The French tip dates as far back as the 18th century. The look had a brief hiatus sometime in the mid-2000s, but the latest incarnations are a far cry from the thick, angular acrylics of decades past. Rainbow details, minimalist outlines, and angular accents offer new ways to wear a French manicure right now. Ahead, 24 tips to try.
1. Color Block
Much like the original, this version of a French mani leans on classic straight lines that accentuate the nail tips. What makes it more modern are the different colors on each nail, the thicker block of color, and the matte topcoat.
2. Rainbow V
If you can’t decide on one polish color, you don’t have to with this design. Each nail pairs a darker and lighter color. Plus, the v-shaped paint job helps visually elongate the nail.
3. Psychedelic Mix
Multi-colored swirls painted in a non-uniform pattern give off a retro ’60s vibe. This look will be just as trippy with any color combination your choose.
4. Tortoise Tips
These delicately painted tortoise tips look like fine jewelry that’s been perfectly placed at the end of each nail bed.
5. Two-Tone French
The detail is subtle but on each side of the black stripe accenting these tips is the slightest variation in color on each nail. If you look closely you’ll see that there’s a lighter and darker version of each color.
6. Floral French
What says spring better than flowers painted onto your nails. Not only are the florals different on each tip, but the design is also concentrated just to the edges of each nail for effortless sprig vibes.
7. Martini Mani
Anyone else suddenly craving a martini, extra dirty?
8. The Classic
If you’re loyal to the traditional French manicure, modernize your look by matching it to a white, cat-eye.
Design by @sephoracollection
9. Black Rainbows
Rainbows lend themselves well to a curved tip. Try this technicolor twist on the Frenchie, but paint them with a black base for a moodier look .
10. Black and White Graphics
Play off your white French tips with hyper-graphic details in black.