Everything old is new again! And nothing proves it more than the way one of the most classic nail trends keeps getting more popular with each passing year: French tip nails. The bright white polish atop nails painted a pinky-nude tone is one of the hottest nail trends today, and it comes in many different gorgeous, modern-day iterations that step outside of the traditional white-tip look. The best part is that you can DIY a French manicure easily at home if you want to ditch the salon. To help give you a little inspiration for your next French manicure, we rounded up the best French tip nails designs that offer a fun twist on the classic look.
The origins of French tip nails
Though it’s called the “French” manicure, this design was actually created in Hollywood in the mid-1970s. Manicurist Jeff Pink, who founded the nail polish company Orly, was doing nails for actresses while shooting movies, and decided that a full color polish change was too time-consuming to accomplish in between takes.
His solution: the iconic nude and white stripe nail combo that we all know and love. Once the look hit the runways in Paris a few years later, Pink dubbed the style the French manicure. Soon after, he created kits to sell for customers to create the look at home, and that’s when French tip nails went mainstream.
Fast-forward to today, and once again, iconic French tip nails are popping up everywhere—from the fingers of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston to being splashed across social media platforms, where new variations seem to pop up by the minute.
In fact, there’s so many different styles these days that it’s hard to keep up with all the French tip nail trends. Yet one thing we know for sure: French tips are absolutely still in style and don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
How French tip nail designs flatter women over 50
“The classic choice of pale pink and nude colors in a French manicure are a perfect pick for more mature hands since these shades mimic the natural color of youthful nails,” says Rachel Apfel Glass, founder and owner of GLOSSLAB nail salons.
Plus, the signature white tips counteract the natural yellowing that can affect nails as we age. “The white covers up stains and signs of sun damage and chemical exposure,” says Anna Parvatova, Creative Director at Signature Nail System, a nail product company. “So nails will appear brighter, healthier and more vibrant.”
However, while we will always love the original French manicure look, it’s also fun to spice it up sometimes. “While the traditional pale pink base truly looks great on everyone, don’t be afraid to mix it up,” says Glass. “We have many clients of all ages who are switching out the classic colors for a colored tip or even a colored base, adding designs and more that look stunning on both short and long nails alike!” You’re truly only limited by your imagination, as many social media influencers can attest to these days.
Best of all, it’s easy to create French tip nails for yourself at home. There’s really only one caveat: Make sure you are leaving enough dry time between coats. “The base coat should be completely dry to the touch before you apply the tip,” advises Glass. “This ensures a smoother application and helps avoid smudging.”
For more hacks that help you create a French manicure with ease, check out the video below from the ICON Network YouTube channel.
17 French tip nail designs
Keep reading for our favorite French tip nail designs that are nothing short of wow-worthy. Whether you stick to the classic French manicure or decide to add a twist, your French tips are sure to stun.
1. Classic French tip manicure
Sophisticated and timeless, a traditional French manicure is simple to create at home and it works well for both casual and formal occasions. While you can free-hand the tips using a nail art brush and white polish, there also are many easy-to-use French tip nail kits you can find that don’t involve any special skills or techniques.
2. Gorgeous floral French tip nail design
The detail on this French manicure by @janetznails is truly remarkable and is sure to turns heads in the best way. From the 3D designs to the stunning color palette, this look is a stand-out. Plus, it’s such a beautiful nail look for winter.
3. Flirty floral-infused French tip nail design
The combination of bright colored French tips with coordinating floral accents is sure to make a pretty and feminine statement. And, it’s super customizable—change out the colors to your preferred color palette or colors that match the season!
4. Stunning side French tip nail design
A tilted stripe of white, just like the above design from @thenailroommanchester, gives a modern spin to the traditional French manicure. It adds visually appealing dimension to nails as well thanks to the asymmetrical tips.
5. Beautiful black French tip nail design with pearl accents
Black French tips are ultra-chic, and we’re in love with this design by @staceymachin. The pearl accents are the perfect finishing touch, making this a gorgeous French tip design for the winter months or all year round.
6. Rainbow French tips nails
You can never go wrong with a rainbow-hued manicure, and this rainbow French tip nail design by @mannacured proves it. The tips are so fun and sure to put a smile on your face, and its wide color range makes them go with just about any outfit!
7. Funky inverted French tip nail design
Flipping where the line of color lies on nails so it’s near the cuticle can also trick the eye into seeing longer nails. And this design, as created by @allnailss._, can be done with a variety of color combinations—the possibilities are endless!
8. Marvelous micro French tip nail design
Micro-French tip nails switch things up by using a thin, barely there accent line, unlike the thicker, more traditional tips of a regular French manicure. You can still opt for using the traditional white, or add some extra flair with a brightly hued (as shown above) or glittery polish.
9. Black French tips with rhinestone accents
Another black French tip nail design, this mani by @rachaelelizabethbeauty_x is so eye-catching and chic. We love the thinner curve of the French tip and also the rhinestone accents placed at the bottoms of the ring and pointer fingernails for a touch of glam.
10. Unique ‘invisible’ French tip nail design
Invisible French manicures, like the one above from @jenny.jennys, use glitter polish to create the outline of a French tip for a subtle yet sophisticated look. This is great if you work in an industry or environment that requires natural-looking nails.
11. Bright neon French tip nail design
A multicolor mani never disappoints, and this neon French tip nail design by @nailsbyvayne is no exception. The colors all complement each other perfectly, and they are sure to brighten up your day.
8. Eye-catching double-lined French tip nails
This double French manicure from @lovenails_47 involves two lines at the tip of the nail (which can either have a larger space between them or be painted on closely together) that help make nails look longer than ever. It offers an almost retro-like vibe, a fun twist on the classic look.
12. Two-toned French tip nail design
Brighten up your day and nails with this French manicure from @vshapenails.oslo on Instagram that uses two similar shades of polish colors to create a two-toned, eye-catching design. You can also switch up the placement of the two shades for an extra eye-catching effect.
13. Chic chrome French tip nail design
Chrome nails have been one of the biggest nail trends over the past couple of years. You can easily incorporate chrome into a French manicure by painting tips with multicolor chrome polishes, as shown by @kellimarissa.
14. Iridescent chrome French tip nail design
Another chrome French tip design but with a gorgeous, iridescent base. These nails done by @envybeautyx are absolutely jaw-dropping and have the most beautiful colorway. The pinkish-hued makes a statement without looking overwhelming.
15. Striking V-cut (or V-tip) French tip nail design
The V-tip French manicure is created by using a color on the top of the nail shaped into a “V” instead of a curved line. This look works best on longer nail shapes since more nail space helps the V-shape to really stand out.
To see this design being made in action, watch the below tutorial from YouTuber Neo Trix.
16. Fun fruity French tip nail design
Give nails fruity flair with this multi-fruit French tip design that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. This look is especially perfect during warmer months.
17. Bold two-way neon French manicure
Painting top and bottom crescents onto nails in bright neon hues, like the above look from @smaltogdl, adds extra pizzazz to fingers.
