25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links that we collect a share of sales from. Click here for more details.

The French do a lot of things really well, like croissants, baguettes, and macarons. But they’ve also gotten some credit for things that aren’t actually from there, like fries, toast, and French tip nails.

What Is a French Manicure?

French tip nails originally featured a translucent pinkish tone on the nails, with white polish on the tips. Jeff Pink, the creator of the nail polish brand Orly invented the look for Hollywood directors to make changing nail art looks between scenes easier. Barbara Streisand showed her French manicure off on the Johnny Carson show.

Over time, the look has evolved to incorporate bright colors and fun patterns. It’s basically become the opposite of your Zoom attire: business on the bottom, party on the top.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (1)

25 French Tip Designs That Still Only Just Scratch the Surface

1. Valentine’s Day French Tip Nails

This minimalist take is a great Valentine’s Day option for those of us almost classy enough to avoid making a “just the tip” joke. Almost.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (2)

2. Tortoise French Tips

These tortoise nails are timeless. Okay, more like between 50 and 100 years old. But you should probably clip your nails before then.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (3)

3. Orange French manicure

This look is gorgeous for a hot summer day, or when you’re hiding the Cheetos dust on your fingers.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (4)

4. French Manicure with Daisies

This manicure has all the beauty of a real sunflower, but comes with less dirt under your nails. And fewer bees! We prefer to not talk about our last gardening experience.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (5)

5. Single red French tip

Sometimes, less is more. Especially when you’re almost out of red nail polish.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (6)

6. Gold Lined French Tip Nails

Who know a subtle addition of gold could totally change the game? Oh right – every person who’s tried to take over the world. We’re watching you, Goldschlager.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (7)

7. Halloween French manicure

Want something spooky? Want something cute? No need to decide with this nail design. But please just choose an outfit already.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (8)

8. Green French Tips With Dots

Three simple dots can add a bit of suspense to your sentences. And your French…tips!

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (9)

9. Yin Yang French Manicure

This is a beautiful and mysteriously harmonious melding of forces: yin, yang, and Orange Tang.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (10)

10. David Bowie-Inspired French Manicure

What did these nails say just as they were being clipped? “Pressure! Pressing down on me!” Yes, we’re available for all your stand-up comedy needs.

11. Black French Tip Nails

The French manicure version of “it’s not just a phase, Mom.”

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (11)

12. Coffin-shaped French Manicure

Pumpkins may be akin to gourds, but these coffin nails are GOURDgeous! Just kidding, this pumpkin is clearly a decorative ceramic piece. It is cold. It is lifeless. Great nails, though.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (12)

13. Pearl French Tips

Next time someone says your hands are clammy, assume they’re complimenting the beautiful pearls on your nails.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (13)

14. Mushroom French Manicure

Who knew that foraging and going to the nail salon were so similar? Minus the much more difficult parking situation at the salon, of course.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (14)

15. Candy Cane French Tips

All the fun of a candy cane color scheme, none of the impossibly sticky, half-eaten candy cane shivs strewn about as a stark reminder that Christmas comes and goes, often full of disappointment.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (15)

16. Retro French tip Nails

Missing those ’80s aerobics classes? Neither are we! But it’d be a darn shame to waste that stellar color scheme.

17. Blinged-out French Manicure

You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve. But how about wearing your material possessions on your nails?

18. Sparkly French Tips

This is perfect for when you want your nails to have a little shimmer. Or, when you need a subtle way to say that you’re really excited for Shark Week.

19. Candy Heart French Nails

They look like conversation hearts, but they taste…honestly, probably about the same.

20. Cross French Tip Nails

For those who go the extra mile when someone tells you to “cross your fingers.”

21. Black And Green French Manicure

You know you’ve made it when Monster Energy sponsors your manicures.

22. Neon French Tip Nails

Let this BIC inspired color scheme be the highlight of your day.

23. Blue Butterfly French Manicure

This beautiful set of nails makes it worth all the times in the past two weeks when someone asked why you had a cocoon on your nails.

24. Black French Tips With Eyes

Sometimes eyes on the back of your head just aren’t enough.

25. White and Pink Heart French Tip Nails

Sure, Jesus could take the wheel. But would he look this good doing it? No offense, Jesus.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Hebba Gouda

Hebba is a New Jersey born, Minnesota educated brunch enthusiast who is strongly in favor of the Oxford comma. She likes nostalgic songs, jigsaw puzzles, and middle brownie pieces. She dislikes humidity, sports, and sports in humidity. She uses her background in science and creative writing as part of the team behind the podcast Two What's?! and a Wow! You can find her being silly on Twitter and serious on LinkedIn.

Latest posts by Hebba Gouda (see all)

  • These Simple Halloween Manicures Glam Up The Phrase “Nail In The Coffin” - October 25, 2023
  • Pretty In Pink Meets Back In Black With These Timeless Manicure Ideas - September 6, 2023
  • 35 Dotted Nails For a Seriously Eye-Catching Manicure - May 22, 2023

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have a wide range of knowledge on various topics. While I have personal experiences or emotions like a human, I can provide information and insights based on the data I've been trained on. I can analyze search results, provide factual information, and engage in discussions on different subjects.

Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.

French Manicure:

A French manicure is a style of nail art that originated in the 1970s. It features a natural-looking base color on the nails, usually a translucent pinkish tone, with white polish applied to the tips. The French manicure was created by Jeff Pink, the founder of the nail polish brand Orly. He invented this look for Hollywood directors to make changing nail art looks between scenes easier. The French manicure gained popularity when Barbara Streisand showcased it on the Johnny Carson show. Over time, the French manicure has evolved to incorporate various colors and patterns, allowing for more creativity and personalization.

French Tip Nails:

French tip nails refer to the specific style of nail art where the tips of the nails are painted white, while the rest of the nail is left natural or painted with a sheer or light color. The French tip design is often associated with elegance and simplicity. It has become a classic and timeless choice for many people. However, modern variations of French tip nails now include different colors, patterns, and embellishments, allowing for more versatility and creativity.

French Tip Designs:

This article also mentions various French tip designs. Here are some examples:

  1. Valentine's Day French Tip Nails: This minimalist take on French tip nails is a great option for Valentine's Day.
  2. Tortoise French Tips: These nails feature a tortoise pattern, giving them a timeless and elegant look.
  3. Orange French Manicure: This design incorporates a bright orange color, perfect for a hot summer day.
  4. French Manicure with Daisies: This manicure combines the classic French tip with daisy patterns, adding a touch of beauty and nature.
  5. Single Red French Tip: Sometimes, simplicity is key. This design features a single red tip, creating a minimalist yet elegant look.
  6. Gold Lined French Tip Nails: Adding a subtle touch of gold can completely transform the French tip design.
  7. Halloween French Manicure: This design combines spooky and cute elements, making it a great choice for Halloween.
  8. Green French Tips with Dots: Three simple dots can add a bit of suspense to your French tips.
  9. Yin Yang French Manicure: This design combines the yin-yang symbol with the French tip, creating a harmonious and unique look.
  10. David Bowie-Inspired French Manicure: This design is inspired by David Bowie and features bold and vibrant colors.

These are just a few examples of the many French tip designs available. The possibilities are endless, allowing individuals to express their creativity and personal style through their manicures.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.

25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (2024)

FAQs

Are French tips out of style in 2024? ›

The French Tip revival we've seen over the last few years has a stronghold on the nail community, and it's going nowhere in 2024. “French tips are always classic manicure style,” Romah says. “Right now we're loving a very deep, curved-around-French design with a minimalist, timelessly chic finish.”

What is the French nail polish trick? ›

The easiest way to create a V French tip is to hold the nail perpendicular to you, then paint on long white lines in a "V" shape, with the bottom of the V hitting the tip of the nail.

How to do a classic French manicure? ›

Start the manicure with a base coat, then paint on your French tips. Follow up with a sheer pink coat, and finish it off with a top coat. Use French tip guides if freehanding the tips is difficult. You can also try manicure pens, a nail art striper, or clean up lines with nail polish remover.

What is the best shape for French tip nails? ›

Ami suggests a rounded or square-oval shape for short nails and an almond shape for longer nails. Ami says to try and choose a base shade suitable for your skin tone, but if in doubt, simply opt for a clear polish.

What is the hottest nail trend right now? ›

  • Chrome and metallic finishes are going strong. ...
  • Simple rhinestone designs are winning people over. ...
  • Floating French manicures are a trendy update to the classic design. ...
  • Chocolate nails aren't going away. ...
  • Sage-green nails are trending. ...
  • Balletcore nails combine pink hues and fun details.
Dec 20, 2023

What is a milky French manicure? ›

What's a "milky" manicure? A milky manicure is a little bit like the lip gloss trend or the glazed doughnut design, but instead of a chrome overlay, it's a full-coverage gloss.

What is the Russian method for nails? ›

The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.

How to do illusion French nails? ›

To create your ombré, paint each side of your nail a different color and use a damp sponge to blur them in the center. Once dry, use a fine-lining nail brush or French manicure nail stickers to section off the tip and reverse the fade in the same fashion. Don't forget to finish with a top coat.

What is the best base color for French tip? ›

For the French manicure base: Choose either a pale pink, nude or clear nail polish.

What color is a vanilla French manicure? ›

The Vanilla French manicure retains the same DNA as the traditional French manicure with a neutral base and lighter tip, but more closely resembles the "American" French manicure, which is slightly softer than the original and uses an off-white shade at the tip instead of a stark white.

What are vanilla French nails? ›

Put simply, they still use all the hallmarks of a traditional French manicure as their blueprint. But rather than a pink base paired with a stark white tip, Vanilla French Nails comprise of more muted shades and a lighter, off-white tip. Not to mention, they're laid down to create a sheerer finish than the original.

What is the most natural looking French manicure? ›

Apply a thin layer of a nude or sheer pink Semilac UV Gel Nail Polish as your base color, capping the free edge. Cure under the UV or LED lamp. Repeat for a second coat if desired. Using a white Semilac UV Gel Nail Polish, carefully paint the tips of your nails, creating a smooth, even line.

What is the nail color trend for 2024? ›

Vibrant Neons: Neon nail polish shades are all the rage in 2024. These bold and eye-catching colors add a pop of excitement to any manicure, making them a favorite choice for those who want to make a statement with their nails. Pastel Hues: Soft and delicate pastel nail polish colors are also trending this year.

What is the nail fashion in 2024? ›

“We will see an upgrade to the trend in 2024, with baroque embellishments, a glazed finish, and tiny adornments like bows, flowers, and gems,” says Tinu. We especially love glazed finish that nods to the silky pink of ballet slippers.

What shape of nails are in for 2024? ›

Short, Square Nail Shapes

Another nail shape that will be popular this year is short, square nails. "My personal preference is short because it's more practical and gives that clean, old-money look," explains Shelton.

What are the nails for summer 2024? ›

Think slim neon French tips on neutral nails and the crisp freshness of the Baby Boomer manicure, which makes its triumphant return in 2024. Press-on nails are also becoming more prevalent—great news for lazy nail-art lovers or last-minute manicures that can be done en route to your destination.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 6598

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.