23 French manicure innovations for the nail art addict
Tips are back in a big way
By ELLE team February 5th, 2018
The French manicure dates as far back as the 18th century. The look had a brief hiatus sometime in the mid-2000s, but it’s back with a vengeance, as every nail art addict can agree. And the latest incarnations are a far cry from the thick, angular acrylics of decades past. Scroll through your Instagram feed and you’ll spot genuine works of art: We’re loving the rainbow details, minimalist outlines inspired by Mondrian… even fishnet accents if you’re really being creative.
We picked out 23 of the coolest styles for you to add to your Pinterest board. And experiment with the next time you’re heading to the beauty salon.
23 French manicure ideas to try
If you want to be adventurous but not go crazy (like the nails above), add a bit of a glitter polish to the tips and leave the rest of the nail a classic pink.
Design by @paintboxnails
Inspired by architectural designs, this particular nail includes both a French manicure and a small work of art to match.
Design by @chillhouse
Add a bit of sparkle at the opposite end of the Frenchie to dress up the look.
Design by @valleynyc
French tips and fishnets go hand in hand style wise, so why not combine the two vampy choices into one? Start with a bare nail, then hand paint a grid or use a nail stencil to get the crosshatched design. Once dry, paint your tips white and finish with a clear base.
Design by @me_julielee
Marble nails are an ongoing trend. Why not try it this summer with French tips? We're especially fond of this purple version, complimented by a full marble nail.
Design by @amivnails
This look, worn by ELLE.com's own beauty guru Julie Schott, is a subtle way to update the French manicure. After your white tips are dry, underline each with a stripe of nude and finish off the look with a clear topcoat.
Design by @naominailsnyc
The minimalist approach to the French manicure is the French line, where you trace along your nail bed in black. Honestly, it's so easy.
Design by @flowidity108
A French tip, half-moon combo, this monochrome look is a mod design that will go with anything. Paint one color first and give it ample time to dry before applying your second lacquer.
Design by @jessicawashick
Who says a French manicure is just for your nail tips? Give your beds a little TLC by reversing the style and letting the design rest near your cuticles.
Design by @chillhouse
A traditional manicure includes only one line but you can force the design into 2018 by adding another line of design. Purple lines, pink lines, cheetah lines—the possibilities are endless.
Design by @aliciatnails
Focus on this manicure's ring finger. The white tip is lined in black for a graphic, Mondrian-esque design.
Design by @nail_unistella
Apply the concept of French manicure—white tips with a nude base—to the ongoing ombre trend. For best results, apply the two polishes on a makeup sponge and continuously dab onto the nail. Finish with a topcoat.
Design by @sohotrightnail
This minimal nail updates the French tip with the simple additional of a corresponding middle line. For that section, mimic the curve of your tip to get the cleanest look.
Design by @aliciatnails
Take the oil spill nail trend to another level by applying the foil just at your tips, leaving the rest of your nail bare.
Design by @paintbox
Bust out a thin brush to paint micro details to the base of your nail for a playful design. This back-to-school manicure by nail artist Kro Vargas features a yellow bus, a pencil, and a teeny tiny chalkboard.
Design by @krocaine
This nail artist combined a mint French tip with an ombre fade. No matter what colours you choose, always start with your lightest shade first and give yourself time for each coat to dry.
Design by @palemoonseattle
For this checkerboard nail, start with a classic French tip. Once dry, apply black boxes to create the grid and finish with a clear topcoat.
Design by @mpnails
An easy addition to the French tip? Decals. After creating the traditional look, layer a thin coat of clear top coat. While tacky, gingerly set your design and press down. Finish with a topcoat to secure.
Design by nataliepavloskinails
If you're loyal to the traditional French manicure, modernize your look by matching it to a white, cat eye.
Design by @sephoracollection
Play off your white French tips with hyper-graphic details in black.
Design by @spifster
For a quirkier French tip, freehand your design all over like this mash-up of grapefruits, watermelons, and '80s motifs.
Design by @nailsbymii for @vanityprojects