French Tip Nails Designs That Dazzle on a Dime
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 pretty modern-day iterations.
Of course, the original look is already familiar to many of us over the age of 50. But what might not be so well-known to us is how this manicure actually originated.
The origins of French tip nail designs
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: Manicurists say the original look and many of its variations are super flattering for ladies over 50.
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.”
Lastly, French tip nails visually lengthen nails and fingers. As Parvatova explains, “The illusion of extended nail length contributes to the appearance of slender, more youthful fingers.”
“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 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.”
Keep scrolling to see all the gorgeous designs that are sure to make your nails look très magnifique!
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. And no need to worry about a steady hand, we found a great way to achieve the look using stickers.
Get the look:
2. 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” shape 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.
Get the look:
To see this design being made in action, watch the below tutorial from YouTuber Neo Trix.
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.
Get the look:
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.
Get the look:
5. 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 shown by @allnailss._, can be created with a variety of color combinations — the possibilities are endless!
Get the look:
6. 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.
Get the look:
7. Unique ‘invisible’ French tip nail design
Invisible French manicures, like the one above from @jenny.jennys, uses glitter polish to create the outline of a French tip for a subtle yet sophisticated look.
Get the look:
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.
Get the look:
9. Terrific two-toned French tip nail design
NEW two toned blue french tips set 🦋🦋 tag a friend who would love this set 😍#fyp #summernails #summerpressonnails #summernailinspo #summernails2022 #vacaynails2022 #abstractnails #pinterestinspirednails #pinterestnailinspo #pressonnails #smallbusiness #summernailart #nailinspo
♬ yaz anymore sped up version – YAZBrighten up your day and nails with this French manicure from @_nailsbymarianne that uses two similar shades of polish colors to create a two-toned, eye-catching design.
Get the look:
10. Chic chrome French tip nail design
Tips painted with multicolor chrome polishes, as shown by @kellimarissa, marries two of the hottest nail trends, using shimmery, metallic nail polish in place of the usual bright white crescent to create a more modern variation of the beloved French mani.
Get the look:
11. 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.
Get the look:
12. 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.
Get the look:
For more hacks that help you create a French manicure with ease, check out the video below from the ICON Network YouTube channel.
Lorraine Sullivan has always been curious, and once she realized being a journalist meant she could ask all the questions she wanted AND get answers, she was hooked! As a freelance writer, she loves contributing to FIRST for Women magazine, regularly writing features about beauty and fashion fixes, ways to save cash while shopping and tips on how to take the best care of furry pals. After 21 years in New York City, she currently lives in the Heartland, in a house with her three children, spoiled cat Zuzu, and a big backyard, where she’s always hanging up birdhouses and trying to cultivate the perfect pollinator garden. She also loves traveling with her family—they’ve visited places like Mexico, China, Australia and plenty of other places in between. Follow her adventures at https://www.instagram.com/rainbowdops
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