of a summer sunset.
Wavy French Manicure
This asymmetrical, wavy, duo-tone French manicure is a clever reinterpretation of the traditional French manicure.
Love Heart French Tip Manicure
This love heart tip is a reminder that there are no rules when it comes to the French manicure.
Two-Tone Flower French Manicure
We’ll do the honours: flowers, for spring? Groundbreaking. (But honestly, this manicure does feel kind of revolutionary for a French manicure design.)
Gold Chrome French Manicure
This gold-painted French manicure is yet another gorgeous festive nail idea.
The post All The French Manicure Inspiration You Need For Spring appeared first on ELLE.