The most enduring nail trend of all time is the classic French manicure. I know that sounds like a bold claim, but hear me out: the nude and white combo has been a favorite for decades and has withstood the test of time. Even your fave celebrities agree—Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, and Selena Gomez all go back to this classic look.
But if you want to shake things up with your nails, there are many ways to do a French manicure with a twist. Try different shades, textures, or even nail art.
And if you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry! We’ve covered you with the most stylish French manicures for every mood. Whether you like the simplicity of the classic French mani or want to mix it up with different shades and designs, we’ve got you covered. Show your nail artist these styles on your next salon visit.
Barbie French Manicure
Barbie-mania may have cooled off a bit, but the love for pink is here to stay. We love this pink French manicure with a chrome finish. It’s a fun and playful take on the classic French look that adds a touch of glamour and fun to your nails!
Why a Barbie French Manicure?
Bold Statement: The Barbie-inspired pink manicure lets you make a bold statement. Pink is fun, feminine, and confident, so it’s perfect for those who want their nails to reflect their personality.
Versatile: This manicure can be dressed up or down, so it’s good for any occasion. Whether you’re going to brunch with friends or a night out, it will go with anything.
Chrome Finish: A chrome finish takes the classic French manicure to the next level and gives it a modern and sleek look. The reflective quality of chrome adds depth and dimension and makes your nails pop.
Customization: One of the best things about this manicure is its versatility. You can try different shades of pink, from soft pastels to bold fuchsias, and even mix in other colors for a fun twist. Add nail art like glitter accents or playful designs to make it your own.
How to Style it?
To get the Barbie French manicure:
Base Color: Apply a base coat, then a vibrant pink polish as your base color. Make sure it’s even for a smooth finish.
French Tips: Use a fine brush or nail tape to create the French tips once the base color is dry. You can do the traditional white tip or try a contrasting color for a modern twist.
Chrome Effect: To achieve a chrome finish, apply chrome powder or a chrome top coat over the tips. This will give your manicure a shine and reflective quality.
Top Coat: Finish with a high gloss top coat to set your design and add more shine. This will also help your manicure last longer.
Nail Art (Optional): If you feel fancy, add some nail art. Use small rhinestones, glitter, or playful designs to match the Barbie theme.
Heart French Manicure
What better way to love yourself than to get a heart-adorned French manicure? This cute take on the classic French manicure replaces the tips with hand-drawn hearts and is perfect for any occasion.
Why a Heart French Manicure?
Symbol of Love: Hearts are a universal symbol of love and affection. By adding them to your manicure, you’re not only beautifying your nails but also sending a message of self-love and good vibes.
Fun and Whimsical: This adds a playful twist to the classic French manicure—a great way to show off your personality and creativity and make your nails talk.
Customization: The heart design can be customized in many ways. You can choose different colors for the hearts, try different sizes, or add glitter or other embellishments for more glamour.
How to?
Base Coat: Start with a clean nail and apply a base coat to protect it. This will help your manicure last longer and prevent staining.
Base Color: Apply nude or soft pink polish as your base color. This will be the canvas for your heart design.
Create the Heart Tips: Once the base color is dry, use a fine nail art brush or a dotting tool to draw tiny hearts at the tips of your nails. You can outline the hearts in a contrasting color or fill them in for a bolder look.
Top Coat: Once the hearts are dry, apply a high gloss top coat to set your design and add shine. This will also protect the artwork and keep your manicure fresh.
Nail Art (Optional): For extra flair, add small rhinestones or glitter around the hearts. This will take the design to the next level.
French Manicure
Brighten up your day with a French manicure featuring smiley faces, florals, and stars—a fun take on emoji-like symbols. Perfect for those who want to express themselves through their nails.
Why a French Manicure?
Expressive and Fun: The smiley faces, flowers, and stars allow you to show off your personality and mood. It’s a great way to add some whimsy to your look and make a statement. Whether you’re feeling happy or just want to spread good vibes, this manicure reflects that.
Customization: The best part of a French manicure is the customization. You can choose different colors for the symbols, mix and match designs, or even seasonal themes—pastel flowers for spring, bright colors for summer, or even spooky designs for Halloween. The options are endless!
Conversation Starter: With these designs, your nails will get attention and spark conversations—a fun way to connect with others and share your love for nail art. You might even inspire someone else to try nail art, too!
Mood Booster: Bright colors and playful designs can boost your mood. Every time you look at your nails, you’ll be reminded of the fun you had creating them, which will lift your spirits all day.
More Ideas for a French Manicure
Ombre Tips: Instead of solid tips, try an ombre effect with multiple colors blending into each other. This will add dimension to your manicure.
Glitter Accents: Add glitter to your design by sprinkling glitter on the tips or around the playful symbols. This will give your nails a sparkly effect that catches the light.
Themed Designs: Customize your French manicure to specific themes or occasions. For example, pastel colors and florals for spring, bright colors, and star designs for summer festivals.
Mixing Patterns: Use different patterns on each nail, such as stripes on one, polka dots on another, and a smiley face on the third. This is a fun and cohesive look that shows off your creativity.
Skinny French Manicure
Classic French manicures have thick tips, but skinny French manicures have fine lines that make just as much of an impact. This sleek and modern take on the classic has been seen all over the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) runways, so it’s a major nail trend for Spring/Summer ’24.
Why a Skinny French Manicure?
Chic and Modern: The skinny French manicure is perfect for those who want to keep their nail game on point and stylish. The fine lines are elegant and can dress up any outfit.
Versatile Design: This can be customized in many ways. You can stick to classic white tips or try different colors to match your mood or outfit. Soft pastels, bold colors, or even metallics can add a twist to this simple design.
For Nail Art Lovers: If you love nail art but prefer a more low-key look, the skinny French manicure is the perfect canvas. You can add small designs, dots, or even tiny gems to the tips for extra interest without overwhelming the look.
Trend Alert: The skinny French manicure, seen on the NYFW runways, is a major trend for the season. Get it now to be ahead of the curve and show off your fashion-forward nail game.
How to Style the Skinny French Manicure?
Color Combinations: Try different base and tip colors. A nude base with white tips is classic, but a soft pink base with gold or silver tips is modern.
Negative Space: Use negative space by leaving part of the nail unpainted. This will create a unique look and make the skinny tips stand out.
Matte vs. Glossy: Play with finishes, using a matte base with glossy tips or vice versa. This will add depth to your manicure.
Seasonal Themes: Apply the skinny French manicure to seasonal themes: pastels for spring, bold tones for summer, and deeper tones for fall and winter.
Glazed French Manicure
Yes, this is a glazed donut manicure, but look closely beneath the glossy top coat, and you’ll see a subtle French tip peeking through. This French manicure meets a glazed donut, the classic elegance of a French manicure with the trendy high shine of a glazed donut.
Why a Glazed French Manicure?
Polished and Practical: The glazed French manicure is the perfect balance of sophistication and practicality. The glossy top coat adds glamour, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Subtle Yet Eye-Catching: The French tip is usually bold, but the glazed version is more low-key. The tip’s subtlety beneath the glossy layer is a nice twist that catches the eye without being too flashy.
Trendy and Fashion Forward: The glazed donut trend is taking over the beauty world, and incorporating it into a French manicure keeps your nail game fresh and on point. It’s a chic way to be on trend with nail art while still looking classic.
Low Maintenance: The glossy finish of the glazed French manicure hides minor imperfections and chips, so it’s easier to maintain than some other intricate designs. Perfect for busy bees.
How to Style the Glazed French Manicure?
Color Options: While the classic French tip is white, try different tips in different colors. Soft pastels, bold colors, or even metallics can add a fun twist to the glazed look.
Layering: To get the glazed effect, use a high-shine top coat or a glazed nail polish that mimics the look of a donut glaze. This will give you that glossy finish.
Nail Length and Shape: Glazed French manicures look good on all nail lengths and shapes. Whether short and square or long and almond, this style can be tailored to your personal preference.
Additions and Accents: For a personal touch, add small accents, like tiny rhinestones or delicate nail art, to one or two nails. This will enhance the overall look without distracting from the glazed French tips.
Color Block
Choose three colors and show your nail artist this look! The color block French manicure is a bold and fun twist on the classic French style. Once you try this look, you’ll never go back. We promise you’ll want to wear this statement manicure again and again.
Why a Color Block French Manicure?
Expression: The color block French manicure is all about self-expression. By choosing your favorite colors—bright and bold or soft pastels —you can create a look that reflects your mood and style. The options are endless.
Combos: The combinations are the best part of the color block French manicure. You can mix and match colors in so many ways—try complementary colors for a cohesive look or contrasting colors for a more dramatic effect. The options are endless!
Nail Art Lovers: If you love nail art, this is a great canvas. You can add extra designs like stripes, polka dots, or even geometric patterns to your color-block look.
How to Style the Color Block French Manicure?
Color: Choose three colors that complement each other or contrast. For added dimension, try a mix of matte and glossy finishes.
Design: You can do a traditional French tip with color blocks at the tips or get creative and apply color blocks all over the nail. Try different shapes like diagonal lines or curved edges for a unique design.
Accent Nails: For an extra touch, make one or two accent nails of a different color or design. This will create a focal point and add more interest to your manicure.
Fine China French Manicure
Inspired by your grandmother’s fine china cabinet, the fine china French manicure brings a touch of luxury and nostalgia to your nails. This beautiful design features white and blue, the classic colors of porcelain. It’s a sophisticated twist on the traditional French manicure that will make a statement.
Why a Fine China French Manicure?
Elegant: The blue and white color combo is timeless elegance. This is for those who love refined beauty and want to add some sophistication to their appearance.
One of a Kind: Unlike traditional French manicures, the fine china-inspired style has intricate patterns and designs that mimic the beautiful motifs found in fine china. Your nails will be a piece of art, showing off your individuality and style.
Nostalgic: This design nods to family gatherings and special occasions, so it’s a great choice for those who love tradition and nostalgia.
Customizable: The fine China-inspired manicure is a design canvas. You can have floral patterns, geometric shapes, or even delicate lace details, all in blue and white.
How to Style the Fine China French Manicure?
Color: Start with a white base for the nail. It’s the perfect background for the blue design. Choose a blue that speaks to you, whether it’s a soft pastel or a bold cobalt.
Design Elements: Add fine china motifs like floral patterns, intricate swirls, or blue-and-white designs. For extra convenience, you can create these details with a fine brush or nail art pens, or you can use nail stickers.
Accent Nails: Make one or two accent nails more elaborate and the rest of the nails simpler. This will create a focal point and add dimension to your manicure.
Finish: To top it off, add a high-gloss top coat to enhance the design and protect your artwork. This will give your nails a glossy and sophisticated look.
Inverse Neon French Manicure
The inverse neon French manicure is a bold and fun twist on traditional nail art. It combines the French manicure with a half-moon design. This neon color combo is a real showstopper and will make your nails pop.
Why an Inverse Neon French Manicure?
One-of-a-Kind Design: The inverse neon French manicure is a new spin on nail art, combining the classic French tip with a half-moon design. This is a modern and trendy look for those who want to break away from traditional designs.
Customizable Color Options: This style is all about versatility. You can mix and match different neon colors to match your mood or your outfit—there are endless options!
How to Style the Inverse Neon French Manicure?
Color: For the tips and half-moon sections, choose your favorite neon colors. Contrasting colors, like orange and blue, work well.
Design: Start with a neutral base to let the neon colors pop. Then, create the half-moon at the base of the nail and the French tip at the top. Use nail tape for precision or freehand for a more artistic look.
Top Coat: To make the neon colors pop and add shine, apply a high-gloss top coat. This will also protect your design and keep your manicure fresh.
Cloud French Manicure
Dreamers will love the cloud French manicure, a whimsical nail art design that looks like a clear sky. Soft blue is the base for the French manicure, which is like a day with fluffy clouds. It’s perfect for those who want to add a little bit of fun to their nails.
Why a Cloud French Manicure?
Whimsical Look: The cloud design gives your nails a dreamy and airy feel. It’s a way to express yourself and your love for nature, perfect for those who love unique and artistic nail art.
Customizable Color Options: While blue is the classic, you can easily switch it up to match your style. If you’re more into sunsets than blue skies, try aqua for pink, orange, or lavender. You can create a look that matches your mood or the season.
Artistic Expression: This manicure is very creative. You can play with different cloud shapes, sizes, and colors. Every manicure is a work of art. It’s a way to show off your artistic side and be different.
How to Style the Cloud French Manicure?
Base Color: Start with a neutral or soft pastel base color to create a clean background for your cloud design. Nude or soft white works well to make it pop.
Cloud: Use a fine nail art brush or dotting tool to create fluffy cloud shapes at the tips of your nails. Soft blue for classic or pink and orange for sunset.
Layering: To add dimension to your clouds, layer different shades of your chosen color. This will give a more realistic and textured look.
Top Coat: Seal with a high gloss top coat to add shine and protect your design. This will make your manicure last longer and stay fresh.
Matte and Glossy French Manicure
The matte and glossy French manicure is a trendy and edgy take on the classic. Two textures in one color create a bold visual effect. This modern approach adds depth and dimension to your nails. It’s sophisticated and playful.
Why a Matte and Glossy French Manicure?
Textural Contrast: The combination of matte and glossy finishes creates a contrast that grabs attention. Matte is chic and understated, while glossy is shiny and elegant. It’s versatile and eye-catching.
Customizable Colors: While you can do one color for this design, the matte and glossy French manicure allows for
endless options. You can play with different colors, from neutral to bold, so your manicure matches your style.
Simple Sophistication: The matte and glossy French manicure is simple and sophisticated. Perfect for those who like minimal designs but want to make a statement with their nails.
For Any Season: This manicure is versatile enough to be done for any season. It can be done with soft pastels for spring, bold colors for summer, rich jewel tones for fall, or deep shades for winter. The matte and glossy finish can enhance the seasonal feel of your nails.
How to Style the Matte and Glossy French Manicure?
Base Color: Start with a clean nail and apply a base coat. Choose your color and apply it all over.
French Tips: Once the base color is dry, use a fine brush or nail tape to create the classic French tips. For a monochromatic look, use a traditional white tip or the same color as your base.
Matte and Glossy: After the tips are applied, apply a matte top coat on the base of the nail and a glossy top coat on the tips. Make sure to let each layer dry before applying the next.
Accent Nail (s): Optional: one or two nails with a different design or texture. Full matte or glossy with nail art.
