One of the most quintessential nail art designs, the French manicure is chic, elegant and classy. An epitome of ‘less is more’, the French manicure is a classic style that will never go out of fashion. The French manicure became popular in the late 90s when celebrities like Posh Spice and Jennifer Lopez sported this design on their perfectly polished fingertips. However, the French manicure is having a renaissance, but the modern take sees twists and tweaks on the classic design — think new shapes and colours. So, start taking notes, here are nine French manicure styles you should definitely try this 2023.
1. Classic French Manicure
Timeless and elegant, this style is characterised by a thin white strip at the tip of the nails, while the rest is painted pale, sheer pink. The white tip french nail is the OG of all french manicure styles. It adds dimension to your nails and often makes them appear longer. Moreover, the classic french manicure works on all nail shapes and outfits. A clear winner!
2. Rainbow French Tip
It’s a new way to wear a classic French manicure. Make your nails more summer ready by painting each tip in a different colour. But, like the original French manicure, the majority of your nails will remain bare or nude with the colour striping just the tip of your fingernail. Let your artistic side run wild and create as many combinations as you want, your options are endless.
3. Glitter French Tip
Every party outfit calls for some shine, and this glitter french nail art design is the perfect addition to your look. Paint the tips of your nails with stripes of glitter nail paint. Finish with a top coat. You can paint an ultra-thin strip of glitter or go for a deep french design by painting two lines of glitter on the tips.
4. Floral French Tips
Embrace spring in all its glory with french tips with a twist. Swap the usual strobe of ivory on the tip (characteristic of the classic french) for miniature flowers, reminiscent of the equinox. Pro tip: You can use a nail art tool or a bobby pin to stamp dots to create those cute flowers.
5. Neon French Tip
Experiment with bright shades and give a twist to your classic french manicure. Paint your tips in neon shades for unique french nail art that would instantly perk up your mood.
6. Geometrical French Tip
This year, try angular or geometrical shapes for your french manicure nail art. Create a V or inverted heart shape tip with a nail tape to give your regular french nail art a fun twist. You can either stick to the classic white or opt for different vibrant solid colours.
7. Double Trouble French Tip
Play cupid and match two different colours for your nail art design. Once you apply one colour on your tip, underline it with a different colour without smudging. Finish off with a top coat and voila, your nails look like a work of art!
8. Ombre French Manicure
Also called the faded french tips, this nail art design includes merging two colours to create an ombre effect. Apply a base coat and a solid colour on the tip. Underline it with a lighter shade of the same colour and use a wet disposable sponge to merge the tip to the base.
9. Reverse French manicure
Who said French manicures are only for tips? In this easy nail art, you can reverse the design and line your cuticles with solid colours instead of nail tips.
- Before you pick up the nail paints, make sure to prep your nails first.
- Thoroughly clean your old nail polish and shape your nails to remove any broken edges.
- Gently buff your nail plate and massage cuticle oil on your nails and cuticles.
- Apply the base coat evenly on your nails.
- Cut a nail tape in square, crescent or angular shape. Press it firmly on the nails where you want the tip to end.
- Paint the tip of your nails with a classic white or any colour and design of your choice.
- Use a cotton swab or q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to wipe out any imperfections or smudges.
- Once your nail paint is dry, apply the top coat to get the perfect French manicure.
- Though the French nail art design is suitable for all nail shapes, it looks best on short- square and mid-length almond nail shapes.
- Ombre French nails, floral French tips and reverse French nails look good on short nails too.
- You can also use an eyeliner brush to erase your nail paint from the corners.
- Nourish your nails with cuticle oil before trying any nail art.
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1. What Is A French Manicure?
French manicure is a nail art design, which traditionally involves applying white nail paint on the tips and a natural-coloured paint on the rest of the nails. However, you can experiment with nail art designs and apply different shades and patterns on the tips to create unique French manicure nail art.
2. What Are The Steps In A French Manicure?
- Remove your old nail polish.
- Shape your nails and buff your nail plate.
- Apply a base coat. Add another coat if needed.
- Use tape where you want the tips to end, and apply nail paint on the tips.
- Finish with a top coat.
3. Is The French Manicure Nail Art Outdated?
French manicures will never go out of style. This is such a versatile nail trend that allows you to sport the classic white tip as well as experiment with different styles and colours to give your French manicure a twist.
4. Which Nail Colour Should Be Used For A French Manicure?
Typically neutral colours work best for a classy and chic French manicure style. You can use nude or light pink for the base coat as it helps accentuate the colour painted on the tips.